In an age of dating apps, swiping right can sometimes lead to something extraordinary. We met in person for the first time on June 7, 2018, about two weeks after both swiping right on each other. Believe it or not, our first date almost didn’t happen. Hannah had been in the early stages of dating another ‘Zach’ before we met! Clumsily, Hannah sent her now-fiancé Zach a message meant for the other Zach—a sweet, loving, kind (and in Zach’s words, cringey) goodnight text. Fiancé Zach instantly knew this wasn’t meant for him. This made things all the more interesting, not to mention Hannah’s embarrassment and profuse apologies, followed by her acceptance of the mix-up! Zach, admittedly against his gut feeling, decided to still meet Hannah, because why not! Things didn’t quite get off on the right footing, but to this day, we both believe that fate, sprinkled with some luck and a dash of serendipity brought us together. It was a special date. Not just because it was our first, but as we saw each other at Dot’s in Deep Ellum, Zach waiting at the bar with a cheeky, but welcoming grin, Hannah arriving and lighting up the room as she all too often does, we both knew this was different. Our connection was instant, the conversation flowed effortlessly, although we’re sure the several IPA’s helped us along the way! The immediate and undeniable chemistry was a welcome change of pace from previous dates. From here, there was only one thing for it – more dates! But it was at a dinner at the Omni in Dallas, a few dates in (no, we weren’t staying there, just dinner), that we realized whatever ‘this’ was, had legs to it. You know, that flow state conversation, when your guard is down, and you feel a sense of trust and security in the person sitting opposite you. We spent hours talking about everything under the sun, from our favorite movies to our dreams for the future. Unbeknownst to Zach, Hannah had booked a jet ski date, without telling him what they were doing, or preparing him for what was to come. This is where Hannah literally made her mark on Zach. Unfortunately, Zach got so badly burnt that day, that he acquired a life vest tan line for the following 3+ years. Oops!! From that weekend on, we were inseparable, largely in part to the fact that Zach couldn’t dress himself properly and Hannah was required to stay with him to apply gallons of aloe vera to his crisp skin. But, it was a week or two after the jet ski incident (or date?) in Austin, TX, that we made it official and exclusive, we were to be boyfriend and girlfriend on the 20th of July 2018. As the years went by, the inevitable ups and downs of any relationship came and went, each one strengthening our bond. More importantly, though, the laughter, the cherished memories we've created, and the life we've built together have been the foundation of our love. Now, Cue the arrival of Brody – we brought home a tiny ball of fluff in March 2019, who is so much a part of our lives and our little family, or as Zach describes him as, our ‘son’ and ‘firstborn’. I suppose you want us to cut to the chase by now, so here goes, the build-up to the crescendo of our story (that will ultimately be our wedding!). In the beautiful summer of 2023 in Austin, TX, outside on a sweltering 100+ degree day, came the long awaited and much anticipated engagement (not mentioning the stick Zach received for not pulling the trigger sooner!). A perfect “I will” moment, that is soon to be followed by an even more special “I do” moment. And here we arrive, ready to celebrate with all of the special people in our lives who have played their part in where so many of our memories have originated. We are beyond excited to continue writing our story, hand in hand, as we step into the future as husband and wife.