The Room at Jonny Lukes

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Basilica of Saint Mary

Nuptial Mass

Warehouse on Water

Reception

Our Wedding

Dom and I first met through our good mutual friend Joseph Rawicki on a sweltering Texas day at Luna Vista Golf Course. We were paired together in a golf cart—apparently not much competition—and I spent the round trying to be “professional” while Dom zipped around joyfully, swinging a golf club like Happy Gilmore. That was my first impression of Dom. That summer in Dallas, we became friends. We shared a great group of people and crossed paths often—backyard gatherings, golf, soccer, and plenty of Tex-Mex. A few weeks later, on one of my last weekends in Dallas, I decided to take a solo trip to Austin. About halfway there, my car transmission gave out on the highway—terrifying, to say the least. After hours of waiting and a partial tow back, I got a text from Dom asking if I wanted to go golfing. When I explained what had happened, his response was simple: “Do you need me to come get you?” He picked me up from the dealership and took me to Chick-fil-A. Back at school, our friendship continued. We saw each other at tailgates, group hangouts, and most notably Nic’s birthday when Mary gifted him Prohibition Era whiskey. One spring day, Dom called to ask me to be his date to Spring Formal. It was an easy yes. A few days later Dom asked me on our first official date. Our first date was April 20, 2023, at Avalon Café in Weston, Missouri. I asked Dom every question imaginable—probably more interrogation than conversation—but he passed with flying colors. We talked late into the night. Before we said goodnight, I asked why he’d asked me out when we were about to graduate and head in different directions. His answer was simple: if things went according to plan, he was in it for the long haul. That was all I needed to hear. We spent the final weeks of college intentionally getting to know each other—talking endlessly, going on exactly one run together, and learning how to drive manual. We made things official on May 14, 2023, just after graduation and right before Dom left for Officer Candidate School. Four weeks of no communication followed, filled with letters and a lot of trust. From there came long distance, new jobs, new cities, and constant change—but we chose each other every step of the way. Over time, our lives began to align. We explored DC, visited each other’s families, prayed together, and planned for the future. When Dom was stationed in North Carolina, I knew it was time for a change of my own. In early 2025, I moved south—and being within driving distance after a year of long distance felt like a gift. Life by the beach with my best friend wasn’t so bad either. On June 8th, in the most beautiful setting at Airlie Gardens, Dom asked me to marry him. Right before he got down on one knee, he asked if I remembered what he told me on our first date. I did. We’re in it for the long haul. And now, we can’t wait to celebrate the beginning of that journey with all of you!

Our Story

Photos

Lillian Zappe

Joseph Rawicki

Madeline Zappe

Samuel Stoltzer

Clara Zappe

David Zappe

Doris Hofbauer

Liam Gnad

Jane Dewey

Nicolas Peña

Anastasia Furtkevic

Anthony Gallia

Halley Crouch

Carson Klingerman

Wedding Party

Q + A

Located in Downtown Wilmington, 10 minute drive from ILM Airport, a 15-minute walk from the Basilica and a 10-minute walk from the venue. We have a wedding block reserved here for Friday (22nd) and Saturday (23rd) (Reservation can be booked for longer of course!), just specify Zappe-Engbarth Wedding when you call to reserve or use link below! https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=ILMDOHX&groupCode=CHHZEW&arrivaldate=2026-05-22&departuredate=2026-05-24&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown

Located in Downtown Wilmington, 10 minute drive from ILM Airport, a 20-minute walk from the Basilica and a 10-minute walk from the venue.

Courtyard Wilmington Downtown/Historic District

Located in Downtown Wilmington, 10 minute drive from ILM Airport, a 25-minute walk from the Basilica and a 15-minute walk from the venue.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

This is the closest airport to Downtown Wilmington (approx. 15 minutes). You can uber from this airport to anywhere in Downtown Wilmington. The other airport in OAJ in Jacksonville NC (approximately one hour from Wilmington).

Wilmington International Airport

Travel

This is a gorgeous park with tons of walking trails, beautiful views of the Cape Fear River, kayaking and paddleboard rentals, and camping if that's something that peaks your interest! 35-minutes south of downtown Wilmington!

Carolina Beach State Park

This is the closest beach to downtown Wilmington (20-min drive)! Parking is free at the Wrightsville Beach Park, but its about a 20-minute walk to the beach front. Paid parking is available on the island.

Wrightsville Beach

A beautiful botanical garden, with lots of walking trails and views! And where Dominic and I got engaged!

Airlie Gardens

This is a fun historic manor close to downtown, that decorates for the season (I am speculating a bit on that since we visited at Christmas time). Regardless a beautiful southern manor!

Bellamy Mansion Museum

Another historic spot in downtown with cute boutiques and shops, a nice spot for a stroll.

The Cotton Exchange

Quaint used bookstore in Downtown!

Old Books on Front St.

A coffee shop that doubles as a specialty espresso martini spot after 11am! A very cute shop with outdoor seating to hangout!

Mary & Dominic

Mary & Dominic

M&D

Wedding Day

11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Nuptial Mass

4:30 PM–10:00 PM

Reception