The story of the couple we are celebrating today began when they met in February this year. Tessa had been praying for over a year while being intentionally single, asking the Lord to make it abundantly clear when He wanted her to put herself back on the dating market. The Lord made it clear at the beginning of 2025 that He wanted Tessa to trust Him and get back on dating apps. Zach, had already been actively looking for a wife for a few years and had gone on several first dates. In his heart though, he knew God hadn’t called him to be with anyone specific but he kept trusting and praying to the Lord.

In February, God arranged the circumstances so that Zach and Tessa would finally meet through a dating app called Hinge. Zach was initially drawn to Tessa’s dating profile because she made it abundantly clear that she was looking for a man who was a born again follower of Jesus. After some initial conversations, both of them agreed it seemed like they were on the same page as far as faith and values.

Zach arranged a date within two days of talking to Tessa and drove down to Colorado Springs to meet her at Bear Creek dog park. It was there that they introduced Fozzie, Zach’s golden doodle to Henrik, Leo and Casey, Tessa’s three huskies. The dogs were instantly best friends! Zach and Tessa ended up talking for several hours and knew that this was different than any other dating experiences they had in the past. They both decided to delete the dating apps altogether on that very first date, knowing it was God’s will for them to give their full attention to getting to know one another.

Zach and Tessa continued getting to know each other over the months, getting involved in each other’s lives. Zach loved coming to church with Tessa at Nor’wood Bible Church and realize very quickly that he wanted to be a part of the small community, even though it was difficult for him to leave behind the church he attended his entire life. Zach also moved from Denver to Colorado Springs, something he had already planned on doing prior to meeting Tessa, as his mom had recently moved to Colorado Springs.

It was by God’s sovereign hand that Zach and Tessa have both gotten to know each other deeply through both exciting and stressful times as they’ve combined their lives together. Not only that, but God has given them an amazing opportunity to witness to other people they encounter on a regular basis. They both know in their hearts that God has big plans for their marriage, not only to be further sanctified but to go out and be salt and light to the rest of the world. They are immensely grateful for God’s blessing of their relationship with one another and for all the people in their lives who are here to celebrate with them!