As Ellington High School graduates, Ally and Zach had several mutual friends growing up and throughout high school and college. Oddly, they never seemed to cross paths after high school. In the fall of 2020, they ran into each other at a mutual friend’s house and were both interested right away – Ally messaged him on Instagram the following day! After a few months of talking and getting to know each other, they had their first date at a local Mexican restaurant. They’ve had so much fun ever since and can't wait for their future together!

On Labor Day weekend of 2023, Ally and Zach were staying at his parents’ house on Congamond Lake in Suffield, CT, as they do on many summer weekends. On this particular weekend, Zach made dinner reservations for Saturday evening to celebrate their friends’ recent engagement. Little did Ally know, there was no reservation, and instead a surprise proposal was planned at the lake. Ally may have been fooled by the fake plans, but she knew something was up the moment Zach asked her if they could “take pictures down by the water” before leaving for dinner (something he would never normally suggest). He led her down to the water and, as planned, popped the question while a photographer jumped out of the bushes to capture the moment. Though Ally’s first response was “I knew it!,” she said yes (they think). Zach then led Ally back to the house, where Ally was surprised by not only Zach’s family, but her family too, waiting to congratulate them. After a champagne toast with the family, they all went to celebrate at the Almost Famous brewery, where Ally was surprised yet again by an engagement party Zach planned for close friends and family.