Sydney Allsbrook, Reece Funderburk to wed

Mr. and Mrs. George S. “Syd” Allsbrook of Columbia are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Sydney Annette Allsbrook, to Martin Reece Funderburk, son of Mr. Martin D. “Marty” Funderburk of Columbia and the late Ms. Dixie L. Gorham of Greenwood.

The bride-elect, a resident of Columbia, is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otho S. Pool Jr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. George S. Allsbrook Sr., all of Columbia. A 2016 graduate of Wofford College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, she is employed with Palmetto Health Baptist as patient flow coordinator.

The bridegroom-elect, a resident of Columbia, is the grandson of Mr. Robert C. “Bob” Gorham of Greenwood and the late Mrs. Dalene L. Gorham, Mrs. Caroline S. “Tuggie” Funderburk of Columbia, and the late Dr. J. Reece Funderburk Jr. of Lancaster. A 2016 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, he is pursuing a master’s degree in communications at USC.

The couple plan a May wedding in Columbia.

In her own words

Q: How did you meet?

A: Sydney and Reece first met at Crayton Middle School. They were in the middle school band together and became good friends in the eighth grade.

Q: When did you know your fiance was “the one”?

A: Reece and I became really close during high school, spending a lot of time together as we were both in the A.C. Flora High School marching band. We started dating soon after high school graduation in 2012. When I moved to Spartanburg to attend Wofford College, Reece made a big effort to travel up and see me when possible. We attended USC and Wofford events together and made lots of day trips to different places. We also supported each other through the ups and downs of undergrad. We’re the best of friends, and I couldn’t imagine myself spending the rest of my life with anyone else.

Q: Tell us about the proposal.

A: Reece proposed to Sydney in June 2017 on the beach in Garden City, one of their favorite places to spend time together. After dinner one evening, Reece’s sister, Abby Williams, wanted to take some pictures on the beach at sunset. As Sydney and Reece were posing for pictures, Sydney turned around to find Reece on one knee. Sydney said “yes” with no hesitation. Reece’s friend, Trevor Morris, caught the proposal on video. It was a very special moment.

This story was originally published January 14, 2018 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Sydney Allsbrook, Reece Funderburk to wed."