If you are reading this, I'm sure you know that Annie and Zander go way back, but did you know how FAR "way back" is? Their story started in the late 1990s at Ann Arbor Hills Child Development. While unfortunately, this isn't a 25+ year love story, it did have a sweet start. Back when Zander still went by Alexander, Annie and Zander attended each other's birthday parties throughout pre-school and even have a few photos together from that time.

After disconnecting through all of elementary, middle, and most of high school, they reconnected during their junior year of high school (without realizing the long history they shared thanks to Zander's name change) and began dating in the summer of 2013. Annie picked up Zander, braces and all, for their first date because he didn't have his license yet and they enjoyed frozen mango smoothies from Panera Bread. The rest is history.

More than ten very formative years together has meant the unique experience of growing up together - through prom, going off to college hanging out in dorms with too many people and no AC, making homemade pasta in their tiny Kalamazoo apartment during COVID, multiple job changes, moving across the state, then across the country together, dealing with difficult losses, spending lots of time with both families in so many different places (Michigan, Arizona, Texas, Montana), a LOT of movie nights with their beloved cats, Salem & Abby, and finally, buying their first home and experiencing the joy of yard work and exciting tasks such as fixing a leaky faucet. Through it all, they have stood by each other's side, unwavering in their support.

They love to be outside, whether it be a hike in the beautiful Rocky Mountains (where they got engaged!), skiing or snowboarding at their favorite Ikon Resorts, or on the beaches of Lake Michigan. If not outside, you can usually find Annie and Zander at their home in Englewood, Colorado, probably watching Survivor, cooking dinner, eating ice cream, dancing in the kitchen, and/or loving on their cats. Most importantly, they love to be together.

They've waited a long time for this, but they've always known it was going to happen. They can't wait to celebrate with you on July 27th at one of their favorite places in the world, Lake Michigan!

Registry

Your presence is more than enough, but if you're feeling particularly generous, these are a few things we'd love as we begin our next journey as newlyweds. Thank you for your support!