Kenzie's MUSIC & EVENTS: September 2023

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Family Photos at Recetion

Itinerary~

If possible, please wear black and white per Kenzie’s request.

Siempre

1283 E Mike Weir Dr,

Draper, UT 84020

5:30-6:30 - Family Photos (you are included in these)

Mom's Speech for Kenzie & Ben’s Reception

Intro:

We've been planning every detail of this day for a long time! A few weeks ago, Kenz came to me and said they had decided to have only the dad's speak at the rehearsal dinner. She apologized and said she felt bad. Little did she know, that was music to my ears! But I couldn't let this day end without saying a few things.

THANK YOU!

First, Thank you for being here today. I know some of you have traveled long distances to be here. It means so much to us and especially Ben & Kenzie.

We often hear the phrase "it takes a village." Thank you for being our village. These two kids wouldn't be this amazing without your love, support, and influence. So thank you!

Protect & Take Care Of

Second, I'm sure we aren't the only parents who upon gazing at their child for the first time, start dreaming about the mile stones in their life. Her first word, her first step, starting kindergarten, her first crush, and of course we dreamed of her

wedding day. Aaron and I hoped she find somebody that would love, protect, and always take care of our little girl.

Ben is very quiet and it took us a while to get to know him. It was obvious he loved her but we weren't sure he checked all the other boxes, until we invited him on our family vacation to Florida.

After a day of sightseeing, we pulled into the driveway of the house we had rented and there was a very drunk man yelling at our car. He was confrontational and made us all uncomfortable. So Aaron got out first stood between this man and the rest of us. Of course we all had bolted into the house. But when Aaron turned around, he was surprised to see Ben. Ben hadn’t run in with the rest of us. It was a small and brave gesture but it was the moment Aaron knew Ben would always protect his little girl.

On this same trip, we went to Disney World and decided to go on a ride called mission space. It's a pretty intense ride. The second the ride was over. Kenzie bee lined it to a little patch of grass where she spent the next hour on her hands and knees so sick. The first 20-30 minutes we felt bad for her and did our best to calm her down. But after a while we were done waiting. We left Ben to take care of Kenz so we could ride the rides.

After a while, my mom guilt kicked in. I knew Kenzie was embarrassed. She looked like death. And I felt bad that Ben was missing out on all the fun. So I went back. I found Ben at the entrance of the women's restroom. He was

holding a glass of ice water asking complete strangers if they would go into the restroom, holler his girlfriend's name, to give her some water. When I offered to stay with Kenz so he could go ride the rides he declined. I don't think they rode one ride after that. Again, it was a small gesture but in that moment, I knew Ben would always take care of my little girl.

At Last

Finally, as you arrived here tonight there's a sign out front. It doesn't say Welcome. It says AT LAST. Theses two fell in love over five years ago but they took their time when it came to marriage. They have been through many ups and downs together. I remember during one of those "down" times having a conversation with

Kenzie. I will never forget when she stopped me mid conversation and said; "Mom. I KNOW he's the one. I love him and I will wait forever if I have to."

We’ll Kenzie, the waiting is over. Your day is here AT LAST. You have married not only the man of your dreams but the man your dad and I dreamed you would find.

And Ben - You are the luckiest man in the world! We love you! You have been “family" for a long time but today it is official and we couldn't be happier!

So before we will let them change their clothes, say our final goodbyes, and send them off to start their lives together, I am going to ask them to go back on the dance floor. And because they don't like to be the center of attention, I invite you, our village, to grab someone you love, and join them for one more dance as we celebrate this special day- AT LAST!

Kenzie and Ben's Reception

Itinerary~

If possible, please wear black and white per Kenzie’s request.

Reception:

Siempre

1283 E Mike Weir Dr,

Draper, UT 84020

6:30 - Reception starts/Receive guests/ “line”

7:40- Re-entry & announcing as Mr & Mrs

7:45- Cake cutting & first dance

8:00- Mingle

8:15 pm Sparkler Send off

Kenzie and Ben are MARRIED

Itinerary~

If possible, please wear black and white per Kenzie’s request.

Temple:

Draper Temple

14065 Canyon Vista Ln,

Draper, UT 84020

2 pm-Temple sealing

3-3:15 - Exit

3:15-4- Family pictures (you are included in these)

4-5:30 pm- free time to go get dinner. Anyone is welcome to come kill time at our home. 12025 S Genova Hills Dr Draper

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Dad's Speech at Rehearsal Dinner

The Men in Her Life

Aaron’s Speech for Kenzie’s Rehearsal Dinner

Intro:

Dawn and I got married right after our missions. We had big plans to travel, go to school, save money, and have some fun BEFORE we started a family. But per usual, Kenzie had other plans. Eighteen months after we said “I DO”, I held this tiny, dark haired, blue eyed, with a familiar dimple in her chin, beautiful little girl. I wondered what I was supposed to do with her? How was I going to take care of her? Was I ready to be a dad? I was overwhelmed with fear, a little doubt, and a whole lot of nerves. It didn’t take us long to settle in to our new roles. Dawn and I quickly realized it was Kenzie’s world and we were just living in it.

We had Kenzie to ourselves for FIVE years. Because of that, I feel like I have a unique bond with Kenz. When Dawn would go to work at nights, it was just Kenzie and me. We would roam Home Depot, Fred Meyer, or even Blockbuster. Of course I would curl her hair (usually backwards) with the curling iron. She’d wear whatever SHE chose. And if we stopped by Sizzler, where Dawn was working, I would surely hear about her appearance. But it didn’t matter to us. We were living our best life. I loved this little girl. She knew she was special and She knew I would always keep her safe. I was the one and only MAN in her life. Even if she did say no when I asked her if she “Loved her Daddy”. :)

Jeff and Todd:

We moved to Pittsburgh for dental school when Kenz was three years old. We lived right next door to my best friend Jeff’s house. After school, when Jeff and I would get off the bus and start walking toward our homes, both of our little girls would be waiting for us in the front door window. We would light up the second we saw their adorable faces. They would greet us and welcome us home. But over time, I realized Kenz wasn’t looking out the front door for just me.

Jeff would always invite Kenzie to do whatever he was doing with his daughter Ashlyn - they’d go on Bike rides, walk to the Boulevard for an Ice cream run and meet for some Back yard shenanigans. The look on her face when we got home from school each day told me I had some competition. I was no longer the only MAN in her life.

I loved that Kenzie loved Jeff. She trusted him. He made her feel loved, safe, and special. Today Jeff lives in Texas. Recently when talking to Kenzie about Jeff and his wife Alyssa, she made the comment, “the Hanzons feel like HOME.”

I have a strong belief in surrounding yourself with good people. I have watched my best friend Todd go out of his way to connect with my kids. Kenzie knows, if I’m not around, run across the street and ask Todd. Todd and Jeni have been cheering Kenzie on since she was 12 years old. Whether in the stands in LA when she was competing on American Idol or inviting the entire ward to their home to celebrate her upcoming wedding. I can’t think of a time when Dawn and I have gone to dinner with Todd and Jeni and Todd hasn’t asked “How’s Kenz?” It doesn’t matter how many photos Kenzie makes of Todd wearing University of Utah logos. She knows he’s there if she needed. Todd and Jeni make her feel loved, safe, and special.

Grandpa/Uncles

Before Dawn and I left for dental school, we each worked several jobs. Kenzie spent a lot of time with the Allens. Jenn and Scott became Kenzie's second parents. Sometimes she even preferred them over us. If you know my brother in law, Scott, then you know why I had no problem when Kenzie chose Scott over me. He loved Kenzie as his own and made her feel loved, safe, and special.

Many of you know Kenzie is a talented musician. When people ask where she got her talent, I don’t hesitate to give credit to the MEN in her life that helped her develop her love for music. She wrote her first song with Uncle Adam. She wanted Uncle Josh there when she recorded her first album. But her Grandpa Earl was her greatest influence. He pushed her, encouraged her, and expected her to share her talent with everyone. These men connect with Kenzie on a whole different level. She trusts them. When she is performing they make her feel loved, safe, and special. I know she misses Grandpa Earl and wishes he was here for her wedding day. I am sure he is watching and like me, is wondering why you aren’t singing at your own wedding! :)

Brothers

At home, Kenzie has three MEN in her life. Me, Mackay, & Hayden. They have taught her how to be patient, how to forgive, and how to love unconditionally. Her brothers would walk through fire for her. They will go to great lengths to protect and defend her. I know as much as they want her happily married and out of the house - they will miss their chats in middle of the night, the food run request, her help with their homework, and her advice about women. I’m proud of these MEN and all they are becoming. I also know Kenzie has played a big role in who they are today. Although they love scaring her when she’s alone in the basement, they also make her feel loved, safe, and special.

Ben

And then there is Ben. Dawn and I have had a front row seat as we have watched them fall madly in love with each other. From their first date at Boondocks back in March 2018 to the day in March 2023 when he proposed. Ben has learned Kenzie. He is patient with her unique quirks and understand her limits. He calm her fears, surprises her with Baskin ribbons ice cream clowns, and stills opens her car door and waits for her to get settled. For the last five years, Kenzie has stood at the front window waiting for Ben to arrive. She trusts him. She teases him. She loves him. He is everything we have ever wanted for our daughter. He makes her feel loved, safe, and special. Ben is HOME.

Conclusion

So as you can see, Kenzie has some pretty incredible MEN in her life. I feel honored to stand among these men. I think each one of us would say Kenzie has made our lives better, richer, (mine a little poorer). She has made us laugh, learn, grit our teeth, and smile bigger. Tomorrow it will be my honor to pass the baton to Ben. I know from today to forever you be the ONE AND ONLY MAN in her life.