There's always two versions of one story, so here's both of ours (:

Gracelyn:

Zach and I met two-stepping in May of 2021! My first impression was that I truly had never met someone quite like Zach. In July, I had invited a group of friends to my family's lake house and he ended up coming. I remember telling my mom I just know we will be friends forever. Little did I know that would really be true. To his dismay the key word was friend. I definitely noticed that he was interested in something more and I wasn't sure what to do with that haha. Come Thanksgiving, I had asked Zach to drive me down to Oklahoma so I could meet up with my family. He kindly and patiently made the eight hour trip in one day for me, right after I told him the night before we will only be friends and I am interested in nothing more... So we decided to spend less time together once I got back into town. As I had time to think of our conversation in the car, I realized I didn't want that kind of space from Zach. He graciously picked me up from the airport post-Thanksgiving trip and I told him “I think I have feelings for you”. Bless his heart because I am the slowest processor, a chronic over-thinker, and created a lot of confusion. January 2022 rolled around and we went on our first date. In March, he asked if I would be his girlfriend and I answered him a week later (again, his patience with me leaves me in awe). Our dating relationship created a lot of questions for me because it was such unknown territory for myself. I discovered Zach just got better and better as he pursued me consistently with patience, clarity, thoughtful consideration, and wisdom from the Lord. December of 2023 WE GOT ENGAGED! I am truly so blessed to know and love Zach. I loved having a slow burn type of start in our relationship because I got to be Zach's friend first (and now WIFE!!!!!!) I see Jesus through him in how he speaks of those who are hard to love, his long-enduring patience in the midst of unknowns, self-control, and loyalty to those he loves. I am so excited that I get to follow his lead and grow with him for the rest of my life. He is a man who has character and sticks with it even when it gets tough. He is marked by his faithful obedience to where the Lord is calling him. I hope everyone gets to have someone like Zach in their corner.

Zachary:

I got an invite from my sister to go out to an old country bar… I showed up with jordans, ripped jeans, a white T, and my gold chains. In the middle of the dance floor was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. Wearing a floral red and white dress and boots. The lights just hit her perfectly as she would scoot around the dance floor sliding and dancing in her own unique way. I knew I had to meet her… so, that began the night that I learned how to 2 step. We had a small conversation about her hometown in Texas and everyone called her horse girl, so I thought Gracie was this uber conservative, country girl, but beautiful, genuine and easy to talk to. She always asked me the most intentional questions, but would never answer when I asked them back. Later, I started coming to a young adult ministry called Paradigm. I would spend lots of time trying to figure out how to sit next to her, have a conversation with her, or get her to laugh. I asked for a snap chat and that ended poorly. After a series of delayed responses when I would text her, I finally got an invite to her lake house, but not directly from her. From a friend we would 2 step with that she had a crush on... After pure fate and Jesus I made it to the first annual lake trip. It was like heaven on earth getting to see her. She was so adventurous, always wanting to go for runs, hop on the jet ski, or try to kill me on the tube (literally). Finally with some help of a mutual friend Emily Murray. I would get invited to hang out or go see movies or walks in the park or games. Emily always found herself in between us and Gracie made sure I didn’t get too close. After some freak outs I finally made it to our first date in January. Ax throwing one of the best and most awkward nights ever! I pursued until she had no choice but to be in a relationship with me. At Chick-fil-a ,one night, I asked her to be my girlfriend and that I wanted to date her for marriage…. A week later she said yes! I realized I wanted to marry her 6 months into our relationship. Gracie is so beautiful I’ve always loved her big green eyes. Gracelyn is THE sweetest and most kind, intentional woman I have ever met. I observe how she is patient and always leads kids towards Jesus and the truth. Words can’t even describe how excited I am to be with a loyal and gorgeous woman that leads me towards the Lord and makes me feel like the only man in the world.

Thank you so much for being part of our day!!! Zach and I deeply appreciate your generosity. Whether it be your time in attending our wedding or a tangible item you want to bless us with.