Dakota and Zachary first met in 2007 at a church venue after service. It was kind of awkward for Zachary as his only communication with Dakota was through her biological mother, Stephanie. Who worked with Zachary at Pine Meadows Nursing Home. There wasn't a day that went by that Stephanie didn't find Zachary in the halls just to talk Dakota up. Stephanie was so proud of Dakota and thought that Zachary would make a great match for her . Pictures came out, phone calls were made, and pointers were given as to how to approach Dakota. Zachary after making that first approach made an instant connections as did Dakota . Both continued conversations from then on enjoying each other's conversation and time as friends.

Dakota and Zachary had no clue about the crushes they had on each other. Both continued as friends never confessing their feelings for one another. Zachary strangely enough, was able to tell Stephanie how he felt. Stephanie always said talk to her and see where it goes. Zachary was unable to do so as he believed they were better off as friends. Years went by and the two drifted apart as they embarked on different paths. Zachary was more involved with high school friends and popularity as Dakota kept her faith in God and continued the righteous path to the best of her abilities. Staying focused on her path and away from the likes of boys and things of the world.

Zachary respected Dakota so much that he stayed away. Even though he thought about her from a distance hoping that she too was thinking of him. She truly was an example, as Zachary would have put it, as to how young ladies should carry themselves. For years, they carried on with small talk and random reconnecting when seeing each other. In 2021, Dakota ran into Zachary after not seeing each other in a long while. There was an instant reconnection and feelings reignited that only the two would know about. They talked for as long as they could in the parking lot of a Speedway. Zachary received a work call and the two had to cut their intense conversation short. Afterward, he continued on without thinking about asking for Dakota’s phone number.

On September 29", 2022, Zachary found out that Dakota had recently loss her mother. Zachary late but concerned, reached out to Dakota on Facebook messenger to share his sympathies. Assuring Dakota that her mother was a special lady, and she thought the world of Dakota. Therefore, making Zachary a strong believer in the same. Zachary thought Dakota should know that. Dakota thanked Zachary and left it at that. A couple months later, he reached back out to Dakota. The two began catching up on life and Zachary figured it was a good time to start getting to know one another more intimately.

The two begin to share interest as it pertained to getting married, having kids and living happily ever after. Zachary asked Dakota if she would be interested in seeing what could happen with them and if Dakota thought about giving the two a shot? Dakota’s response was very simple stating, “I’m still that very active church girl.” Zachary asks if that was supposed to be a bad thing and laughed. Dakota wanted it known that it would not change. Zachary insured Dakota she would be treated the way she deserved and was meant to be treated. Zachary told Dakota he was a boy that quickly became a man and one that she would be proud to have. Dakota was relieved to know that Zachary was on his grown man status now and agreed to their first date. The two went to one of Dakotas favorite restaurant’s (Texas Roadhouse) and stayed pretty much till close talking and having a good time. There where so many similarities between the two, both naturally and spiritually, and they felt as though they were meant for each other from the beginning of time. From that date on, the two were with each other day after day eventually making clear that they were a couple. The two spoiled each other with laughter, fun, food and overall love and affection.

On May 19", 2023, Zachary took Dakota on trip to Gatlinburg TN, for a full week full of fun and adventure. Dakota had no clue that Zachary’s reasoning for the trip was not only for the fun but to also ask her hand in marriage. The engagement took place in a private setting at the cabin that the two were staying in, just after a day of fun at a popular venue (Wax Museum). With more nerves than one can ever imagine, Zachary popped the big question to Dakota and Dakota with no hesitation said yes. Dakota and Zachary anxiously await their wedding day on August 10", 2024, as they begin their next chapter of becoming husband and wife!