The Future Iversons!

McKenna was born in Louisville, Colorado, while her dad was in college at UC Boulder on his way to becoming a Marine Corps officer. She was born on a cold Wednesday evening in November, the youngest of three—just behind her two older brothers. As a proud military kid, McKenna grew up moving around and has lived in seven different states! When she was eight, her parents divorced—but in a happy twist of fate, both of her parents later remarried and filled her life with even more love and laughter. She also gained the sister she’d always wanted. Throughout her childhood, McKenna was involved in many sports—but her true favorites were lacrosse and field hockey. She loved lacrosse so much she even joined a club team in college! McKenna attended Creighton University, where she earned her Nursing degree—and most importantly, met an incredible group of friends who’ve been by her side through every late-night study session, clinical shift, and life milestone since. After graduation, she began her career as a Labor & Delivery nurse—a calling that quickly became her passion. She’s helped deliver over 300 babies, and takes joy in supporting mamas and families, swaddling newborns like perfect little baby burritos, and (let’s be honest) quietly judging a few baby name choices along the way. McKenna is a bookworm, loves baking, is a self-proclaimed chronic overthinker, and could rewatch The Great British Baking Show forever. She’s also Pinterest-obsessed and always has a few too many “future project” boards saved.

Nathaniel (Nate) was born on a cold Wednesday afternoon in November. The youngest of three boys, he grew up with two older brothers who were eager to help name him. They wanted to call him Thomas James, inspired by Thomas the Tank Engine, hoping the nickname T.J. would stick. However, at the last moment, his dad stepped in and chose the name Nathaniel instead—much to everyone’s surprise. Nate has lived in the Omaha/Papillion area his entire life. As a child, he followed his brothers everywhere, trying to keep up and do everything they did. He began playing soccer at age five, and for many of those early years, his mom was his coach—helping shape his love for the sport and cheering him on from the sidelines. By high school, he had grown into a talented middle and outside defender. He also discovered a love for cross country. High school kept him busy—with a full schedule of AP and honors classes, strong grades, and involvement in Robotics and Math Club. His dedication paid off, and he graduated 4th in his class. Music has played a significant role in Nate’s life since the fifth grade, when he first picked up the trumpet. He excelled quickly, earning positions in top bands throughout middle and high school, including marching band. His dedication continued in college, where he performed with the University of Nebraska Marching Band while earning his degree in Biological Systems Engineering with a focus on Biomedical from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Nate now works for Streck in Omaha. Outside of work, he keeps himself busy with one of his lifelong passions—reading. Since childhood, he has loved books so much that he was often told to put them down and come eat. He also enjoys staying active by going to the gym, running, playing board games with friends, and traveling with McKenna.

It all began in October 2022 at a mutual friends' house, where Nate and McKenna exchanged maybe two sentences before going their separate ways. Neither of them could have guessed that those few words would eventually lead to everything. A few months later, in January 2023, they reconnected and spent an entire night talking at a bar—not about life goals or deep dreams, but about random animal facts (very on-brand for them). That unexpected conversation sparked something real. After, McKenna added Nate on Snapchat, their chats kept going—and never really stopped.

On March 11th, 2023, Nate and McKenna went on their very first date—to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE. Although, to be fair, McKenna wasn’t entirely sure it was a date at first… Nate had casually asked if she wanted to “hang out,” which left things just vague enough to keep her guessing. As they wandered through the zoo, Nate shared fun animal facts (a running theme in their relationship), while they exchanged stories about their lives, families, and everything in between. The conversation flowed easily, and the connection felt natural. Every so often, Nate would reach out to gently touch McKenna’s back while walking—then nervously pull away, not quite sure if it was okay yet. (Spoiler: it was.) When the zoo closed, neither of them wanted the day to end, so they headed to Twisted Fork in the Old Market for dinner. In a funny twist of fate, they ran into one of Nate’s college professors—because of course they did. The night ended with their first kiss in Nate’s car, and that’s when McKenna knew for sure: it was a date after all.

In August 2024, Nate and McKenna moved in together and began building a home full of books, board games, cozy nights, and lots of laughter. Living together has taught them how to support each other, share responsibilities (and snacks), and work as a true team through the everyday ups and downs of life. But even before they shared a home, their connection was already something special. On June 3rd, 2023, at a friend’s wedding, they said “I love you” for the first time. It was one of those rare moments that felt effortless and perfectly timed—like everything was falling into place exactly as it was meant to. Since then, they’ve filled their relationship with adventure and new experiences. For their first anniversary, they traveled to Kansas City, and have since explored North Carolina, Washington, Florida (for a magical Disney World trip), South Dakota, Alabama, and even went on a cruise to the Bahamas. Each trip has added to the collection of memories that continues to bring them closer. Their date nights are never boring. Whether it’s axe throwing, pottery, mini bowling, random crafts like painting, escape rooms, movie nights, or puzzles, they’re always finding ways to enjoy each other’s company—whether they’re trying something new or simply sharing a quiet night in.

As part of a new tradition—anniversary trips instead of gifts—Nate and McKenna chose Washington for their 2025 getaway. The trip was filled with memories: they explored Olympic National Park, Forks (yes, for the Twilight fans), Cape Flattery, Seattle, Bainbridge Island, and Mount Rainier National Park. They hiked to waterfalls, trudged through the snow, browsed farmers markets, tried new foods, attempted to climb a mountain (emphasis on attempted), and agreed that these national parks were almost certainly the real-life inspiration for Shrek—a movie they both adore far too much. Then, on April 26th, 2025, Nate took McKenna out on a small electric boat on Lake Union at sunset. He thought he was being subtle, but once he asked McKenna to set up a tripod and start a video, she caught on quickly—especially when she noticed the shape of a ring box in his pocket as he stood up. Out in the middle of the lake, Nate asked a very important question—and McKenna said yes. They celebrated with champagne and chocolates as they called family and friends to share the exciting news. It was romantic, memorable, and perfectly them.

Exactly one year later, on April 26th, 2026, Nate and McKenna will say “I do.” They’ve loved every step of planning their big day—trying caterers, exploring venues, ring shopping, tux and dress fittings, choosing colors and a theme, and even marriage prep and counseling. The process has brought them closer and reminded them of what this celebration is really about: love, partnership, and beginning their future—together. They can’t wait to celebrate with the people they love most.

Nate and McKenna’s favorite thing is simply doing life together—whether they’re out exploring or just hanging out at home. They love spending time near each other, even when doing totally different things (what they lovingly call their version of adult parallel play). It’s one of the many small ways they feel at peace just being in each other’s company. They’re always on the hunt for new experiences—especially when it comes to food. One of their favorite pastimes is trying out new restaurants recommended by @omahaplaces on Instagram, always up for discovering a fun spot or hidden gem around town. Some of their favorite simple joys include: • Taking evening walks around their neighborhood or Lake Chalco • Zillow-stalking dream homes and imagining the one they’ll build together someday • Monday night dinners with Nate’s mom and brother, Rita and Pat • Playing board games (where McKenna gets very competitive) • Playing “It Takes Two”, where Nate shows endless patience for McKenna’s… let’s say “unique” gaming skills • Cooking and baking together, swapping recipes, and tackling meal prep like a dream team Above all, they’re just goofy together. Whether it’s being silly, making each other laugh, or coming up with some bizarre new inside joke, they never take themselves too seriously—and that might just be their favorite thing of all.