Brydon here. I remember the first time I laid eyes on Zach was Christmastime 2020. I was directing a children's video at our church, Santa Hat and all, and Zach came with his brother to church that night. He ended up pressing play and pause on the music for me while the kids were filming. I remember thinking Oh. Hm...He's cute. But dismissing the thought and going about my business. Meanwhile, Joel kept telling me at work that his brother and I should be friends... Well. If he wants to talk to me he's welcome to... I would ask Joel investment advice... Oh my brother's good at that. You should ask him.
When Zach was presented as a member of our church in 2021, everyone was buzzing about this attractive single guy! Oh yeah, that's Zach... I already know about him. And I still... went about my merry way. Wondering when I was going to leave Albany and wondering what God had planned for me next.


In the fall of 2021, a small friend group formed at our church that played games and went out together and that's how I got to know Zach better. I remember texting a friend that Christmas when he left a small gift on my porch...Does this mean something?? And I .... went on my merry way.


2022 began and God's word for me was WAIT. I was holding on to what Psalm 25 when it said The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
    He teaches them his covenant. and Psalm 37 that says, Be still in the presence of the Lord,
    and wait patiently for him to act.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand.
I recall that year being the first time I had ever said the words to God, Would you send me a spouse. I had prayed FOR my future spouse, but never actually had the guts to ask God... I guess I was scared he would actually answer!!! Ha!


Fast forward to summer 2022 and Zach and I became closer friends. We had a group text *gasp* and I started reading Gone with the Wind so he and Anna and I could watch the movie together. Over the course of the summer and into the fall he would ask me to hang out, or come over for dinner, and I kept dismissing it as a friendly invitation... We texted back and forth a LOT! I was really enjoying being friends. 😂 Until November...when I was sharing all the details with a mentor and she lovingly said... He is trying to pursue you! You need to call him.


Shakily and with butterflies in my stomach I texted. If you want to ask me to hang out one on one again (because I sabotaged the last two times unintentionally) I would like to say yes...


That was the beginning! As I began to get to know Zach better, he was so patient with me. We had SO much fun getting to know each other, spending time with our friends, or with mentors, playing pickleball, going to game nights, a LOT of traveling to family and concerts.


I never made an extensive list of what I wanted in a future spouse... My prayers were that they would follow God, that they would be wise and kind, and that our relationship would bring glory to God and be a blessing to others. I didn't date a lot, but from the limited experience I had, and the way God matured my thinking, I realized I didn't want to be looking for a specific type of person with a specific personality, specific career, specific interests, specific talents... I wanted to marry someone because they were my best friend. And Zach has become just that. My Very Best Friend.


He listens well and is thoughtful. His presence is calming and safe. He reminds me to stop and smell the flowers, and sip my coffee slowly. He is kind, steadfast, giving, loyal, loving, wise and SO much more! On April 26, 2024, he asked me to be his best friend forever…I said yes!


I have thanked the Lord over and over again for Zach, for all the ways He has used my community (my church, my friends, my family) to help guide and lead me in wisdom over the years to this moment in my life. 


Praise God who LOVES us and calls us to Himself. Praise God that His blessings reveal His nature and His character and His goodness. Praise God for His sovereignty, and that His plan is best. Praise God that when we don't know what the future holds, when we feel confused, disappointed, lost, alone that He is still faithful and good and true. HE is my ultimate hope for a beautiful life to come and I'm so thankful and excited for what the Father has in store, come rain or shine.


“Rains came and winds blew, but my house is built on You.
“You are perfect in all of Your ways. You're a good good Father. It's who you are.
This is how I thank the Lord, for loving me, for keeping me, so I will sing. This is how I thank the Lord.”