It all started by Tara ignoring Zach, not once, but twice on an Instagram DM. She got a third DM in responding to a hockey story she posted and that is when the two of us finally started talking.

Our first date was on April 8, 2023 and we went to an inside mini-golf place. This was also the start of us matching what we wore. We both wore blue jeans and pine green shirts. We were both extremely nervous in the beginning, but it was easy to talk about ourselves to each other. The mini-golf game was a very close game and after that we did not want to say good bye to each other quite yet, so we extended the date and got ice cream afterwards.

We went on our second date the next week to a restaurant on the beach, called Beach House, and this was the first time any boy in the universe had gotten me flowers. I also found out that he is a active church goer! Needless to say, when I got home later that night, I told my parents, "I think he could be the one!" Spoiler, fast forward to about year later, he in fact is "The One"

On May 20, 2023, we went on a triple date to a Scooby Doo escape room with a few of Tara's friends, and yes we did make it out alive! After we got out of the escape room, there was a little beach store that we all walked in to. Everyone kind of went their own ways as we were in the store, and that was Zach's perfect opportunity to get me alone and ask a vulnerable question. He told me that he wanted something serious, as I did as well. After that, we both became boyfriend and girlfriend.

It has been an absolute joy getting to know Zach. We both have taught each other so much throughout the past year and have learned so much about each other.

On May, 16, 2024 we went to another escape room, The Heist, but this time it was just ourselves. What I thought was an ordinary day, was actually one of the most life changing days of my life. We are going through the puzzles and unlocking every door, until the last door, he made sure that I opened because that was the door where he went on one knee and asked me to marry him. We were both absolutely speechless and so giddy! After we had escaped the room, we both called all of our family and friends to tell them the big news!! We then celebrated with going to Yard House!

The journey we have gone through has been very memorable and special. So excited that we get to to be Mr. and Mrs. Petty!!

T&Z