Chris and Deb’s story began on February 18, 2023, at a cozy live music bar in Colorado Springs. It was their first date, just after Deb returned from a birthday ski trip in Jackson Hole and a rare weekend in the winter where Chris wasn't snowboarding. They both knew it was more than just the music that kept them in the bar til closing time. Deb, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and Chris, hailing from Trumbull, Connecticut, clicked instantly. Things progressed quickly, and by their third date, Deb found herself at an Avalanche hockey game, meeting a big group of Chris’ friends and a rowdy group of coworkers - (on a weeknight!). It was a whirlwind start, but it quickly proved the saying was true "when you know, you know". Chris, who's relocated every three years since he was 22, almost moved again—but meeting Deb changed everything. Those first few months were packed with ski trips, family introductions, and endless adventures. Deb’s beloved black lab, Odis, also hit the jackpot. With Chris in the picture, Odie’s life got a major upgrade—from couch cuddles, to outdoor adventures, and a seemingly endless supply of "dropped" snacks. Meeting the families was another milestone. Deb joined Chris in Providence for his niece’s birthday and then celebrated his brother’s wedding in the summer of 2023. A particularly memorable trip where they got stuck in an airport, forced to stay in New York City and almost spent the night in the ghetto... From this point Deb knew that Chris was ready for the Zagozda 4th of July. She survived the third date gauntlet, and now it was finally time for his. Chris met all of Debs' family, friends, friends of friends, neighbors, and quite a few dogs back in Omaha on the 4th. Luckily, Chris is a name-remembering savant and a decent horseshoe player.

Chris proposed on March 22, 2024, at the tippy top of Jackson Hole Ski Resort, a very special place to Deb and the last place she was before they met in 2023. Chris had the ring in his jacket pocket the entire ski day before but the conditions were "dangerously variable". They attempted to go up the tram (which holds 100 people and takes you to the expert terrain at Jackson Hole), even after being strongly discouraged by the tram warden. They "skied" or rather Deb slid down what can only be described as "frozen coral reef" or as Chris says "an average ski day in New England". After Deb took a scary fall in the trees Chris decided it was not the day to propose. The following day, Deb's friends Shawn, Allison, and Grace insisted on taking another trip up the tram, despite Deb’s reluctance. Chris didn't mutter a single word the entire ride up and Deb just assumed he was nervous (she was right). Upon reaching the top, the sun came out from behind the clouds, the wind died down, and Chris' knees stopped shaking just enough to bring Deb out on the Gondola platform to take a photo. When Grace cued, "It’s the perfect picture!" Deb turned to see Chris down on one knee. It was not only the "perfect picture" --- it was the perfect moment atop a breathtaking mountain, wearing their best attire, with only a very small chance of dropping the ring down a cliffside :)

Their shared passion for the mountains, self-improvement, and adventure has shaped their relationship. Between Spartan races, Tough Mudders, Ragnars, frigid Turkey Trots, CrossFit, and more, they’ve pushed each other to new heights while cheering one another on every step of the way. As Deb wisely puts it, "You win some, you lose most," but meeting each other was the biggest win of all.