We got connected through our Bro-Sis Resident Life program at Moody Bible Institute. The first week, Michaela's roommate took notice of Zach. Michaela didn't think anything romantic was at play until he volunteered to go with her to get her nails done, and sat with her the entire time. After the first date, Zach knew he was going to marry her. Before he even asked Michaela to be his girlfriend, she knew he was her husband. God was, and has been, at work in our relationship from beginning to end.

The topic of marriage, and serious consideration and planning of a wedding, began in December of 2020 (two months after we started dating). By the time Spring 2021 came around, we were both in agreeance on a timeline and most of the wedding planning. We wanted a short engagement, with a wedding in summer 2022, so the plan wasn't to be engaged until summer or winter of 2021. GOD HAD OTHER PLANS The first time Zach ever heard The Lord audibly speak to him, was when God called him to propose to Michaela. He got this call from God, consulted his best friend, and had plans to propose a week later on March 19, 2021. When Michaela's mom and sister were in Chicago, they had planned on meeting Zach's family for dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe. Michaela was extremely anxious for this event, and in turn spent over an hour in her dorm room beforehand praying, reading scripture, and worshipping. Whilst on her knees in prayer, God spoke, "He's going to propose." This scared her, so much so that she texted Zach, "you're not going to propose tonight, are you? Please say no." Despite the initial shock at this newfound knowledge, Zach successfully dropped to one knee at Grant Park in Chicago, in which Michaela cried and joyfully said "YES!"

NIV