After meeting at ODU, our paths crossed again (with the assistance of a dating app) back in Richmond, VA. After a not-so-great first date, we stayed in touch and eventually became inseparable. We started dating at the beginning of COVID, and at some points we were literally stuck with each other, allowing us to learn and know one another at a level we both did not think was possible. All the days and nights spent together during that time led us both to fall in love and build a life together.

If there is one thing we both have learned after being together, it is that nothing ever goes according to plan, and that couldn't be more true when it comes to our engagement. What was meant to be a favorite kayaking trip for us had to be changed at the very last moment. The weather all week was forecasted to be torrential down pours in addition to 95 degree weather which led to Plan-B: taking our dog, Elway, on a walk down by the James River. Zach's nerves sped up the walk to a pace where Abby began to suspect something was off. After getting to an opening on the river where Zach was going to get down on one knee, Elway had dragged Abby into the water, allowing her to see her sister hiding in the woods waiting to capture the moment. Zach grabbed Abby's hand, led her out of the water, and the speech he had been reciting for a month in advance had completely left his head. She said "Yes!", and we even got a nice congratulatory gesture from the random person who was fortunate enough to witness it all.