We're Getting Married!

Three years ago, Zaq and Katie first met during very different seasons of life. Zaq had recently left a relationship, while Katie had just started one of her own. Their paths crossed briefly through a college Bible study and a mutual friend. After that short introduction, life pulled them in different directions. Katie continued working toward her degree at Central Oregon Community College and began plugging into new, Christ-centered communities, while Zaq focused on earning his Engineering degree at OSU Cascades. Nearly two years later, God’s timing brought them back together in an unexpected way. One evening at Katie’s regular Bible study, a familiar face walked through the door—Zaq! Katie immediately ran over to welcome him, though Zaq had to sheepishly ask for her name again (it had been a while). From that night on, Zaq kept showing up, and the two quickly bonded over shared laughs, video game nostalgia, and easy conversation. As fall arrived and the nights grew darker and colder, Katie realized Zaq didn’t have a car and was walking to the coffee shop where Bible study met. She began offering him rides to and from the group, not knowing those car rides would become one of the most meaningful parts of their story. What started as simple conversations soon turned into a deep friendship—and something more. After picking Zaq up on his birthday one night, Katie bravely suggested hanging out the following weekend for some belated birthday fun (very casually, of course—she didn’t want to come on too strong!). Zaq happily said yes. On November 16th, 2025, they spent the day together grabbing Red Robin, supporting a friend’s production of Oliver, and later dancing the night away at Bend’s classic “Pray for Snow” party at 10 Barrel Brewing. Somewhere between coffee, dinner (which Zaq paid for), and dancing in a crowded room with eyes locked on each other, it became clear—this was no longer just friendship. It was love. From that point on, everything simply clicked. Zaq fit right into Katie’s family, and Katie felt just as at home with Zaq’s. They both felt like they could have grown up together, despite growing up in different states. After a year filled with faith, friends, family, and unforgettable adventures, they knew they had found their forever person. Following a long summer of memories, Zaq proposed to Katie on the beach in Newport, Oregon—an unforgettable moment that felt straight out of a movie and a true dream come true. Since saying “yes,” Zaq and Katie have been joyfully planning their big day, dreaming about honeymoons to Disneyland and Japan, and looking forward to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure together.