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September 23, 2023
Aurora, OH
#BecomingtheBarkans
Mackenzie & Clayton
Our Story
Clay and Mackenzie met at Mount. Both played lacrosse and had met through "lax team parties" but didn't connect until covid had sent everyone home for the semester. Clay messaged Mackenzie over Snapchat of all places and Mackenzie quickly grew a new crush. Clay now admits he was already falling. As "snapping" turned to meeting up in groups to going on dates, the fact that we were meant to be together became pretty evident. Fun fact: Mack and Clays first date was to a crappy college diner then shopping at BigLots. Clay likes to tell people our first date was Gervasi but its time to come clean lol.
Clay was the first to say "I Love You" over labor day weekend that year at the lake house in the Brehm/Hofer boathouse (shoutout lake family). Mackenzie soon followed suit and the time flew by fast. We enjoyed ice cream dates and movies in with the roommates at 638.
Junior and Senior year flew by fast and Clay proposed at graduation and Mackenzie's birthday...now were getting MARRIED!
Easiest yes ever!
In this moment, M said "put it on my finger already you weirdo!" What can I say I was super excited!
Our first ~date~ pic. We went to Gervasi Vineyard and snapped a pic outside Clays college house which we like to call "638" or "The Red House"
In the same spot as our first date photo. one year later
My first Raider gameday! because of covid, I did not get to experience any game days until my senior year!
Our first concert together! Riley Green and Dierks Bentley, his man crush live!
OSU vs Penn State! Go Bucks
Lacrosse "formal". Clay got this whole outfit from Goodwill an hour before the event. The first, definitely not the last time I begged him to wear long pants. He insisted that shorts were just fine
AXID winter Semi-Formal
The first Lewis-Barkan family vacation to Sanibel, Florida
AXID Spring Formal and my last Sorority formal before graduation!
Hours before the proposal. Clay was so cranky to take pics pre graduation. I now realize it was because he was so nervous.
Our first pic at Thorn Creek Winery, the day we first toured the venue.
Trip out west to Zion with the Barkan Crew
Country Fest with Clay and Mack! We love Jason Aldean
Enjoying the 4th at our favorite place. Holiday Lakes, Ohio
Before I knew he existed. My phone was lost at a UMU party and then later discovered this selfie on my phone! First and not the last time clay spammed my phone with selfies
First Selfie as an "offical" couple
Our first photo as a couple, night time catfishing with his roommate Isaac
Moments after Clay first aid "I love you" in the Boathouse at the lake
Labor Day weekend 2020
Right before I met the Barkans for the first time. Love this family and cannot wait to officially be a Barkan
another matching photo - once again, not to a jersey party. I'm extra
First time I forced him to match me. This wasn't to a jersey party but to one of our favorite houses on campus "Cherry Ave". Nobody else was wearing jerseys
A white lies party. CLEARLY my shirt was a little white lie
First little staycation trip to Easton, Columbus
Clay and I loved margarita flight night at Jaliscos in Alliance
Our first Halloween. Not pictured - Clay dressed as the Stanley cup. Oh yes, that happened
Our First Snowy photoshoot. Clay fell down the snowy hill after this and wasn't too happy I made him take pics in the snow but his mom trained him well!
Our First vacation together to Naples, Florida with the Lewis Family. December 2020
Naples, Florida
Clay helped organize a surprise party for my 21st! I was totally tricked
21st birthday dinner
First of Mackenzies favorite holiday together. Nothing like the 4th of July at the lake
Trip down to Georgia to meet clays Auntie Kendra and Uncle Chris. Clay has successfully turned Mack into a beer girl.
For all the days along the way
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