"Ugh. Another Gamecock." Those were literally the first words Tina -- a proud University of Georgia grad! -- ever spoke to Zach. No doubt it was love at first sight, right? :) It was Zach's first day on the job at Octagon in Charlotte, North Carolina, when he and Tina first met. She was working at Octagon on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series account where he was also getting ready to start a contracted gig on the same account for the remainder of the NASCAR season. When Tina's coworker (who she'd also come to find out was Zach's long-time friend) introduced Zach to her, it was at a copier machine where all Tina could focus on was that he was a University of South Carolina grad. As they traveled the NASCAR circuit with their team, they became better acquaintances, learning more about each other through group dinners and quick conversations at the track. It wasn't until their coworkers invited them to a "French Quarter Friday" back in Charlotte that they thought this friendship might become something more. So now you might be wondering, "What in the world is French Quarter Friday?" French Quarter Friday was an Octagon team tradition where everyone would gather at a bar in uptown called "French Quarter" and enjoy adult beverages before a night of dancing. During this particular night out, Zach and Tina caught each other's eye, and the next day, the two stayed in touch and decided they should go out together -- just the two of them. Their first date was a "romantic" adventure to the movies to see 22 Jump Street, and they quickly followed it up later that week with dinner at Epic Chophouse where Tina fell in love with Zach's ability to order wine (so classy!) and dessert (bourbon bread pudding, of course!) The rest is history!

Clearly Tina has a way with words. :) The proposal was three and a half years in the making, and somehow, Zach managed to totally surprise Tina when he popped the question. Tina's travel schedule for work can be crazy, so she and Zach were looking forward to a relaxing Christmas at their own home (the one they first purchased together earlier that year -- talk about adulting!). First though, they traveled to Georgia to visit and enjoy the winter holiday with the Theriault family. Little did Tina know, but one day during their trip, Tina's mom and Zach lied about going to the grocery store to actually go ring shopping. They ended up picking one out right on the spot (Fun Fact: Tina’s dad had actually been the first one to spot the ring that he knew would be the one for his daughter...the guys clearly have good taste!) They made their way back to North Carolina in time to wake up at their place on Christmas morning, and an unsuspecting Tina started to go about her business making coffee and watching Christmas movies while getting in some snuggle time with their dog Bear. When the two finally decided to exchange Christmas gifts, Zach went first to open a pair of headphones Tina got him. Her gift was about to be beaten! Anyone that knows Tina well knows that she loves greeting cards. The first part of Zach's gift to her was a sweet card about all that the two had accomplished that year and how he was excited for what was still to come. Tina was so excited about the sentimental card that she didn't even notice Zach get down on one knee as she unwrapped an empty ring box (that lit up! How cool?!). It was then that Zach asked her if she'd marry him, and of course she said, "yes!" They then celebrated in the most stylish way they could think of while wearing glasses, bed head and pajamas. :)