Jacob and Mackenzie have known one another for years, and they will take this moment to publicly admit: our parents (and Kayla) were right. Jacob and Mackenzie grew up attending the same church, the church Jacob’s father and grandfather were pastors at. Alison (Mackenzie’s mom) and Faye (Jacob’s mom) were friends first. After a few years of friendship, it’s rumored that they took long walks in Dodge Park trying to think of ways to get Jacob and Mackenzie to go on a date. It wasn’t the first, or last, time an Arndt or Devine family member would hint that Jacob and Mackenzie should go on a date. However, while Jacob and Mackenzie had spent time together through family dinner nights throughout the years, being the introverts they are, they had never spoken outside of those dinners and did not think much of the comments. In summer of 2023, Jacob was home for the summer after living with his oldest brother in Florida and Arizona. Both Mackenzie and Jacob just happened to be on Hinge, and Mackenzie, surprised at seeing Jacob on there, sent him a message saying hi. After the second date, Jacob and Mackenzie were feeling excited and happy about how things were going, but both knew what was coming next: telling the families. Through very nonchalantly telling the moms who they were seeing, Jacob and Mackenzie continued dating and growing together, until they’ve reached the point they are now! We know that, while our families may have seen what a good match we would have been from the start, this is truly God’s timing. Nothing happens outside His plan for us. We’re so excited to celebrate with you!