Before we matched on Tinder, he had come into the bank where I worked. I remembered him, and not long after, God gave us a second chance to connect. We went on our first date to Cummare’s in Murphysboro, and from the moment we sat down, we both knew: it was love at first sight.

That same restaurant became the setting for one of the most unforgettable moments of our lives, our engagement. On January 17th, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him. I said yes, of course and the surprises didn’t stop there. He then took me to the Veterans Inn in Dowell, where a room full of our closest family and friends were waiting to celebrate.

From the beginning, we dreamed big together and we made those dreams a reality. Within our first year, we moved in together, sold his house, bought an SUV, and checked off every goal we set as a team.

Now, we’re so excited to start our next chapter. And to make it even more special, we’ll be saying “I do” on the anniversary of our proposal, January 17, 2026.

We can’t wait to celebrate this day with all of you!

Z&D

Wedding Day