I don't think either of us expected a simple text conversation on that fateful 2017 New Years Eve to turn into our forever story.

Marisa had been out at a country bar fully intending on finally riding that mechanical bull, though the night had other plans. Zack was working late in the cold enjoying some pizza and a few beers. Those first hello's turned into a long night of chatting, bantering, and then unfortunately learning they lived 3 hours apart. Somehow, that didn't deter them. For the sake of telling the story in the most cringeworthy way possible, it was only the next day that Marisa somehow found herself saying to her friend that -as crazy as it sounded - she thought she had just met her person...while still glued to her phone waiting to laugh at whatever Zack said next.

Their first date was 4 days long, and one of their favorite stories to share. It all started with beers in Walnut Creek, then a trip to China Town with Chinese Mai Tais, Carnival food, Wok shopping, and finally ending in a delicious lunch at California Pizza Kitchen

From there, they were a pair. Spending most of their time together in Shasta County chasing lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. They loved finding all the new breweries with Loki by their side. In April, Zack made it official by giving Marisa her first bouquet of flowers as they listened to the hot rods rev their engines at Cool April Nights!

It was in the tiny home Zack built with his dad that they continued to see they were meant to be. McCloud joined the pack shortly after and then Darwin came out of the woods completing the crew. With 2 people and 3 dogs, it was time for a bigger space - so they bought their first home in the middle of the pandemic and Lakehead became the next stop in their story. They settled into their perfect routine over the next few years, enjoying lake days in the summer and ski days in the winter, all the while discovering more and more what they loved about each other.

After a perfect day in Newport Beach and dinner at Marisa's favorite restaurant, Zack got down on one knee, in the rain, and popped the big question! (Not in the restaurant, thank goodness!)

Which brings us to today - we are so excited for you all to join us on this next step of our epic adventure!