We’re getting married!

Zak and Allison's story begins with a dash of serendipity and a sprinkle of modern romance – online dating apps to the rescue! It was in December 2022 when their virtual stars aligned, and they connected in the digital realm. With a five-hour distance between them, they couldn't help but dive headfirst into conversations that lasted for hours on end. Their phone chats were so engaging that they sometimes forgot about the whole "sleep" thing. But hey, who needs sleep when you're falling in love, right?

After six weeks of talking for hours every day, the moment had arrived - Zak and Allison were finally meeting in person. If you looked closely, you'd notice Allison's hands shaking, she was that excited and nervous. Zak, on the other hand, had his fingers crossed, silently hoping he wouldn't accidentally send her running for the hills. Now, let's talk about the logistics. Living over five hours apart, they decided to make their first date not just a day, but an entire weekend of adventure. They were practically breaking records for the longest first date ever. Their date lineup was a delightful mix of science, quirky art at Meow Wolf, a thrilling hockey game, and mouthwatering food that made their taste buds sing. But here's the twist - when it came to saying goodbye at the end of this fantastic weekend, there was no mention of a second date. And to top it off, Zak gave Allison a side hug. Yes, you read that right, a side hug! Cue the "Did I misread the situation?" thoughts for Allison. After all, who gives a girl they like a side hug, right? But just when she thought the weekend magic might have faded, like clockwork, Zak called her as she drove home. And wouldn't you know it, they talked for over four more hours, just like they had during those countless phone calls before they met. It turns out that side hug was just a little plot twist in their love story, one that she won’t ever let Zak forget.

Zak and Allison embarked on a mission to squeeze every possible moment together in the months that followed. You see, logistics had a way of playing hard to get, but when the stars aligned and they could be together, they made sure it was filled with fun and laughter. Their time together was a joyful jumble of savoring delicious meals, hanging out with the kids, and embarking on exciting adventures. And guess what? Sometimes, they managed to do all three at once! 😄 Now, let's talk about those memorable trips. There was the enchanting Cloudcroft and the mesmerizing White Sands, both tucked away in the heart of New Mexico. And then, there was the dreamy Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Nature was their playground, whether they were conquering mountains, soaking in hot springs, or frolicking on sandy dunes. They discovered that their hearts found peace in the great outdoors, and they even managed to survive the epic challenge of setting up a tent together. Now, if that doesn't say "relationship goals," what does? 😜 Their journey together was a whirlwind of joy, adventure, and countless shared laughs, proving that love can thrive even when the road is filled with twists and turns. 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻🏔️🌞

Zak had a big plan brewing by the end of July – one that involved keeping Allison around for the long haul, you know, like a lifetime together 😉💍. But, with the long-distance thing and all those travel logistics, planning the perfect proposal was a bit of a puzzle. He wanted it to be a surprise, and that was no small feat, given that Allison could practically read his mind! So, Zak hatched a plan to propose during a visit to Hobbs, where Allison lived. Amidst a weekend filled with some serious shower remodeling (yes, you read that right!), they took a breather to head to Lubbock. Why Lubbock, you ask? Well, it's where Allison went to school, and they were in for a special treat – a play called "Oklahoma." And guess what? Zak discovered a fun fact about his own birthplace 😉 Now, Zak had a few proposal spots up his sleeve. There was the idea of a bridge at a park (but, whoa, super sketchy at night, not the best plan), a high-rise with a graffiti problem (not exactly romantic), and the Lubbock temple, which became his fallback option. After the first two didn't quite pan out for obvious reasons, he was ready to pop the big question. Here's the kicker – Zak had a knack for making Allison laugh with silly stories about chickens, thanks to some AI tools. He'd spin these sappy, chicken-centered tales that always had her cracking up and shaking her head at his goofiness. So, for the proposal, Zak got creative and had an AI write a ridiculously sappy chicken story that, surprise, turned into a proposal. Now picture this: they were at the temple, and Zak sent her the story, asking her to read it. As she delved into the tale, Zak got down on one knee, ring in hand, and waited for that magical moment when she reached the end. With a few heartfelt words and a whole lot of love, he asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. Surprise, indeed, and successful to boot! 💕📜💍😄

From the very beginning, Allison had a sparkle in her eye for Zak. It didn't take long for her to see that Zak had this remarkable talent for coaxing out her silly side and making every day feel like a new adventure. Now, those brown eyes of his? They're like two cozy fireside chairs, welcoming and warm. And as for understanding her, Zak's practically a mind-reader. And let's not forget the nice legs and shoulders - Allison couldn't help but notice those too. But the real kicker? Zak's got a secret identity as a proud nerd, and she absolutely adores it. It's like they share the same book of inside jokes and pop culture references. But here's the clincher: the way Zak loves his children is nothing short of heartwarming. It's like the final puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the grand masterpiece of their love story. So, in the grand scheme of life, Allison's discovered that Zak isn't just a chapter; he's the whole book – and a darn good one at that! Zak deeply appreciates Allison's sense of humor and her optimistic view of life. Her ability to find joy in life's small moments has a way of bringing out Zak's playful side as well. What really tugs at Zak's heartstrings is the way Allison loves wholeheartedly, and he feels incredibly fortunate that her love extends not just to him but also to his children. And, it's worth mentioning, Allison's culinary talents are truly a delightful bonus. 😉🌮

Zak's adventure kicked off in Oklahoma, but soon he was bouncing between Salt Lake City, UT, and Los Alamos, NM. He's the oldest of three brothers, and he's got quite the story – a sports enthusiast by day, a secret nerd by night. Football, wrestling, and soccer were his game, but deep down, he always had a soft spot for engineering. After his Mexican mission, Zak returned to the grind, pursuing engineering at the University of Utah. Nowadays, he's a nerd at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and chipping away at that Ph.D. at Arizona State University. When he's not tackling academia or playing dad to his two beautiful children, Daniel and Emilia, he's having a blast skiing and spending time with a certain Allison – who, let's be real, is pretty darn cute. 😉💕

Allison hails from the vibrant town of Lubbock, TX, and she's the proud member of an incredible family, with three sisters and three brothers (basically, Jan Brady). Throughout her childhood, Allison was a bookworm, a clarinet player in the marching band, and a science enthusiast who simply adored exploring the wonders of the world. Her academic journey led her to Texas Tech University, where she delved into the realms of Biology and Chemistry while conducting fascinating research on fruit flies. College was just the beginning of her adventurous spirit. Post-graduation, she embarked on a mission in the beautiful city of Denver, Colorado, where she discovered the art of loving and caring for others. Learning Spanish along the way, she forged meaningful connections and collected a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences that continue to enrich her life. Fast forward to today, and Allison is living her childhood dream—donning a lab coat in a southeastern New Mexico lab. But before the fairytale romance with Zak, you'd often find her on Saturday nights at Home Depot or Lowe's, on a never-ending quest for plants she probably didn't need and tending to her feathery friends, the chickens. Those fortunate enough to know her closely describe Allison as fiercely loyal, judgment-free, with a hint of seriousness, and radiating kindness wherever she goes.