October 6, 2018 | B. Medeiros Photography
Mackenzie & Luke
The Meet Cute: “We met as freshman in college at Lynn University in
Florida,” says Mackenzie. “No crazy story, we were just fast friends who
fell in love.”
The Engagement: During their six years of dating, the couple naturally
stumbled across some pet peeves. “I was late for almost everything
and that drove Luke nuts,” Mackenzie admits. “So I should have known
something was up when I was an hour late getting him from the airport
that day and he wasn’t mad.” They then drove straight to the Cape where
they had reservations at their favorite restaurant, the Ocean House. “After
dinner, Luke asked to go for a walk on the beach and he proposed there,”
she recalls. “He knew the importance of Cape Cod to me and luckily it had
become just as important to him in our time together.” When they returned
home, Mackenzie’s family and friends were there, ready to celebrate.
The Venue: “If we were going to ask people to travel all the way to the
Cape, our venue needed to have that Cape Cod-feel, and the Sea View
had exactly that,” Mackenzie explains. “It was the perfect balance of beach
and elegance that we were looking for. Plus, it was walking distance from
our suggested hotels, which made for a convenient weekend for all.” The
couple were also thrilled to work with the Sea View’s wedding planner, Gail.
“Planning from far away isn’t easy, but Gail made it as easy as it could be.”
The Aisle Thoughts: “I could not get to him fast enough! When we were
planning the timing for our day, someone said to me ‘How long can you
wait to see him?’ I remember thinking, ‘I’ve waited this long, what’s the
difference of an hour if the sunset will be just right later on?’ But while
waiting to walk down that aisle with my father, I realized exactly what that
person meant. I couldn’t wait any longer.” — Mackenzie
“Damn.” — Luke
The First Dance: They chose Brett Eldredge’s “Mean to Me” for their first
turn on the dancefloor as man and wife. “I had sent Luke the link to it years
ago when we were newly dating, and his immediate answer was, ‘Wedding
song?’” Mackenzie recalls. “Many songs have come out since that we’ve
considered, but none had that immediate response or lasting feeling.”
The Speedbumps: “Of any little bump in the road that felt like a big deal
at the time, looking back, it was nothing,” Mackenzie says. “Small things
came up, but we had to remember how much work we had put into
planning and remind ourselves that small hiccups were inevitable... Like
forgetting to account for the groom when ordering bridal party socks
(thank goodness for Amazon Prime), or not being able to find the bride’s
jewelry the morning of the wedding — spare earrings it is!” Plus, “No one
knows what you wish you had planned… That photo booth we both wanted
but didn’t work out? Not one guest noticed it wasn’t there,” she assures.
The Highlights: “Our families and friends coming together. It was a long
time coming for everyone we love to get together and it couldn’t have
been any better.” — Luke
“I couldn’t agree more. That night was just as much about every person
in that room as it was about us, and we are forever grateful for each and
every one of them.” — Mackenzie
112 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2020