Posted September 9, 2019
By Allen Wallace, wallacj7@mailbox.sc.edu

The biggest moments in their relationship have happened at the University of South Carolina, and now Jillian Owens and Brad Morris will have a free wedding thanks to students in the university’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Owens and Morris were selected by students in the university’s wedding planning class to receive the 40th UofSC Love Story Wedding, which will take place this fall. Everything from dresses and tuxes to venues to the honeymoon is provided at no cost to the couple, with just one “catch”: the students get to plan it all.

More than a dozen couples from across South Carolina applied for this year’s wedding, sending in essays and videos to share their love story. The students chose Owens and Morris based on the emotional impact of their essay, demonstration of need for a free wedding, and the couple’s love for UofSC.

That tie to the university is part of what made Owens and Morris stand out from the crowd. They met on the Horseshoe on campus for their first date, and on their second anniversary, Morris proposed in the same spot. They also often walk their miniature dachsund, Douglas, on campus.

Owens is a South Carolina alumna and a digital marketing strategist with Augusta Sportswear. Morris, a Navy veteran, is a quality engineer with Hengst Automotive. The couple lives in Columbia.

The wedding will be in November, with the exact date and location to be determined soon by the class. The students have no budget for the event and make everything happen thanks to donations from community businesses. The total value of the wedding varies, but in most cases exceeds $30,000.

The wedding planning class is part of the university’s hospitality management degree program, which is ranked No. 7 in the country.

Learn more about UofSC's School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management degree programs.