We began chatting online and after a few days, Zach asked Bella to meet him for dinner. Our first date was at a wine & tapas bar in Stone Oak called, Copa. We continued seeing each other regularly, going on dates, hanging out with friends, getting to know each other more. Soon it was time for Zach to meet Bella’s family in San Antonio. This hangout was at a local San Antonio diner, Max & Louie’s. A family event was coming up for Zach in Chicago and Bella joined him. There she met his parents, his sisters, and the rest of the DuBro family. As COVID hit, we spent a lot of time at Lisa and Mike’s house playing some intense Uno and Phase 10 games. Towards the end of the COVID peak, we bought a house and now have a 2 and 1/2 year old golden retriever named Daisy. Over the last 5+ years we traveled with friends, by ourselves, and visited family in St. Louis. Each of our families have become a part of our own and our friends have become family. We have celebrated many family traditions that have now become our own together. We have hosted and celebrated Hanukkah and Christmas and continue to celebrate events throughout the years. We have watched each other grow and promote within our own career paths, cheering each other on every step of the way. Zach surprised Bella with the proposal. We were in St. Louis for Zach’s dad, Herb’s birthday celebration. He had booked a professional photographer for the proposal and told Bella it was for the birthday. Right before the birthday party, the photographer showed up. Zach had coordinated with her to talk about “lighting” in order to get the two of them outside at Zach’s parents house, where they got married 36 years ago. As the photographer had Bella look to see if the sun was in her eyes, Zach was able to grab the ring he placed in the photographer’s backpack while Bella’s back was turned and waited for Bella to turn around to pop the question. As we embark on this next chapter of ours lives as Mr. and Mrs. Palans, we are excited of what our journey together will bring