Elora Mill

Wedding Day

Elora Mill Foundry

Ceremony

Elora Mill Granary

Cocktail Reception

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

They met one random night in November 2019 at Fanshawe College. Mel and her roommates were hosting one of their usual get-togethers when the group showed up with someone from out of town, Mackenzie. From the very beginning, Mackenzie was smitten. He thought Mel was beautiful and was immediately interested. Mel, on the other hand, thought Mackenzie was cute… but had absolutely zero intention of pursuing anything.Out of friendliness, they added each other on Snapchat and talked on and off for months. Mackenzie consistently tried to take Mel out, saying all the right things and showing up exactly how a good guy should. Mel consistently declined, not for any real reason other than being 18, stubborn, and not ready to see what was right in front of her. Mackenzie was 20, kind, patient, and unknowingly playing the long game.The following school year, Mackenzie decided to attend Fanshawe and rented a house with friends who just so happened to live down the street from Mel and her roommates. After months of not talking at all, Mackenzie decided to give it another shot. He reached out, stayed consistent, and when school started back up, they were finally face to face again.This time, Mel saw him clearly. Mackenzie was funny, thoughtful, and respectful. She quickly realized what she had been missing. Mel finally gave Mackenzie a chance, and by November 2020, they were officially together.From the very beginning, everything moved fast — and felt right. Mel and Mack were inseparable. They moved in together in May 2021, and by August they had their first apartment (technically Mack’s… but Mel very obviously moved all her stuff in). Soon after, Mel convinced Mackenzie to get a cat, and their fur baby Binx joined the family — the most loving, cuddly cat imaginable.True to form, they became notorious movers. In May 2022, they temporarily moved into Mel’s parents’ house to save money, and by January 2023 they found a cozy apartment in downtown Burlington that finally felt like home.Then came 2023 — the year that changed everything.With a place of their own and a life they loved, Mel found out she was pregnant in June 2023. Scared, excited, overwhelmed, and happier than ever, they prepared to welcome their baby boy, due March 1, 2024.Halen RJ Stevens arrived three weeks early on February 12, 2024 — the best day of Mel and Mackenzie’s lives. Halen spent his first week in the NICU, and in that time, everything shifted. If Mel didn’t know Mackenzie was her forever before, she knew it then.From the second Halen was born, Mackenzie became a father in every sense of the word. The shy, easygoing Mack transformed into a strong, brave, and deeply devoted dad. He spoke up when it mattered, held Mel up when she couldn’t stand on her own, asked every question, made every decision, and protected his family fiercely — all while their baby learned how to live in the world and Mel recovered from bringing him into it. That week changed them forever. It solidified what Mel already felt deep in her heart: Mackenzie wasn’t just her partner — he was her home, and the father her son deserved.Halen is the center of Mel and Mack’s world. Not the reason they’re together, but absolutely the glue that holds everything together. The three of them are inseparable — true best friends, true teammates, the ultimate trio. If you know them, you know how alike they all are. A family in every sense of the word.On Christmas Day 2025, Mackenzie finally proposed, and Mel said yes without hesitation. Now, they are so excited to celebrate their marriage in January 2027.This day isn’t just about the joining of two people — it’s about the creation and celebration of a family. Mackenzie and Mel aren’t only choosing each other; they are choosing a life together with their son, Halen, every single day.We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with the people we love most, and we are so grateful to have you there as we become — officially and forever — a family.

Our Story

Photos

Halen Stevens

Avriel Confente

Landon Stevens

Morgan Soutar

Brody Heintzman

Kailey Lacey

Luca Confente

Stephanie Masur

Wedding Party

Standard&nbsp;Room&nbsp;(1&nbsp;King&nbsp;or&nbsp;2&nbsp;Queens)orSuite&nbsp;(1&nbsp;King&nbsp;or&nbsp;2&nbsp;Queens)Early&nbsp;check-in&nbsp;@&nbsp;1:00pm&nbsp;is&nbsp;available&nbsp;for&nbsp;an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;$30Rates&nbsp;are&nbsp;based&nbsp;on&nbsp;2&nbsp;guests&nbsp;per&nbsp;room.&nbsp;Additional&nbsp;guests&nbsp;are&nbsp;$20/person&nbsp;(max&nbsp;occupancy:&nbsp;King&nbsp;=&nbsp;2,&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;=&nbsp;4).Hot&nbsp;breakfast&nbsp;buffet&nbsp;included*NOTE:&nbsp;There&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;a&nbsp;shuttle&nbsp;service&nbsp;provided&nbsp;for&nbsp;this&nbsp;hotel.&nbsp;The&nbsp;shuttle&nbsp;service&nbsp;will&nbsp;pick&nbsp;you&nbsp;up&nbsp;to&nbsp;bring&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;at&nbsp;1:30&nbsp;PM&nbsp;day&nbsp;of,&nbsp;and&nbsp;drop&nbsp;you&nbsp;off&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;night*

Best Western Plus Fergus Hotel

Preferred Hotel

Formal Dress Code

Our dress code is formal attire — we’d love to see you dressed up for the occasion!For those wondering what that means: think floor-length or elevated midi dresses, elegant jumpsuits or dressy separates, and suits with a dress shirt and tie. Tuxedos and black-tie attire are certainly welcome, but are not required. We simply ask that guests avoid casual attire such as jeans, sneakers or everyday wear.As our wedding takes place on January 23rd, please keep the winter weather in mind when planning your outfit. Our reception is located just across the bridge from the ceremony, approximately a 2-minute walk outdoors, so we recommend bringing a warm coat and weather-appropriate footwear for the short walk between buildings. *There will also be a shuttle available instead of walking across, if needed*A coat check will be available at the reception, so you can bundle up outside and settle in comfortably once you arrive.Most importantly, wear something you feel wonderful in — we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🤎

Dress Code

The Greatest Gift is your Presence!

Your presence at our wedding is truly the greatest gift we could ask for!As we are fortunate to already have a home filled with everything we need, we have chosen not to create a traditional wedding registry. For those who wish to give a gift, we kindly ask for a monetary contribution in lieu of physical gifts.Please know that gifts are never expected — we are simply grateful to have you celebrating this special day with us. 🤎

Gifting

Q + A

The Suite Dreams Airbnb

The Evelyn Suites Airbnb

The Limestone Airbnb

The Wynford Airbnb

The Nolahouse Airbnb

The Postmasters House Airbnb

Entire House (Airbnb)

If you book one of these Airbnbs, kindly let Mel or Mackenzie know so it can be removed from the website!

Things to Do

Registry

thestevenswedding.com

Melanie & Mackenzie

Melanie & Mackenzie

Wedding Party