Matt & Mackenzie met in Spring 2023 and quickly fell head over heals for one another. As a lifelong friend of Matts, it has been such a dream and blessing to have a front row seat to this new found love. Matt called me this January asking if Curtis and I would drive to Chicago over their Spring-break to photograph the surprise engagement. Our answer was, “Yes of course!! How can we make this absolutely perfect for you guys?”. After many phone calls, scheming, and writing down Matts dreams the board was set for one of the sweetest moments we have ever witnessed.
We left Kansas City at 6am and drove straight to the Windy City. We picked up a deep dish pizza from Pequods, checked into the Majestic hotel, and began setting up the perfect engagement scene that overlooked the Chicago skyline at Montrose Park.
In a matter of minutes Matt and Mackenzie (who was completely surprised and thought she was crashing someone else’s proposal) arrived into view and spotted the set up. A soft white blanket adorned with rose petals, hot pizza, and cold wine along with flickering candles that awaited them. After months of dreaming the moment was finally upon them. One life changing question hung in the air and was written inside the pizza box as Matt kneeled down asking Mackenzie to marry him.
Mackenzie, completely surprised with tears of joy, happily answered yes. Mackenzie is the girl of not only Matts dreams, but the girl of our dreams. She is the girl we hoped and prayed for. She is so steadfast, kind, curious, and embodies complete joy for life. Curtis and I felt the dewy tears of joy stream down our faces as we hid behind cameras and bushes. Our friends who we have walked with, laughed with, cried with, were committing themselves to one another for life right before our eyes.
After time warming up in our car drinking wine, eating pizza, and praying, the newly engaged couple braved the frigid cold for a few more photos. The golden hour had just set over the horizon, giving us the most magical backdrop to document their moments.
Matt & Mackenzie,
We love you with all our hearts. We will stand with you and for you, always. Thank you for letting us walk with you through this sweet, sweet life.
Xoxo, Lauren & Curtis