Maddie and Zach met the old-fashioned way, at work, at Cape Fear Seafood Company. Zach was home from college on winter break, working as a line cook, while Maddie was a server. Between busy shifts, they bonded over witty quips, shared laughs, and stolen glances across the restaurant. Before Zach headed back to college, he took a chance and asked Maddie out on a date.

Zach returned to NC State, and Maddie stayed in Wilmington, but the distance only made their hearts grow fonder. Evening phone calls turned into all-night conversations, and Maddie often made the drive to Raleigh just to spend time together.

Winter slowly turned into spring, and the Kramer family already had a trip planned to the Florida Keys that lined up perfectly with spring break.

Little did they know, this would become one of the most infamous spring breaks of all time.

In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak changed everything. What began as a one-week break turned into two “to stop the spread,” and eventually an entirely remote semester. Zach moved back to Wilmington—and in with Maddie. They were head over heels and completely inseparable.

When COVID fears eased and the following semester arrived, Zach and Maddie found themselves apart again. They couldn’t stand it. Maddie made the bold decision to transfer to Cape Fear Seafood in Raleigh so they could be closer.

Just one year after meeting, in November of 2020, Zach and Maddie bought a beautiful home and farm in Raleigh. Crazy kids, who knew just one thing: they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

Now, six years later, Zach and Maddie share their farm with horses, goats, chickens, three beautiful Great Danes; Millie, Forrest, and Presley, and three cats: Fig, Juniper, and Nyx.

They’ve both finished their education and now work as an OTA and an Engineer, respectively. The farm sells chickens, eggs, goat milk, and soap, and continues to grow alongside them.

We are so excited to share the next step of our journey with all of you.