It all started back in September of 1995 during the Milk River Wagon Train. Cade and McKenna were both only a year old when Cade tottled over and bit McKenna on the forehead, she screamed and he cried. They didn't know it for 27 years, but this was the start of something, thankfully Cade is much nicer.

The two reconnected while down at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on December 6, 2021. McKenna was there on a girls’ trip with Cheyenne to take in the rodeo, shopping and cowboys. Cade was down there for work and to take in the rodeo scene at night. He messaged McKenna the night they were both at the NFR, McKenna didn’t leave him on ‘read’ again and they met at the beer stand for a quick hello. The two decided to meet at South Point after the rodeo for the Gold Buckle Ceremony. They visited, danced and drank the night away... well until the girls had to get on a plane and Cade went to work. They continued to stay in touch after that night.

With Cade working in Boise, ID and McKenna at her family practice in Malta, MT they made long distance work spending hours every night on Facetime, texting and traveling back and forth. Cade made it back home a few more times than his usual calving and shipping vacations. Papa Bill would tease Cade about having to 'take the garbage to town' every night. Their first holiday together was Easter of 2022 and they have spent every holiday together since, even successfully working cattle together.

After a failed first attempt to ask for his blessing (due to an incident testing bulls at the Murdock Ranch), Cade once again got the chance on July 1, 2023 after some fishing in the early morning. He was finally able to ask for Rick’s blessing, Rick responding with “its about time” and ‘good luck’ (in another phrase). He was so excited he couldn’t keep it a secret for very long as the rest of the family and friends had shown up at the cabin. Luckily Cade got down on one knee later that morning (while Rick was telling everyone) and asked her to spend the rest of their lives together. It was a quick and easy YES!

Cade completed his Warrant Officer Candidate School in September 2023 and transferred back to the Montana National Guard shortly after. Exactly two years after reconnecting, McKenna flew down to Boise for her final time on December 6, 2023. She helped Cade pack up his house and they made the 12 hour drive back to Malta for the last time, together.

C&M

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

4:00 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM

5:00 PM

Reception