Where Our Story Starts

Zachary and Courtney knew each other long before they ACTUALLY knew each other. They both had their first communion together in 2009. They were also in track and field together in high school. Zachary threw shot put and discus while Courtney ran 400's. And they were in the same confirmation class in 2018. They later sparked after high school the year before Courtney was graduating college. Zachary asked her on a dinner date to Hamburger Haus and opened the truck door for her, and she was hooked. They started dating July 22 of 2022 and the rest was history!

Engagement

On April 8th of 2023 Courtney and Zachary planed on having nice pictures taken on the farm. She picked out a nice dress and also a flannel for Zachary. McKenzie, Zachary's sister was "learning about photography" and Courtney taught her how to use her nice camera. They walked around taking photos until they got to the spot where Zachary wanted it to happen. Zachary gave McKenzie the signal that it was going to happen, while Courtney was still clueless. Zachary started his speech with a Courtney Deborah Butzlaff and she followed with a Zachary James Van Beek! she took the tension off a little bit. As Zachary got back on track with the script in his head, Courtney started realizing what was happening. He got down on one knee and asked the question "Will You Marry Me?" We spent the rest of the afternoon announcing our engagement with visits to all of our close family and friends.

Present

Courtney and Zachary chose to get married October 26th, 2024 soon after their engagement. Which is one day after Courtney's parents Bill and Debbie Butzlaff's Wedding Anniversary. Zachary has always enjoyed the hunting season and Courtney's favorite time of year is fall. So what better time to have a wedding! Growing up with two farm families they choose Elderberry Manor, which is a beautiful barn venue, everything Courtney could have ever asked for!

We have asked our most favorite people, family and fiends, to be in our bridal party. Each of them holds a special place in our heart. We want them by our sides and for them to know that they will be with us through our lives together.

As a special note the day of our wedding, my bridesmaid's and groomsmen will be wearing orange to honor Zachary's brother / Courtney's brother in law, Isaiah by wearing orange to make sure everyone includes him in our marriage. Celebrating Zachary's Best Man in Heaven.

We can't wait for you all to come together and join us in our special day. It's not about the venue, the food or cake (although it helps) it is about the people that are with us that day that mean the most. We will laugh, smile, cry, and party as two families become one!