The Story of
McKenzie & Eben
Providence, Rhode Island · April 30, 2026
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01 / 09
February 2023
The First Date
Bristol & Providence, Rhode Island
At 10:00 AM on a seasonably warm day in late February, Eben arrived at the Kelly residence to pick Kenzie up for their first date — stepping out in a Russian hat and matching coat. Their day spanned from brunch at the Judge Roy Bean Saloon to record shopping in Warren, an afternoon on the historic streets of Providence, and a spirited game of cribbage. Eben returned home that evening confiding to his friends that he had met his match.
02 / 09
Spring 2023
It's Official
Providence, Rhode Island
After a month of courtship, meeting her parents, and Charlie claiming his territory on the chaise lounge every time Eben came over, Kenzie made it official: an Easter basket containing a small note inside a blue egg — "Will you do me the immeasurable honor of being my boyfriend?"
03 / 09
Summer 2023
Our First Summer
Northeast
Their bond flourished as they explored Rhode Island, Boston, Maine, and New York. From a St. Patrick's Day celebration in Boston and walks with Kano at Swan Lake to Kenzie's first Red Sox game and the energy of Gov Ball in New York, the pair found themselves inseparable. Charlie began to acclimate to his future stepfather, and Eben began to understand Mr. Kelly's accent.
04 / 09
Fall 2023
Keeping the Pace
Providence
They capped off the summer on Kenzie's birthday with dinner at CAV and a gondola ride through Providence, then carried into the fall with Måneskin at TD Garden, Wiener Weekend PVD, convertible rides, and Eben's first trip to visit the Muggeos in Pennsylvania.
05 / 09
Spring 2024
Going International
Providence, Punta Cana & New Orleans
In April, Kenzie crossed the Boston Marathon finish line. The very next morning — blisters and all — the couple flew to Punta Cana to vacation with the Kiesows, then continued directly to New Orleans for Eben's work conference. Somewhere in an airport terminal on the way home, they found the listing for the pink three-family house that would soon become their home.
06 / 09
May 24, 2024
Home
Providence, Rhode Island
Eben and Kenzie closed on their multifamily home and dove headfirst into homeownership, spending their first weekend clearing out forty years' worth of the previous owners' belongings. Less than 24 hours after closing, Eben was rebuilding the shower while Kenzie and Mrs. Kelly ripped down wallpaper. In the two years since, they've worked weeknights and weekends — with help from friends and family — striving to meet Charlie's expectations.
07 / 09
2024 – 2025
The World Together
Chicago, Quebec, London & Europe
Despite their new commitment, they remained devoted to exploration — visiting Chicago, Quebec, London, Maastricht, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Valkenburg, Fürstenau, and dozens of World Heritage Sites. Yet they still found time to relax with friends and family on the beach in Bristol and in Maine for the holidays.
08 / 09
April 14, 2026
The Proposal
Bristol, Rhode Island
After a delightful meal prepared by Mrs. Kelly, four humans and one German shepherd walked down to the beach for sunset, as they had many times before. Upon arrival, Eben knelt on the rocks and asked for Kenzie's hand in marriage. She answered with glee and excitement — though he did have to remind her to verbalize the "yes," before proceeding to drop the ring on the beach. He recovered with characteristic grace, placed the ring on her finger, and marked the beginning of their next great chapter.
09 / 09
April 30, 2026
Our Wedding Day
The Graduate Providence
The next chapter begins. We cannot wait to celebrate with every person who has walked alongside us and made us who we are today.