HOW THEY MET: Lizzey and Mackenzie met performing musical theatre in middle school at the ripe ages of 11 and 12. And yes, it was just as awkward as it sounds. They have stayed close throughout high school, college, post-grad life, and all of the moments in between. Over the course of their friendship, they both independently put their faith in Jesus Christ, which has brought them even closer. FAVORITE MEMORY: They had a sleepover the night before Lizzey left for college, and they stayed up all night talking (and crying) about how much they were going to miss each other! Fortunately, Mackenzie went to Austin to visit Lizzey at UT a mere two weeks later.

HOW THEY MET: Tyson & Corbin, his older brother, first met on January 13th, 1998, the day of Tyson's birth. In the days since, Corbin has played countless roles in Tyson's life. He has long served as Tyson's close friend, ally, confidant, protector, encourager, physical trainer, rival, and role model. The Smiter brothers don't always see eye to eye, but amidst adversity, they know that they can fall back onto an immeasurable well of love, respect, and support for one another. FAVORITE MEMORY: According to Corbin, he and Tyson have too many valuable memories to simply pick one. Thus, we'll wait for his answer to this question when Corbin reminiscences about his younger brother and soon to be Sister-in-Law during his speech on their wedding night. Good luck Corbin! We hope that you enjoy public speaking :)

HOW THEY MET: Allison and Mackenzie met through the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at UCLA. They became especially close during the summer of 2019 going on acai bowl runs, beach trips, and hikes in Los Angeles. FAVORITE MEMORY: On one hike in LA, Allison unfortunately got a bad case of heat stroke. According to Allison, Kenz was so supportive and the two laugh about the series of very unfortunate events that followed the whole way back from the hike! Bonus fun fact: Allison traveled to visit Seattle, WA when Tyson was working there. She loved the city so much that she actually moved there herself less than a year later!

HOW THEY MET: Brooks is the oldest of Mackenzie's younger brothers. Brooks met Tyson in the Summer of 2017. For the next 3 years, Tyson had the pleasure of watching the talented Brooks catch touchdowns and intercept passes for his high school football team! Their first 1-on-1 time hanging out was at Five Guys in Southlake where they discussed sports, school, family, and future goals. In the years since, Tyson has really enjoyed watching Brooks pursue and achieve one goal after another! FAVORITE MEMORY: Brooks' favorite memory with Tyson was when they went Skiing with the Lowenstein family in Steamboat Springs, Colorado over the '21-'22 New Years' Holiday. That trip was an incredible time!

HOW THEY MET: The two joined Kappa Kappa Gamma at UCLA freshman year, and became fast friends through shared interests, faith, and an eagerness to explore the city of Los Angeles. Together, they have been to Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Malibu, and too many museums to count! FAVORITE MEMORY: Their tight-knit friendship really solidified when the two traveled to Clearwater, Florida with Jordan's family in the Summer of 2017. They also proceeded to live together the next three years of college...first in the sorority house and then two years in an apartment together!

HOW THEY MET: Caden is the middle brother of Mackenzie's three brothers. Tyson and Caden met when Tyson started dating Mackenzie in the Summer of 2017. As fellow basketball players and jokesters, Tyson has always seen a bit of himself in young Mr. Caden and hopes that they can continue to grow closer to one another. Their first 1-on-1 time together was hooping during open gym at the Senior High. Needless to say, Tyson and Caden gave out many a bucket that day. FAVORITE MEMORY: During Caden's 2021 Spring Break, he and his brother Campbell visited Seattle with Tyson and Mackenzie. Together, they hot-tubbed, grilled Steaks, flew in Sea Planes, and explored the Pacific Northwest.

HOW THEY MET: Liss and Kenz were both Kappas, but they really grew close on their 2018 Summer Study Abroad trip to Dublin, Ireland. While abroad, they (sadly) struggled through physics....BUT they also had the opportunity to travel to Paris, Barcelona, and Amsterdam together. FAVORITE MEMORY: During the Summer of 2021, Alissa, Mackenzie, and a few others traveled to ALASKA! They all had the amazing opportunity to ATV through the stunning Denali National Park. Bonus fun fact: Since college, both Mackenzie and Liss have started pursuing their M.D.'s! In just a few years, they will both be physicians. :)

HOW THEY MET: Campbell is Mackenzie's youngest brother. Tyson first met Campbell at a Mayweather vs. McGregor fight watch party in 2017 when he was just 8 years old. There, Campbell organized a group of his friends to put on masks and scare Tyson, they were 100% successful! In the years since, Tyson has been blessed to watch the adventurous Campbell Lowenstein grow up - playing sports, traveling to new places, and becoming quite the technology whiz. Tyson and Campbell's first time hanging out 1-on-1 was during a basketball training session where they developed the skills to dominate Mackenzie's other 2 brothers - Caden & Brooks, in 2-on-2 Basketball. FAVORITE MEMORY: Campbell's favorite memory with Tyson was when he traveled with his brother Caden to visit Seattle, Washington during the 2021 Spring Break. In particular, Campbell loved going up in a Sea Plane with Tyson, Mackenzie, and Caden and flying over Seattle and the surrounding areas. That trip to Seattle and visiting Nike headquarters in Oregon is an experience that Campbell will never forget!

HOW THEY MET: Kisha is Tyson's wonderful eldest sister! They met back in 2017 when Mackenzie started dating her little brother :). Over the years, Kisha has welcomed Mackenzie into various Smiter family festivities with warm arms! FAVORITE MEMORY: The Christmas 2023 family games...as Kisha said, Mackenzie destroyed the Smiter men! Bonus fun fact: For 26 years, Mackenzie has lived with only brothers (three, to be exact) and no sisters. She has deeply desired a sister for her entire life! She is counting down the days until June when she will be gaining not one, but TWO incredible sisters!

HOW THEY MET: Wyatt is Tyson's closest male cousin in age, and for most of his life, Wyatt was also Tyson's closest male cousin in geographical proximity! This closeness has established Wyatt as a brother to Tyson. The two first struck a deep relationship over music and basketball when Wyatt drove and coached Tyson at countless basketball camps and practices. In the years since, Wyatt and Tyson have grown further by challenging one another, loving one another, and partaking in a comically wide range of philosophical discussions. The two love to question the status quo and have been known to bust out a dance move or two to get the party going. ∞ / 21M FAVORITE MEMORY: During the summer of 2019, Tyson lived with Wyatt in Brooklyn, New York. Wyatt was an awesome host who took the time to show Tyson around the city and get him involved in local events. Wyatt's favorite memory with Tyson was attending the annual Summer Crawfish boil at the Well and going all the way up.

HOW THEY MET: Courtney Marie is Tyson's fabulous middle sister! They met back in the summer of 2017 when Courtney Marie, Tyson, and Mackenzie killed it in a boxing class together and then ate a delicious meal together at Thai Lotus after their workout. FAVORITE MEMORY: During the Christmas 2022 season, the Smiters hosted a cousin karaoke party at their house. Everyone had a blast and sang their hearts out! Tyson and Mackenzie performed a duet to "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey. Bonus memory: Courtney Marie, Tyson, Mackenzie, and the rest of the Smiter family traveled to Colorado Springs in October 2023. They had the opportunity to hike several stunning mountains together and had such a nice time!

HOW THEY MET: Jared is one of Tyson's favorite cousins and his current landlord in Houston, Texas. The two met in DFW on the day of Tyson's birth! During Tyson's time on this earth, Jared has always been willing to take the time and effort to teach Tyson life lessons. Jared is a world-class teacher who has mastered a wide variety of teaching methods. Tyson has long looked up to Jared for his responsibility, independence, and the kindness that he demonstrates in showing up for others. FAVORITE MEMORY: Jared's favorite memory with Tyson was hanging out with him and seeing Tyson's adult personality for the first time in Chicago, Illinois following De & Shayna's wedding. Jared, Tyson, and their other cousins had an amazing time that night competing in ping-pong and winning a dancing competition for free beer, as well as barhopping from place to place.

HOW THEY MET: While Mackenzie and Lauren originally met in middle school, the two became especially close on the Emerald Belles drill team at Southlake Carroll High School. They would spend hours driving around their suburb getting into all sorts of mischief. FAVORITE MEMORY: Lauren and Mackenzie were notorious for their many trips to YogurtLand back in their glory days. They once won an unlimited cup of fro-yo, and filled that bowl up to a whopping 52.6 ounces (and then proceeded to devour the whole thing). Bonus fun fact: Lauren has known both the bride and groom since middle school!

HOW THEY MET: DeVonte is Tyson's famous Nephew who is older than him, that is, De Jones gained Tyson as his Uncle on the day that Tyson was born. The two met at some point in the late 1990's and have been growing closer ever since. DeVonte and Tyson share an Uncle-Nephew relationship that relies heavily on humor, honesty, vulnerability, and the blood of Jesus Christ. Tyson admires DeVonte for the way that he leads and serves his family and the humility that he shows in his interactions with others. FAVORITE MEMORY: DeVonte's favorite memories with Tyson were when Tyson at age 8-10 would show up at small family events wearing a 3-piece sear sucker suit and top hat. Tyson's demonstration of sophistication and class in these moments helped reinforce him as the respectable Uncle that Mr. DeVonte Jones-Hill needed in his life.

HOW THEY MET: The two survived the Carroll Medical Academy together in high school. They really bonded over their 10th grade cat dissection, as well as their daily drives between the senior high and high school campuses during lunch. FAVORITE MEMORY: Mackenzie and Sarah dressed up as the Jonas Brothers for Halloween in 2015...wigs, boombox, and all! They (proudly) blasted Burnin' Up the entire night. They also attempted to trick or treat at the Jonas residence that night in their costumes, sadly, to no avail.

HOW THEY MET: Amare is Tyson's Nephew and his closest thing to a younger brother. Amare and Tyson, who are five years apart in age, got to know each other well when Amare moved to DFW in the 2010s. Tyson can rely on Amare's kind-heartedness, goofiness, dance moves, and his willingness to debate any topic imaginable. Though he is only 21 years old, Amare's work ethic and intentionality, the way he respects others, and his self-assuredness have made an impression on Tyson. In the years to come, Tyson is eager to watch Amare keep learning about himself and his passions as he grows. May this growth bring Tyson and Amare closer in loving and supporting one another! FAVORITE MEMORY: In true "hater" fashion, Amare's favorite memory with Tyson was when the two were racing during a workout and Tyson hurt his knee. The reason that Amare holds this memory so fondly is because it was such an unimaginable, immense shock for him to beat Tyson in a race. A true miracle! Such times of competitiveness are always a blast for these two. Iron sharpens iron, and Tyson and Amare help push each other through adversity to improve themselves.

HOW THEY MET: Graz and Kenz bonded over many late night study sessions at the sorority house "pit" (aka the very dark and depressing study room in the basement). Somehow, even in such a dark place, they managed to make light of their studying and have fun together. FAVORITE MEMORY: The two took on Coachella 2017 together their freshman year! They camped out all day to be FRONT ROW for headliner Lady Gaga....it was such an incredible experience!

HOW THEY MET: Mr. Kameron Hudson is Tyson's one and only Godbrother. The two met sometime in the early 2000's where they first began to form a lasting brotherhood. Over the years, Kameron's wit and loving spirit have helped inspire Tyson's unique sense of humor. As a brother and friend, Kameron is deeply caring, generous, protective, and always shows up to support the people he loves. FAVORITE MEMORY: Kameron's favorite memory with Tyson was when Tyson was a mere 5-years old. At this time, Tyson, who still loves music today, was constantly singing the lyrics of popular R&B music - such as The Isley Brothers' Contagious. Kameron was quite amused hearing 5-year old Tyson voice the lyrics to a song that may not have been 'appropriate' for his age.

HOW THEY MET: Mackenzie and Natalie were roommates freshman year of college! They took on Los Angeles at the ripe age of 18 together, and have been close ever since. FAVORITE MEMORY: During their freshman year of college, Mackenzie and Natalie (mistakingly) decided to go to Universal Halloween Horror Nights just the two of them....alone...without a group. Being two females, together they were quite an easy target for any and every horrifying character. They were chased, cornered, and terrified the entire night. 10/10 would not recommend.

HOW THEY MET: Tyson & Matt met during their 2nd year at the University of Texas at Austin. The two goofballs immediately struck up a friendship, so much so in fact, that Tyson often found himself crashing on Matt's couch that year. During their Junior and Senior years of college, Tyson and Matt were roommates and they have maintained a close relationship ever since. The two have a deep respect for one another and constantly motivate each other in navigating life and trying new things like music making, job searching, and goal pursuing. FAVORITE MEMORY: Matt's favorite memory with Tyson was when they, alongside Ryan Cree, ventured out to see Playboi Carti at 1Oak in Las Vegas. The trio entered the establishment at around 11 PM. Little did they know, Carti would not perform until after 3:30 AM. Starving and dying of thirst, Tyson and Matt found various ways to keep themselves entertained and nearly got kicked out by a mediocre DJ.

HOW THEY MET: Andrea and Mackenzie met while both pursuing their M.D.'s at Baylor College of Medicine. They grew close over lots of grueling study sessions, their shared faith in Jesus Christ, HTX ice cream runs, and double dates! FAVORITE MEMORY: According to Andrea, her favorite memory is when Mackenzie teamed up with Andrea's boyfriend Ruben to plan a surprise birthday party for Andrea this past year...Andrea was shocked and had a blast! Unfortunately, Mackenzie could not physically attend the party because her 6.5 pound dog decided to go missing in the streets of Houston that night....but that is a story for another time.

HOW THEY MET: Obi & Tyson met as basketball teammates from kindergarten to 2nd grade before Obi pulled a KD and joined the team of their biggest rival (smh). After years of competing, Obi and Tyson finally rejoined forces in high school when they became inseparable friends. From the classroom to the court/field, the family get-together, the church gathering, and even the occasional party, Tyson and Obi could have a great time together and thrive in whatever setting they encountered. In a world of compartmentalization, Obi was Tyson's first friend with whom he felt comfortable enough to be his full self with all the time. Today, Obi is a brother and someone who Tyson is excited to take on adulthood with! FAVORITE MEMORY: Obi has two sets of favorite memories with Tyson. (1) Their high school days getting into all sorts of mischief and fun and (2), Hanging out with Tyson and Mackenzie over the holiday breaks back in Southlake!

HOW THEY MET: Funny enough, Caroline and Mackenzie (and Tyson) went to Southlake Carroll High School together...but they did not become close until many years later when they were both living in HTX! There, the two ran into each other at Church and immediately hit it off. Mackenzie is so grateful for to have found a little piece of home in Houston! FAVORITE MEMORY: Caroline, Mackenzie, Paige (Caroline's roommate), and Tootsie (Mackenzie's pup) all traveled to Round Top, TX last year to check out their well-known flea market and delicious food! They had such a nice time and really bonded over good conversation and amazing pies.

HOW THEY MET: Rainey and Tyson first met while Tyson was tabling for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in his sophomore year at UT Austin. Upon hearing Tyson's spiel, Rainey got involved in NSBE far deeper than anyone could have ever imagined! For the rest of their time at UT, Rainey and Tyson helped serve and lead an org of more than 130 student members, and most importantly, they had a blast doing it. This experience helped the two strike up an enriching friendship that they are now continuing to strengthen as coworkers at Microsoft. Rainey is the most selfless person that Tyson knows, he is constantly seeking new ways to serve his friends and his genuine presence brightens every room. Tyson is excited to see him find and achieve whatever it is that he is striving towards in life! FAVORITE MEMORY: Rainey's favorite memory with Tyson was throwing the frisbee in the ocean at sunset during Rainey's birthday trip to Maui, Hawaii in 2022. Together, Rainey and Tyson spent hours on this trip throwing their trusty frisbee back and forth in all sorts of beautiful locations. Fittingly, this frisbee was claimed by a tree in Maui mere minutes before Rainey, Tyson, Mackenzie, and friends were headed to the airport to head home.

HOW THEY MET: Kiara and Mackenzie met at Kappa Kappa Gamma's Bid Night at UCLA! They became fast friends freshman year and stayed close throughout their time there. FAVORITE MEMORY: At UCLA, Mackenzie and Kiara woke up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise together on campus before leaving for Summer Break after their freshman year of college. Bonus fun fact: Kiara was kind enough to chauffeur Tyson and Mackenzie around Los Angeles the very first time Tyson visited the city in May of 2017!

HOW THEY MET: Ashton and Tyson met in the Summer of 2018 in New York City at a weeklong software engineering event. The two ambitious youngsters kept in touch throughout the next year and became good friends over the 2019 summer while they both interned in New York City. Their friendship really took off, however, when they each independently chose to give their lives to Jesus Christ in the 2020's. Since then, Ashton and Tyson have encouraged one another, served one another, and held one another accountable in their lifelong walks. Today, Tyson is honored to have a Brother in Ashton whom he can trust and rely on to point him towards the perfect example of Christ. FAVORITE MEMORY: Ashton's favorite memory with Tyson was their first time hanging out on the rooftop of Wyatt Little's apartment overlooking New York City in 2019. This was a time when both Tyson and Ashton were highly naive and unaware of all the amazing things that God would perform in their lives.

HOW THEY MET: Both joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at UCLA, but they really grew close living in the house together sophomore year! FAVORITE MEMORY: Nicole, Mackenzie, Tyson, and a few others went to South Padre Island for Spring Break in 2018. It was Nicole's first trip to the great state of Texas, and they all had such a fun time! Bonus Fun Fact: Mackenzie and Nicole are getting married less than a month apart from each other!

HOW THEY MET: Preston and Tyson met in the Summer of 2018 at Goldman Sachs' engineering essentials camp in New York City. The two immediately struck up a friendship and ended their week in New York by heading to Brooklyn to get lunch together. From there Preston and Tyson maintained contact until God brought them both into the same Cloud organization as engineers at Microsoft! In fact, it was Preston's fraternity brother from Georgia Tech, Frank Johnson, who helped Tyson secure his position at Microsoft. Preston and Tyson have relied on each other in navigating remote work, the pandemic, moving to (and from) Seattle, and general adulting. Preston's independence, business mindedness, and genuine joy have already made an enormous impact on Tyson and Mackenzie and they're excited to see what amazing things Mr. Akwule does next! FAVORITE MEMORY: Preston's favorite memory with Tyson is simply the adventures they had in Seattle. Whether it be putt-putt, boating, birthday parties, soccer outings, linking up at the office, or just going out to eat, it was always a real pleasure when the two spent time together.

HOW THEY MET: Mackenzie met Reese the day that she was born in 2015! Their moms are identical twins. So while technically Reese and Mackenzie are cousins, genetically they are just as related as half-sisters! Mackenzie has been so privileged to watch Reese grow into the beautiful, thoughtful, artistic, and kind-hearted young woman that she is today. FAVORITE MEMORY: The summer before Mackenzie left for medical school, Mackenzie, Campbell, Reese, and Clayton water-slid the day away at Hawaiian Falls Water Park. But, the best part of the day, according to Reese, was getting to eat dippin' dots!

HOW THEY MET: Shai is Tyson's great niece and Mackenzie's soon to be great niece! Tyson and Mackenzie both met Shai in 2019, the year that she was born. The two adore playing with and being silly with Shai at family gatherings. She is quite the dancer, gymnast, dresser-upper, and is always the talk of the party! FAVORITE MEMORY: When Shai was asked to be a flower girl in the wedding, she proudly exclaimed that she was ready to be a flower girl right now! Get ready folks, she has mastered the flower girl walk to a tee and is ready for June 22nd.

HOW THEY MET: Mackenzie babysat for Serena and her brother Miles before leaving for medical school. She absolutely loved getting to know and spend time with them both. There is never a dull moment with Serena! She is quite the spunky, fabulous, fun, and fashionable soon-to-be 6 year old. FAVORITE MEMORY: Serena and Mackenzie hit up the zoo several times during their outings together. Without fail, on every trip, Serena would request a Disney princess playlist in the car, lots of photos to get all of her good angles, and that they saw every cheetah, tiger, and panther!

HOW THEY MET: Ginny is the cutest and most recently walking member of the Munns family! Mackenzie first met Ginny's mom, Sarah Munns, when Mackenzie and Sarah were only 14 years old! In the many years since then, Ginny has literally come into existence and is now taking on the world with her great individuality, fashion sense, and an amazing joy for all things fun! Mackenzie is so excited to learn more about Ginny's personality as she continues to grow, and she simply cannot wait to see Ginny shine in the role of flower girl on June 22nd! FAVORITE MEMORY: We're not entirely sure whether Ginny is old enough to establish long term memories just yet, so WE NEED YOUR HELP! Guests, please show our flower girls and ring bearers some love!! Let's ensure that Ginny's flower girl walk down the aisle on our wedding day is a spectacular moment that she will cherish forever <3

HOW THEY MET: Mackenzie met Clayton on the day of his birth in May 2015. Mackenzie has loved watching Clayton grow into the witty, smart, thoughtful young man that he is today! FAVORITE MEMORY: One of Mackenzie's favorite memories with Clayton is playing peek-a-boo with him when he was just a baby. He especially loved that game and Mackenzie thought it was the cutest thing. She even has a few videos to prove it! A more recent favorite memory with Clayton, however, is when they went to go see Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in theatres. Clayton was so excited for the movie and couldn't stop talking about it the whole way home.

HOW THEY MET: Mackenzie was so grateful to get a front-row seat as Miles grew and developed throughout his kindergarten year. Back then, Miles mastered any lego seat (no matter its age and up recommendation!) with ease, requested to listen to We Don't Talk About Bruno nearly every day, and fiended for jolly ranchers, lollipops, and fig bars any chance he could get! FAVORITE MEMORY: Miles says that his favorite memory is actually with Tyson! He really enjoyed destroying Tyson in chess and showing off his crazy magic skills. Mackenzie's favorite memory with Miles is definitely building crazy forts with him and his sister in the living room. Miles was always THE expert at bringing the fort crashing down when it was time to clean up.

HOW THEY MET: From day one, Tootsie Lowenstein was a showstopper. Spunky, fearless, and full of life, this pup was a force to be reckoned with. For Toots, the sky was the limit, she just needed the right team around her! At 11 weeks old, Tootsie found a perfect match in her loving family. Mackenzie Lowenstein took on the role of mother, manager, and head stylist, while Tyson Smiter was brought in as chief behavioral officer, nutritionist, and dog father. With Tyson and Mackenzie by her side, Tootsie has successfully won over countless hearts and she has no plans of stopping anytime soon. We are incredibly excited to see her steal the show as Dog of Honor on wedding day! FAVORITE MEMORY: When asked this question, Tootsie shared that she has had too many special memories to count and that she is continuing to make even more great memories with Mackenzie and Tyson day after day!