Let the celebrations begin!

September 19, 2015, Zach and Joan were both invited to Southport Taco Festival by mutual friends. Part of a larger group, their paths didn't cross until the crowd dwindled later in the day and those who were left went to a local bar. There, Zach and Joan sat next to each other and hit it off. After seeing their chemistry, their mutual friends set up a BBQ the next night, but sneakily only invited Joan and Zach. At the end of the evening, Zach asked for Joan's phone number and they've been together ever since.

Zach spent months meticulously planning a grand proposal and surprise engagement celebration, but COVID had other plans. Just 5 days before the proposal was set to happen, the city of Chicago completely shut down, ruining Zach's plans. After a few weeks in lock down together (and a ring burning a hole in his pocket), Zach decided to pivot and propose. On a cold Sunday evening, Joan and Zach went for their regular happy hour walk around Lincoln Park, and on a quiet, tree-lined street he stopped and got down on one knee. Joan was completely surprised and started crying instantly. Joan thinks it was the most special and romantic proposal she could've asked for!