Their families have been long friends. He remembers her from high school; she was friends with his sister. And she says they went on a group family vacation with a bunch of families. “We started talking then and the rest is history.”

“After about my first year away at college without him, I realized it was hard to be apart all the time, but it was worth it because I loved him so much. I can’t remember the exact day, but I just knew it was meant to be.” He adds that it was during that time apart that “I just knew I couldn’t live without her.”

We met for their engagement session at Squaw Creek park in Marion just last weekend, pushing the early sunset, but loving the unusually warm day. I adored these two from the moment we met and I hope that their love for each other glows through these photos because it’s so fun to witness.

I had asked Amy how Zach proposed and she filled me in: “I want a very private proposal with just the two of. Zach had a very different plan in mind. While he listened to my idea, he did as he wished and planned a big surprise party for our engagement with all of our friends and family. Although it was not what I pictured, it was perfect. It was a wonderful night that we got to share with our closest friends and family.”

Fitting since they both say that their families are the best. She says she has “the best parents in the world and a very amazing younger sister” and he says that the greatest gift he’s ever gotten is his family. “They are my favorite gift.” 

I love how Amy describes Zach. “His love and devotion to his friends and family [are what I most admire about him]. He would do anything for anyone and he is truly a caring person. He can come off a little rough around the edges, but he is a big teddy bear on the inside.” 

He says that he loves her personality. And her smile. They’re tied. (I’d like to add her hair to the list because I couldn’t stop talking about it the entire time we were together. It’s my dream to have hair like hers!) “She is very caring and strong willed. She is a great teacher and wonderful with kids.”