The Standard

Wedding

Ceremony

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Our story started a long time ago in the summer of 2012. We were just kids when we first met, not even knowing what love was yet. I can still remember the first time I saw him. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and always standing next to a group of older people with Camaros. We would always see each other at a place called Strats. Strats was the place to be on a weekend summer night especially if you were into cars. We knew each others names, always smiled and waved, but never really talked. He was always with his family, and I was always with friends. We might not have guessed that would be how our love story begins, but man we are sure happy it is. As years passed, and things changed, we lost touch. We went to different high schools, had different friends, and we never really ran into each other again. That was, until one summer night, nine years later. The year is 2021, and my ex and I had just broken up a few weeks before the end of September. A few good friends of mine abducted me from my house and decided to take me out and get my mind off of things. So, to Demitos we went. For those of you who don’t know Demitos, let’s just say it’s the place to be if you like dive bars with halfway decent drinks (depending on who makes it), live music, and good quesadillas with a side of drama and underage drinking. While at the inside bar waiting for our drinks, I felt like I was being watched. Without being too obvious, I scanned the room, when my eyes locked with a blonde hair, blue eyed guy that had to be about my age standing next to the pool tables. I felt myself blush as he smiled at me. Why did he feel so familiar? I couldn’t think of it at the time so my attention snapped back to the bartender in front of me making our drinks. Who was he? Why do I get this feeling of Deja vu? Before I could continue to ask myself, I felt his presence beside me. “Hey, come here often? I haven’t seen you here before”. All I could think of was “wow, how cliche. Totally haven’t heard that one before”, and my face probably said it all, eyebrow raised and everything. But he probably was being serious. I mean, I haven’t really been there much, he was probably just being genuine! I felt so embarrassed, “sorry, not really. I’ve been here before but don’t come super often.” As I turned to look at him, his smile caught me off guard. Zack? The same kid from Strats? It was, it was him, but not so kiddish anymore. “It’s fine, I just had to come over and say hi, and that I think you’re very beautiful and it was nice seeing you, my name is Zack by the way”, and before I could stop myself the words “yeah, I know” came out of my mouth. Without questioning how I knew, he just smiled and then walked back to the pool tables to play his turn. I could feel my cheeks get warm. Did he recognize me? And for the rest of the night, we played eye tag. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, and he couldn’t take his eyes off of me. Well, that was until his girlfriend walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him. For a minute I had forgotten I was heartbroken, but there it was, all rushing back. I needed to focus on myself and having fun anyways. The night ended and I went home. Days later I got a friend request on instagram, “Zack Zeffiro”, mmm I’ll pass. Weeks went by before I stepped foot back in that place. One weekend night, the same friends picked me up to go out for one of their friends birthdays, and of course Demitos is where we ended up. We were drinking, having a good time and dancing around, when one of my friends asked if we wanted to shoot some pool. And there he was, standing at the pool table, pool stick in hand, and talking to one of my other friends. Zack. He looked in my direction and smiled. I waved, and then took a seat by the windows, hoping to be left alone. Well, I was wrong. Within seconds of taking a seat, Zack comes over and says “What have you been up to? Haven’t seen you here since last time”. Has he been looking for me? Where is his girlfriend? “Just been getting ready for school and stuff”. He felt close. I could feel his body heat, and could tell he’s been drinking. “Nice, want to play pool? we can do teams, me and my friends vs you and yours?”. Without hesitation, my natural competitiveness kicked in and before I knew it “You’re going to get your asses kicked”, came out of my mouth, and he had the biggest smirk on his face, and said “Bring it on, loser buys drinks”. We played a few games, and man was he really good! I myself wasn’t too shabby, but my teammate, he was not. We ended up losing 2/3 games, but it was fun! I was definitely feeling myself afterwards. “Hey add me on Snapchat”, Zack handed me his phone, and without thinking I gave him my snap. “message me whenever, I always answer”, he said. I waved goodbye and left. The alcohol finally kicked in and last call was called. My friend was stumbling and more drunk than I was, and he drove! Good thing he lived only a few blocks away. I had planned to walk him home and call my mom to come get me, but it was late and I knew she’d be upset if I told her my ride got drunk and couldn’t take me home. As I sat on my friends front porch, I hesitated on what to do. I could’ve easily walked home, but it would’ve taken me a while, and it was starting to get chilly. I didn’t want to call my mom because she’d be upset. I didn’t know what else to do, until I remember that Zack said he always answers. I gave him a call. It rang a few times before he picked up, but he did. He picked up the phone and asked if everything was okay. I told him the situation I was in, and he said “Good thing you called me, I only live a few blocks from Cody, I’ll be there in 5mins”. And sure as shit, there he was coming around the corner not even 5 minutes later. “You’re driving” was the first thing he said to me as he rolled down the window. My jaw had dropped and I was confused. “I don’t know where to go, it’d just be easier if you drove, plus I’m still drunk”. I laughed and then motioned for him to get out of the drivers seat. As I drove home slightly buzzed, shh don’t tell my mother, we talked. “Your girlfriend isn’t going to have a problem with this will she?” I asked. He chuckled, and explained that they had broken up a few weeks ago, and that she just wasn’t a good person for him. As I pulled in front of my house and put the car in park, something in me just told me to not let the night end. So there we stayed, parked in his car, right outside my parents house and talked. All night long. It was about 6am before we realized that the sun had been up. Where did all the time go? Talking to him was so nice. So unforced. But it was time to go, I was tired and needed my bed. But something in me, buzzed, or not, told me to shoot my shot. “So what would you say if I said I wanted to kiss you right now?”. He smiled and said “Then do it”. I leaned in and kissed him. It was like fireworks had been blown off in my heart. It felt so right, but too soon for me to feel this way again. I said goodnight and walked inside. What an interesting night it was. The next day he messages me on Snapchat, and I ignore it. Days go by of him messaging me, and me sometimes answering him. I told myself I needed to step back, so I didn’t go back out for a weeks. Week after week of not being there, and message after message from Zack to see if I was coming out, or if I wanted to come to his football games, and eventually I said screw it, and went to watch him play. From there on out, we had spent almost every single day together, just as friends, going to the gym, hanging out at my house playing game, going to Demitos every weekend. It was like a routine that I couldn’t shake. We became really close despite peoples efforts to break our friendship. Soon after we started to hangout regularly, Zack confessed his feelings for me, and told me he loved me. I rejected him. Week after week of asking me out, and me saying no every time, I thought would’ve stopped him from trying again. But it didn’t. He stayed my friend, and every new week that came around, he’d ask again. What a persistent and annoying guy he was. But he never pushed it on me. The moment I knew I had loved him with all my heart was the night he brought me home after a bad night at the bar, took care of me, and refused to leave my side. I woke up the next morning to him laying in the crack between the wall and my bed, furthest from me. I didn’t want to wake him, so I left the room. This is where I found my mom sitting in the living room, and she asked how I was doing. We talked about how I got so bad the night before and she understood. I asked her, “You let him stay?”, and she smiled at me and said “Babygirl, I have never seen another man look at you the way he looks at you. Despite you throwing up and crying, and looking as gross as you did, he decided to stay and take care of you, and I know he loves you more than anything. So yes, I let him stay, and I can see that he is respectful, and means well. I mean, look at him making out with the wall!” We laughed. But she was right, I had never met someone quite like him. I eventually accepted being his girlfriend. And from there, all of the rollercoaster rides we have been on, have led us to this. From proposing only 4 months into the relationship and being denied, to trying again 6 months later and succeeding, and through all of the ups and downs emotionally, physically, and mentally, and ultimately dealing with people who tried to pull us apart… Our ride isn’t over, it has only just begun. Experiencing life with him has been something special for sure, and I am grateful for every second of it. We cannot wait to see where our love and lives take us. But I know, that as long as we are together, nothing else matters.

Loving Us

Our Story

Photos

Brittnay and I became friends in 2021, right before Zack and I had started dating. She has always been there for me through all of my life’s ups and downs. She is super sweet, very funny, an amazing cook, and such a great friend! I am so grateful to have her as my best friend, and maid of honor!

Brittnay Moore

Ever since Zack and I started dating, she has been there for us. No matter the issue we had, she was there to help us figure things out. She has always made me feel like I’ve been part of her family, and I cannot thank her enough for all she has done. She has truly been like a sister to me, and I’m so happy I get to call her my matron of honor!

Nina Molenda

I met Amber the same time I met Brittnay. If you know them, they’re practically inseparable! She has been such a great friend, and has always been there for us, especially when people are trying to throw hands. She is super outgoing, funny, and has the kindest heart. I love her, and am so thankful to have her as a bridesmaid!

Amber Nork

I met Ashley at one of Zack’s flag football games back before we first started dating. We immediately clicked, and have been great friends ever since! She is super kind, and bubbly, and lights up the room with her smile! We share the same love for dogs and I think that’s part of the reason why we get along so well. I’m so happy to have her by my side for mine and Zack’s special day!

Ashley Kryger

Stephen is Zack’s cousin, married to Nina. Stephen and Zack have a very good relationship. Stephen has helped Zack so much throughout life with all sorts of things. At one point, Zack worked with Stephen for HomePlexity. Zack really misses spending time with him, he says that he’s like an older brother, and super grateful to have him as his best man.

Stephen Molenda

Brian is Diana’s brother. He is a one of a kind guy. He’s super funny, very sarcastic, brutally honest, and a total ass. But he’s also very sweet, and caring when it comes to the people he loves. Diana and Brian are super close. In fact Diana agreed to watch anime if it meant spending time with him! We are super grateful to have him standing up in our wedding.

Brian Whipple

Nick is Zack’s brother. They have been through thick and thin together, and that what makes their bond so special. Regardless of how they feel for each other, they’re always there for each other. Nick has been a great brother in law to me, and we are so lucky to have him standing by our side on our special day!

Nick Zeffiro

We met Kevin years ago at the gym. Something about his shortness really intrigues us to be his friend to make fun of him for the rest of his life! Or maybe it was how sweet,and caring, and funny he was. Either way, we are happy to have such a great bond with him and call him a friend, and super grateful that he agreed to stand next to us on our wedding day!

Kevin Petrey

Wedding Party

Once you log into www.marriott.com you will need this information: Event Name: Self-Zaffiro Wedding Group Code: SZW Event Dates: 8/29/2026-8/31/2026 Cut-off Date: 7/30/2026 Yes they spelled Zacks last name wrong, so just ignore it ! Here’s also a link you can click on to take you straight there! https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1769551551826&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Diana & Zachary

Diana & Zachary

Registry