Trey and Makenzie first met in the summer of 2023 while working as waitstaff at The Dominion Club. At the conclusion of one of their early shifts together, Trey asked Makenzie to dinner. What might have been a simple, casual meal quickly revealed itself to be the beginning of something far greater. From that evening onward, there was an undeniable connection between them. Just two days later, they spent time together again, and it immediately felt as though they had known one another for years. From that point forward, being apart never felt quite right, and they have been inseparable ever since. Just two weeks after they began dating, Trey invited Makenzie to join his family and friends for a Fourth of July trip to Smith Mountain Lake. That trip offered them the chance to slow down, spend intentional time together, and for Makenzie to meet the people who had profoundly shaped Trey’s life. It was during that weekend that Makenzie realized she wanted to be part of it all—and from then on, it was never a question. When school took them in different directions, they faced the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Though not without difficulties, that season became a defining period of growth. Amid the demands of busy semesters, long hours on the road, and countless FaceTime movie nights to close the distance, Trey and Makenzie discovered what it truly means to choose one another every day. That season became a testament to the resilience of their love—proving it to be both steadfast and enduring, capable of withstanding whatever challenges life may bring. Together, they have built many cherished memories: from early date nights at Thai Diner to quiet evenings at home with Andy’s pizza and episodes of The Vampire Diaries. They have celebrated milestones, shared endless laughter, and found joy in life’s simplest moments. They have also walked hand in hand through seasons of sorrow, grief, and loss. When Makenzie’s beloved granny passed away, the weight of that loss was immeasurable. Yet in the midst of heartbreak, Trey became her steady place—offering comfort, strength, and the quiet assurance that she would never face grief alone. Rather than pull them apart, that season bound their hearts even closer, reminding them that love is not only found in joy and celebration, but also in carrying one another through life’s heaviest moments. Through it all, they have held fast to the timeless truth that “love is patient, love is kind… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” On August 23, 2025, Trey proposed in the Constitutional Gardens at the National Mall. Having told Makenzie they were meeting friends for dinner and photos, Trey led her to one of their favorite spots. As Makenzie admired the beautiful day, Trey knelt down and—as Taylor Swift put it best—“pulled out a ring and said, marry me, Makenzie.” It was the easiest “yes” she has ever said. That day marked the start of their next chapter. Surrounded by family and friends, Trey and Makenzie are excited to celebrate their love and begin their forever together.