Alex and Zech met while they were both stationed in Rota, Spain. Zech invited Alex to watch him play golf, and she thought he would make "a really cool friend". After about 3 golf "dates", Alex started to realize that Zech was more than just a friend, and they began dating. They spent the next 2 years traveling Europe and learning a lot about each other. For example, Zech learned that Alex loves Christmas and will go to any length to see a Christmas market, even if it means walking miles in 35 degree weather (plus rain) in Brussels. Alex learned that Zech does not like the combination of cold and wet, and only enjoys walking to the golf course. The most important lesson they learned during those first two years was that they loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives going on adventures. They moved to San Diego where they moved into their first apartment together. Zech asked Alex to marry him on July 3rd, 2021 at the Torrey Pines Glider Park.