Zach's Version-

My friend mentioned that his girlfriend's roommate was not dating anyone. He pulled up Facebook, found a photo of Amanda and showed it to me. She was beautiful! I said, "ok, set it up." A week or so later, he and his girlfriend invited me over to the house to meet Amanda.

The day we met; it was terrifying. She was a very loud and an intimidating person. She was ferocious. I was scared and didn't talk to her or go into the same room, though we were both in the same house. My friend's girlfriend suddenly pulled out baby chickens and baby turkeys- real live chicks. She had Amanda hand a few chicks to me to hold- forcing us to interact. Then my friend and his girlfriend got all of us into the living room to sit down. I was forced to sit next to her on the couch. We had some small talk and after a while my friend yelled at me for not getting Amanda's phone number yet. We exchanged numbers and shortly afterwards I left.

Later that that night, after calming down and overcoming my nervousness, I messaged Amanda. My friend and his girlfriend had planned a daytrip to the beach tomorrow- I asked Amanda if she wanted to make it a double date. I thought this would be a lot less awkward as a group but still give us a chance to get to know each other. She said yes. I was so excited and nervous all over again.

Amanda's Version-

I was sitting in the living room hanging out. My friend was upstairs getting ready for a date with her boyfriend, who waited in the living room for her. Suddenly, her boyfriend said, "Hey. I have a friend, Painter, I think you should date. You would really like him." I said, " No way. I'm not going to date one of your friends. That would be weird." A week later, my friend tells me, "Amanda. I met Painter and think you guys are perfect for each other. I invited him over tomorrow for lunch, so you have to meet him since you live here."

The next day was SO AWKWARD! I was embarrassed to be set up and nervous to meet this guy. When he arrived, he introduced himself as Zach Painter. He was so much cuter than I expected, which made me even more nervous. I found that I couldn't talk to him directly and just kept talking to my friend in another room. My friend suddenly pulled out her baby chickens and baby turkeys, telling me to help Zach hold them. Zach and I talked about the chicks as we held them and pet them. Eventually, my friend made us all sit together in the living room, putting me right next to Zach. There was some awkward small talk and a lot of embarrassing staring from my friend and her boyfriend. Then they left us! They made up some excuse about needing something from the store and left us alone.

At first it was weird, but then we both talked about how awkward this was. After laughing a bit, the conversation flowed a little better. My friend and her boyfriend got back from the store, asking Zach if he got my phone number yet. They then teased us mercilessly until we exchanged numbers. Shortly after, Zach left. Later that night, Zach messaged me. He said he enjoyed meeting me and wanted to get to know me better. Zach asked me out on a date- a double date with our friends to the beach- for the very next day. I was excited and agreed.

Our first date was the day after we met. Amanda's roommate Julie and Zach's friend Scott were dating. They had planned a daytrip to Port Townsend- a small coastal town on the Olympic Peninsula. These mischievous matchmakers had suggested a double date so we could get to know each other better. We would all meet up at 9am the next day to drive out.

Amanda was at the house getting ready when Zach showed up- 45 minutes early. Suspiciously, Julie and Scott were nowhere to be found. We had coffee together and talked while waiting, getting more comfortable with each other. We ended up having our first kiss that morning- just to get it over with and make sure that we actually had some chemistry- when at that moment, Julie and Scott showed up. CAUGHT!

We all piled into the truck and drove to the beach town. While walking around, we split into couples. Zach and Amanda looked at the shops, took lots of photos with Zach's fancy camera, and talked. Conversation flowed easily and there was lots of laughter. We both had a really good time. We eventually met back up with Julie and Scott. We went to see the nearby Fort Warden- a former military base with bunkers on the beach that were open to the public. We explored, climbed, and had a grand time. After several hours, we had a picnic of pizza before heading home. On the way back, we stopped at a local brewery, picking a few to bring home with us.

Back at the house, Julie opened her backyard and lit her bonfire. We all stayed up late listening to music, talking, and hanging out. Zach and I ended up snuggling in a hammock by the fire- so cute! It was an amazing first date!

Zach was very adamant that he wanted to be a traditionalist and ask for a blessing from Amanda's father. They had bought the rings together in February, but he refused to propose until he had asked her father for her hand AND Zach wanted to ask in person, not over the phone.... even though Amanda and Zach live in Washington and her parents Ed and Deb live in Utah...... Zach did promise he would propose before Amanda's birthday in July.

Amanda's parents planned a visit in May 2021. They were staying for a week. Zach knew of this and that he would have to ask then if it wanted to be in person. There were ferry rides to Seattle, road trips to Mt. Rainer, multiple evenings of dinner and board games. So what does Zach do? Wait until the very last day of their trip!!!!

Zach states that he was super nervous and anxious. Every time he thought about it, he would panic, feel sick, and not ask.

At one point, Zach went outside to breathe deeply. Ed leaned over to Amanda and asked, 'is he going to ask me or do I need to bring it up?' Amanda assured him that Zach wanted to ask but was just nervous. Ed said he would give it till the end of the night or he would bring it up himself. Amanda immediately sent Zach a text message telling him of this- Zach shared that information did NOT help his anxiety..... oooppppssss....

That night after dinner, Amanda went to shower, leaving the opportune time for Zach to be alone with her parents! (BUAHAHAHA!!!) After a very, very, very long shower and taking an extra-long time to blow dry her hair, she returned to the living room to find only her mother. Zach was outside watering the garden- alone. Ed was packing the car- alone..... "Did they talk???" she asked Deb, but Deb only shook her head and refused to answer.

According to Zach-

Zach was stressing about asking Ed the entire trip. He had intended to ask at the beginning of the week, so it was done and out of the way. However, every time he thought about it, Zach became anxious, sick, and couldn't do it. On that final day, Amanda went to shower and Zach went outside to pace. He eventually grabbed the hose to water the garden, and then asked Ed if he would join him outside 'to help with something.' When Ed came out, Zach forgot everything he had prepared to say. Instead he just blurted out that he loved Amanda, wanted to marry her, and wanted Ed's permission. Zach shares that Ed smiled, said he would happily give his permission, but on one condition: Zach had to ask Deb for her blessing too. Zach reports that his stomach dropped another two feet as Ed went inside and Zach slowly followed him in. Once inside, Ed told Deb that Zach had something to say. Zach took a deep breath and then asked Deb for her blessing to marry her daughter. Deb smiled, said of course, and then everyone stood and hugged. Zach says he does not remember the details after that. He eventually went back outside to process and calm down.

Back to Amanda-

So while Amanda was sitting with her mom, asking for any details, Deb just smiled and wouldn't say anything. After a few minutes, Ed came inside. Amanda immediately began to pester him, asking if he and Zach talked. Dad smiled and said yes, causing Amanda to turn and stare accusingly at Mom while mom just laughed.

Dad and Mom shared that Zach went outside and was keeping to himself. Dad was just about to get up and go talk to him, when Zach came in and 'asked for help.' Dad said he went outside with Zach, who was white as a sheet and looked like he was about to pass out. When Zach asked for permission, Ed shared that he wanted to tease Zach, but not too badly since he was so nervous. Ed told Zach he had to ask Deb too. Zach came inside and did so. Deb shares that Ed was way too mean and that she readily gave her blessing. Zach immediately looked so relieved; they all began to laugh. They hugged and then Zach went back outside.

The deed was done!!! Now Zach has to pop the question to the final boss!!! Dun dun DUNNN!!!!

Zach proposed on a camping trip to our favorite spot. At the base of Mt. Rainer, there is a beautiful private campground called Elkcamp. We love coming to this spot to get away from people, work, and busy lives.

Zach picked out a spot down by the creek. He snuck away while Amanda was tending to the campsite to scope out the perfect spot. A while later, Zach invited Amanda on a walk around the camp. After exploring, he took her by the creek. When by the water, he expertly maneuvered his way behind her. Zach got down on one knee, shared his love, and popped the question. Amanda squealed, asked 'REALLY?!?!?', and said Yes!