Mackenzie Davis, a popular ballet content creator, has shared some intriguing details regarding her imminent wedding to fiancé Evan Arredondo. The couple recently posted a video outlining some of their unconventional wedding choices, which has since captured widespread attention, amassing over 5 million views across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
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In the video, Davis and Arredondo delve into their decision to host a completely dry wedding and serve an entirely vegan menu. “We don’t drink, and we honestly just don’t want anybody else drinking there either,” explained Davis. She further mentioned their desire for guests to remember the occasion, stating that they want their wedding to be a true reflection of their values and those of their guests.
The couple expressed their conviction that their “non-traditional” choices could be perceived as controversial, particularly the vegan menu. “I’ve considered our vegan and non-alcoholic wedding controversial because so many people still aren’t super familiar with vegan food and how amazing and fulfilling it can be,” Davis commented. She added that the preconceptions surrounding vegan cuisine often portray it as monotonous.
Davis elaborated on their decision to marry on a weekday, noting the financial benefits. “It’s so much more expensive to book on a weekend,” she commented. “And because we don’t work traditional 9-to-5 jobs, we don’t need to do it on a weekend.” Although a weekday wedding might discourage some guests from attending, Davis expressed comfort in inviting a more intimate circle. “We’re only inviting 63 people… I know deep down that an even smaller, more intimate wedding group would make my nervous system feel a lot safer,” she explained, highlighting her personal experiences related to social situations.
The couple also announced that they were excluding children and plus-ones from the guest list. Davis noted the price implications associated with each additional guest, saying, “If you aren’t familiar with the wedding industry, they always charge more for a weekend wedding because it’s in higher demand.” She firmly stated their preference for a small gathering, expressing that they did not wish to invite “random people” and aimed to maintain a comfortable and intimate setting.
In addition to their guest list decisions, Davis and Arredondo revealed plans for an unplugged ceremony. They intend to celebrate their union in a manner that embodies their personalities, rather than focusing on conventional expectations. “Honestly, we’re like, if you have a problem with it and you don’t want to come, then you’re not a real one anyway,” Davis remarked, suggesting that they are unfazed by potential criticisms of their choices.
Public reaction to their wedding plans has been decidedly mixed. Some commenters expressed feelings of exclusion or disappointment, with one remarking, “I’d rather go to work.” Others questioned the couple’s priorities regarding guest enjoyment. In response to these mixed sentiments, Davis stated, “The people that get it, get it. Everyone has a differing view of what a wedding looks like.”
In a follow-up video, Davis reiterated her perspective on the importance of their decisions. “Everybody is saying I’m gonna have the most boring wedding because we’re not having alcohol,” she pointed out. However, she reassured viewers that many of their guests share similar values, noting that a significant portion of their invitees do not consume alcohol. Furthermore, the choice to serve only vegan food aligns with their lifestyle and has been met with some approval among their circle.
Online, Davis has garnered substantial attention, with five million followers on TikTok and over 500,000 on Instagram. Known for her career as a professional ballerina, she currently dances with Azara Ballet in Arizona, having previously performed with the Grand Rapids Ballet and San Diego’s Golden State Ballet. Despite facing online scrutiny, Davis and Arredondo are excited to share their special day with those closest to them.
Ultimately, Davis emphasised that their wedding is about celebrating their love and commitment to each other. “Marriage to us means spending the rest of our lives with a built-in best friend to grow old with and be there for each other in both the good and bad times,” she concluded. As they prepare for their nuptials, it is clear that this couple is focused on honouring their unique values while embracing their individuality amid diverse societal expectations around weddings.