Daniel and Zoë internet-met through a mutual group of friends-of-friends in early 2019. They had a few brief conversations, but it was all friendly and short. Once summer rolled around, that had all changed. Daniel messaged Zoë while she was on vacation in Florida with her grandparents in June of 2019. At the time, Zoë had gotten out of a relationship the month prior and wasn’t looking for anything…at all. However, Daniel woo-ed her over with his charm (and jokes) and they started talking non-stop all trip. Zoë’s grandma kept asking her who she was talking to that made her smile when she got on her phone. Once she came back from vacation, they met up in person shortly after and they started hanging out frequently. Zoë’s dog, Axel, became very fond of Daniel from the beginning, and that sealed the deal with Zoë.


While Zoë & Daniel were both raised in Mahomet their entire lives, they were never in school together and didn’t know of each other’s existence until 2019. As they got to know each other more, they started uncovering that their families grew up in the Sterling-Amboy-Franklin Grove, IL area together - what a small world! On August 11, 2019 they went boating up north with family & friends at Zoë’s uncle’s house in Dixon, IL. Daniel looked over to Zoë and said “Isn’t it strange that going up to your grandparents is the same route as mine?” Later that night, he asked her to be his girlfriend and she accepted. They moved in together in a rental house that fall and have been inseparable ever since!

Finally, the year Zoë turned 21! Daniel had waited for this day since they met when she was 17. Trust me, Zoë was too, especially being the youngest in her friend group. This is also the year Daniel popped the question! They took a trip to Salem, MA in September. This was Daniel’s first time flying and he was a nervous wreck going through airport security with the ring and hoping nothing would ruin the surprise. Luckily for Daniel, everything went smooth with TSA and the flight. On their final night in Salem, they went on a night walk and ended up in the gardens of The Ropes Mansion (Allison’s house in Hocus Pocus) and Daniel asked Zoë to marry him under a rose trellis in the moonlight. It was the easiest yes she’s ever had. Daniel’s favorite part besides her saying yes, was Zoë looking up after the tears had dried and said “thank you.” What a goof…with manners at least!

Zoë and Daniel were able to take a vacation in April to visit their friends, the Strouds, out in Washington. Then again in November as a surprise visit for Mariah’s birthday. Zoë had been to Oregon the year prior with her girlfriends and the couple have come to the strong conclusion that they love the PNW and hope to call it home in the future. Zoë continues to sell real estate in the Central IL area and Daniel started a new career in Mahomet as a carpenter with an amazing company that aligns more with his goals and future. 2023 has been full of wedding planning and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been up to!