We're Getting Married!

Zak and I have known each other since third grade through a mutual friend, Shane Pack. Throughout our childhood we would see each other on occasion, but didn’t begin to develop a friendship until High School. It wasn't until high school that our friendship began to deepen, largely due to the countless hours spent with Shane and his circle of friends. Zak welcomed me into this group with open arms, offering a sense of safety and protection that was both comforting and unique. However, it was during our sophomore year at Texas A&M that something more between us began to take shape. Attending the same university, Zak and I found ourselves constantly around each other, especially since he and Shane were roommates. This meant I was a frequent visitor at their place, taking advantage of the comfort of two close friends nearby. In January 2021, I finally hinted that I maybeeee had a crush on Zak, and he took it from there. He immediately laid out how he had developed feelings for me, and the spark turned to fire. Within 6 days, we were dating. After all, you don’t need the “talking stage” when you know everything about the person! College life brought us closer, sharing in each other's successes—receiving our Aggie rings, celebrating Zak's acceptance into grad school, and my own graduation. We found that experiencing these things together, brought a new appreciation for our accomplishments, and what is to come. Upon graduation, I embarked on a new chapter in Waco with my first full-time job, while Zak wrapped up his last two semesters of graduate school. Through this, we had to manage distance for the first time. Our weekends became cherished escapes, eagerly anticipating each visit. December 2nd held a surprise that would forever change our lives. Under the guise of a philanthropy banquet Zak was to speak at, I found myself amidst a beautifully orchestrated weekend. The true purpose of the gathering was far more significant. The whole drive over Zak had me rehearsing his “speech” for the banquet. Little did I know… he had a different speech he prepared. Surrounded by our closest family and friends, I watched as my best friend shakily got down on one knee. He transformed from friend to fiancé, and became my partner for life in one motion. The rest of the night turned into a celebration of love, and a life to come for the two of us.