Casey and Zach's initial meeting was thanks to your typical modern romance- Bumble. Casey initiating the message with a basic "hey, how are you?" and Zach with an even more basic "hey not on here much" followed with him telling her to "hit him on the insta or cell." Casey, with no expectations and also, nothing to lose, followed him on Instagram and shot him a message. They quickly learned that not only were they both new to Charlotte, NC but they shared a mutual friend (shout out Danielle Badillo) who Casey knew from her hometown, and coincidentally was Zach's neighbor in his new apartment.

Casey and Zach met for the first time when Zach, their mutual friend, Danielle, and some other friends were looking to "expand a friend group" with some other Charlotte newbies. It was then that Zach invited Casey and one of her friends on a boat (shout out to Bob) with some of the people he met over his first few weeks in Charlotte. At this point, although Casey and Zach both knew there was an initial attraction from matching on the app, neither of them were seeking out anything serious but were looking to make friends and connections. They had the best time on the boat that day, drinking countless Busch Peach's and swimming up to the sandbar to get chili cheese dogs together. Zach was impressed by Casey's passion for chili cheese dogs and skills in operating a strangers’ stand- up jet ski, and the following day asked her out on a first date. Casey, although NOT impressed with Zach's dart skills, was impressed with his ability to sing karaoke at Jeff's Bucket Shop (specifically "1, 2, Many" by Luke Combs- which she'd later learn was his go to Karaoke song) where they had spent hours later that night, so she happily agreed. That following week, they went out for a drive looking for baby cows (Zach had learned they were Casey's favorite animal from keen attention to detail on the boat) and ended the night getting Rita's Italian Ice & Ice Cream. They had a great time and at the very least knew it would be a start to a great friendship.

Over the next several months the two proceeded to hang out with their group of friends spending many hours out on the lake or floating the river, hanging at the pool, having game nights, exploring the city- from morning coffees at Sycamore to late night Michelob Ultra's at The Rose Honky Tonk and many VA Tech football games as fall approached. Simultaneously, they continued to spend a lot of 1:1 time together with light hearted days going on hikes with the two best pups- Whitey & Jax, cooking dinner for each other, trying new restaurants, watching new shows, going to spontaneous concerts, weekend road trips, and meeting/ spending time with one another's families; Zachs out in the mountains, Casey's out on the coast. They created many memories in a short period of time- hosting their first Friendsgiving together, throwing surprise birthday parties for each other, spending their first Valentine's day together by crafting their own makeshift "Paint & Sip", running a Spartan race together, Casey's 1st camping trip, Zach's first (attempt) at golf, and Zach's 1st Ranger's game. They didn't care what they were doing as long as they were learning each other's worlds and making memories together.

Along with bonding over many shared hobbies and lighthearted fun, they were able to have deep and meaningful conversations too. It was from these conversations they quickly learned that they aligned on many foundational values ranging from faith, family, friendships, finances, relationships, politics, health and fitness and shared many of the same dreams. It was the day after Casey saw Zach in his "element" after the first VA Tech football loss of the season that Zach told Casey he loved her, and Casey said it back. They continued to grow their love with shared experiences, deep conversations, and questions to learn about each other's past, and dreams of the future.

After the fun of the summer and the excitement of moving to a new city slowly started to settle into some form of normalcy, Zach and Casey realized how much they truly complimented one another. Zach's "social butterflyness" helped encourage Casey to get out and socialize a bit more and Casey's introverted- extraverted "bookwormness" helped Zach find contentment in the simple pleasures of life. Zach's patience helped ground Casey, whereas Casey's stubbornness helped light a fire to get things done. Zach has always been Casey's biggest cheerleader such as cheering her on for her half marathon or always lifting her chin when she is stressed or overwhelmed. Casey is Zach's biggest cheerleader- always encouraging him with his career endeavors and helping him take one step at a time to keep what's most important in focus. They saw so clearly how much they brought the best out in each other.

It was after a weekend visiting Zach's and now Casey's niece and nephew, Miles and Lucy, that Casey fell even more in love with Zach in realizing how much of an amazing husband and father he would make, and Zach the same for Casey as a mother and wife. It was that car- ride home that the two decided they wanted to get married. Marriage is not something Zach or Casey take lightly so they made sure to check in with themselves and each other to be sure that they were ready to take this next step for reasons pertaining to both emotion and logic. They were more than ready. They shared the dream of eloping out West together and felt as though there was no time to waste. Zach asked Casey's dad if he could marry her. He said yes. Both Casey and Zach's parents could see how much peace, joy and life they brought into each other and were happy they had found each other.

After receiving the approval from families, 6 months after Zach and Casey met, Zach got on one knee at the Belmont Botanical Gardens, lit up beautifully with Christmas lights, asking for Casey to marry him. Casey blacked out and said "of course." The moment was perfect.

Shortly after, Casey and Zach planned a "not so spontaneous" but quickly approaching elopement. They chose Sedona, AZ as the place they would share their handwritten vows to one another on March 6th, 2025, just the two of them, in the mountains. Despite some weather complications, their adventurous elopement was as magical as can be. They hiked Bear Mountain the day prior to their wedding. The day of their wedding, they spent a lovely, intimate morning having breakfast together, reflecting and writing their vows privately and then getting ready together. They toughed out 40 degree weather with 50 mile an hour winds while saying their vows and having an adventure photoshoot, without being in too much pain- all thanks to the adrenaline and excitement of marrying their best friend. They shared a romantic dinner of McDonald's big- macs, chicken nuggets and coca- colas in bed that evening soaking up what the day was and all they had to look forward to in all the days to come. Their elopement weekend getaway continued with being snowed in after a train ride to the Grand Canyon. However, they were still able to get a snowy hike in the following day and then wrap up the trip with a romantic Italian dinner in Flagstaff, AZ. The trip was everything and more of what they dreamed of.

Following, Casey and Zach were able to celebrate an intimate dinner with immediate family to celebrate the bonding of their two families. Casey and Zach are beyond grateful for their families unconditional love, support and encouragement along their journey. They feel so blessed to have two loving families, who embody and model the beauty of marriage and family.

As Casey and Zach settle into married life- a new apartment together, new career endeavors, with plenty of shared dreams and goals, they continue to grow more in love as they grow individually and as a couple. The foundation of their relationship is built off of immense respect, trust, communication, and most importantly, their growing relationship with God. They love the life and family they are building together each day with Jax & Whitey.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, they are excited to plan a lovely celebration with the people they love and cherish the most in their lives- ALL of you! We are beyond excited to continue celebrating our love and welcoming you all into our love story through continued festivities next year! The best is yet to come!

Love,

The Robinson's