Our Love Story
Bennett Magee
Bennett Jaxon Magee was born on December 4, 2000, in McComb, Mississippi—a first in more ways than one, including being the first baby at the hospital to have his cord blood collected and stored.
His name was always going to be Bennett—his mom made that clear from the start—with one condition: no one would call him “Ben.” His dad, of course, didn’t quite stick to that agreement. And his little sister, Pailyn, lovingly called him “Benny”…a title he tolerated with considerably less enthusiasm.
From the very beginning, Bennett was the sweetest kind of boy—tender-hearted, a bit cautious, but full of life. He played hard and loudly, and was so enjoyed by his parents that daycare was more of a suggestion than a schedule. Most days, he arrived closer to 10 a.m., only to be picked up again not long after noon.
He had his stubborn moments too. His Wednesday Mass uniform included a clip-on tie that, if you asked him, might as well have been a chokehold.
Even as a child, Bennett’s mind worked a little differently. He consumed all kinds of content and somehow developed an understanding of the most unexpected and nuanced topics. At one point, his mom realized she had learned more about Nikola Tesla, among other things, from her 12-year-old son than she ever had in school.
Recognizing early his natural gift for argument and persuasion, she enrolled him in a rhetoric course—where he quickly proved it wasn’t just an inclination, but a strength.
That curiosity and drive carried forward. At just 19, Bennett earned his pilot’s license, adding “aviator” to an already growing list of self-taught skills.
He also grew up around his dad’s work, eventually finding his own path into digital media—partly through determination, and partly through a remarkable ability to convince his dad that top-tier tech and camera equipment were absolutely essential. That investment paid off. Bennett became a self-taught videographer and now works with The HighWire, traveling across the country and abroad, continuing work that feels deeply connected to the path he grew up on.
Bennett is discerning, driven, and creative—someone who thinks for himself and pursues what matters with intention. He is deeply loyal and devoted to the people he loves.
During one of the hardest seasons their family has faced, Bennett quietly stepped into a role far beyond his years. When his dad was sick, he showed up—with strength, steadiness, and a focus that became an anchor for both of his parents. In the time that followed, he remained that same rock for his mom, carrying himself with a kind of resilience that made her incredibly proud.
Along the way, Lysandra had already been part of the story. The two were friends throughout high school—she spent so much time at their home that her presence just felt natural. And then, one day, they were more than friends.
What they share now is something steady and rare. They are selfless with one another, deeply supportive, and it is obvious to anyone around them that they are each other’s favorite person.
Today, Bennett is building on everything that has always set him apart—working at the leading edge of new technology and using his creativity and entrepreneurial drive to help shape what comes next.
And while his momma hopes for many grandchildren someday, she’s currently quite content serving as “PawMaw” to their dogs.
Written by: Lindey Magee (Mother of Groom)
Lysandra Fegan
Lysandra Kaelyn Fegan is the daughter of Borden Edward Fegan and Kathryn Marleen Fegan. She was born and raised on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, the youngest of the "Who Babies" (if you're from the Rez, you know— if you're not, ask someone at the wedding for the story!).
She grew up going by her middle name, Kaelyn, because her family thought it would be easy for everyone to pronounce. It wasn't. She got "Katelyn," and "Kayla" more times than she could count. By the time she was 11, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She told her family— as emphatically as she could— that she would go by Lysandra from now on, and that everyone else would just have to get used to it.
That pretty much set the tone for everything Lysandra would ever do. Lysandra is not the kind of person who does things halfway. In school, she put 100% of her energy into every essay, test, and assignment. When she went into teaching, she spent hundreds of extra hours spreading glitter and hiding rainbows to bring extra magic into her 2nd graders' days. For the past year, she has put her heart and soul into planning the perfect wedding so that, on June 12th, she can be totally present and joyful surrounded by the people she loves— you guessed it— 100%.
Written by: Donya Fegan (Sister and MOH)
Our Relationship
Bennett and I met through a mutual friend in September of my junior year at Parklane Academy. Our first meeting has its own little backstory— those who know it understand why it makes us smile. After our first meeting, I remember texting our friend “That guy was cute! He has a REALLY nice car.” The next time we saw each other was a few months later at the Halloween Trick or Treat night at Percy Quinn.
Throughout the rest of my junior year and that following summer, we began spending more time together, though always with a larger group of friends. We would go swimming, watch movies in Bennett’s home theater, have bonfires, and simply talk. Over time, we developed a very strong friendship.
When I began my senior year, I only attended classes for a few hours in the morning, which allowed me to start working evenings at Tortilla Soup. I wanted to save for college and, one day, for my future wedding— even though I had never had a serious boyfriend and did not expect to before leaving for college. With just a few hours between school and work, and a long drive back to my parents’ house, I often went to Bennett’s instead. Soon, I was spending every afternoon there.
For the first time since we met, we had hours together just the two of us. We would play video games, swim, and talk endlessly. Before long, I also began going over after work simply because I enjoyed Bennett’s company so much. We would watch That 70s Show, cuddle, and despite saying “I need to go,” I often fell asleep. I would wake up around 2 or 3 a.m. to drive home. Understandably, my parents were concerned, but I couldn’t help it— I just wanted to spend as much time as possible with Bennett.
In January of my senior year, after more than a year of friendship, we officially began dating. At first we were worried it might affect our friendship, but our feelings were undeniable. After I was accepted into Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, our relationship faced its greatest challenge. Being more than 1,100 miles apart for months at a time was excruciating after having spent nearly every day together. During November of my freshman year, the distance became overwhelming and we decided to break up. Yet I quickly realized that while the distance was difficult, being without Bennett was far worse. By February, we reunited.
When I returned home for spring break, everything changed. Covid struck, completely altering our lives and relationship. We moved in together with some friends in Oxford, adopted our dogs Digit and Kali, and begun building a little family of our own. When I eventually returned to Swarthmore after restrictions lifted, it only took one semester before Bennett moved to Pennsylvania to support me though the rest of my college years and student teaching.
Two years Later, we were living in Louisiana, and I had just begun my first year of teaching. We planned a trip to the Smoky Mountains during my spring break— coincidentally, just two days after our six-year anniversary. On our first morning there, we woke up extra early and hiked to Abrams Falls, the very first waterfall we had visited together as a couple. When we arrived, Bennett set up his camera for a “photo,” walked back to me, dropped to one knee, and proposed. Of course, I said “YES!”
Since that day, I have spent every moment looking forward to the day I get to say “I do.”
Proposal
In case you missed our story, we got engaged at Abrams Falls— the first waterfall we ever hiked to as a couple. Bennett set up his camera for what I thought was just another photo (a very normal thing for our hikes)… and then he proposed!! As you can see in the video, I was completly shocked. My brain was racing, mostly worried about being so close to the water and Bennett dropping the ring. Meanwhile, Bennett was calm and had it all planned out.
If you know us, it makes perfect sense. Bennett is the no-nonsense, to-the-point one and I am the one fluttering around with a million thoughts. Togther, we balance each other perfectly. This video captures that better than words ever could. Peep me hiding from the camera crying at the end of the video.