We actually went to school together for years, but didn't officially meet until our junior prom which we attended with a large group of mutual friends. Later that summer we ran into each other again at a series of bonfires where we talked the night away and ate an abundance of roasted marshmallows. There was an instant connection that grew with every encounter. When July rolled around, we went on our first and second date back to back on the 3rd and 4th of July, watching the fireworks.

Zach proposed on our way home from a weekend trip up to Traverse City. I was so sure he was going to propose during the trip, but one evening while we were at a restaurant, he told me the ring was in another state still being made. While I was a bit disappointed, we had a wonderful weekend! On the day we went home, we enjoyed a lovely car ride and talked all about the trip. After about 45 minutes on the road, he unexpectedly pulled off the highway into a little rest stop called Tustin Scenic Overlook, claiming he needed to “get out and stretch.” It was a beautiful sunny day and we had the overlook completely to ourselves. Zach got quiet and I sensed something was on his mind. Next thing I knew, he was down on one knee asking me to marry him with the ring in hand! He told me later that he wanted to throw me off a bit since he knew I was hoping for the proposal on our trip. I was so surprised, and we immediately started calling family and friends!