Meant to Be: The Love Story of Emily & Zachary

Some love stories begin with a single moment—a chance meeting, a spark, a grand romantic gesture. But some, like Emily and Zachary’s, are woven quietly over time, stitched together by fate long before either of them realized it.

Before they even had memories to hold onto, their parents unknowingly set the stage for something extraordinary. As toddlers, Emily and Zachary had playdates with the Dempsey family, their tiny hands and carefree laughter captured in old photographs. They wouldn’t remember those early days, but destiny had already begun its work.

Years later, they met again at Brewer High School, class of 2016. This time, they formed a friendship that felt effortless, like something that had always existed and was simply waiting to be rediscovered. No matter where they were—whether in the middle of a crowded party or a quiet conversation between classes—they always gravitated toward each other. Their bond was natural, unshakable. Emily felt safe with Zachary, like she could tell him anything. And Zachary was drawn to Emily’s warmth and light, the way she made every room feel brighter just by being in it.

But as often happens, life led them down different roads after high school. Time passed, years stretched between them, yet whenever they crossed paths, it was as if no time had passed at all. The ease, the laughter, the connection—it never faded.

Then, just when Emily needed him most, Zachary reappeared. She was a newly single mother, navigating one of the most challenging chapters of her life. Balancing endless responsibilities, running on stress and peanut butter sandwiches, and trying to find her footing in a world that suddenly felt heavier than ever, she found herself wondering about Zachary. A few messages later, they made plans for a long drive to catch up.

They met in the Brewer Walmart parking lot, and from that moment, something clicked into place. A missing piece she hadn’t even known was missing.

At the time, Zachary was living in Dover, NH, three hours away. But distance was no obstacle. He made the drive—on weekends, on weekdays, whenever he could—not just to see Emily, but to be there. To help with chores, to take care of Wesley, the sweet little boy who instantly adored him and affectionately called him “Z.” To remind Emily what it felt like to be supported, to be cared for. To show up for her, even when she was still learning how to show up for herself.

From the outside, it may have seemed like love was only just beginning to bloom between them, but in reality, it had been growing all along, waiting for the right time to reveal itself.

Now, they are inseparable. No one makes Emily laugh like Zachary does—the kind of deep, belly-aching laughter that feels like sunshine after a storm. They communicate in glances, in the quiet understanding of two people completely in sync, as if their souls have always been speaking the same language. He has the biggest heart of anyone she has ever known. And even when she was a little girl imagining the perfect husband, she could have never dreamed up someone as incredible as him.

Maybe fate had been orchestrating their love story from the very beginning. Maybe it was written in the stars. Or maybe, just maybe, two guardian angels had a hand in it, gently guiding them toward each other when the time was right.

Now, Emily and Zachary are beyond excited to bring their favorite people together in a place filled with warmth, sunshine, and love. To celebrate the journey that brought them here. To honor the story that, in so many ways, was always meant to be.

Registry