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!