The first day of Freshman year at Wisconsin Lutheran High School over ten years ago, Zach and Reagan sat next to each other during lunch. Each homeroom had an assigned table for Freshman Day, and they happened to be homeroom neighbors. After Zach and Reagan figured out they knew mutual people, they began making small talk. Reagan quickly realized she didn't have any classes with this "mystery boy" at lunch and only knew his first name because they had to wear name tags. Even though they barely knew one another, that small talk turned into having a crush on each other. Zach talked to his guy friends that knew Reagan while Reagan was doing the same thing to get more information about him. Since they didn't have any classes together, they would try to perfectly time out when each other would walk out of homeroom to walk to chapel together. A few weeks went by with only talking a handful of times, and Homecoming was right around the corner. During football practice, Zach asked one of his friends if he should ask Reagan to Homecoming. His friend told him to go for it! Well, word travels very fast at WLHS, which some of you know. She found out that a boy named Zach was asking her to Homecoming. She had to confirm his last name to make sure it was the same Zach from lunch. She was so excited to go with Zach and turned down other homecoming proposals to go with him. Reagan arrived at school one morning and went to their friend groups' normal spot before the start of the school day, she noticed that no one was there. She was confused but still sat there hoping someone would show up. A few minutes later, she looked up to see all of her friends walking in a huge group together and split in the middle as Zach walked through with pink roses in a cheerleading megaphone and a ribbon that said "Homecoming?" Reagan said "Yes!" before he could even get a word out. He was relieved that he didn't even have to say anything. The two had an amazing time at Homecoming and can't wait for their first dance at their wedding over a decade later.

What you will find here is a special day that embarked the beginning of a new chapter for the happy couple. This is the story of the perfect proposal. Zach and Reagan were fortunate enough to win a free 30 minute couple’s photoshoot with a professional photographer on instagram. This was a great excuse for Reagan to get her hair and nails done, and the perfect opportunity for Zach to discreetly plan a proposal. Once Zach was made aware of this photoshoot, he instantly went behind the scenes. The only problem was, Zach forgot the name of the photographer. He thought that it would be easy finding the photographer since Reagan probably follows her. Zach soon realized that Reagan followed over 60 photographers. The only solution? Message each and every photographer asking if he recently won a free photoshoot. After getting shut down repeatedly, he finally found the photographer, Tiffany. From that point on, it was a full go for planning the perfect proposal. One thing Zach knew from the start is that he could never mention the photoshoot. He consistently downplayed it and acted like he did not even want to do it, and would even pretend like it did not exist. Meanwhile, he is planning the entire thing by talking through Tiffany. Everything that he wanted to happen and knew what Reagan would want, made it seem like it was Tiffany or Reagan’s idea. May 22nd, 2023 is gameday, but before that can be told, we have to rewind to figure out who even knows this is about to happen. Up until a few days prior, only Zach’s parents are made aware. Zach went to great lengths to remain in the shadows by staging a meeting with Andy by making him believe he was seeing Henry for a midweek lunch. To Andy’s surprise, he spots Zach. It did not take more than a few seconds in that moment to understand what this lunch was about. Zach and Andy exchanged handshakes, hugs, smiles, and laughter as they discussed what the future would hold for the two coming together as one. Finally, the day has come. Zach keeps the ring in a drawstring bag tucked into his sock and white knuckles the hour long drive with Reagan to Kohler-Andrae State Park. They begin taking pictures, and Zach immediately thought his cover was blown. His heart was racing, beating out of his chest like a cartoon. They leave the grassy field to get back into the car and relocate to the beach. As they turn the corner, Zach spots both of their parents in the car and begins to panic. He glances over with a sigh of relief as Reagan is freshening up her makeup. They make it to the beach with the plan still intact. As they continue to pose, Reagan is facing Zach and Zach is facing the woods. There, he spots the parents jumping up and down waving their arms. Zach stays in character, knowing that the moment is drawing near. Tiffany cued up their favorite song together, From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay, asked Reagan to come forward, as Zach dropped down to one knee. She thought he was about to give her a hug from behind, but when she turned around, she became ecstatic. As Zach blew off the remaining particles of sand, which was a part of the plan knowing he would drop it, he asked, "Reagan Elizabeth Goede, will you marry me?”. Reagan’s reply was, of course, “NO!”, because she was in disbelief of the moment and the ring. She quickly changed her answer to a YES. The parents come screaming out from the woods, they pop champagne, and take the happiest photos together. The final surprise of the night was meeting all of the siblings for a celebratory dinner, as the two families enjoy the special day, each sharing their own perspective. 5/22/2023 was a monumental day for Zach and Reagan, and they could not be more thrilled to share this next chapter of their lives with you, on 8/30/2025. May that day be filled with tears of joy, memories, and happiness as we all come together. Cheers!