In February of 2013, Zack and Claudia first crossed paths in the Lakewood high school choir room. Zack was touring with the Muskingum University Wind Ensemble and had just performed for Claudia’s band class. While Claudia was congratulating a mutual friend on their performance, Zack stole a glance and thought, “this tiny person is kind of cute.” Claudia didn’t even notice Zack was there. They wouldn’t realize for several years that was their first interaction. Nearly a year later, Claudia found herself sharing the Muskingum stage with Zack for the performance of the Sondheim musical Company. Zack’s character, Paul, was attempting to reassure Claudia’s character, Amy, on the morning of their wedding in a piece poetically titled “Not Getting Married Today.” Despite her acting prowess, Claudia found difficulty refusing Paul. She didn’t know her emotional connection to Zack was growing into something more than just professional. Then, on opening week, hushed whispers brought the news Zack’s current romantic relationship had ended. It was then Claudia realized why she was having a difficulty resisting Paul. Like a phoenix from the ashes of their characters’ relational demise the connection between Zack and Claudia grew. Over the following years, the two watched their bond grow from acquaintances to friends to near inseparability. This connection grew not only through time but through life events, including Zack’s graduation and move to Columbus and Claudia’s graduation and move to Orlando, FL. Even thousands of miles apart, they were consistently communicating through text and, to Zack’s reticence, a phone call or two. During Claudia’s internship at Disney World in the Spring of 2017, Zack flew down to visit.

Compared to the loneliness Claudia felt during her Disney experience, Zack’s effortless companionship stood in stark contrast. She realized there was no one in her life she’d rather share her adventures with than Zack. Meanwhile, Zack’s subconscious need for independence wouldn’t allow him to fully accept this unique bond. Zack planned to distance himself from her for the sake of their individualities. To his surprise, when he discussed this with Claudia, her answer was a definitive “no”. For a generally noncommittal person, her decisiveness was shocking, maybe even frightening. Claudia responded with a proposition: “I think we should date.” For a generally stubborn person, Zack was surprised to find himself considering her proposal. A week later, Zack picked up the phone to FaceTime Claudia and officially asked her to be his girlfriend. She, of course, said “yes”. To no one’s surprise, their relationship blossomed. They quickly realized their personalities complimented each other and their interests supplemented. Whether it’s travel, philosophy, interior design, theology, or dogs, nearly every interest was shared between them. Zack’s logical mind helped ground Claudia’s fears and anxieties while Claudia’s emotional intelligence aided Zack in his efforts to be more empathetic and appreciative of other humans. While no relationship is perfect, the obstacles they’ve faced such as Zack’s chronic commitment issues, some of Claudia’s fear, but mainly Zack’s commitment issues, have only made them stronger. Those commitment issues were finally put to rest when Zack got down on one knee on the moon-lit shores of the San Diegan beach. Zack promised her growth and adventure, companionship and love. And when Zack said “lots of dogs”, Claudia said “yes”. On July 30th, 2022, Zack and Claudia will be overjoyed to share the celebration of their future together with you, the dearest of friends and family.