How did you meet? I met McKenzie after I invited a large group of friends to a swing dance being held at the Olde Murphy School in Durham, NC. McKenzie showed up with three or four others and after our first dance, I was interested in her. Later, she joined a kayaking group I formed and then she initiated the fireworks by inviting me to her brother's wedding as her will-they-won't-they date. - Kenny

How did you met? As a habitual Group-Me joiner I keep an eye out for people looking for new friends and activities. It just so happened that there was a GroupMe convergence event and multiple people in different groups wanted to go swing dancing. I did not know Kenny would be at kayaking, but I did know he was a good swing dancer. My brother's wedding was in a week, so I figured it couldn't hurt to ask. That is how Kenny found himself at the most recent Petersons' wedding, strictly under the terms of friendship. - McKenzie

When did you know she was the one?Although we had some mutual attraction, she held me at arm's length for the better part of the fall and winter of 2023. In March of 2024, we rekindled our relationship after I ended my political campaign for Congress. In a few short weeks, we fell in love and I knew she was the one when I told her I loved her on April 21st, 2024. - Kenny

When did you know he was the one? In anticipation of the TTPD album, I had planned on driving myself to the beach and back in order to listen to the whole album uninterrupted at least twice. I had hinted to Kenny of my idea and he made it happen. To my surprise, a partner improved the experience and I continue to find myself wanting to spend all my time with Kenny. His persistence to be on board for my crazy ideas won me over. - McKenzie

What was the proposal like? After meeting her family, I decided I wanted to spend the rest of my life with McKenzie. I plotted the proposal to coincide with a "birthday celebration" where I invited a few of my close friends. I got a friend to come early to photograph the proposal as I got down on one knee at the place I told her I loved her - the farm down the street from my house. - Kenny

I picked out the ring from the vintage section at Bailey's in the Fenton Cary shopping district. I knew he had it, but I had no idea why his friends arrived two hours early to a party while I was cooking four things. Lucky nothing burned down and we got to celebrate with all our friends that night. - McKenzie

What are dreams you two have together for your marriage? I dream that our marriage would be focused on each other and building each other up and loving each other well. I want us to travel with each other, lean on each other when each of us is down, and someday, have children and family. Most of all I believe God gave me McKenzie as a pure blessing and I want to enjoy being with her as much as I can. - Kenny

What are dreams you two have together for your marriage? Together I want us to build a home that honors God and others. We are a team and I love talking with him about anything. I know that we are better together. - McKenzie