The Story of Zac and Emmy began not in such a way one might consider customary for such a tale. It began in the wild, and it began in the cold. For it was in the frigid winds of northern forests that their eyes first met, and so too then began the merging of the streams of their paths.

She, a scientist of water.
He, a biologist of wildlife.

Both were called to the boreal forest during a brutal cold snap in December 2023. Working on different scopes as they were, they did not, at first, get much chance to cross paths—Emmy leading a team of hydrologists on a multitude of tasks, and Zac out in the woods in search of bear dens.

That all changed on Christmas Eve, and the catalyst was Emmy’s heart and sense of community. Knowing that the holidays are a time for gathering, she arranged to have everyone return to the field office early and take part in an impromptu holiday party. As stories and laughter filled the space, Zac and Emmy found themselves deep in conversation about history, language, and music.

When Zac learned that Emmy was planning a move from Edmonton to Calgary, he offered to be her guide. And so plans were crafted to meet again when she came to scout for a new home. And from then on, they made sure to find time, despite the field’s demands, to share music, stories, and laughter.  When the appointed date in early January arrived, Zac was sure to arrive hours early to Ol’ Beautiful, too excited to simply wait around at home. He searched for the perfect table. And then she walked in.

The moment he saw her, Zac knew his life had irrevocably changed. For when he looked upon her then, when he saw her smile, when their eyes met, when she spoke, shared her mind, and laughed, he knew nothing would be the same. It was as if she were a river gleaming in golden light, and he was swept in.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, and as they walked across Inglewood under the stars that night, wrapped in story and laughter, they felt no cold only something beautiful beginning. From that day on, they were inseparable. Together they shared adventures in music, art, and nature—always in the company of good folk.

When the time came for proposal, Zac took Emmy to a mountain whose bones had taught him much over the years. A place of shattered stone, flowing rivers, wild berries, and the sight of the most beautiful flowers in bloom.

There upon that ancient ridge, their two hearts became one. Two streams, having flowed and ventured throughout this life, now joined as one river, flowing onward with love and the spirit of the wild at its core.