Claire and Zach met at a little apartment party in Salisbury, MD. Zach was visiting his friend Connor at college for the weekend and it just so happened to be the same weekend that Claire was visiting SU for Big Little Weekend. Claire and Zach's mutual friend Marguerite who also was in town invited Claire to the party at Connor's apartment. The two of them hit it off instantly!

Claire and Zach went on their first date where they met at a local coffee shop in Virginia Beach, VA called Pourfavor. They hung out for hours until the coffee shop closed and proceeded to then go hang out at the local Denny's (IYKYK). Claire got the mozzarella sticks (with no mozzarella in them), while Zach got the nachos that he tried to hide eating from Claire with the menu.

After both Zach and Claire contemplated their relationship, knowing Claire was going back to MD in a month for her Master's program Zach officially asked Claire to be his girlfriend!

Claire had to move back to MD to pursue her Master's Degree in Teaching that she applied to before meeting Zach. She was only back home for about 2 months though because UMBC stayed virtual for the Summer and Fall semesters. So the distance did not last long for the couple. They made it work though with frequent video calls and a few trips for Claire back to VA.

Three months into dating right before Zach's 23rd birthday the couple said their first "I Love You"

First Thanksgiving

First Christmas together. By this point both Zach and Claire had met each other's families and grown closer during the Covid shut downs.

Claire once again had to move back to Frederick, MD for her Master's Degree. Her program internship began to go hybrid teaching and therefore had to brace the idea of long distance and the front lines of Covid. They managed through it with many video date dinners and movie nights!

ONE YEAR ANNIVERARY!

Claire Graduated with her Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education

Claire started her career in education as an English teacher at Booker T Washington High School in Norfolk, VA with the support of Zach always by her side.

Towards the end of September Zach, Claire and Bella moved into their first apartment together in Downtown Norfolk!

Claire and Zach's first vacation to NYC with Zach's family during Christmas time!

Baby Appa joined the family!!!

2 Year Anniversary in DC!!

Family Photos <3

Zach got out of the Navy and started his career in contracting through SAIC!

Gilbert family trip to AMI (ft. a soon to be Gilbert Claire)

3 Year Anniversary in Baltimore!!!

Claire and Zach got engaged! After a hard day for Zach showing his respects on Memorial Day he decided to finally pop the question to Claire who was standing by his side the entire day making sure he was okay. He had the ring for a few months and couldn't find the right time, but felt like there was no better time than the present!

Claire and Zach got their engagement photos done where the rain became an unpaid assistant. Full gallery can be found under the photos tab.

Claire and Zach bought a house and could not be happier about their future together!

Claire started her 3rd year in education, but this time making new moves in her career to Granby High School to help bring back their illustrious theatre program!

4 Year Anniversary in Myrtle Beach, SC!!!!

1 Year Engaged celebration trip to DC!

Joint early Bachelor/Bachelorette Trip to AMI <3