Love from A to Z

It all started in the fall of 2016 when Alexis first saw Zac speaking at the Honors induction ceremony. While they didn’t connect right away, Alexis couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something special about him. She found herself asking advisors in the Honors College to set them up, hoping for a chance to get to know him better before graduating in 2019. Little did she know, fate had something else in mind. In 2020, after Alexis returned from Maryland during the pandemic, the two finally crossed paths — this time, on a dating app. Their connection was instant. What started as casual chats quickly turned into late-night movie marathons, hours of conversation, and a deep bond that felt like it had been years in the making. Their first date was over FaceTime, but it felt like they had known each other forever. They bonded over their shared childhood love of video games and music, with both having played in band, and realized they were two peas in a pod. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Their love grew in the kitchen, where they spent hours experimenting with new recipes and hosting their families for holiday celebrations. Through these shared moments, they built a life together, filled with love, laughter, and plenty of delicious meals. In 2024, Zac took their relationship to the next level with a surprise proposal at the beautiful Selby Gardens in Sarasota, FL. What made it even more special was the thoughtful coordination of family and friends — both near and far — to celebrate this unforgettable moment. Surrounded by loved ones, Alexis said "yes," knowing that this was just the beginning of their forever. Together, Zac and Alexis have supported each other through academic milestones, both being the first in their families to pursue advanced degrees. Zac earned his Master’s degree in 2020, and Alexis is now preparing to complete her PhD in 2025. Their journey has been one of love, growth, and unwavering support for one another. As they prepare to say “I do,” Zac and Alexis couldn’t be more excited to continue this adventure together — from the first spark of connection to the promise of a lifetime of memories.