Rehearsal Dinner

Old Polo Estate

Wedding Day

Pool Party 

Farewell Dinner

Fall

Our Wedding

Our story began in one of the most uncertain times, right at the start of the pandemic. While the world was slowing down, something between us was just beginning. Amanda was focused on her nursing studies, juggling coursework and clinical rotations. Zach, fresh out of college, had just started working as a mechanical engineer, still adjusting to adult life. We might have never crossed paths if not for a well-timed swipe on a dating app. Zach broke the ice with a clever, witty message that instantly caught Amanda’s attention. His playful sense of humor stood out, and it wasn’t long before she agreed to meet him for dinner and drinks at a local spot. But as luck would have it, fate had a small twist in store. Just hours before their scheduled meetup, all the bars and restaurants in the area abruptly shut down due to new COVID-19 restrictions. Rather than cancel, Amanda suggested a spontaneous change of plans. Zach drove over to her apartment, where they spent the evening sharing pizza, mixing margaritas, and laughing like old friends. From the moment they met, something just clicked. It was easy. Comfortable. Natural. Conversation flowed effortlessly, and they quickly discovered how much they had in common, from shared values to little quirks they’d later come to love. After that night, they couldn’t get enough of each other. Thanks to empty roads and quiet streets, the usual long drive between their homes became a quick trip. They were inseparable. Day after day turned into week after week, and on March 28th, 2020, they made it official. With so much of the world on pause, they leaned into each other and built their own little world. Over the past five years, our love has only deepened. We've explored national parks, danced beneath festival lights, hunted for the best coffee shops, shared countless meals at new restaurants, and traveled in search of unique experiences. Some of our favorite memories were made in Palm Desert, relaxing by the pool at Amanda’s parents’ house, soaking in the peaceful desert air, surrounded by mountain views and golden sunsets.

One of our favorite trips together was to Greece last year. We spent our days soaking up the sun at beach clubs, watching breathtaking sunsets, wandering through ancient ruins, and indulging in the best gyros we’ve ever had. Our final stop was on the iconic island of Santorini. On one of our last days, we went hiking and exploring the picturesque towns, taking in the whitewashed buildings and endless views of the Aegean Sea. That evening, we had dinner reservations planned at our hotel. As Amanda was getting ready, Zach told her he needed to run to the front desk to arrange transport for the morning, and to meet him at the restaurant when she was done. When Amanda arrived, the waiter greeted her with a warm smile and quietly led her to the rooftop. There, overlooking the caldera, was Zach, standing with flowers in hand. He proposed right there, just the two of them on the edge of the world, as the sun melted into the sea. Afterward, they shared a private dinner under the stars while he told her all the plans and details he’d been carefully orchestrating behind the scenes. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip and a night that will stay with them forever.

Today, we share a home in San Diego, California, with our two French bulldogs, Remy and Roux, who have become the heart of our little family. Amanda works as a nurse at Kaiser Permanente, while Zach is a mechanical and software engineer. Life looks a bit different from it did when we first met, but the connection we formed in those early days has only grown stronger.

Neither of us expected a simple swipe to lead to a love like this, full of laughter, growth, and a thousand shared memories. But that’s the beauty of unexpected beginnings; they often turn into the best kind of adventure. Now, we can’t wait to create yet another memory with you, as we celebrate our marriage and sixth anniversary in our favorite place!

Story

Photos

Bridal Party

I’m Ashley, Amanda’s younger sister. We’ve shared a close bond our entire lives, from growing up side by side to now living just eight minutes apart in San Diego. I moved here two years ago, and we make it a point to see each other weekly, whether it’s pool days or playdates with our dogs. It’s been amazing watching Amanda and Zach’s relationship grow, and I’m thrilled to be part of this next chapter. I couldn’t be happier to celebrate the two of them!

Ashley Whittle

Amanda and I met on the very first day of kindergarten, and we’ve been best friends ever since. From soccer tournaments to being college roommates, and now neighbors in San Diego, we’ve shared just about every major life moment together. She’s always been loyal, hilarious, and the kind of friend everyone hopes to have. I’m so excited to see her marry Zach, and I can’t wait to celebrate this beautiful day with them!

Jessica Nesbit

As Zach’s sister, I’ve had a front-row seat to his relationship with Amanda, and from the start, it was something special. Over the years, Amanda and I have become close, sharing laughs, stories, and late-night In-N-Out runs (including the time my cat Cece made herself at home on Amanda’s head). From family vacations to BBQs and everything in between, Amanda has become a true sister to me. I’m so excited to celebrate their love and all that lies ahead for them.

Nicole Dicks

Hi, I’m Destiney! I met Amanda in 2020 when she started dating Zach, my husband Tyler’s brother, and we all ended up quarantined under one roof. That time together brought us close, and I’m so glad it did. Amanda is one of the easiest people to laugh and connect with, and she’s become such a special part of our family. I’m thrilled to celebrate her and Zach and everything this next chapter holds!

Destiney Dicks

Groomsmen

Hi, I’m Tyler, Zach’s younger brother. We’re what people call “Irish twins”, the same age for one month every year. Growing up just 13 months apart meant we shared everything: friends, sports, and more than a few wrestling matches. We definitely had our battles, but we’ve traded those in for brotherhood and respect. These days, I’m proud to call Zach one of my closest friends, and I couldn’t be more excited to stand by his side as he starts this next chapter.

Tyler Dicks

Zach and I met freshman year at Cal Poly. We were dorm neighbors who quickly bonded over engineering, guitar, and gym sessions. We ended up living together for the next three years and did pretty much everything side by side: late nights studying, morning workouts, coffee runs, and spontaneous downtown adventures. Zach’s drive and sincerity have always stood out to me, and I’m proud to call him a lifelong friend. I’m honored to celebrate him and Amanda on this amazing day.

David Breuer

Zach and I have been best friends since 3rd grade, though we technically met in 1st grade. From beach days and sleepovers to fishing, snowboarding, and hours of RuneScape, we were inseparable growing up. When he moved to California in 6th grade, it felt like a loss in my own family, but our friendship never faded. Through calls, texts, and gaming, we stayed connected and grew even closer. Now, we're more like brothers, and I’m beyond honored to be standing beside him as he marries the love of his life.

Tristan Mistkawi

I met Zach in 2015 when we rushed Kappa Sigma at Cal Poly, and we ended up as roommates for three unforgettable years. Since then, we’ve kept in touch through FaceTime calls, road trips, and the occasional wild weekend in Ensenada. Even when we’re living in different parts of the world, it always feels like no time has passed. I’ve always admired Zach’s drive, whether it’s for school, his Mustang, his career, or Amanda. I’m lucky to call him a friend and grateful to celebrate with them today.

Jason Hopkins

I’m Zach’s younger brother, and I’ve had a front-row seat to his journey from the very beginning. We’ve shared countless memories, from childhood play fights and hiking trips to cheering him on at baseball games. Over the years, our bond has only grown stronger, and now I get to watch him take on this next chapter surrounded by love, family, and friends. It means a lot to be part of such an important moment, and I’m proud to stand beside him as he starts this new adventure.

Jayden Kalas

Parents of the Bride & Groom

Teri Whittle

Tony Whittle

Bob Dicks

Ursula Dicks

Party

Please note this is an adults-only celebration. Thank you!

This luxury resort features 41 pools, 53 hot tubs, 23 tennis courts, and spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV. It is 2 miles from downtown La Quinta and 20 miles from Palm Springs International Airport. Guests of La Quinta Resort &amp; Club, Curio Collection have access to a variety of recreation facilities, including 5 championship golf courses, tennis courts and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Spa La Quinta offers massage and facials. Dining options at La Quinta Resort &amp; Club, Curio Collection range from fine dining at Morgan’s in the Desert to authentic Mexican cuisine at the Adobe Grill. Ernie’s Sports Bar and Twenty6 also have full bar menus. Free Wi-Fi and a refrigerator are standard in every room at the La Quinta Resort &amp; Club, Curio Collection. All rooms are decorated with 1920s-inspired décor and include air conditioning. Free parking is available at the resort, which is a 4-minute drive from the La Quinta Museum. Shopping is available on site or in Old Town La Quinta, 1.2 miles away.

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton

Sands Hotel and Spa features mountain views of Indian Wells with an on-site restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine and also offers vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. The hotel offers an outdoor pool. The area is popular for hiking, and bicycles are available for free use at Sands Hotel and Spa. Palm Springs International Airport is 14 mi from the property. Located 11 miles away from the venue.

Sands Hotel and Spa

This Palm Springs resort's amenities include a complex of outdoor pools, a miniature putting course, and family-friendly amenities. Its luxuriously appointed rooms include plush bedding, modern furnishings, LCD TVs, marble bathrooms. The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort guestrooms offer view of breathtaking mountains, vibrant desert grounds, and scenic waterways from their private balconies. Guests can embark on an enchanting and leisurely tour of our scenic waterways departing in the Lobby The resort's tennis facility features a variety of hard, clay, grass and pickleball courts. Desert Springs Golf Club features two championship golf courses that welcome players of all levels. Spa Desert Springs offers a variety of treatments and amenities, fitness center, daily fitness classes, outdoor saltwater lap pool, Spa Bistro and a Co-Ed Wellness Lounge featuring Mind Sync Loungers, NuWave Zero Gravity Wave Loungers and Ceragem M2 Massaging Chairs. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort offers Californian cuisine at Rockwood Grill, Japanese dishes created by ‘Samurai chefs’ at Mikado, casual American cuisine at our Oasis Poolside Bar &amp; Grille, and freshly caught seafood at Fisherman's Landing. The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort &amp; Spa is 4.5 miles from the El Paseo shopping district and 5 miles from the The Living Desert Zoo &amp; Botanical Gardens.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

This resort features a private golf course, full-service spa and an outdoor pool. It offers housekeeping services upon request. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is 20 miles away. Renaissance Esmeralda Resort &amp; Spa’s rooms have deluxe bedding which includes down comforters and duvets. Each room has cable TV with pay TV options, and streaming service apps such as Netflix, Hulu, etc. Renaissance Esmeralda Resort &amp; Spa has 5 on-site restaurants offering both indoor and outdoor dining options. CAVA serves breakfast and lunch, featuring Californian specialties in an outdoor setting overlooking the Santa Rosa Mountains. Renaissance Esmeralda Resort &amp; Spa is 14.5 miles from Palm Springs Air Museum and Palm Springs International Airport. El Paseo shopping venues are 5 minutes' drive away.

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells

This property is 3 miles from downtown Palm Desert and 12 miles from the Palm Springs International Airport. The property offers an outdoor pool and villas with a kitchenette. The Westin Desert Willow Villas has washing machines in every villa. The villas include a seating and dining area. Guests can relax in front of the flat-screen TV or use the free Wi-Fi. Guests at the Westin Desert Willow can play basketball or go on horseback ride. The property has hiking trails, where guests can explore the area. The property features a restaurant and bar, it served grilled food in a casual setting. The Westin Desert also has also offers guests newspapers. The Westin Willow Villas is within an 8-minute drive of College of the Desert. The hotel is within a 5-minute drive of 3 area golf courses.

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

This 4-star hotel in La Quinta, California boasts a full-service spa, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The all-suite hotel is less than 5 minutes from Old Town La Quinta. Every suite at Embassy Suites Hotel La Quinta offers a separate living room with a dining area, microwave and refrigerator. An iPod docking station and 2 TVs are included. Embassy Suites La Quinta Hotel and Spa features a well-equipped gym, full-service business center and a library. A games room and bicycle rentals are also available. Spa Hibiscus at Hotel La Quinta Embassy Suites has 8 treatment rooms offering a variety of services including massages, facials, body and beauty treatments. Café LQ is located in the atrium. Guests are provided a continental breakfast, evening manager’s reception and room service. The Living Desert Southern California Zoo and Botanical Gardens are a 15-minute drive from this hotel.

Embassy Suites La Quinta Hotel & Spa

Featuring a spacious outdoor courtyard pool and a putting green, this La Quinta hotel is 3 miles from I-10 and less than 30 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport. The elegantly decorated rooms of Homewood Suites by Hilton La Quinta contain dark wood furniture and a kitchenette with granite countertops. Two TVs, an iPod docking station and free internet are included. Guests are welcome to enjoy the fitness center, containing cardio equipment, weights and a TV. Gifts, snacks and drinks can be purchased at the on-site store. La Quinta Homewood serves a “Suite Start” hot breakfast buffet each morning and hosts a reception every Wednesday evening with a light meal and beverages. The Homewood Suites La Quinta is less than 2.5 miles from Indian Springs Golf Club and less than 15 miles from the Fish Traps Archaeological Site.

Homewood Suites by Hilton La Quinta

Located 7 miles from Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Desert, Residence Inn by Marriott La Quinta offers 3-star accommodations in La Quinta and has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Escena Golf Club is 20 miles from the hotel and Palm Springs Convention Center is 22 miles away. At the hotel, each room comes with a desk. All rooms include a private bathroom, while selected rooms also offer a kitchen with a fridge. Residence Inn by Marriott La Quinta offers a buffet or American breakfast. The accommodation has a sun terrace. Guests can enjoy playing minigolf, or take advantage of the business center. Palm Springs Visitor Center is 23 miles from Residence Inn by Marriott La Quinta, while Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is 23 miles from the property. Palm Springs International Airport is 19 miles away.

Residence Inn by Marriott La Quinta

Located in Indio, 13 miles from Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Desert, Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Indio Coachella Valley has accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. This 3-star hotel offers a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Indio Coachella Valley has a sun terrace. You can play tennis at the accommodation, and the area is popular for hiking and cycling. Guests can use the business center or relax in the bar. Escena Golf Club is 20 miles from Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Indio Coachella Valley, while Palm Springs Convention Center is 21 miles from the property. Palm Springs International Airport is 19 miles away.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Indio Coachella Valley

Just 0.5 mile from the Desert Willow Golf Resort, this hotel features views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. It features an outdoor pool and an on-site tennis court. Residence Inn Palm Desert provides suites with fully equipped kitchens, including a microwave, stove and dishwasher. Each comes with a hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Rich breakfast buffet is served every morning. The hotel offers grocery shopping service and a barbecue area for outdoor dining. Palm Desert Residence Inn is located 15 minutes’ drive from the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. It is 5 miles from Agua Caliente Casino and 18 miles from the Palm Springs Aerial.

Residence Inn By Marriott Palm Desert

Nine miles from Palm Springs International Airport and Oasis Water Park, this California hotel features an outdoor pool, hot tub and jogging track. The rooms all have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. All rooms at the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Palm Desert provide microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers. They also have seating areas and desks. Palm Desert Hampton Inn &amp; Suites features a breakfast buffet and convenience store. Guests can work out in the gym. For added convenience, there is a business center and meeting facilities. Children’s Discovery Museum is 3 miles from Hampton Inn. The hotel is 6 miles from Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens and 10 miles from Palm Springs Air Museum.

Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert

Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Palm Desert Coachella Valley is set in Palm Desert, 3.7 mi from College of the Desert. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each air-conditioned room at this hotel is fitted with a TV. You will find a 24-hour front desk and a hairdresser's at the property. The nearest airport is Palm Springs International Airport, 9.3 mi from Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Palm Desert Coachella Valley.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Palm Desert Coachella Valley

Located in Palm Desert, within 6.2 miles of Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Desert and 12 miles of Escena Golf Club, Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Palm Desert - Millennium by IHG provides accommodations with a fitness center and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is around 13 miles from Palm Springs Convention Center, 15 miles from Palm Springs Visitor Center and 15 miles from Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. A continental breakfast is available at the hotel. O'Donald Golf Course is 15 miles from Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Palm Desert - Millennium by IHG, while Outdoor Resorts Of America Golf Course is 7.5 miles away. Palm Springs International Airport is 11 miles from the property.

Amanda & Zachary

Amanda & Zachary

A&Z

Wedding Day