Mackenzie and Luke’s story began in August of 2018 when Mackenzie sent her first direct message to the “cute boy” in the Simpson Class of 2022 Facebook group. To her delight, the soccer player from Waukee responded. After a few weeks of texting and still no date request, Mackenzie took matters into her own hands. Within a couple days, their first date was at Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream in Ankeny, IA. The evening was followed by an awkward movie night where the couple attempted to watch Deadpool as the TV continued to cut in and out throughout the movie’s entirety. Even though the first date had a few kinks, the couple continued to stick together as they began college.

Some of Mackenzie and Luke’s favorite memories include spending time outdoors together, going on ice cream dates, and debating on which movie to watch on a night in.

On November 19th, 2022, a chilly day shortly after the year’s first snowfall, Luke secretly executed his plan, which has become Mackenzie’s favorite shared memory. Mackenzie believed the two were helping out one of Luke’s colleagues, who also was a photographer, to test out her new camera for a fall photoshoot. After the photographer told Mackenzie to turn around and close her eyes, Mackenzie knew she was either getting hit by a snowball or her boyfriend was about to pop the easiest question she would ever answer.

Mackenzie and Luke are excited to continue their journey together and cannot wait to celebrate with friends and family in June!