Although we have known of each other for a long time the conversation that sparked it all was March 30th, 2019. Right before spring break our senior years. Since both of us were going on our family vacations the first time we officially hung out was April 19th at the Campbell's (our family friend's) house, we dyed Easter eggs there. The Campbell's are like cousins to the Paulsen's and I had gone to high school, played basketball and been friends with them all so they are our matchmakers! Our first kiss was in the front yard of their house as I was leaving.

Zack was scared to ask me out because I was still in the middle of tennis season so he waited till after State was over. We were spending the day picking out his outfit for prom and got Starbucks that day when he asked me to be his girlfriend. The rest is history!

Zack started at Seattle Pacific University playing basketball and pursuing a degree in Business. After four years he graduated from SPU with a business finance degree and is now at Point Loma playing two more years and pursuing a Master's in Organizational Leadership. Maddie started at Washington State University playing tennis and pursuing a degree in Communications, after transferring after her sophomore year she went to Portland State to play tennis and finish her degree! She graduated double majoring Communications, Arts & Letters and minor in Business. Maddie is now playing her third year at Portland State and pursuing a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction through the College of Education.

With help from family and friends, we were able to have the most amazing day possible. The surprise proposal took place at Point Defiance Park under the arch. The proposal was a surprise because we had planned for months to take graduation pictures that day at Point Defiance. The perfect opportunity presented itself as we are not the couple who dresses up for fancy occasions often. With help from some close friends we were able to have the perfect set up and surprise proposal possible. After the proposal, there was another surprise... the party! The engagement party was also a surprise to Maddie which we credit our family and friends for their time and effort. With all of the close people in our lives gathered together, we got to celebrate all night long. One of the best days EVER!!!