Right before Gabby's 16th birthday, Zach became an instant-friend of hers in Mr. Yoder's high school media class. Zach wowed Gabby when he knew all the words to countless Disney songs, including songs from their shared favorite movie: Tangled. After their media class went on a trip to California for a film convention, something changed for Gabby and Zach. Gabby goes as far as to say that she loved him then. Zach wasn't so sure of his feelings at the time, but he still felt the connection. On that bus ride home, Zach said, "Gabby, some way or another, we will grow old together." And thus began a friendship destined for more.

On March 8th, 2014, Gabby and Zach became "official" by holding hands for the first time in his car. The day after that, they went on their first date to see Jeff Dunham with Zach's twin brothers Alec and AJ and their Grammy. The day after that, Gabby went fishing with Zach and his family, meeting many more members of the Derr clan, including Paca. Gabby likes to say that their first date was a puppet show with Zach's grandma. :) It sounds funny, but it was really special that their first date included so many important people in Zach's life. And Gabby wouldn't have had it any other way!

On March 18th, 2018 in Rocky Point, Mexico, Zach took Gabby out on the beach for a "couple's photoshoot" with their friends Ben and Jessie Lee. Gabby did not expect anything as Zach snuck a white ring box out of his pocket, got down on one knee, and proposed, all while Ben captured the moment and Gabby's family watched from afar on their hotel balcony. After getting over the initial shock, Gabby finally said "Of course, YES!" and finally looked at her fire opal engagement ring. (Update: She hasn't stopped obsessing over it since!) #FutureMrsZachDerr We are so excited to start the next chapter of our lives with you!