- March 30th 2024

A mutual friend told Zane there was a girl who managed a bakery in town and that he should really go meet her. Zane had never done something like this before. After some thought and prayer, he stepped out of his comfort zone, and walked into Grandma Ruth’s Cinnamon roll shop to meet this ‘Elizabeth’ he’d heard about.

After buying a roll and enjoying some small talk, he asked if she wanted to go for coffee! The small interaction she had with him in the bakery that morning very much impressed Elizabeth, and she happily accepted! Giving Zane her number (which was un-characteristic of Elizabeth) they settled on the next Monday as the day that would work best for the both

- April 8th 2024

The Solar Eclipse happened that day at 1pm. Zane drove up from Harrison, Arkansas where he had watched it with friends and family. Elizabeth enjoyed watching it in Branson after working the bakery that morning.

They met at Vintage Paris for the coffee dat!

Conversation flowed smoothly… talking about each other’s work, family, backgrounds, passions, personal faith testimony, hobbies, interests… ect the time just flew!! The sun was setting before they realized they’d been there almost FIVE hours!!! Going home they both were on cloud nine wondering what the Lord’s plan for this was.

- April / May

Over the course of the next two months they intentionally spend time together on evening dates talking through deep, foundational questions, as well as enjoying casual friend, group settings. Each time they hung out it just became more and more evident that they enjoyed each other’s company and were on the same page in so many areas of life.

- June 18th After many conversations, lots of prayer and seeking wise counsel, with great anticipation, they made it official and started the dating season!

The summer was incredibly wonderful and full! Both having full time jobs and busy schedules they made spending time together happen as much as possible. Afternoons of frisbee and evenings of pickle-ball were weekly activities. Double dates with friends. Trips to visit family in Harrison, Arkansas and a trip to Seward, Nebraska made for great road trip conversations and the opportunity to get to meet and know each other’s families.

We embarked on the task of making 27 cheese cakes for Elizabeth’s brother’s wedding. Lots of planning and a full day of kitchen work made for some great memories!

As summer moved into Fall the relationship just grew deeper. Learning to communicate through the joys, challenges and daily happenings of life caused us both to press into our relationship with the Lord and grow in new and wonderful ways.

The bakery closed for the season at Christmas and ‘Future Men’, (the boarding school Zane works at,) had break for 2 weeks. We enjoyed spending almost every one of those days together! We got to celebrate Christmas with family and friends in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas.

The month of January found Zane faithfully serving the boys at Future Men, and Elizabeth traveling to visit her family all over the US. Going four weeks without seeing each other and trying out a long distance relationship, they both decided they didn’t want to try that again!

- February / March

Was filled with consistent schedules of work time with friends, and being involved with different Bible studies.

- April 11th 2025

Starting out as any other typical Friday, Elizabeth opened up shop and had a full afternoon of errands. Since Zane and a group of friends had a camping trip planned, she had resigned to not getting to see Zane much that weekend.

Unknown to her Zane and a whole group of friends were planning the most incredible evening!

Since the men were ‘out of town camping’ the girls planned to do a supper and evening at the lake. After supper they headed out to watch the sunset at table rock Lake. As we walked down the path. It didn’t take long to see the first hint that this was not a normal evening walk. A picture of the couple was found hanging on a tree. After reading the sweet note on the back, Elizabeth realized what was happening! With teary eyes she continue to walk the trail and found multiple pictures and notes from Zane. As she approached the clearing, Zane stepped out from behind a tree, walking hand-in-hand down to the waters edge. There he asked the big question….

After a moments pause to take in the moment, Elizabeth responded with a very happy and confident ‘YES!!!!’

“The last year has been the most incredible year for us both. As we look forward to committing our lives to each other in marriage we are deeply grateful for God‘s goodness and faithfulness in leading us to this point. With great excitement we look forward to what He has in store for us in the future and we are delighted to have you share in this special moment with us!

Sincerely,

Zane & Elizabeth

Z&E

Wedding Day

5:30 PM

Reception

Dinner Reception