WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

It was September 2015, I think. She rolled into the room much like that of a movie scene. Everything was slow motion. The situation muffled the ears. People’s jaws dropped as she passed by. Nobody had ever seen anything like what she had going on. She was unique. She was the main attraction. She was a patient that had come into the operating room with a brake pad sticking out of her left leg from an accident. How is this relevant? Kaitlin and Zach met in the operating room at Atrium in Concord. They both worked as Operating Room Assistants, which is a better name than a janitor for the Surgery department. They mopped floors, cleaned OR rooms, transported patients, and took specimens to the lab. I know what you’re thinking…this is exactly where they thought they would find love. Wrong! Zach was living the bachelor life and, on the surface, didn’t look like he was ready to settle down anytime soon. Kaitlin was more in the “go with the flow” chapter of her life but also trying to figure out the next steps of her career in healthcare. Neither of them were looking for a relationship and they definitely weren’t expecting to find love. In fact, at first, both had written off the thought of dating. Which ironically is what probably brought them together. After a few months of working in the operating room together, Kaitlin would invite Zach out with her and her friends in Charlotte. Zach would return the favor by inviting Kaitlin to hangout with his friends as well. Before love, there was a strong friendship developing among the two. Over time, work transcended into life. The two began to text constantly about anything. Anywhere one would go, the other would receive an invite and typically show up. This all happened subconsciously if you ask Zach. Kaitlin might say something different.

The friendship grew so strong that Zach had started talking about Kaitlin to friends & family without even realizing it. Katlin was talking to her friends about “a guy from work.” New Years Eve came around & Kaitlin invited Zach to celebrate her birthday in Charlotte. Zach showed up without a ticket to BlackFinn, where all her friends were going to ring in the New Year. Somehow, Zach was able to secure a ticket to the sold-out venue! This night was an important milestone for their relationship. As cliché as it might sound, Kaitlin and Zach shared their first kiss as the ball dropped to begin a New Year. Also, a key detail Zach would make sure to add when telling this story is The Weeknd was playing, which to him, was a sign. The connection between the two continued to drive them together. In fact, before they were officially “official,” they planned and took a trip to Washington D.C. on a whim. New Years was the start, but if you ask them both, they will tell you that D.C. is where they grew into the idea of dating. The conversations they had on this trip were deep, intelligent, fun, encouraging, and everything you would want from a significant other. The trip was a long weekend that would ultimately grow into forever. Although there have been many more stories since D.C., this is the origin of their relationship. This is where it all began. It is where friendship turned to love, and the flame is still burning as bright as ever to this day.

As some of you have followed their journey, close or from afar, you have seen their tremendous leaps and bounds from where they started. Kaitlin is a CVIMC Nurse at Atrium Health, Zach is a Strategy Staff Executive for Qumu Corporation, and they have the sweetest and cutest puppy dog, Zola. When talking to Zach, he will tell you that most of his achievements in life were sparked by Kaitlin and the light she brought into his life. Kaitlin will tell you the same when it comes to Zach. The two have grown better together and they are extremely excited to have you celebrate with them at their wedding on November 6th, 2021 to continue writing chapters in their most extraordinary journey.