It was 2020 in the midst of the COVID lockdown when MacKenzie and Jorden met on Tinder. She picked him up from his house and he didn’t leave until 3 days later. They spent those first few days watching movies and talking, the connection obvious. So obvious that Jorden told MacKenzie he loved her on their 2nd date (a fact that Jorden will dispute but MacKenzie DISTINCTLY remembers). They continued to hang out but things didn’t get serious until Jorden got sick 6 months in to their relationship. There were many long evenings (and any extra moments of time she could spare) spent sitting in hospital rooms for the next 4+ months. For MacKenzie, this is when she knew she was all in and couldn’t imagine her life without Jorden by her side. The next several years were anything but smooth as life continued to throw typical obstacles in their way. MacKenzie matched into Pediatrics residency in Georgia while Jorden stayed in Charlotte and they were long distance for 3 years stealing whatever weekends they could. When MacKenzie matched into Neonatology-Perinatology fellowship in Indiana she asked Jorden to take a leap with her to move hours away from home together. They bought a house, settled in with their 3 dogs, and found the comfort that comes with living with your best friend. In May 2025, MacKenzie and Jorden were laying in bed having a deep and emotional heart to heart conversation about their dreams, their fears, and what the future might hold. Something shifted in this moment and Jorden said he wanted to remember that night forever. MacKenzie prompted that there is an easy way to do that (the heavy hints for the past weeks were obvious) and Jorden asked her to marry him. It was a beautiful, peaceful moment together followed by dinner at Denny’s at midnight to celebrate. We are beyond excited for this next chapter in our lives!