Samantha and Zach met in July 2017 on a mission trip to Destin, Florida when they both volunteered to serve at Lighthouse Family Retreat—an organization that hosts retreats for families living through childhood cancer. Samantha and Zach were assigned to serve the same family, and they hit it off from the very start. Lighthouse was a transformative week for both Samantha and Zach. They got to experience the love of God in a brand-new way as they served others together.

Following Lighthouse, Samantha and Zach began to spend time together and get to know each other more. On September 1, 2017, Zach asked Samantha to be his girlfriend (to which Samantha said “Yes!”). Eventually, they graduated from high school and made their way to the University of Georgia. They quickly came to love the city of Athens and the Dawgs. They love eating at their favorite Athens restaurants, tailgating/going to football games, and spending time with friends. After graduation, Samantha became a licensed realtor, and Zach chose to attend the University of Georgia School of Law—making Athens home for another 3 years.

On March 25, 2023, on the same beach where they met, Zach asked Samantha to marry him (to which she, again, said “Yes!”). They are so thankful for the journey they have had together and for all the amazing memories they have made. It has been amazing to watch God work in their lives and direct their steps through every decision and phase of life. Samantha and Zach have formed many lifetime friendships in their time together, and are blessed and thankful to be surrounded by so many amazing people. They cannot wait to begin this new chapter of life on May 12, 2024!

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.