Time to Dance... We're Getting Married!

...but not really. Zach and Makenzie met early on at Calvin College...err University. They quickly became very close friends; they ate breakfast at Commons dining hall, had Spanish & Psychology class together, and played intramural volleyball. Their sophomore year of college, they started dating! Zach was a support to Makenzie during one of the most difficult times in her life, and has continued to love her and support her unconditionally ever since. Makenzie has held Zach's hand through the transition from college to the real world, and let's be honest, also helped him pass Spanish class. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but they have loved each other through it all, and know that the trials are what make their relationship so strong!

Shortly after college, Zach & Makenzie moved to the big, exciting, fast-paced city of Chicago. Zach is full steam ahead in his career of Dairy Commodities and Insurance, his DeMotte roots shining through. Makenzie took her talent of talking to the Radio Advertising world and teaching fitness classes. They have found community in old friendships, new friendships, church life and co-workers. After they return from their honeymoon, they will continue their charming, city lifestyle.

THE LAKE! One of the most special places in Makenzie and her family's lives. The cottage has been in Makenzie's family for years, since her dad was a little boy. She has enjoyed sharing the lake with Zach over the years, and Zach has fallen in love with it just as much. The day after Makenzie's 25th birthday, with a fresh mani and sun-kissed skin, Makenzie and Zach were hanging out at the lake. Makenzie thought her and Zach were going out for a nice dinner to celebrate her birthday. While Makenzie was getting all dolled up for the date, Zach asked her to change her outfit about three times, which was definitely out of character and it was later revealed that Zach was trying to stall. They walked down to the lake to have charcuterie and cocktails before dinner, and Zach wanted to make a toast. Makenzie quickly realized what was happening, ripped off her sunglasses, and beamed towards Zach. What he said was a little bit of a blur, especially once he took out the ring - who wouldn't be distracted by that thing?! It was dazzling in the evening sun. After she said, "YES!" (with no tears, no one was surprised by that), she turned around to see her whole family, cheering on her grandparent's porch. When they walked back to the cottage, Zach and Makenzie's best friends were there to surprise them. They spent the rest of the evening celebrating with friends and family, gobbling pizza, drinking champagne, and staring in awe at the ring.

Zach is quite possible the most easy-going and patient person I know. Which is fantastic, because I am neither of those things. When I first met Zach, I was drawn to him for his sense of humor and his kindness. I quickly realized how little he could study for a test, and still do well on it - which shouldn't have impressed me, but it did. I also realized very quickly that his strong suit is NOT spelling, and how terrible his feet smell at all times of the day. Good thing our love is stronger than my sense of smell! When Zach was by my side at the hospital when my dad was very, very sick, I fell in love with him more, and so did my family. I wish I could say I knew he was "the one" right then and there, but that came a few years later when I saw how hard-working, intelligent and passionate he is about his career. And then fell in love all over again when he agreed to do the Chicago Triathlon & TWO Spartan races with me! Outside of his insane attractiveness (*heart eyes*), he proves his love for me every day - it makes falling in love with Zach over and over again easy.

If I were a betting man, which I am so you're all in luck, I’d bet you a million bucks that one day Makenzie will be a CEO, business owner, or both. Because on top of being a total smoke show, she’s also one of the most driven people you will ever meet. Initially, we were just friends. But after spending more and more time with her (mostly doing her stats homework - I'll probably be the book keeper of her business one day) I soon realized I couldn’t get enough of her contagious laugh, beautiful smile, and joyful attitude in every day life. Every time I’m with her I can’t help but have the time of my life. She truly brings the best out in my personality, my emotional intelligence, and my health and physique - because if you know anything about Makenzie, you know there is nothing more important than a good, hard workout! All and all, after 5 years, (give or take a few months) I could not imagine my life without her in it…well, let’s be honest, I knew that after a couple months!