Let's set the stage... it's fall of 2013, band room at Spencerport High School, back row, in the trumpet section. It's Zach's senior year, and he's thinking about college applications and AP Physics. It's Amy's junior year, and she's thinking about college applications and AP US History. And her brief stint on the indoor track team, resulting in a broken femur and hobbling around on crutches. Ever the gentleman, Zach offers to carry Amy's trumpet, backpack, textbooks, lunch box, etc., etc., all the way from the band room to her business law class. As Amy's leg heals and it's starting to look like she might not need as much help anymore, they exchange numbers and go to good ol' Greece Ridge Mall to watch the Hot Movie of the Year- The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. Despite 3hrs and 7minutes of confusion (neither one knew much about the Lord of the Rings universe) and awkwardness (#firstdates), this was only the first of many memories to be shared together.

And so, Zach headed off to school at Grove City. Amy enjoyed her last year at Spencerport, and they exchanged a lot of snail mail letters, and the occasional cookie care package. And they texted a LOT. It’s funny to reminisce about now, given how easy texting has become, but to get a simple “s” character, the key would have to be pressed 4 times! And Amy’s TracFone deducted 0.30/minute for every message sent or received. In the fall of 2015, Amy left for Messiah College. Despite being in the same state again, some 200+ miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike stood between them. Fortunately, when classes and bus schedules would allow, they were able to explore their new environments together- which often meant Chipotle and walking around the Outlets or the mall. Even when school was out for the summer, it was rare for Zach and Amy to be together. Both took extra summer courses, worked, and travelled. Zach visited Portland and the southern states, and Amy travelled and studied extensively through the International Business Institute, and then lived and worked at Disney for about six months. Despite different time zones and busy work schedules, Snapchat, WhatsApp, emails, and postcards kept them in constant communication. Amy graduated, and started working in Rochester for about six months before beginning a new adventure in Atlanta, Georgia. Meanwhile, Zach finished his degree, and started working in Rochester. Although dates required a lot more prep (and money sent to Delta Airlines), they cherished time spent together, and looking forward to the future. The pandemic provided an unexpected silver lining when Zach’s ten day trip to Atlanta was extended for four months! Of course, staying home and staying safe has many limitations, but it was during this time that they streamed a ton of shows, adopted their cat Charley, and deepened meaningful friendships.

In mid-August, it was Amy’s turn to come up to Rochester. With their families, they headed down for a long weekend on Keuka Lake at Zach’s family’s lake house. While sitting around the campfire Thursday night, plans were formed for an early morning hike to beautiful Garrett Memorial Chapel. It should have been a little suspicious to Amy that no one else wanted to join what promised to be a lovely walk… but maybe sunrise was a LITTLE too early (it was for Amy- she almost slept through it!). When Zach and Amy got to Garrett Chapel, the gate was fortunately unlocked, and no one else was there. They walked around their familiar favorite spot on the Bluff, taking in the pastel sky and storied stonework. Zach asked Amy to spend forever together, and you already know the answer or this webpage would not exist! They called some family and friends (the ones who were most likely to be up that early anyway!) and headed back to the house. Our families surprised us with champagne, cake, the sounds of Sinatra, and a yummy breakfast spread! It was so special to be able to talk and video call with many of our friends and family to share our news. We had a day filled to the brim with laughter and smiles, and enjoying life on the lake- boating, swimming, and “wining,” followed by grilled salmon and ratatouille for dinner. We capped the evening off together with our families, watching a movie. A bit poetic, considering our first date at the movies!

We are so thankful to Jill Studio for taking our engagement pictures at Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua! If you love Jill as much as we do, and want to see more of her work, please check her out on Instagram @jill_studio, or on her website www.jill-studio.com