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October 23, 2026
Hope, NJ

Mackenzie & Thomas

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FloralFloral

Mackenzie Bartley

and

Thomas Steele

October 23, 2026

Hope, NJ
189 days189 d10 hours10 h16 minutes16 min16 seconds16 s

How We Met

A Love Story Brewed in Our Local Bar

Seven years ago, my sister and I wandered into Harrigan’s, our local Irish pub in Montville, NJ. The place was packed wall-to-wall with people, but then we spotted two poor unsuspecting souls hogging the bar stools we desperately wanted. So, naturally, we did what any resourceful sisters would do—we asked if we could steal their seats. Miraculously, it worked. And those two “suckers”? Well, one of them turned out to be Thomas. That lucky little seat swap led to conversation, which led to Thomas asking for my number. A few months later, he finally reached out and invited me on a hike. I said yes (brave, I know—true crime podcasts were screaming in my head). After wandering through the woods for a while, we ended up by a lake, where Thomas pulled out… a mason jar full of moonshine. Not flowers, not chocolates—moonshine. At that moment, I knew this wasn’t going to be your average relationship. That day sparked something special. Over the years, we’ve had our share of highs and lows, but our love has always been strong enough to carry us through. And now, seven years later, here we are—ready to start our lives together, still laughing, still adventuring, and still very much us.

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