So, we met a bar. The night Madi and Zach officially met was at a bar on Northgate after an A&M Football Game. Though in a large group, they proceeded to talk for what felt like five minutes to them… but was actually FOREVER (according to everyone else). The next day, the twins (Zach and Dylan) hosted what would become a traditional 'Sunday Funday' to watch NFL Redzone. Once again, Madi and Zach spent an impressive amount of time talking. Witnesses confirmed it was, like before, FOREVER (though Madi and Zach would argue it was only 5 minutes). Fast forward a few weeks, when both showed up to support their good friend, Cole Whittlesee, at a concert at Cooper’s BBQ. This night marked an important milestone: Zach bought Madi a beer. From there, the two continued to be around each other at tailgates, parties, and endless football gatherings—always together with the group, never alone. (Totally casual. Definitely not suspicious.)

MLK weekend had been earmarked for a getaway long before it arrived, thanks to Madi being off work that Monday. Around New Year’s, the two had talked about escaping to the ranch—just the two of them—for a quiet, relaxing weekend away. After keeping a close eye on the weather (and knowing it was the last weekend of hunting season), they decided that weekend was perfect: cold temperatures (26 degrees to be exact), prime deer weather, and total peace and quiet. After an unsuccessful morning hunt, they headed back to camp to regroup. That’s when Zach suggested they go look for arrowheads around the ranch, nothing unusual, as exploring was one of their favorite things to do together. They hopped in the Ranger and drove out to an old creek bed. Once there, Zach sent Madi off in one direction while he wandered another. Not long after, Madi heard Zach call out, “Babe! I found a beautiful one—you’ve got to come see it!” When she came around the corner, she didn’t find an arrowhead at all—she found Zach on one knee, holding a ring. The most perfect, private, and emotional proposal. Though there were many tears shed, of course, she said yes.