After a few months of backing out on opportunities to try out a self defense class with my friend, I finally agreed to go. I remember being nervous and anxious about not knowing anyone, especially because my friend was late. I ended up watching another class before mine began and immediate one of the instructors caught my eye. When my friend showed up finally I tried to ask her about him, but she just gave me hard time for being focused on boys when I should be learning self defense. Throughout the class I kept trying to make strong eye contact across the room, but really trying hard to not fall on my face. I remember him introducing himself and I'm pretty sure I blacked out because I had to ask my friend two minutes later what his name was again. After class he pulled me aside to talk about the program they offer and if I was interested. I had enjoyed the class and wanted to see him again so I obviously agreed to sign a 6 month commitment to train... really casual. After a few months of training and eventually becoming close friends Zack and I were both single for the first time since we met. We went on a few dates before I kissed him (yes, I made the first move) during the Super Bowl and the rest is history! - Samantha

It had been some time after we started dating that I realized what I had with Samantha was like nothing I had before. The level of appreciation, engagement, support, excitement and affection was overwhelming, to the point where it felt like I was living in a RomCom movie. I decided that she was the one and that I wanted to marry her. I had wanted to ask her family's permission ahead of time. Her sister was a Facebook call, as she lived in DC. I took her father and brothers to a brewery and asked them. Ryan realized halfway through what I was asking and put his face in his hat in disbelief. Josh said, "don't mess up," in usual Josh fashion. Her dad grinned ear to ear. I had to ask her mom over the phone because I wasn't able to talk to her without Sammy around, but she was just as happy as Matt. During the process of remodeling our condo, there were plenty of times where one of us had to run back and forth to places. In April, I decided to get a chalkboard sign to go around our dog, Zaila's neck. I wrote "will you marry my dad?" on both sides of the sign because Zaila would get excited seeing Samantha and it kept flopping back in forth. When Samantha walked in the front door, she was greeted enthusiastically by Zaila and her sign, and me on my knee with ring in hand. I will never forget the look on her face as she realized what was happening and said yes when I asked. - Zack

We are so excited to be celebrating with our closes family and friends and we would like to express our most sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of the amazing blessings you have given us over the years. We truly feel blessed to be able to share our wedding day with each and everyone of you. Get ready to eat, drink, dance, and drink some more as we celebrate the night away as the new Mr. & Mrs. Brochu! - Samantha & Zack