It all began on Hinge, where Natalie, despite her best efforts to stay quiet, made the first move. Zach quickly took the lead and asked her out on a first date at El Tiempo, their now favorite Mexican restaurant. Little did they know, a quick three month move to Houston for Natalie would turn into something they never expected.

As the world started to shift with the onset of COVID-19, the future was uncertain. But one thing was clear: they weren’t ready to let go of what they had started. So, despite the miles between them - first in Boca Raton, then Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston - they made the distance work, with long phone calls, visits, and FaceTime movie dates.

Fast forward to the summer of 2022 and they finally were living in the same city together, Houston, where their relationship first started. It wasn’t long after they settled back in that Natalie, despite Zach’s explicit instructions not to adopt a dog, found Chip wandering the streets of Houston. Chip quickly became the third (very spoiled) member of their little family.

But just as their roots in Houston were growing deeper, life had other plans. Earlier this year, they found themselves packing up and moving to Norman, Oklahoma. And Zach found himself making a bold move of his own - he knew exactly where he wanted to ask the question: at the University of Oklahoma, a place that held special meaning for him. And of course, in true Zach-and-Natalie fashion, Chip made a surprise cameo, adding a little extra joy to the already unforgettable moment.

As a couple who has always had a love for travel (and maybe more than a few wedding invitations under their belt), it only made sense to say “I do” in a place as special as the love they share. So, surrounded by their closest family and friends, they’ve chosen to marry in Portugal - a place they can’t wait to explore and celebrate with all the people who mean the most to them.

From the very first date to the unexpected twists of long-distance life, Natalie and Zach have learned that love doesn’t always follow a straight line. But through it all, they’ve built a life filled with travel, sports events, concerts, and a whole lot of Chip. And they couldn’t be more excited to see where this next chapter takes them together!