While you could choose to spend 12 hours breaking the world record for the farthest distance run in 12 hours (110.237 miles to be exact), you could also spend those 12 hours observing Shannon and Zach's first date—assuming you have access to a time machine. What started as a simple evening coffee date turned into a 12-hour long connection where the Bride- and Groom-to-be planted the seed for a lifelong romantic best-friendship. But this date was much more than just 12 times the average first date length; it serves as a look into the exact type of relationship Zach and Shannon have—one filled with trust, deep connection, belly laughing, and a shared desire to provide each other happiness.

Just one month after their first date in July of 2019, Zach moved to Boulder, Colorado to finish his undergraduate degree in Trumpet Performance while Shannon finished her degree in History at the University of North Texas. Over the course of the next year and a half, the strength of their relationship continued to grow through long distance. Every day, despite having more than 800 miles between them, they found ways to enjoy each other’s presence, whether it was through nightly FaceTimes, bonding over daily drama, or binge-watching their favorite shows together.

In December of 2020, Zach moved back home, finally ending their time apart. Since then, Zach and Shannon have been each other’s biggest supporters through several major life changes. Shannon completed a master’s degree in Child Development, got her teaching certification, and has been doing an amazing job teaching 1st grade in BISD since August of 2022. Zach completed an MBA and has been working as a Business Consultant since June of 2022.

In between those major life changes, Zach started his year-long proposal planning which was executed to perfection on February 20th, 2022. The proposal took place at the same coffee shop where they had their first date and featured a 15-minute video as well as a song with lyrics written by Zach himself.

The couple has spent the past year relishing in the joy of being engaged. They spend their evenings reading together, feeding their reality TV addictions, and going on dates to their favorite vegan restaurants around DFW. They love to go hiking and kayaking, and they visit Colorado any time they have the chance. They are also board game connoisseurs who love to meet up with friends and family for game nights.

This perfect match couple cannot wait for you all to celebrate with them as they kick off their beautiful marriage in June of 2024!

#TheMorseTheMerrier

Proposal Song Lyrics: Nonprofit Happiness

You are bewildering.

A complex flow of all good things (stay) flickering.

And to each pair of eyes

My love, you are the everlasting surprise.

You have taught me,

New ways to see.

Your beautiful hues,

I love this new point of view.

Like bees and their flowers,

Or fish in the anemone,

Your love is symbiotic

Making life less chaotic (for me).

All of this to see,

That glimmer in your eye.

It was never just your beauty,

But a story of

Perpetual selfless love.

Like bees and their flowers,

Or fish in the anemone,

Your love is symbiotic

Making life less chaotic (for me).