M&E

Like many modern love stories, ours began on Hinge. Ethan’s profile mentioned he knew the perfect spot to watch rocket launches—Makenzie replied, “If you’ve got the spot, I’ll bring the snacks.” They never did make it to a rocket launch, but the conversation sparked instantly. Even while traveling in different places, they kept in touch constantly—texts, FaceTime, and everything in between. It quickly became clear that something meaningful was unfolding. Their first date was planned for a Saturday after Ethan’s work trip. But Makenzie didn’t want to wait. Before his flight back to Florida, she sent a message and convinced him to meet that same night. He landed late but still made his way to Cocoa Village, where Makenzie waited by the waterfront. When she saw him walking up, she whispered, “Is that him?” It was. And he was just as charming in person. They sat by the water and talked for hours. That night marked the start of something neither of them could have imagined—but both are grateful for every day since.

Early in their relationship, Ethan and Makenzie got tickets to what they thought was a Bridgerton-themed ball. Excited for a night of Regency-era fun, they dressed to the nines—ready to waltz, sip tea, and live out their period drama fantasy. What they didn’t realize until they arrived was that they had, in fact, crashed a real debutante ball. Did they leave? Absolutely not. In true Ethan-and-Makenzie fashion, they fully committed—waltzing, snacking on hors d’oeuvres, and doing their best to blend in with the unsuspecting crowd. It was bizarre, hilarious, and entirely unforgettable. A perfect early memory for a couple who never does anything halfway.

Ethan proposed at Makenzie’s favorite baking class kitchen, disguised as a cozy morning learning how to make brioche cinnamon rolls. After the dough was in the oven, Ethan casually distracted Makenzie by flipping through baking books with her, asking about future recipes they could try together. While she was distracted, the instructor quietly placed something on their station—a giant cinnamon roll, shaped like a diamond ring. Piped in icing were the words: “Makenzie, will you marry me?” She turned around, stunned, to find Ethan on one knee, clearly nervous but smiling. He told her that even though he’s lived all over the country, nowhere has ever felt like home the way it does when he’s with her. In his excitement, Ethan stood up to hug her—before putting the ring on. Laughing through happy tears, Makenzie blurted out, “You have to put the ring on first!” The class burst into laughter and applause as Ethan knelt down again and slipped a one-of a-kind ring onto her finger. It was sweet, heartfelt, a little goofy—and completely, perfectly them.

Ethan and Makenzie complement each other in the best ways. Ethan brings infinite patience and the perfect words of encouragement, while Makenzie leads with thoughtful acts of service and a keen attention to detail. They’re both a little quirky, deliberately over-communicate, and strive to argue in productive ways. When it comes to chores, Ethan takes on the dishes—because Makenzie hates them—and she handles the laundry, which is his least favorite task. Their shared love of escape rooms, deep philosophical movie debates, and lively discussions about what to eat for dinner keeps things interesting. They enjoy spending time together even when they’re doing different things—he might be fishing while she reads nearby, or he’s playing video games as she cross-stitches. He adores her. She thinks the world of him. From the beginning, they’ve shared the same dream of building a life filled with love, laughter, and the proverbial white picket fence—and they’re building it together.