Mackenzie & Austin
Meet the Parents
Kay
Mother of the Bride
After having three boys, Kay was overjoyed to finally have a girl. She seamlessly managed the chaos of four kids and many golden retrievers with Mackenzie as her female confidant. A natural caretaker to all, Mackenzie definitely inherited Kay’s nurturing instincts. Kay has become a beloved figure among Mack's friends, offering private Pilates sessions and ski lessons along with plenty of unsolicited life and relationship advice. Her home has always been open to everyone, with Kay’s warm hospitality ensuring that anyone who walked through the door was fed. Fun fact: when Mack was in third grade, Kay choreographed a dance for her talent show to the song "Hot Stuff" for her and two friends. The other parents at Catholic School complained about how "inappropriate" it was. Mackenzie was very proud that her mom was the "cool" mom.
Kevin
Father of the Bride
Kev is the epitome of warmth and approachability. He displayed great patience as the assistant coach of Mackenzie's soccer team for years as she and 20 other girls went through puberty. As a retired MD, he has been Mack's unwavering pillar of support, providing invaluable guidance and lending a patient ear for the many tales from the ER that come with the territory. His genuine curiosity about others shines through in his conversations. If you're not careful, you'll find yourself the subject of his 20 questions as he skillfully uncovers a shared connection, which is usually an unexpected link to Brookings, SD. Kevin always dreamed of being a pilot, so you can imagine how excited he was when he met Austin. As the Aussies say, "They got on like a house on fire!".
Laurie
Mother of the Groom
Laurie was a globetrotting warrior, flying Austin and his brother back and forth between Australia and America so many times that Austin reached executive platinum mileage status by the time he was 5 years old. As a family life counselor and therapist, Laurie has spent her career helping not only her clients, but also her children navigate life's challenges, always bringing empathy, wisdom, and expertise to every conversation. An avid enthusiast of pickle ball and Pilates, Laurie values staying active and enjoys creating opportunities for family vacations filled with fun, adventure, and every chance she can get to spoil her grandkids. Her unwavering support for Austin has been a steady force, always encouraging him to chase his dreams and overcome any obstacles with her "Life is Good!" mantra.
Steve
Father of the Groom
Steve played a significant role in influencing a few of Austin's all time favorite things--surfing, cars, and flying. Steve is a true embodiment of the classic Australian spirit, still residing in the beautiful Sutherland Shire of New South Wales (just south of Sydney), where his life has been filled with adventure, travel, and creativity. As a former flight attendant and private pilot himself, Steve is Austin’s number one fan, offering advice and serving as a sounding board for all things aviation related. Last fall, an unexpected medical episode brought Austin and Mack to Australia to check-in with Steve, where despite his recent set-back, Steve’s number one priority was to ensure Mack had an unforgettable experience, embracing the opportunity to show off his beloved hometown with the heart of a true tour guide.