Provo City Center Temple

Ceremony

The Startup Building

Reception

Our Wedding

About to return from my full-time mission in California in March 2024, I joked with my family about fulfilling a stereotype and meeting the love of my life right away. Little did I know I really would, much faster than expected. Less than 24 hours after being released from my missionary service, one of my recent companions, Reeghan, took me along to the wedding reception of a friend of a friend. I was excited to meet people again, but I had no idea that night I would have the most important meeting of my life. One of Reeghan's high school friends was at the reception, and greeted us immediately when we walked in. Tall, easygoing smile, kind green eyes to match his sweater...how could I resist? I spent the next couple of weeks going on lots of dates and trying to recover some of my social skills ;) but I couldn't stop thinking about McKay, especially because I seemed to see him every day!! We hung out often and hadn't even gone on our first date before I felt strongly that this was a man I could happily marry. I learned quickly that he always put others above himself, worked hard in school, managed his time well, created the most adventurous ideas of things to do together, and had a strong moral compass and a deep love for God. We connected over our love of the outdoors, country music, and jointly wrecking our friends in sports. Both knowing I was so recently returned and still adjusting to post-mission life, we were nervous to take our friendship to the next level. Reeghan encouraged us individually to make our moves (although, grudgingly, I admit McKay made most of the first moves himself) and it wasn't long before we started dating in earnest. Our time together has been full of adventure, hard work, learning to communicate, and falling more in love with each other every day. I still can't believe the boy of my dreams has asked me to be with him forever, and I am ecstatic about our future together, whatever it may bring!!

her story 

Our story was like the early spring day that we met: unpredictable. After spending nearly a year at BYU with no real progress in the dating scene, most of my energy was spent on school. On March 15th while attending a wedding, my high school friend, Reeghan, brought her last companion to crash the reception. When Elyse walked in, I thought she was cute and loved making her laugh, but she’d just gotten home from her mission so I figured she’d want nothing to do with dating for awhile. The next few weeks were packed with lots of adventures and Elyse tagged along with me and my friends. I quickly learned that she was an incredible spikeball player and was super competitive. After about two weeks of trying to repress my feelings for her, we watched a documentary together. I learned how much she loved wildlife and that was the final straw! I was down bad. Much to my surprise, she was into me too! We started talking constantly and took every opportunity to be with each other. Elyse took me birding and I took her on some cool hikes. With some unfortunately-timed trips around the world, all I wanted to do was spend time with Elyse and get to know her better. We spent many hours on FaceTime but once I got home, summer was finally in full swing. Countless adventures saved in our many BeReals left me longing for more hours in the day. Late nights sharing laughs, ice cream and occasionally tears made every moment far from her warming touch and radiating smile agonizing. The 30 minute drive to her house was unbearable. I couldn’t wait for school to begin so that we’d live only five minutes from one another in Provo. Now, as fall turns to winter, those five minutes pain me. I love Elyse with my whole soul and cannot wait for January 16th to come … when the real story begins.

his story

Our Story

Photos

Come celebrate with us! ELYSE &amp; McKAY’S WEDDING RECEPTIONThursday, January 16, 20256:00–8:00 p.m.The Startup Building (560 S. 100 W., Provo, UT 84601)Hot cocoa, light refreshmentsReceiving line until about 7 p.m.

Q + A

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

test

Gifting Ideas

Thank you so much for your contribution!! We appreciate you so much! :)

<a href="https://venmo.com/u/McKay-Owen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">venmo.com</a>@McKay-Owen

Elyse & McKay

Elyse & McKay

Reception