McKenzie and Christian headed to Lake Hyco in July 2017 for Campbell Medical School's orientation retreat. After a long day of sunshine and water activities, a group of newly acquainted students hung around on the patio. Around 2 AM, everyone was exhausted and laughing slightly more than expected. McKenzie introduced the phrase "sleepy ha-ha" and Christian instantly knew that she was the funniest person at the table. McKenzie thought Christian looked like a frat star so he had to be decently cool for a medical student. Little did they know that they were soulmates.

The couple's first date was the day before Christian's birthday and his sister-in-law's gender reveal. Christian knew the way to McKenzie's heart involved babies so he brought her to Barnes & Noble so she could "help pick out a book" for future baby Palmer. Then he brought her to the fanciest of all restaurants, Outback Steakhouse. Christian was so nervous during their first date that he did not finish his meal. At the time, McKenzie did not realize that this was the first and last meal that he would leave unfinished. Their second date was definitely tailored to McKenzie - a Chapel Hill basketball game. Can you tell Christian didn't date often?

The day before Campbell's graduation, May 5th 2021, McKenzie had a photoshoot with her girlfriends from medical school. It was a typical, beautiful North Carolina day: hot, humid, and sweat-filled. Christian took Nash, their new puppy, to a local town to "meet a friend for lunch". When the girls finished the photoshoot, they decided to go to a local coffee shop which was an old, favorite study spot for the couple. McKenzie changed from her cute graduation dress to shorts and a t-shirt in the car. To her surprise, Christian was waiting and had set up the sweetest engagement! After he popped the question, the lucky couple was joined by friends to help celebrate!