Tell us your love story — how did you meet, when did you know they were the one? :
We met in 2017 while living in San Diego, California. I (Zac) was serving on active duty in the Marine Corps, and Alessandra had recently graduated from college. One evening that fall, we shared dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean in La Jolla. Our first date stretched into three hours of conversation, and by the end, it was clear we had found something special. A few weeks later, I left on a three-week work trip. Despite having only been on a handful of dates, I asked Alessandra to watch my beloved cat and sidekick, Savannah. That simple act not only deepened our bond but also sparked a shared love for rescue animals—we now have five!
As our relationship grew, the Marine Corps took me overseas. In July 2018, just ten months after we met, I received orders to Japan. We decided to continue long-distance, and the next two years became a whirlwind of flights and reunions. Alessandra visited me in Japan, we met in Bali for Thanksgiving, and even spent just a few days together in Hawaii, meeting in the middle. I sent her flowers every month, ordered takeout to surprise her with dinner from afar, and we cherished every moment we could spend together.
At the end of 2019, Alessandra moved to Japan to join me. We made a home together in Iwakuni, traveling the countryside, creating memories, and even adopting another cat. In 2020, we returned stateside, where new adventures awaited—including rescuing three more pets.
In 2024, after leaving the military, I began a new career as an airline pilot with UPS. We settled in Denver, Colorado, where we’ve fallen in love with our community and the life we’re building together.
The following summer, in 2025, I proposed to Alessandra at the base of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, with a one-of-a-kind salt and pepper diamond ring. Though we haven’t yet set a wedding date, we’re overjoyed for this next chapter in our story.
Do you have any advice or tips for others planning a proposal?:
I thought a long time about the location where I would propose. My first thought was the park across the street from our house in Colorado, where we walk our dog everyday. I thought that would be sentimental and meaningful. But in the end, I went in the other direction and went for the grand, memorable gesture, on a hike at the base of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
Why did you choose a PNPS ring? What stood out to you?:
Alessandra is fascinated by the stars and the night sky. She found PNPS on social media and was immediately taken by the unique look of salt and pepper diamonds, which reminded her of her astronomical interest. She told me about "this cool and interesting ring shop in La Jolla" and I filed it away until it was time to go ring shopping.
What has been the most memorable part of your engagement/wedding?:
We were on our first trip to Europe as a couple, and my first since I was a child. Alessandra had never been. We both love the mountains, so the setting was unforgettable. The Matterhorn is the most photographed mountain in the world, and when you see it in person, you immediately understand why. It was an unbelievable alpine scene that made our engagement incredibly special. Also, I was able to surprise Alessandra, which made it even better.
