In the springtime of 2023, Mackenzie was a senior at Washington College and Jacob was starting his cycle as a Series Commander at Parris Island when they were introduced through mutual friends who thought they would be perfect for one another. In a matter of two weeks, Jacob was visiting Mackenzie in Chestertown because of how instantly sparks flew over their phone calls, which is why they consider their dating anniversary the day they started talking. From then on, there were many long-distance calls and plane tickets purchased to see one another, they certainly were not lying when they said that distance makes the heart grow fonder! Much time was spent taking long walks on the beach in Pensacola, romantic reading dates in downtown coffee shops, attending mass at St. Michael's Basilica, and the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. I guess you could say, when you know you know. On July 3rd, 2024, Jacob proposed to Mackenzie promising to start a new beginning together and become one in the eyes of God, and the rest is history.