The first time we met was at an AAU basketball practice in 2009. We didn't say a word to each other. I (Alyssa) was an awkward 17-year old and played for the same program as Zach's sister. She is also named Alyssa but pronounced differently. Fun fact; there are THREE Alyssa's total in the bridal party. Anyway... Zach showed up to a few of our trainings to get extra basketball work in, but we never had a real conversation. Years passed, then Instagram really blew up when we were both in college, so we followed each other on that app, but still didn't communicate much except for a "liked photo" here and there. -- Fast forward THIRTEEN years from AAU days, to the day after my 30th birthday on December 19th, 2021. -- I was filling up at the Chevron gas station in Bellevue right off 520 after having brunch with my parents when a very handsome, tall man walked toward me saying my name. I honestly wasn't sure if this was Zach Smith, a guy I hadn't seen since I was 17 years old, but I said his name anyway and thank the LORD I was right. It was a seemingly simple 10 minute conversation, but Zach has such a warm, pure nature to him that was so obvious to me in those 10 minutes that I couldn't stop thinking about him for days. He might add more details on the silly Instagram side, but that's where I ended up sending him a message on Christmas day, six days after our gas station love encounter. He was in Montana visiting his amazing sister and their beautiful family in Missoula, but when he came back we went on our first date at Como on the Kirkland waterfront. The best two years of my life later, Zach asked me to marry him on the dock out on Lake Washington right in front of that restaurant. He is a thousand answered prayers and the man I've asked God for a LONG time to prepare my heart for. I could write a million novels with way too many pages on why he's so wonderful, but I'll save that for our 3-hour wedding ceremony. KIDDING.

My first memories of Alyssa were in a gym somewhere. We probably spent countless hours on the same court in high school. My sister and Alyssa played for the same club and I would attend their weekly trainings, watch their practices, and occasionally travel to their tournaments. I remember a tall, beautiful blonde, with a slicked back pony that everyone called "Charlie". We didn't communicate back then, both being young high school kids with our own weird teenage personal lives. It obviously never occurred to me my future wife was shooting free throws at the hoop right next to me when I was 15. If I only knew then what I know now.... A few years later, we were in college and I remember watching Alyssa at the University of Idaho play against my sister at the University of Montana. During this time, social media became a thing and I remember following her on Instagram. Knowing that we were both athletes and had a similar circle of friends, it made sense to follow each other and keep up with each others lives. From afar, I watched Alyssa's journey. Conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and International Championships etc...(we all know she's a star) Flash forward to March 21st 2019, Alyssa was working for Gonzaga and had triple posted something on her Instagram story. Knowing what I was doing, I decided to make "first contact". I messaged her and said, "Third times the charm haha." She responded, "Haha nooo! My name's Alyssa and I overthink captions. Thank you for letting me know! Hope all is well with you." I responded, "I'd be better if you let me know next time you're in the Seattle area." Alyssa - GHOSTED ME, ha! No response. I didn't take it too hard. Figured I took my shot and missed. Pretty normal for me - pun intended. Two years later, December 19th 2021 I was driving on Bellevue Way talking to my sister about Christmas presents for her kids and I pulled into the Chevron to fill up. At the pump across from me was that same tall, beautiful blonde I recognized from all those years ago. I knew I had to say hi, so I went over, and after a brief hug and 10 minute conversation catching up, I drove away. I obviously wanted to follow up and ask her out but ego got the best of me that day. I figured, she was back in Seattle and I was bound to run in to her somewhere and have the chance to make a second impression. But, I didn't have to wait long. A few days later on Christmas morning, Alyssa messaged me and asked ME out on a date. Days later, we had our first date at Como on the Kirkland Waterfront. We sat there and talked for 4 hours until they kicked us out. I was captivated by her. Couldn't get enough. We spent the next 3 days together and I felt something I had never felt before. She was confident, bright, warm, and held nothing back. We talked about everything, sports, family, life goals, and rough relationships. We met each other on so many levels it felt impossible. After a few weeks of dating, there was not a doubt in my mind I wanted to marry this girl. Not only had she quickly become my best friend, but I knew I had found the love of my life. Through a job change and a move, she was the most supportive partner. There was never a doubt the last 3 years. On December 17th, 2023 I asked Alyssa to marry me. It was the easiest decision I have ever made and I know I am the luckiest person to have her (because I am told by everyone we meet haha). Through the years, people always told me that you are most likely going to marry someone you already know. Well, I hoped and prayed for my Wife to be out there somewhere. We both waited a long time to find each other, but we know God had His hands on this one, and it all made sense in the end...