Never in a million years did this Jersey girl think she’d end up marrying a Southern boy as great as Zachary Bogardus. Yet God works in ways far beyond what we can imagine. From New Jersey to North Carolina to Alabama, His hand was evident in guiding a girl who once knew “South” Jersey as home and a boy who never fully understood the magic of “Northern” pizza and bagels.

Stephanie and Zach met in 2020, when Stephanie moved to Huntsville to help her sister Alison with newborn baby Grace during the work-from-home season. Stephanie walked into a new bible study small group and, of course, noticed the tall, blue-eyed, handsome 6’4 man who stood out wherever he went. But it wasn’t just his height or presence. It was his character, kindness, and heart for Jesus that captured her attention. Standing by his side to witness his baptism in April 2021 remains a moment she cherishes deeply.

Their connection grew over a few weeks, but life soon directed Stephanie back to New Jersey for her first school counseling job. That Fall 2021, she was baptized in her home church, made new friends, and welcomed a sweet puppy named Rutland into her life... all while trusting God’s direction for her future, even as her heart longed for the South.

After about a year back in New Jersey, Stephanie was then called to Wilmington, North Carolina.. still making every effort to visit her family in NJ & AL. Despite the distance, Zachary saw his chance and picked her up from the airport in October 2023.. they spent the weekend together & he then started flying to see her almost every 2-3 weeks, where she would prep meticulous meals and make an impressive itinerary of places to see & things to do. They loved adventuring and seeing new places together!

Then came May 2024. A vivid example of God’s perfect timing. Zach flew to New Jersey to meet Stephanie’s parents, then drove with her dog eight hours to North Carolina to surprise her... all while Stephanie, that very same day, received a job offer in Huntsville, Alabama. Long-distance had done its work; God was writing a beautiful story.

By September 2024, they were finally in the same city, embracing life together. New jobs, coaching high schoolers, ministry, road trips, and competitive game nights. Their love continued to grow with every step. In April 2025, Zachary asked Stephanie’s parents for their blessing and bought a ring!

On July 3, 2025, (a day they will never forget) Zachary got down on one knee on their favorite beach and asked Stephanie to spend forever with him. With the ocean behind them and fireworks above, it was the perfect beginning to their greatest adventure yet. Together, they look forward to building a life rooted in Christ, making a house a home, and continuing the story God is writing for them.
What began as two strangers states away has become a love story written by God Himself, crafted with patience, shaped through faith, and revealed in His perfect timing. And this, they know, is only the beginning.