To tell a story that is just beginning feels almost frivolous. Not because the history of this story has no meaning but because the vast passion of the story hinges on what is still to come. Nevertheless, if we (Addie and Zach) have learned one thing it is that the narrative of history informs the direction of the future.

As many know, we have long been interested in a life long romance with each other. Our story began back in Mrs. Wright’s personal finance class. From roughly that time forward, not a day went by without us thinking of each other. Some might call this a tale of high school sweethearts, but to us, it’s always been something deeper, something sacred, from the very start.

After Zach graduated and Addie entered the final stretch of high school, we officially started dating on February 12, 2022. That choice came with much prayer, reflection, and hope for the future. Our first date was at Stern’s Woods a quiet, forest preserve, followed by a bread bowl of mac and cheese at Panera, where we played Rummy 500 and laughed until the night ended.

As our relationship grew, so did the challenges before us. The once dry ground beneath our feet began to soften, and before long, we found ourselves walking through seasons that tested our faith and our bond. Life changed, people changed, and we had to learn how to keep our footing when things got muddy.

But when the ground gave way, we turned to Christ the only true solid ground, “Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:2). In those moments, we learned not to fear the mud. We learned that love sometimes means walking barefoot through the mess, trusting that God uses even the storms to shape us into something beautiful. Together, we kept pointing each other back to Him, and in doing so, we found authentic connection that sharpened who we were and strength that was not our own.

Fast forward through birthdays, holidays, and countless memories, to one rainy morning, where we found ourselves barefoot once again, muddy feet and all. It was symbolic that in that moment Addie was asked to marry Zach. She said yes on August 17th 2025, and our story, rooted in faith, refined through trials, and made radiant by grace, continues on.