Kate took a temporary position at the local pub while finishing her architecture degree, where she met Zach, a bartender. He asked for her phone number, claiming he might need it to cover a shift. She gave it to him without thinking much of it but their connection grew from there. After a handful of rescheduled first dates (busy schedules), they finally went out for breakfast.

By the end of the summer, they planned their first trip together to Acadia National Park and Portland, Maine. In Portland, they stumbled upon the Bearded Lady's Jewel Box, a quirky little bar that quickly became one of their favorites. Now, every year, they make their way back to Maine to celebrate their anniversary and sip drinks at the Jewel Box, making it their favorite tradition.

It was there, four years later, in June 2023, when Zach and Kate set off for a camping adventure in Acadia. But as they drove up, severe thunderstorms and flooding had other plans, so they decided to stay in a cozy hotel in Portland for the night. The next day, they finally made it to Acadia, where Zach proposed after a beautiful hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Afterward, they celebrated their new engagement with a few peaceful nights at the White Barn Inn & Spa in Kennebunk, soaking in the joy of their moment before heading back to Bristol, RI, and Denville, NJ to share the exciting news with their loved ones. To top it off, they returned to their favorite Bristol pub for their engagement shoot!