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Photos by Wayne Becker of Dave Zerbe Photography Studio
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Photos by Wayne Becker of Dave Zerbe Photography Studio
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Photos by Wayne Becker of Dave Zerbe Photography Studio
How They Met
Amy and Zachary’s love story is one that could be told on a television show or a movie screen. Both were single for quite some time, but Amy’s dad and older brother, Luke, had a plan. Says Zachary, “If there was such thing of an arranged marriage in 2018, we are it. I knew Amy’s dad and brother for more than 20 years. Luke and I spent time together as kids participating in turkey calling contests and other activities that involved the outdoors. Luke, Keith (Amy’s Dad), my dad and myself stayed mutual friends during those years. One day I posted on Facebook that I purchased new archery equipment and I was looking for someone to practice with on weekends. Keith responded right away and since that day in 2013, we practiced every weekend together. During that time, we became closer as friends and he practically turned into a second father to me. Fast forward to 2016, I was single for a little over a year and I told Keith one day while we were on the archery course together that I was looking to start dating again. Keith looked at me with much excitement in his eyes and said, ‘I need to introduce you to my daughter, Amy.”
Zachary knew most of the Kemp family, but never met Amy. In August of 2016, there was a big Kemp family picnic that Zachary was invited to and Keith told Luke that he would be there. It was Luke’s job to get make sure Amy was going to be at the picnic so the two could finally meet. Amy made it there and right in the middle of everyone Luke did what big brothers do best: he embarrassed Amy by introducing Zachary as the guy who is taking her on a date next week. As you can imagine, it didn’t go over so well. Amy was very embarrassed and didn’t speak a word to Zachary the entire day. After the picnic, he friended her on Facebook and messaged, her apologizing for Luke embarrassing her. She responded and said she was used to it after 27 years. Says Zachary, “I asked her out three times until she finally said ‘yes’ and the rest is history.”
The Proposal
Zachary knew Amy was the girl he was meant to be with after their second date. They just clicked. The pair started dating in August, 2016, and by March, 2017, Zach was ready to ask her to marry him. Recalls Zachary, “I wanted it to be surprise, obviously. So, with some help from my cousin Stephanie Shaak (VP of Events at the Reading Museum), Dave Zerbe and Wayne Becker from Dave Zerbe Photography Studio, I was able to make that happen. Steph told Amy that the Museum needed a couple to shoot for Berks County Living magazine. Amy of course said that we would do it. At the end of the shoot, we stood at the top of the marble staircase in front of the stained-glass window where I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. The best part was her reaction was photographed by Dave and Wayne and we will have those memories forever.”
The Big Day
The day of wedding was perfect. It was one of the only sunny, dry days the entire summer of 2018 in Berks County. The morning of the wedding, all the women had their hair and makeup done at Amy’s childhood home by a staff from Boscov’s Salon and the guys went to Mike and Joe’s Barber Shop for haircuts. More than 250 of the couple’s closest friends and family gathered for at Bitter Sweet Farm in Birdsboro. Both the ceremony and reception took place on the 10-acre property.
The Essigs were married near the pond by a very close friend of theirs, Corey Brossman. In attendance were the bride’s parents, Keith and Beth Kemp, and the groom’s, Vince and Brenda Essig. Maddie Greth, best friend of the bride, was Maid of Honor, and Nick Bossler, best friend of Zachary, was Best Man. The ceremony was personal and only lasted 15 minutes.
The rest of the afternoon was spent partying and socializing while enjoying a buffet from Mission BBQ and drinking beverages from the Birdsboro Beverage beer wagon. The wedding cake was baked by Amy’s Aunt Sharon. It was a very relaxed reception. The band, Teacher’s Pet, was a big hit. And Amy and Zachary danced to She’s More by Andy Griggs as their first dance as husband and wife. Says Zachary, “It was a day we will never forget.”
The Honeymoon & Future Plans
The couple enjoyed a trip to Baniff, Canada in late September of 2018. They currently reside in Oley. Zachary is employed by EnerSys as a Technical Marketing Manager, and Amy is a Team Lead Manager at Target in Exeter Township. They share their home with Hazel, their Jack Russell Terrier, and look forward to starting a family in the years to come.
The Details
Rehearsal Dinner: Catered by Pourhouse American Grille, Fleetwood
Dresses: Sweetheart Bridal & Formalwear, Sinking Spring
Rings: Goldsmiths Jewelers, Wyomissing
Wedding Planner: Jenna Kemp of Exquisite Designs
Flowers: Exquisite Designs, Birdsboro
