Kenzie was working as a barista on campus at the time when Maks had a coffee-related emergency. Thankfully, Kenzie was well versed in the arts of caffeine and made him an extra special coffee on the house. Through a few friends of friends, the two were able to meet and began their journey together on a fire escape overlooking Bloomington-Normal. After much negotiation, Kenzie finally said yes to a sit down date at the local taco joint in town where Maks officially asked to "flip the [Clauddagh] ring" and start dating. After a few academic degrees, several moves, new jobs, some new cities, and over 5 years together--Maks involved both families in a beautiful proposal on the beach in the couple's favorite city on June 12th, 2021. Maks and Kenzie are excited to celebrate their wedding on their 6th anniversary October 8th, 2022.

Kenzie had been anticipating a much needed Girls' Weekend with the Berggren girls after celebrating Kenzie finishing school and getting a new job. The weekend began to grow to include her nieces and nephews, which was shortly followed by her brother-in-law volunteering to babysit. After much hectic coordination Saturday evening, Kenzie and the girls decided to go out for dinner and to have a relaxing night back on the patio on the beach. A few additional stops were needed to keep Kenzie busy (just a little longer), including the infamous 19 Crimes "Snoop Dog" wine found at local liquor store on the way and a wrong bus stop coming home. The girls made it back to the room where Kenzie began to find notes leading to various clues around the room, eventually bringing the girls up to the 12th floor with a view of the beach. When looking down, lights were strewn along the beach outlining "K M" and what appeared to be a tunnel. The girls quickly made their way down to the patio where the couple's song was playing over the loud speakers and the lights had now transformed into a heart with Maks waiting (not so patiently) in the center. Kenzie nearly ran through the tunnel of lights getting there as quickly as she could. The couple shared a few moments while Maks officially proposed, followed shortly by a surprise gathering of both immediate families for a brief engagement party and many photos to document the night. The couple thanks everyone involved who were able to make it happen!