Unless you get to spend it with your best friend. Over the past 24 years of their lives, Brittanie Clare Barrett and Alfred Arthur McCandless III (you can just call him Mac) have experienced more of life together than apart. Their story is unique because they didn’t simply grow as a couple, but they found who they were individually–together. They are each other’s dance partner, sous chef, forever wedding date, and absolute best friend in the whole world. It all began in Kindergarten. Honestly, who can say they met their spouse in Kindergarten? Even better, they were in the Christmas nativity scene as Mary and Joseph. They continued to grow through adolescence when during the 9th grade, Mac decided to shoot his shot and text her “I love you.” Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work. Regardless, Brittanie and Mac stayed extremely close throughout the following years. Despite attending college in different states (Brittanie went to Santa Clara University and Mac went to the University of Arizona), the two continued to visit each other and be an important part of each others’ lives. Whenever they had time in the same place, they were inseparable. However, the road to engagement was not as streamlined as most. While both of them knew their love for one another, taking the next step was scary for a few reasons. First, they were afraid that they would lose their best friend if it didn’t work out. Then, they lived in different states (Brittanie in Denver, CO and Mac in Phoenix, AZ). While their hearts said one thing, life seemed to tell them something else. Finally, in December 2019, Mac asked Brittanie out on a true date to the Long Beach Aquarium. They held hands and spent time together very different from all the previous years. While holding hands can sound juvenile, it was a symbol of the safety and true acceptance they both have for one another. While 2020 was an astoundingly difficult year for all people, some additional challenges were posed for Brittanie and Mac’s love story. An extensive hip surgery which caused Brittanie to be bed-ridden, and living in states a 13-hour drive away made seeing each other far more challenging. Regardless, they made it work. Mac would fly to Denver to help care for Brittanie. Eventually, Brittanie would drive to Phoenix for very (over)extended welcomes. Finally, in December 2020, Brittanie moved to Phoenix, AZ officially. This is where their love, relationship, and life-long bond was solidified. In Phoenix, Brittanie and Mac have cooked several delicious meals, bought their first home, drank several glasses of wine, adopted a cat (shout out Ferguson!), attended numerous weddings, made life-long friends, and have laughed a countless number of times. Then, on April 29, 2023, Mac proposed to Brittanie on Catalina Island in California. They were surrounded by friends and family–their favorite people in the world. Now, it’s time to finalize the next chapter in their love story. Time to party and celebrate Mr. & Mrs. McCandless on May 18, 2024!