Bernardsville, New Jersey
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My second time at Cross Estate Gardens in three days — but no complaints here! It’s actually crazy how two days before there were barely any leaves on the ground, and somehow by Mackenzie and Mike’s session fall was in full swing!
Mackenzie and Mike actually grew up in the same town, but didn’t meet until middle school! As Mackenzie tells it, “We met when the two schools merged into one and became friends when we did the eighth grade play together. Mike played Charlie, and I played Veruca. To say it was love at first sight might be a true statement for both of us — but we didn’t officially start dating until our senior year of high school after our friend groups merged at a party. I walked up to Michael, grabbed his cute face, and said, “Michael VannnHoutenn!” And almost nine years later, here we are.”
As Michael tells it, “We dated long distance during college while she attended Stevens Institute of Technology in NJ and I went to East Carolina University in NC. After moving in together and eight years dating, we were eager to get engaged. She is a big skier and grew up skiing Mount Snow in VT. She was itching to go skiing last winter season, but with busy schedules it looked like we weren’t going to make it that year — or so she thought. I planned a surprise trip to Mount Snow back in January of this year and emailed her manager to ask if Kenzie can have off on Friday, 3/3. She came home late from work 3/2 and, to her surprise, I had all bags packed and ready to go at the door when she arrived home. I explained to her that I already spoke to her manager, bought the tickets, booked the inn, and had dinner reservations made as this was a surprise trip to relax and reset. We drove up to VT early Friday morning and got right on the slopes. At the top of the mountain, I proposed and she was so surprised! It was a long time coming but worth every minute!”
Mackenzie’s ring is a 6-prong solitaire diamond. “It is set on a simple band, with a twist. The prongs have diamond chips leading up to my diamond. I always told Mike I wanted a simple band with a statement diamond that I could pair with any band or other ring. I showed him examples of what I liked, and he catalogued it over years. After he asked my parents if he could marry me, the three of them traveled into the city to my family’s jeweler, Louis, who made engagement rings for my two aunts, and my mom’s ten year anniversary ring. Mike had Louis hand-make my ring and I couldn’t be happier with the sentiment and beauty of it!”
Together these two live in Springfield and enjoy spending time at the beach, with their family dog, and taking walks. They also love to explore towns and often book date nights to go to eat and shop little book shops, music stores, thrift stores, and antique stores. Mackenzie and Mike also enjoy traveling into the city and trying out a new restaurant, hitting the Jazz club, or seeing a movie on 35mm. When it’s summer you can catch them cheering on the Yankees, and in the fall they’re rooting for the Giants!
I am so excited for Mackenzie and Mike’s wedding next August at the Ashford Estate, I know it will be an incredible celebration!
