May God bless our marriage and guide our hearts.

The first time we met was when Emily joined Zach's life group, a small group from our church, for young adults. Emily had been looking for a new community after being back home after college while Zach had been a long time member of the group. Both are still in this same life group today!

Zach and Emily would just so happen to be in the same ABC (Adult Bible study Classes) classes at church where they started sitting closer and closer together. They would often talk after church together before going to life group or just about their Sunday's.

Zach and Emily had been in an ABC class at their church together for awhile. After the class one day, Zach asked Emily out for coffee (or some other drink, as Emily does not drink coffee often). Emily agreed happily and they ended up going to Caribou Coffee in Stillwater, MN later that day. After feeling such a great connection, they agreed to officially date.

Emily and Zach go swing dancing for the first time at The Caves in St. Paul, MN. It would become a staple for date night to go swing dancing either there or at the Ukrainian Center in Minneapolis, MN. Except for when Emily has injured her ankle/foot again...then it has to wait for a bit before going back. But they will dance once again!

Emily and Zach decide to binge all 3 Lord of the Rings movies in one day, as they both love the books/movies. They have pizza and just enjoy a relaxing evening watching all 3. Before Emily heads home, Zach tells her he loves her. Emily responds in kind. It became a very sweet and fond moment for them.

Emily brings Zach to her cousin's graduation party, where he meets a good chunk of her extended family for the first time. They all loved him and were excited to meet him after Emily, who almost never uses Facebook, updated her profile picture.

While Zach knew some of Emily's family from church already, today was the first time he met the full set of siblings and co. It was a last minute get together, but was a fun grill out where he got to know who would one day become his family. Everyone loved him and were happy to have him and see how happy Emily and Zach were together.

Zach invites Emily to join his family at their family's cabin. They enjoy riding around on a jet ski (Emily's first time on one), quiet evenings playing games, and reading on the beach together.

Zach visits Emily's grandparent's farm with her and her mom. Her grandpa even takes them out in the rover to give him a tour of the farm. A very sweet memory of visiting her grandparents and the farm for both of them.

Emily invited Zach to her friend Dawn's wedding in Milwaukee, WI. Some could say it was a sign of what was to come. At least Zach thought so...

Emily was invited along to her first public outing with Zach's immediate family to the MN State Fair. It was a crazy day of tasty food and lots of walking.

Zach brings Emily to Big Falls Park in Eau Claire, WI. They have a lovely picnic on the beach before exploring the falls. Emily does end up falling in at one point, but they have a blast together. Later that night, Zach asked Dave, Emily's dad, for permission to marry her.

Zach brought Emily to downtown River Falls, WI where they walked around before dinner. He even bought some children's books to contribute to her future classroom library, which she found super sweet. Afterward, they went to the West Wind Supper Club for dinner, where they enjoyed a lovely meal together. To end the night, under an almost full moon, Zach brought Emily to Glen Park. On the swinging bridge, over the falls of the Kinnikinic River, Zach got down on one knee and read a letter where he then proposed. Emily did not even let him get up before jumping forward with a resounding yes!

Emily meets Zach's extended family for the first time at his great aunt's birthday brunch. They all were very welcoming and kind. Emily enjoyed getting to know who would soon become her family despite Zach trying to quiz her afterwards on the most random of facts she heard at brunch, and some that weren't even said.

Emily wanted to go to Valley Scare for her birthday. Zach was her fearless protector from the ghouls and monsters of Valley Fair.

Finding the perfect rings became even more meaningful when they visited Zach's grandfather’s jewelry shop over Thanksgiving. Being able to choose them together in a place filled with family history made the experience unforgettable.

Christmas became very busy for them as they celebrated their families Christmases together for the first time. They learned each others traditions and met more of each other's extended family for the first time. Overall, it was fun traveling all over together.

Emily and Zach stepped back into the world of The Lord of the Rings for its 25th anniversary, returning to theaters for three nights—one film at a time—like a journey unfolding chapter by chapter. Though Emily may have drifted off for a short while each night, tired but determined to see it through, Zach and Emily was there for every part of the adventure. More than anything, it brought them back to the movie night where they first said “I love you,” a memory woven gently into the story.

The first Valentine's Day together. It started off with a lovely dinner at Mallory's. Afterwards, Emily was delighted to receive flowers in a heart vase (she loves decorations like these. Zach is preparing himself for many such decorations being part of married life). Zach though seemed touched by the stain glass with the words from the first dance they will share together at their wedding. Both just a part of their love for each other.

For a night of intrigue, they attended a play based on Sherlock Holmes that was directed by Zach's sister, Lydia. Full of humor, charm, and sharp deductions, it was a night to remember.

Zach and Emily decided to continue their adventure in mystery plays, and enjoyed a fun night watching Clue. They enjoyed trying to figure out who was the murderer on the loose, especially Emily as Clue was one of her favorite games growing up.

Zach and Emily attended her friend's wedding at a beautiful venue called Panola Valley Gardens. Emily was a bridesmaid in the wedding, and was very happy to see her friend get married. It has been a special experience being able to be married in the same year together, and all the planning that has led up to both of their weddings.