It was love at first sight.. for Zach that is. Her summer hat was unlike anything he’d ever seen by the pool on a hot Memphis day, memorable to say the least. “Who is she married to?”, and “There’s no way she’s available,” we’re among the first thoughts to cross his mind. As the evening rolled around, the group of friends would go out for dinner and fate would see to it that the seat across from this Callie would be open. To him the conversation was a breath of fresh air, the most genuine person he’d met in awhile, and even moments of bliss. To her he was a nice guy. Zach left the restaurant with excitement because of the authentic connection he’d felt with her, after all, who does not?? Callie left the restaurant with excitement because she thought he would be fun addition to the gym community. 

Fast forward a couple of months and Callie would say that it was his pursuit that finally got her attention. The pursuit had begun. Somehow between her busy summer tennis schedule, weekend trips with friends, and family vacations to and fro the world, she EVENTUALLY allowed him two and a half hours at a shuffle board bar, of her undivided attention. The original agreement was the two would play a tennis match and the loser bought drinks, but deep down they both knew how that would turn out. Again, after the first date Zach was enthralled by her ingeniousness, relatability, and beauty obviously, and Callie was not yet uninterested. Two days later they rode to the airport together, had a brief chat before takeoff, and then.. silence. They didn’t reconnect again until they were both back in their workout routine interacting as very, very solid friends.


Just when Zach thought their momentum had fizzled, Callie text him to ask about his new pup. There’s some truth to puppies getting a girl’s attention after all. A few weeks passed by where the two chatted on and off, hung out in groups here and there, and ultimately, where Callie contemplated. “He’s such a good guy, you have to give it more effort Callie,” urges her good friend. Well she came around and agreed to a second date because Zach promised her pizza! He was no dummy he quickly found the path to her heart. A couple weeks later Callie found herself taking care of Zach after he got his wisdom teeth pulled, and also found flowers and a note that was placed at his house to be discovered after the surgery. More than just a thank you note, Zach told Callie that his full focus was on her and hoped she felt the same way. From that moment on the two became “lovesick,” a phrase coined by her and her cousin Lynley due to their random unprompted excitement of their respective blossoming relationships. Callie soon flew to North Carolina to meet Zach’s family and best friends, and Callie’s parents soon thereafter drove to Memphis to meet not “friend Zach” but Zach. It wasn’t long before they realized they were each others best friends and had so much in common. From their love of food to their love of being active, the two found sweet company in doing just about everything together. It was not only the big planned dates or evenings where they had so much fun together, but also the small moments of everyday life. It was as if their souls had already known each other for 100 years and their physical bodies finally met, because time together was always peaceful. “Made for each other” 

Everyone knew things were legitimate when Callie brought Zach home for Thanksgiving, because such a thing was unprecedented and she would never risk dulling her favorite holiday with some average affair. Callie’s family said that they were encouraged because she acted exactly like herself that week with a plus one. Zach even passed the travel test (barely, because he spelled her name wrong booking her flight) as they ventured to visit friends in NYC and to ski in Utah. As Spring rolled around in 2023 another box had to be checked = family compatibility. All jokes aside, they were encouraged that when both families met in Chattanooga on Friday night for dinner, they knew the weekend and all future endeavors together would be easy. By this point Zach is convinced that his parents had two daughters and never knew him. Nevertheless, around this time Callie was looking to buy a house and Zach encouraged her to buy this one closer to the part of town he was in. “Buy this fixer upper, I can renovate it for you” he said. Famous last words. Callie closed on the house and flew to Vegas with her dad the next day while Zach started the renovation! With a little blood, sweat, and yes, tears, a month later she moved into her quaint little abode on Philwood. This experience really gave both of them confidence that even in moments of challenge, their character was unwavering and they were dedicated to supporting each other no matter the cost. 

After a very eventful summer, Zach and Callie had a much needed “Out West” trip planned to Montana and Wyoming since the beginning of the year. When both families decided to join on the second weekend of the trip in Jackson, WY, Zach knew this was the perfect time to propose. After a nauseous morning (for Zach), Callie, Zach, and Turner set out for a 7 mile hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park. “Are you sure you won’t be too hot in those pants Callie?”, says Lori at the trailhead, knowing that was not her best look. “Yes mom, I’m sure,” she befuddled. Sure enough, after 4 hours of knee pain and 2200 ft of elevation gain they eventually made it to the top and Turner’s incognito photography skills would be put to the test. Zach gave Callie a belated “birthday present” that prompted 50 things he loved about her. Following that, he sung her praises and stumbled through his best Will-You-Marry-Me speech while a chimp monk rummaged through their backpack for food. It was quite distracting and he definitely didn’t get a 10/10 on delivery but because of who he was to her Callie said YES!! And yeah, it was a long bathroom break for Turner but worth it, and thank goodness the pants didn’t make it up the mountain!

What Callie loves about Zach: 

I love how selfless he is with his time and energy. Zach has a true servants heart and he has served the Memphis community with his talents and time. The way Zach serves me and shows his love through his acts of service led me to fall in love with him. Zach is a true leader who is consistent and gentle. His even tempered spirit keeps me calm and has the ability to keep us grounded. His ability to solve all problems and to never give up is a true gift that I admire. Zach is a true man of God and exemplifies all fruits of the spirit. I admire the patience and gentleness he has shown me from the first time I met him and every day. 
What Zach loves about Callie:

I love how kind and intentional Callie is to everyone in her life. She is incredibly consistent and positive. Her genuine nature is pure and truly admirable, because when you are in her presence she gives you her best. Callie is always looking for opportunities to serve, nurture, and encourage those in her circle, and if you found your way there, you know you are extremely lucky. I’ve never known a love so selfless and true. Her character is the first thing I very quickly came to respect and her quirks have become the little joys I will never get over. I love how much we are alike, and how well our differences support each other. Most of all I love how she loves me for exactly who I am, but will call me out when I am out of character. She is my forever person. 

Forever “lomls” (love of my life- created by Zach) 
We are so thankful for our family and friends who have supported us as individuals over the years and as a couple over the last year. We cannot wait to celebrate our new journey with the people who mean the most to us. Every day is a gift. See you on the dance floor on June 1, 2024.

- Callie and Zach