We first crossed paths through mutual friends, but the night we truly connected was while making signs for a friends’ soccer game. That night, we couldn’t stop laughing and were already excited for the next time our friends would get together. From that moment on, we found ourselves drawn to each other at every hangout, always looking for excuses to talk, laugh, and just spend more time together.

For our first date, Zach surprised Abby after class with a trip to Cole Mountain. Early on in our friendship, Abby had once described her “dream date” to Zach and some friends, and he remembered every detail. Waiting on the passenger seat of his car was a bundle of baby’s breath and all of Abby’s favorite snacks, ready for a picnic once we reached the top. We talked and laughed the entire drive, watched the sun set at the top of the mountain, and made an unforgettable memory as we hiked back down the mountain in the dark. It was actually terrifying but the night was PERFECT.

On August 4th, we had planned to spend the day in Chicago, as we have many times in all of Zach's visits to Illinois. Abby had suspected that he might propose that day, but her suspicions were confirmed when she asked Zach to pick a dress for her to wear and he picked the white one. We spent the day visiting various architectural landmarks in the city, and lastly went to the South garden of the Art Institute. The Art Institute is one of our favorite places and first place we visited in the city together. At this point, Abby was nervous that she was wrong and Zach wasn't going to propose, because it was now dinner time and there was still no ring. After walking around the garden, Abby accidentally spotted a close friend who was supposed to be out of town, Abby knew that this was it! Zach said something perfect and sweet that neither of them can remember because of all the nerves and emotions, but Abby said yes! We then went and took pictures around the city, and Zach surprised Abby with a quiet dinner at Acanto where they let their engagement sink in. We then came home to a surprise engagement party with friends and family, even Abby's grandparents and Zach's parents from out of state! The whole night was a blur, so after everyone left, Zach read the speech he had written out on the plane that he wanted to say when he proposed. All the details were perfect that day and now we are going to get married, YAY!