There’s something so special about getting to photograph two people who genuinely love doing life together, and Grace and Zach are exactly that kind of couple! These two have such a sweet connection, and I absolutely loved getting to know them and hearing more about the story that brought them together. From meeting at the county fair to a proposal in their very first home, their love story is filled with so many meaningful moments, and I couldn’t be more excited to capture this special season of their lives!
Grace and Zach’s story began at the Cole County Fair, where they first crossed paths while showing livestock. Zach showed hogs, while Grace showed cattle. I mean, could there be a more fitting beginning to a good old fashioned Missouri love story?! What started with two people sharing a love for agriculture eventually turned into something neither of them could have imagined!
Their first date was at the Tuscumbia Tractor Pull, about a month before Zach officially asked Grace to be his girlfriend. Both were a little nervous but equally excited to spend time together and get to know one another better. And as if their first date wasn’t already memorable enough, Zach ended up taking first place in his class that evening! I’d say that’s a pretty successful first date if you ask me!
As their relationship grew, it didn’t take long for Grace and Zach to realize they had found something special. For these two, it wasn’t necessarily one big, grand moment that made them realize they were meant for each other. It was something much simpler. It was the feeling they had when the weekend came to an end and they were already looking forward to seeing each other again. Sometimes love isn’t about extravagant gestures or elaborate plans. Sometimes it’s simply finding someone whose company you never get tired of, someone who makes the ordinary days a little sweeter, and someone you can’t wait to see again!
Fast forward to July 23, 2026, when Zach had a very special surprise in store for Grace! That morning, Grace and Zach had officially closed on their house together. They had planned to head back to the house later that evening to walk through it again and soak in the excitement of becoming homeowners. But little did Grace know, Zach had something even bigger planned! While they were at the house, Zach got down on one knee and asked Grace to marry him!
I absolutely LOVE that he chose to propose in the very place where they would begin building their future together. A house that was already going to hold so many special memories became the setting for one of the most important moments of their lives. Someday, they’ll be able to look back and remember that the place they called home was also the place where they officially decided on forever.
And the surprises didn’t stop there! After Grace said yes, Zach let her know that their parents and siblings were already on their way to celebrate with them! Family is such an important part of Grace and Zach’s lives, so it only made sense that the people they love most would be there to share in their excitement. What started as a day celebrating the purchase of their first home turned into a day celebrating the beginning of their next chapter as future husband and wife.
One of my favorite things about getting to know my couples is hearing what they admire most about one another. Grace shared that one of the things she loves most about Zach is his caring heart, not only in the way he treats her but also in the way he cares for the people around him! She describes him as caring, strong willed, and compassionate. And Zach admires Grace’s loving nature and the way she looks toward their future together. He describes her as caring, loving, and expressive.
When they aren’t busy with everyday life, Grace and Zach love spending time with their families. And I think that says so much about the kind of life they’re building together. Their relationship is rooted in the things that matter most to them: love, family, and simply enjoying time with the people they care about! As they look forward to their wedding day, there’s one thing they’re both especially excited about, finally getting to marry their best friend while surrounded by all their favorite people!
Grace and Zach, I am so excited for you two and this beautiful chapter you’re stepping into! Thank you for trusting me to document such a special season of your lives. I cannot wait to celebrate alongside you on your wedding day and capture all the beautiful memories that come with it!
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