Karlie & Zach: A Love Story Meant to Be
I met Karlie and Zach at Capen Park in Columbia, Missouri for their late June engagement session. We ended up rescheduling their session becuase of rainy weather. This day, there wasn’t a cloud in sight! But the heat was intense. Karlie and Zach were absolute troopers enduring the heat while still being cuddly in the high temperatures. They came dressed to impress and made my job so easy! Next we headed over to Stephens Lake Park when the sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon. We captured the last bit of glow of the day and these two did not disappoint! I had so much fun getting to know them and learning more about their love story!
As a photographer, I have the privilege of witnessing love stories unfold in the most beautiful ways. But every now and then, a couple comes along whose story reads like a real-life romance movie. Karlie and Zach are exactly that!
Their journey began in the world of modern dating, on a dating app. Karlie had nearly given up on the idea of finding love that way, but decided to give it just one more try. That’s when she stumbled upon Zach. She took a leap of faith, messaged him, and unknowingly opened the first page of what would become their forever story!
Their first date was October 7th, 2023. They chose Duke’s in Jefferson City for dinner, and though Karlie was slightly concerned when she hadn’t heard from Zach until the day of, he reassured her that they were absolutely still on for their first date! They sat down for what turned out to be one of those magical evenings that you never want to end.
Conversation flowed effortlessly. Hours passed before they even realized the restaurant had already closed around them. Staff was cleaning up and other guests had left, and yet, Karlie and Zach were still completely wrapped up in one another! Not ready to say goodbye just yet, they headed down the boulevard to Cold Stone for ice cream!
Fate stepped in again when Karlie’s twin sisters happened to be there at the same time! Even with that surprise run-in, the two ended the night sitting in her car talking for more hours. They laughed at the fact that they had grown up in the same town their entire lives and never crossed paths until now! It felt serendipitous!!
Karlie said she felt like she could 100 percent be herself that night. She was giddy for days afterward and had a feeling this wasn’t just a good first date, this was something special!
That night became the beginning of everything for Karlie and Zach! They’ve shared so much since then. From holiday trips to Branson to concerts in Saint Louis, every moment brought them closer. Zach said he knew from the very first date that Karlie was unlike anyone he had ever met. But it was through getting to know her heart, her kindness, her selflessness, her joy, that he realized she was the one!
For Karlie, the realization came just as quickly. After Zach met her family, it was clear to her that he was it for her! She knew she’d marry him… It was just a matter of when!
That “when” turned out to be December 27th, 2024, the day Zach proposed!
The proposal took place in Branson, a place that holds special meaning to both of them. It was where they had first said “I love you.” Zach planned the moment around the tree lighting ceremony at Silver Dollar City. He had picked out the perfect ring, with a little help from Karlie’s mom (and a bit of sneaky shopping of their own).
There was even a close call when Karlie almost discovered the ring in his suitcase while looking for a hoodie.
On the night of the proposal, Zach could barely focus. He was filled with anticipation as they walked around the park! When the tree lit up and the crowd was buzzing, Karlie asked someone to take their picture. That person had no idea what was about to happen.
As the woman prepared to hand the phone back, Zach quickly pulled out the ring and dropped to one knee. The person with their phone instinctively switched to video! The crowd cheered as the moment unfolded, capturing a piece of magic they now get to relive again and again!
Karlie was so stunned that she left Zach kneeling there a little longer than expected. In disbelief, she couldn’t quite form the words, until Zach had to ask again if it was a yes! Of course, it was!
They both laugh now about the unintentional self-sabotage Karlie was doing leading up to it, brushing off the tree lighting, fixing her hair, having no idea her dream was about to come true!
Together, Karlie and Zach are a beautiful example of joy, partnership, and shared adventure. They love to play games together, whether it’s cards, pickleball, or board games. They golf. They cook. They unwind with TV and just soak in every minute of time spent side by side!
Zach admires Karlie for her sweet, caring nature and how she constantly puts others first, whether through heartfelt love notes or through the incredible work she does as a teacher.
Karlie admires Zach’s patience, his work ethic, and his unwavering support. He believes in her even when she doesn’t believe in herself. He challenges her to grow, to be brave, and to enjoy the best moments life has to offer!
Now they’re counting down the days until they say “I do.”
Zach is most excited to see his bride walk down the aisle, surrounded by family and friends.
Karlie is looking forward to finally calling her best friend her husband, and celebrating the love they’ve built with all the people who mean the most.
Karlie and Zach, your love story is already a beautiful one. I can’t wait to capture the next chapter of it on your wedding day!
