Braiden and Mackenzie met through mutual friends in Sioux City, IA. Mackenzie happened to be in town visiting, and a night out downtown ensued. First, at Beer Can Alley. (Yes! They met at a bar). Both spent the night trying to catch the eye of the other, not knowing that both were falling from the first look. The night out came to an end, but after a friend request and a (not so sly) message, they talked for hours, and the rest was history.

Mackenzie moved to Onawa, IA with Braiden in July 2023 where the two were able to spend time in person after being long distance for the first 3 months. They moved to Whiting, IA in October 2023 where they now reside with their dog Harlee and close by to Braiden's family and both of their friends.

Braiden proposed on April 20th at the place where he first laid eyes on Mackenzie, with the same friends who are the reason they met. She obviously said yes, and they are beyond excited to share this special time with all of you!