Zach and Maisie first met on a blind date in June of 2022. They were set up by a mutual friend and decided to give each other a chance. The date was very pleasant; they talked freely and enjoyed connecting over their creativity, their home of the pacific northwest, and their pets. It was so pleasant that Maisie wasn't sure how to feel... their conversation came so easy. Zach made her feel comfortable and calm. Weren't first dates supposed to be nerve wracking? Then she read a piece of dating advice shortly after: "don't look for a spark, look for a smolder." They agreed to go on a second date and it became clear they had found something very special in each other.

They enjoyed the rest of that summer getting to know each other. They went to drive-in movies, kept in touch during family vacations, and explored the city together. Shortly after their first date Maisie met Zach's family at their mutual friends' wedding and everyone connected right away. Later that summer Zach met Maisie's family who were so impressed by his wit, craftsmanship and grounded nature. Their relationship had been solidified.

The natural next step was for Maisie and Zach to begin combining their worlds. This started by introducing their beloved pets: Rose and Plume. They had discussed how similar the girls were despite being a dog and a cat. Both were adopted from the Humane Society at a young age and saved from living tough lives alone. Timid and slow to trust, but loyal and sweet beyond compare. After meeting they spent lots of time together and have grown to be great fur friends.

Travel has been a major part of Maisie and Zach's relationship. From their road trip to Idaho with friends early on, to a weekend in Seattle where Zach volunteered as a blood plasma donor, to their first international trip together in Mexico, to their most recent trip across the pond in Scotland their connection grew stronger with every excursion. Coming from a long line of world travelers, Zach was confident and comfortable traversing the world while Maisie had just begun travels of her own as a young adult. Being with Zach encouraged her to explore and fulfilled her desire for adventure.

Zach proposed to Maisie in February of 2026 on a trip to Bend where they went snowmobiling for the first time together. They agreed to start a life of their own while sharing a new and exciting experience. As of now, they live in the home that Zach renovated for them with their dog and their cat, Rose and Plume. They are currently searching for a new home to enjoy the rest of their lives together and cannot wait for what their future holds.