Makayla & Chauncey
WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING TOGETHER?
How did you meet?
"It all started with a trip to Chicago. I traveled to visit family, never imagining I'd leave having met the person I'd spend forever with.
Having called Chicago home for several years, Chauncey became my personal tour guide, introducing me to the city through all of his favorite places. From rooftop views and neighborhood restaurants to afternoons along Lake Michigan (where I learned Chicago actually has beaches!), every day felt like a new adventure. As it turned out, my visit coincided with a weekend he had already planned with family and friends. When it came time for me to head home, he invited me to stay a little longer so I could experience it all with him. Baseball games, a day out on the boat, and countless memories later, what was meant to be a quick visit had become the beginning of our forever."
"We've always believed that the best memories are created through shared experiences. Whether we're planning our next European adventure or opening a great bottle of wine at home, we're happiest simply spending time together.
We're self-proclaimed foodies, and one of our favorite traditions is seeking out an unforgettable omakase whenever our travels allow. Our love of wine has led us to vineyards throughout North America and Europe, where we've discovered that some of the best experiences come from slowing down, sharing a meal, and connecting with a place through its culture. It's a big part of why we fell in love with Europe—and why returning to Portugal to celebrate our marriage feels so incredibly special."
Why Portugal?
“Our love for Portugal began in Porto, where an incredible stay and a visit to the World of Wine introduced us to even more of the country’s food, history, and wine culture. When we returned the following year and experienced Lisbon together, we fell even harder for ts beauty, weather, energy, and the way it invites you to slow down and truly enjoy where you are.
Because Makayla is from Buffalo, Chauncey is from Nashville, and we now live in Phoenix, our loved ones would be traveling regardless of where we chose to celebrate. So we thought, why not invite everyone somewhere truly special? Portugal allows us to share a place that has become meaningful to our relationship while giving our guests the chance to step outside their usual routines and experience something unforgettable together.”
Our Journey
July 2022
Closing the Distance
After a year of long-distance between Chauncey in Chicago and Makayla in Phoenix, Chauncey moved to Phoenix. Together, they settled into a downtown Phoenix high-rise, where they began building a home—and a life—together.
A Shared Vision
January 2023
After Chauncey gifted Makayla an LLC, Makayla invited him to help bring her vision to life. Together, they launched Connected Collaborations, beginning a new chapter as partners in both business and life.
Wandering Together
November 2024
Inspired by their shared love of Grenache-based wines, they traveled to Spain’s Priorat region, known for its old-vine Garnacha and expressive reds, before continuing to Porto and the World of Wine Museum.
The Next Foundation
May 2025
Life quickly became about more than work. They bought their first home together, hosted family and friends, and discovered that the ordinary moments often became their favorites.
May 2021
Makayla and Chauncey's first few days together were spent exploring Chicago—from afternoons along the lakefront to conversations that seemed to last for hours. What began as a chance meeting quickly became the start of something neither of them wanted to end.
At the Start
The Proposal
November 2025
Their journey began in Lisbon before continuing through Provence—the world-renowned home of rosé. After days spent exploring vineyards, wineries, and the region's celebrated food and wine culture, their journey led to Château La Coste. Surrounded by vineyards, contemporary art, and the beauty of Provence, Chauncey asked Makayla to marry him, marking the beginning of their next chapter.
September 2027
Here's to Forever
Some places become part of your story forever. Europe has given us unforgettable adventures, lifelong memories, and the beginning of our engagement journey. Returning to Portugal to celebrate our marriage feels like a beautiful full-circle moment, and we're so grateful to share a place that has become so meaningful to us with the people who mean so much to us.
With love,
