We met in 2015 at just 16 and 17 years old. We were both more on the rebellious side as teenagers, which is how we ended up where we were when we first met. To most people, it had always been easier to say that we met through a group of friends, which isn’t a lie but it is the quickest version on how our paths crossed. In a more literal explanation we met in an enthusiastic sobriety program. Zoey had been there for about a year before Max joined. Dating was not allowed in this program until certain milestones were met, including the length of time you’ve been sober and how long you have been in program. Fast forward to a year later, in 2016, we were both at a stable spot to start going on dates.

Max asked Zoey on a date the last weekend of March 2016. We had our first date the next week at his family farm. The second date was April 9, 2016 where we went to Kansas City to go out to dinner and a movie. It was a very high end restaurant and way more nerve-racking than the first date was. Later that night before we headed back home to Columbia, Max asked Zoey to be his girlfriend. From there on it’s been one amazing ride watching each other grow. Sticking with each other through thick and thin has been challenging but extremely rewarding. We can’t wait for you guys to continue to be apart of our family.