Mitch and my love story began on a dating app like many do in the modern age. But we quickly found out the first time we started talking that we both grew up in the Texas Panhandle – a place where strong family values and work ethic, a love for the Lord and just being good people is ingrained into us. On September 28, 2023, we went on our first date, which lasted seven hours! We knew all the same people and Mitch was friends with my brother, Cutter. We talked endlessly connecting all the lives of people and places that we loved, experiences that we both had and shared funny stories of life growing up in small communities. After our first date, we were always together, date nights, sweet texts and talking on the phone late into the night – sharing secrets, our hopes and our dreams for the future. We both quickly realized that this relationship was special, and each told our family and friends that this was the one. We looked at engagement rings about a month into our relationship and it was the day that Mitch knew exactly the ring he would place on my finger when he asked me to marry him. We met each other’s families and friends - both his and mine and everyone could see instantly how much we loved each other and how perfectly we fit seamlessly into the other’s family. And because Mitch and I both come from close families, this was extremely important to both of us. On November 6, Mitch and I both blurted out “I love you” Weeks turned into months, Mitch bought a house in Lubbock for him and Blakely and together we began turning the house into a home. A long-distance relationship ensued with frequent visits juggling busy schedules and commitments, all while being intentional with our time and dedication to one another.
There are so many things that I admire and love about Mitch. He is probably one of the funniest people I have ever met. He is gentle yet protective and safe. He is thoughtful, caring, and hardworking. He is the most handsome guy and I love the way his eyes wrinkle when he is laughing or smiling. Getting a front-row seat to watch him with Blakely melts my heart into a million pieces. The way he loves intentionally and wholeheartedly. Most importantly he loves the Lord and leads our family to Him each day. When Mitch asked for my hand in marriage from my Mom, she asked him what he loved the most about me and without hesitation, he shared that “Makenzie is beautiful, kind and genuine, grounded in her faith and makes people feel love and cared for when she is with them, not to mention that she lights up any room with her smile and sweetness.”
The proposal was sweet and everything I had hoped for – Mitch knew exactly what he wanted to do and after dinner, we went to his sister’s house, and he asked me to go outside into the backyard. As I walked through the backdoor, there were rose petals, a colorful flower bouquet and a sweet sign that said “Will you marry me?”. Mitch dropped to one knee, held out the ring and asked me to marry him and of course, I said, “Yes!” It was perfect and I love looking back at the pictures from those moments because there is pure joy and love in our faces. We knew from the beginning that we did not want a long engagement because we were both ready to start our lives together. Not to mention that I don’t want to miss one more moment of Blakely’s life. September 28 was my date from the beginning because it was the best day of my life, when I met Mitch. I knew when I saw the Milestone Mansion for the first time that it was everything that I wanted for our special day, a beautiful drive up to a gorgeous mansion and the perfect backdrop to begin our life together and exchange our vows. I never dreamed that they would have one day left open for 2024 and it was my day, September 28…It was meant to be, saved perfectly for us and we can’t wait!
We are celebrating our wedding and one year of knowing each other! It will be the best day surrounded by our closest friends and family!