We first met while we were both students at the University of Cincinnati. Zach’s fraternity and Maddie’s sorority had teamed up for an intramural dodgeball league, and that’s where it all started. What began as a weekly game quickly turned into a routine of hanging out afterward with friends at Mac’s Pizza Pub. Over time, we naturally grew closer, spending more time together, sharing laughs, and slowly shifting from group hangouts to just the two of us. One night, Zach had to undergo emergency surgery for a nearly burst appendix. Maddie stayed by his side the entire night, through the surgery and into recovery, making sure he was okay. In the weeks that followed, she was there every step of the way: bringing food and supplies, helping him around the apartment, and keeping him company while he healed. Those quiet days spent together watching movies and talking brought us closer in a way that changed everything. It felt truly official when Maddie invited Zach to meet her family and spend the weekend at the Wisconsin State Fair. Between fried cheese curds and walking hand in hand through the fairgrounds, the day was filled with moments that brought us closer. After that, we were basically inseparable, and pretty much living together, though Maddie’s roommates probably weren’t thrilled about that. When Maddie got into grad school at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Zach found a job and moved there ahead of her. He later went back to school for forestry at UW–Madison, and somewhere along the way, we adopted our first dog together, our second overall (shoutout to Chimi and Ollie). Through every move, city, and bitter cold winter season, we’ve grown together, supporting each other, figuring things out, and always finding time to laugh along the way. We’ve built a life we love, and we’re excited for everything still to come.