Maggie and Zach’s story began freshman year at Carroll University, in their dorm building, Steele Hall. Maggie lived on the third floor, Zach on the first — though at the time, neither knew the other would become such a big part of each other's lives. One night, Maggie and her friend Lexie were in the lounge watching Say Yes to the Dress and snacking on leftover Halloween candy Maggie’s parents had sent. A group of guys, including Zach, wandered in, and Maggie and Lexie offered them some candy. They happily accepted. That funny, unexpected night, marked the start of a close-knit friend group and friendships that would carry through undergrad, grad school, and beyond. Maggie and Zach had always shared a mutual spark, and when they both ended up single freshman year, Maggie jumped at the chance to take him to her sorority’s formal dance. That night included their first dance — and their first kiss — but the timing wasn’t quite right. Still, they remained close friends throughout college, cheering Zach on at his college baseball games, spending time with their tight-knit friend group, and making countless memories together — especially nights out at their favorite Waukesha spots like Club 400 and The Salty Toad. By senior year, their friend group lived in houses that were right next door to each other, and life was full of parties, late nights, and backyard events — including hosting the legendary Spring Fling, Carroll’s biggest celebration of the year. During grad school, Maggie and Zach stayed close friends and even went on their first clinical rotation together with six other students to Tanzania, Africa. Between working in hospitals, going on safari, and exploring Zanzibar, it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — and the beginning of many more to come. On their final clinical rotations, Maggie headed to Utah while Zach went to Arizona, and that was when things started to change. They began talking more, visiting each other, and realizing something truly special was growing. One sunny afternoon in Arizona, sitting by the pool under a lemon tree, Zach asked Maggie to be his girlfriend. After graduating with their doctorates in Physical Therapy, Maggie and Zach began their professional lives working in the Chicago suburbs and living in Park Ridge and Evanston. After 2 years of working Maggie and Zach decided to take on a new adventure, working as travel physical therapists. Together they explored Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston — collecting memories and miles along the way. Before heading to Boston, Maggie’s family had a planned trip to Tuscany, and Zach came along. After a week of family time, sightseeing, and maybe a little too much wine, Zach planned a special date night. On May 31, 2025, he took Maggie to Ristorante Romantico, perched high above the town of Montepulciano. After a delicious dinner, they walked through the town until Zach led Maggie to a beautiful lookout he had carefully chosen. There, overlooking Tuscany, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Today, Maggie and Zach are settled in St. Charles, Illinois, where their story continues. They’ve bought a charming old farmhouse that perfectly reflects their shared love of vintage treasures.  And, they recently rescued a new Black Lab/Pit Bull puppy that they’ve named Guinness. He has brought new energy into their home along with never ending puppy kisses.  Together they are building a life full of laughter, love, and many more adventures — the next one being getting married on October 4, 2026, and they cannot wait for you to be a part of the big celebration.