It was 2021, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, late summer, post vaccination and pre-delta. We met via a dating app. Zach was visiting Juneau from Hoonah, where he had started work as a forester in 2020. Melissa has lived in Juneau since 2007. Our first dates included a visit to Barnaby Brewing because Zach mentioned being a home brewer and a drive-in viewing of Friday the 13th on Friday the 13th, during which Melissa opened up about being weird and re-enacting scenes with her sister. Endless text messages and monthly visits between Hoonah and Juneau included bear viewing, mushroom foraging, hiking, developing a wild amount of odd little traditions, lots of cooking and baking, so much Yahtzee and falling in love. After several months doing long distance — 40 miles feels so much farther when you have to fly or ferry — we tested out short-distance dating when Zach had a work detail that allowed him to spend four months in Juneau. When Melissa's sister, Maddie, died in a tragic car accident in June of 2022, Zach was the most supportive partner and helped her get through the most difficult months. It also became even more clear that this was the kind of love that lasts. Zach was able to move to Juneau full time in October, 2022. In November, we had a conversation about our future that culminated in the phrase "did we just get engaged?" Now, here we are, planning this party with all of you.

We've had a lot of people ask how they can help out. Thank you! Our only expectation of you, our dear guests, is that you have fun celebrating with us but if you would like to do more and have the means, here are a few ways you can help: If you want to do some hands-on helping, we'll be busy all week with wedding prep, with a lot going on Friday, plus set-up and clean-up for the reception on Saturday. There are some guests who may need rides, or possibly more desirable accommodations. You can find more details and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/zmweddinghelp We've had people ask about a registry or how to give a gift. We did add some items to our registry on this site, but we've got just about all the kitchen gadgets and housewares we can dream of. You'll notice we included two funds in the registry, one for the honeymoon and another for some home renovations. We're busy planning a honeymoon for November, where we'll explore some new places together! Exciting! Maybe less exciting but quite importantly, we have to replace our 1951 home's rusting original cast iron tub and water damaged (also quite old) countertops in the kitchen. We've recently invested in a heat pump and will be removing the old heating system, which comes with its own list of repairs. Anything helps! These funds do take a small cut, I believe, so if you'd like to give more directly, that works, too.