It was 2018 when Makenzie and Reagan’s love story first began, just two single twenty-somethings who happened to swipe right on Tinder. After discovering a mutual love for music and enjoying a drink on the back patio, they had their first date in Cedar City, Utah. On Friday, June 15, 2018 They had their first date at Denny’s and a movie. Soon after on a trip to San Diego, California, they realized they wanted to spend their lives together. A short week later on Thanksgiving, Makenzie packed her bags, many boxes of books and moved in. Two years and a dog later, they are ready to tie the knot and couldn’t be more excited.

It was a day, just like any other day … except it wasn’t. February 14, 2020 - Valentine’s Day and Kenzie knew that Reagan was taking her on a special Valentine’s Day outing somewhere, she just wasn’t sure where. Reagan knew the added significance of the day that he had been planning for months. He had a plan. Would the plan work out the way it should? Now one thing you may or may not know about Kenzie and Reagan is that they love visiting national parks and exploring. Great Basin, Yellowstone, Glacier, Canyonlands, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, Badlands, and Grand Tetons are among some of their many adventures. Reagan had planned a return visit to one of their favorite places. After leaving Cedar City, they headed to Hurricane, Utah to see a movie and have lunch. I’m sure Kenzie was wondering if this was the surprise outing … hmmmmm? Now again, I’m not sure if you are aware of Kenzie’s unique ability to be equal parts excited about an impending surprise, and irritated that she’s going to be surprised. Her mama must’ve wrapped those Christmas presents extra well when she was a little one. Next up a little hideaway restaurant for a late lunch. Now what? Was this the surprise? After calling to see if the surprise was ready, Reagan realized he was going to have to improvise and stall until he got a text letting him know that everything was ready. Now through it all Reagan was understandably nervous, constantly patting his pocket to check on the ring, nervous about everything going according to plan, and mainly about not giving anything away with his actions or words. So, to prolong the anticipation for the surprise (Kenzie LOVES prolonged anticipation … reference paragraph 4), there was an impromptu trip to an antique shop, and then an abrupt and hasty exit once Reagan received a text saying it was “go time”!

to get to their destination – Zion National Park. Once there, Reagan had to go into the Lobby of the main hotel to register for their cabin. His arrival was anticipated and the girls at the check in desk were swooning, giggling and lots of questions about exactly what he was going to do since they knew the purpose of his visit. Once he was checked in, he went off to the side, just to collect himself. Suffice it to say, his attempts at fully collecting himself weren’t terribly successful. Once Reagan returned to the car, Kenzie was concerned. He was having a little trouble breathing, sweating profusely, red in the face, and wouldn’t answer questions or communicate. He proceeded to gulp down three bottles of water, one right after the other in the span of about a minute, without coming up for air. More heavy breathing. Then it was the long (not so long) walk down the sidewalk to their cabin. Once Kenzie and Reagan got onto the small porch area of their cabin, and Reagan unlocked the door and opened the door for Kenzie, they both walked in and Kenzie was assaulted by the decorations that both excited and confused her. Red twinkle lights, heart shaped containers with lotions and soaps, rose petals, rose garlands and four foot high pink letters spelling out LOVE with pictures of her and Reagan together. When she turned around to ask what in the world was going on, Reagan was on his knee and her thoughts were that he was passing out … grabbing his heart because that was where he had the ring, and because of all the sweating, redness, and labored breathing that was still happening. Finally, Reagan pulled out the ring and asked Kenzie to spend the rest of her life with him and marry him. Still in shock, she answered “Yes!” When asked what they did next, Kenzie replied that honestly, they sat down on a bench in the room and had to calm each other down. Zion National Park will always be the most special national park adventure for these two lovebirds.