Davis and McKenzie met through mutual friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as casual conversations quickly grew into something more, fueled by their easy connection and playful banter. At the time, McKenzie was balancing her studies, working through nursing prerequisites, and preparing to enter a rigorous LPN program. Davis, meanwhile, was navigating his military commitments, including an activation to Washington, D.C., in January 2021. Despite the chaos and distance, they found themselves talking late into the night, sharing stories, and building a bond that neither could ignore.


It took Davis a few months to ask McKenzie out, but when he finally did, their first date on April 8, 2021, was worth the wait. Their connection felt natural, and after six months of getting to know each other, they began dating that very night. Just a few days later, Davis left for Georgia for two months of training, but their relationship only grew stronger through daily conversations and unwavering support.


Throughout their time apart, McKenzie worked tirelessly toward her dream of becoming a nurse. She juggled demanding clinicals, coursework, family, friends, and finding time to stay connected with Davis, even as he deployed to Kuwait later that year. McKenzie’s resilience and dedication paid off when she graduated as a Licensed Pracitical Nurse (LPN) in December 2022 and began her nursing career.


Through every challenge and milestone—whether thousands of miles apart or side by side—Davis and McKenzie’s love and commitment to each other remained steadfast. In December 2023, Davis proposed, and now they’re thrilled to be planning their wedding and celebrating their journey with loved ones. Their story is one of perseverance, love, and partnership, and they can’t wait to see what the future holds together.