Lydia Plath's Love Story: How Zac Wyse Won Her Heart (Part 2)

Summary

Summary of "Lydia Plath's Love Story: How Zac Wyse Won Her Heart (Part 2)"

Episode Title: Lydia Plath's Love Story: How Zac Wyse Won Her Heart (Part 2)
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Podcast: The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast
Hosts: Jinger Vuolo, Jeremy Vuolo
Guests: Lydia Plath, Zach Wise

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Introduction to Lydia and Zach’s Story

In this heartfelt episode, Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo delve deeper into the love story of Lydia Plath and Zach Wise. Continuing from Part 1, the conversation explores the pivotal moments and intentional choices that defined their relationship, emphasizing faith, commitment, and overcoming unforeseen challenges.

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Early Relationship and Intentional Commitment

Missed Flights and Divine Timing

Lydia recounts the chaotic early days of her relationship with Zach. Shortly after they began dating, Lydia missed her flight to Washington due to a hectic schedule. This seemingly unfortunate event turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Lydia Plath [06:03]: "I forgot to check into my flight. I couldn't check, so I missed my first flight out of Colorado."

Jeremy reflects on the significance of this moment:

Jeremy [06:30]: "I'm so thankful I missed that flight."

Ring Shopping as a Commitment

A pivotal moment in their relationship occurred when Lydia suggested they go ring shopping early on, aiming to preserve the surprise for their future engagement.

Lydia Plath [33:35]: "What if we went ring shopping so that whenever the day comes, you know what I like. So you don't have to spoil the surprise."

Zach was taken aback by this proactive step, marking a significant commitment early in their relationship.

Zach Wise [33:38]: "Complete shock for me."

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The Proposal and Navigating Reality TV

Planning the Proposal Amidst Filming

As their relationship progressed, Lydia and Zach faced the unique challenge of planning their engagement while being part of a reality TV show. They aimed to keep their personal moments authentic without the intrusion of cameras.

Jeremy [43:09]: "We need to bunker down with each other."

Lydia expressed her desire to keep special moments private, ensuring that the proposal remained genuine.

Lydia Plath [50:21]: "I really want this to be just the two of us."

Compromising with Production

To honor Lydia's wishes, her father helped negotiate with the production team to film selectively, allowing for personal time without compromising their special moments.

Lydia Plath [50:46]: "My dad found a compromise for everyone."

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Maintaining Faith and Building Community

Faith as the Foundation

Both Lydia and Zach emphasize the importance of their faith in shaping their relationship. They consciously chose to prioritize their spiritual connection, which guided their decisions and reinforced their commitment to each other.

Lydia Plath [58:29]: "It has only drawn me closer to the Lord because there's no way I could go through this... without being rooted and grounded in the Lord."

Supportive Community

Surrounded by a supportive church community, Lydia found strength and encouragement, ensuring that external pressures from reality TV did not undermine her faith or relationship.

Lydia Plath [60:09]: "I've had so many amazing friendships lifelong and from this church."

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Overcoming Challenges Together

Early Marriage Challenges

Jinger shares her and Jeremy’s own experiences with deep betrayal early in their marriage, drawing parallels to Lydia and Zach’s journey. Both couples highlight how facing challenges can strengthen the bond and deepen their reliance on faith.

Ginger [62:05]: "We experienced some deep betrayal and felt like, you know, because you have relationships in your life that ground you, and when those shake or removed, you feel like, what am I doing?"

Trust and Resilience

Zach reflects on how their trials fortified their trust in each other and their faith, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Zach Wise [63:38]: "The Lord used that in an amazing way for us to, one, deepen our relationship with the Lord."

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Advice for Couples and Maintaining Love

Intentionality and Daily Choices

Ginger offers advice on sustaining love beyond the initial stages of marriage, emphasizing intentionality and daily acts of kindness.

Ginger [66:23]: "Love is defined by Daily, tiny little decisions of putting the other person first."

Choosing Love Through Challenges

Lydia and Jeremy echo the sentiment that love is an ongoing choice, especially during tough times, reinforcing the idea that love is a decision empowered by faith.

Lydia Plath [69:57]: "We've had to choose each other, choose love, and just be like, we've gone through some really tough things already, but it's only brought us closer together."

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Conclusion and Reflection

The episode wraps up with reflections on the intertwining of personal faith and public life, showcasing how Lydia and Zach have navigated their relationship with grace and intentionality amidst the spotlight of reality TV. Their story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of faith, love, and resilience in building a strong, enduring partnership.

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Notable Quotes:

• Lydia Plath [01:25]: "We hugged and then he kind of just held me and he was like, I'm ready to make this commitment and promise that I won't kiss you until our wedding day if that comes."

• Zach Wise [07:19]: "Did you ever fly out?"

• Lydia Plath [08:57]: "So, yeah, I did not tell Zach that. That's what I said. He couldn't know that. Yeah."

• Jeremy [16:25]: "I'm going to hold off on saying I love you, and I'm going to probably not kiss you for a while as well, because I want it to mean something."

• Lydia Plath [58:17]: "I can confidently say that it has only drawn me closer to the Lord because there's no way I could go through this... without being rooted and grounded in the Lord."

• Ginger [66:23]: "Love is defined by Daily, tiny little decisions of putting the other person first."

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Final Thoughts:

Lydia and Zach’s journey, as shared on The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast, underscores the significance of making intentional choices grounded in faith and mutual respect. Their ability to navigate the complexities of a public relationship while maintaining sincerity and depth offers valuable insights for listeners seeking to build strong, faith-based relationships.

Transcript

[Lydia Plath]

With the Venmo Debit card, you can Venmo everything. Your favorite band's merch. You can Venmo this or their next show. You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more.

[Zach Wise]

The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank in a pursuant to license.

[Lydia Plath]

By MasterCard International, Inc.

[Zach Wise]

The card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted.

[Lydia Plath]

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[Ginger]

There was a time in our life, very early on in our marriage where we experienced some. I describe it as deep betrayal. Like literally coming back from our honeymoon, we walked into like a war zone immediately and we're like, what?

[Lydia Plath]

I had also planned on going on the date with that guy, which, by the way, I'd already called him and told him. I pretty much just told him straight up. Just need to let you know I found the so I don't know if there's any point in us going out, but that morning I had a crazy idea. I was like, what if we went ring shopping so that whenever the day comes, you know, whether it's six months from now, two years from now, you know what I like. So you don't have to spoil the surprise.

[Ginger]

Wow.

[Jeremy]

Complete shock for me.

[Lydia Plath]

Three weeks after I might meet him.

[Jeremy]

Three weeks.

[Lydia Plath]

We hugged and then he kind of just held me and he was like, I'm ready to make this commitment and promise that I won't kiss you until our wedding day if that comes.

[Ginger]

Are you guys good talking about everything you're talking about for the filming?

[Jeremy]

Yeah, I was thinking about that.

[Ginger]

All right, guys, we're about to get into part two of hearing from Lydia Plathwise and her husband Zach on how they met and fell in love. But guess what? We've got some news. After getting so many requests from you, we are seriously considering launching a membership platform.

[Zach Wise]

It's still early as we're just dreaming up all these ideas, but we're thinking about doing some things like behind the scenes content, some bonus podcast episodes, and other ways that we can just connect more intentionally with you all.

[Ginger]

Yeah, one of my favorite ideas is having a listener voicemail where you guys actually send in a voicemail and we listen to it and react to it on the podcast. But here's the thing. If we're going to connect more directly with you guys, we want it to be shaped by you guys, by our listeners, those of you who've been with us from the beginning.

[Zach Wise]

So would you take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us in a short survey?

[Ginger]

Yeah. We have a link in the description box below. If you're listening on Apple Spotify or watching on YouTube, wherever you're listening, there'll be a link in the description. Take a few minutes, fill that out. That will go a long way in helping us bring this content to you, which would be, I think, really, really fun. So we're excited to hear from you guys. Thanks for tuning in so faithfully, like you do every week. Now, let's get into this conversation with Zach and Lyd. What's going on, everybody? We're back, Ginger and Jeremy, for another podcast. And we wanted to say real quick, we've had a ton of exciting guests coming on.

[Zach Wise]

Yes, we have.

[Ginger]

And we've got a lot of activity with the podcast, a lot of people that are coming up, whether it's family members or friends. And so if you want to stay up to date on this podcast, if you subscribe, that not only helps us to kind of know who's listening, but it'll give you alerts, whether that's on YouTube or on Apple Spotify. So hit that subscribe button. I don't know. I just thought I'd start out saying that.

[Zach Wise]

I like that. That's great. Well, back in the studio today, we have part two for you with Zach and Lydia.

[Jeremy]

Let's go.

[Zach Wise]

Plaif Wise. And so thanks for having me.

[Ginger]

What's up, guys?

[Lydia Plath]

Wise Plaid. Yeah, exactly.

[Ginger]

First of all, when are you guys going to start your own podcast? That's the question.

[Jeremy]

Oh, my goodness. We actually have thought about it a couple times.

[Lydia Plath]

I think we've brainstormed about it and we already know what it's going to be called when we do start.

[Zach Wise]

Don't give it away yet.

[Lydia Plath]

Don't give it away. Hold it, hold that.

[Zach Wise]

Because you don't want anybody to take it, right?

[Jeremy]

That's fair. Honestly, we love twinsy. Maybe it'll prompt us to start it sooner.

[Zach Wise]

I think so. I think you should hold on to that one because it's very good. We've talked about it. It's very good. Very catchy.

[Ginger]

Okay, well, I would say this, though. I would encourage you guys because you're a young couple and you've got this whole reality TV spotlight thing. Lydia, you've been on reality TV since you're 15. 15. So how many years has that been? Seven.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah, seven years.

[Ginger]

But you also have a wisdom beyond your years. And the two of you together, it' been really special getting to know you guys.

[Lydia Plath]

And now that I'm officially wise.

[Jeremy]

I know.

[Ginger]

Now you're wise. Now you're wise.

[Zach Wise]

There you go.

[Ginger]

So I think. I think you guys would have a lot of encouraging things to say and to contribute. So anyway, that's our little plug for them.

[Lydia Plath]

We like it.

[Zach Wise]

Start a podcast.

[Ginger]

Okay. We need to start back up, though, because you guys, last we heard from.

[Lydia Plath]

You, we shared nine days of how we met, started dating. It took 40 minutes. I think we can speed it up a little bit.

[Ginger]

You're officially not avoiding him anymore. You guys are an official couple at this point.

[Jeremy]

He's.

[Ginger]

We ended the last podcast with you guys with Zach, like, doing cartwheels through the park or something.

[Jeremy]

Yeah, I was excited.

[Lydia Plath]

Blowing up with excitement.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

And I just gotta say, like, for as a. As a woman, like, seeing a guy that excited that you said yes to him is just like. It's just precious, like girls, if he doesn't react like that. You know, some guys are more just reserved.

[Zach Wise]

But he doesn't do cartwheels. He's not for you. Is that what you're saying?

[Jeremy]

Create a trend? I guess.

[Ginger]

And I think the cartwheel thing is a myth because you didn't even cartwheel. I think you were just.

[Jeremy]

Jumping up and down. I was definitely. I think I was screaming and shouting.

[Lydia Plath]

More, but because we had already, like, tried to do some acrobats. Acrobatic moves before, and he just didn't have anything. And then he got up and I was like, oh, you can.

[Zach Wise]

That's awesome.

[Ginger]

So this is. I mean, this is as close to being love at first sight without being love at first sight in the sense of you guys.

[Lydia Plath]

Love first hike.

[Ginger]

Yeah. Love at first hike.

[Jeremy]

Yeah, it's true.

[Ginger]

Now we've got an episode title.

[Lydia Plath]

Honestly, I like that.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

Okay, so take us and take us. Keep the story going here. We're all on the edge of our seats.

[Lydia Plath]

So we're boyfriend, girlfriend, and I'm supposed to wife.

[Jeremy]

What are you talking about? Look at this.

[Zach Wise]

Okay.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah. So back to story. We're boyfriend, girlfriend, and I'm supposed to be leaving the next day to go to Washington. So we hadn't Even been boyfriend, girlfriend for a whole 24 hours, and he's taken me to the airport. It had just been a chaotic last 24 hours, if you can imagine. I forgot to check into my flight. I got to the airport and it was within 60 minutes of boarding time, so I couldn't check. So needless to say, I missed my first flight out of Colorado, and that was not a problem for us.

[Ginger]

It's probably like, what a bummer.

[Jeremy]

I know.

[Lydia Plath]

Literally, at first I was like, I missed my flight. Never missed a flight before. And then I was like, this is actually really good, because if I would have left and gone see my friends, who are also friends with the guy I had been talking to, I just don't know where we would be right now. So I'm so thankful I missed that flight. Zach came back and picked me up. We went to Life Group again and just kept on dating. I love it.

[Zach Wise]

Did you ever fly out?

[Jeremy]

No, No. I missed another flight.

[Lydia Plath]

My next flight, too. And that led to. Okay, so this was the flight I was. I was going. I was going to fly to D.C. to see my friends, where I had also planned on going on the date with that guy. Which, by the way, I'd already called him and told him. I pretty much just told him straight up, the confidence, like, day five of us dating. I just told him, like, I wanted to be really clear with this guy because he was really. He was really nice, great guy, great Christian.

[Ginger]

And.

[Lydia Plath]

But I just wanted to be as clear as I could be. And so I told him. I was like, I just need to let you know, I. I found the one. So I don't know if there's any point in us going. I was like, I didn't tell Zach that. That's what I said.

[Ginger]

Imagine he's listening in the other room like, I'm sorry, she found what? She found the who.

[Jeremy]

I was like, I gave her privacy. I'm like, I mean, she told me, like, down the line a while later, but I was like, what?

[Zach Wise]

I said, that's very bold. That is very bold of you to say that to that guy. That's impressive. So, okay, wait a minute.

[Ginger]

And did that guy just go, well.

[Lydia Plath]

Okay, then being clear. I mean, he was very honoring about it. And we just talked a little more. He told me about job promotion he had just gotten and, you know, you found your husband.

[Ginger]

Well, anyway, I got a job.

[Lydia Plath]

It was a great conversation. And that's awesome. Yeah. But, like, you know, there was. There was no. Like, we never gone on a date before. I'd only seen each other once and just had a good conversation. So there was no, like, you know, ties there or heartbreak for any of us. You know, it was just an easy, like, hey, just appreciate your friendship. And I wanted to be clear with this, because I found the one, so I don't lose the need to continue to the altar.

[Jeremy]

Friend zone. Here we go.

[Lydia Plath]

So, yeah, I did not tell Zach that. That's what I said.

[Zach Wise]

Wow.

[Lydia Plath]

He couldn't know that. Yeah.

[Jeremy]

I would fall over with how big my head would be.

[Ginger]

Did you, though? Here's the thing. Because obviously your minds are racing over these days. Did you think you'd found the one as well, or hadn't you thought about it?

[Jeremy]

Um, I definitely, like, had some inclination. I still had some more discovery to go, but there was. There is a certain moment we'll talk about here pretty soon, so.

[Ginger]

Well, I want. I do. A question just popped in my head that I want to ask, because I want to hear this going. But it's something we've talked about a lot because growing up, the setting Ginger grew up in with the Institute of Basic Life Principles and Bill Gothard and all of that, there was a very formulaic way of dating, and it was called courtship. And so there were strict rules, and guys coming in who weren't from that world, like myself or Ben or Derek, were kind of like, oh, what's going on? And it was fine because, you know, obviously, I'm looking at my wife going, hey, she's worth it, so I'm gonna.

[Jeremy]

Absolutely.

[Ginger]

And I wanted to be respectful, but it took a lot of getting used to.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

In your setting was. Were there, like, expectations for dating or courtship that you had to. I guess we could get to it, but, like, that you had to adjust to, like, oh, this is how the Plaths do it.

[Lydia Plath]

No. We kind of set our own rules and our own boundaries, which we'll share about in a second.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

But there's never, like. My parents have always been like, you know, each child's gonna be different. Each couple's different. There's no formula to love. There's no formula to just, like, how they've poured into each child individually and found their strengths and weaknesses and help them excel in what they love. It's kind of been the same with dating. Can we take a quick break from this episode? I have a quick question for you guys. What sheets do you have on the bed? Cause I. When we got here, I touched the bed, and I was like, oh, my goodness, these are butter.

[Jeremy]

I fell Asleep.

[Lydia Plath]

Just like, first thing I said, these are butter.

[Zach Wise]

So, yeah, they're Cozy Earth sheets, and they are our absolute favorite. Anytime that those were, like, not on our bed, say, I wash the sheets. We have multiple sets, but somehow she ends up on the bed. We don't want to go to sleep. We want to take that sheet off, go get our Cozy Earth sheets, because they are just that good. And.

[Lydia Plath]

Well, now I don't want to sleep until I have them.

[Jeremy]

We might just have to steal a pair.

[Ginger]

Okay, so here's the crazy thing is they have pajamas as well. And they have these. Look at these. These are coziers.

[Jeremy]

No way.

[Ginger]

It's going to take over your world.

[Lydia Plath]

Oh, my goodness.

[Zach Wise]

And Cozy Earth. Their goal is to transform your 5 to 9, the time that matters the most because you're in bed for all those hours, into the coziest sanctuary. And they do a good job of it. Let's go.

[Ginger]

And here's what we're going to do for you. We're going to give you the J I M G E R code.

[Zach Wise]

Let's go.

[Ginger]

40% off the website.

[Zach Wise]

40%.

[Lydia Plath]

Okay.

[Zach Wise]

And they have a free 100 day trial. And so after 100 nights of using the sheets, you can return them if you don't like them. You will sleep in them one night like y' all did, and then realize, oh, my goodness.

[Ginger]

Transforms your life.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

Hey, that was a good.

[Zach Wise]

So go to cozyearth.com, use my code ginger for 40% off and it's going to be amazing. You're going to love it.

[Lydia Plath]

Trust me, guys, we're probably going to. You are going to want this. Like, I don't want to sleep in any other sheets now. Let's go.

[Ginger]

Spoiled. All right. Hey, I guess we're going back to the episode.

[Zach Wise]

Let's go.

[Lydia Plath]

I think there was some pressure on it, like, with the first. First few children, but, yeah, so there wasn't something culturally.

[Zach Wise]

It wasn't like you were adjusting to, like, a new way of life, like, with that.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

I think the Lord was the one that did the work on his heart, not us.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. The main thing was like, that, like, for instance, if I was, like, interacting with the dad at any point, like, there was not this. You have this checklist to be able to date my daughter or anything like that. It was more he, not the dad.

[Lydia Plath]

Would let anyone date me. He saw the character in Zach and was like, okay.

[Jeremy]

But like, in the beginning, like, Barry was just like, obviously he raised Lee a certain way. And in that he built this trust in her because of how she lived her life and the fruit that she produced from the way that she believed. And so in that, obviously, he came to her church, and so there's this understanding and trust from him on her decision making in terms of her faith and belief.

[Lydia Plath]

And so, yeah, I think that was the beautiful part of it.

[Jeremy]

I think in that there is a depth of, like, understanding that her decision, she. She would not make that decision lightly in terms of who she wants to date. Not to mention, you know, she's. She's talking to this guy for six months. It's like, that's not easy, right? And then, you know, for this to turn around to meet me and just, like, have these moments, but then, like, turn around and, like, feel like this is the one and like, this is actually what she needs to pursue. Like, there's a trust in that. And like, we had many conversations, like, of her introducing me to her friends at the beginning, and they would be like, you better not hurt her, or, you know, that sort of stuff. You know, the typical protection program that I go through, whatever. Then, like, even a couple calls, there was like, you know, 30 minute calls. And like, beginning. You hear that, and then the end, they would be like, actually, like, Lydia's a really good character. Like, as a person, I trust her so much that who you are as a person, I'm sure, is phenomenal. Just because she does not take relationships and decisions lightly and based on her relationship with the Lord and who she was raised to be. So I think in that her parents did a great job in that I feel like, of just raising her in that and not necessarily controlling her, but letting her be who she needs to be to make the decisions she needs to make. And in that, they trust her decision making. That's good.

[Zach Wise]

That's so good.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah. It was beautiful to see that in my dad. Like, my dad obviously had to meet him and spend time with him, but it did not take long for him to be like, yeah, this is a good thing. And just the trust that dad had in me and for Zach, it was just beautiful.

[Jeremy]

Which we'll get into more later. There's some funny stories with the dad.

[Zach Wise]

I love it.

[Lydia Plath]

So, yeah. Do you want to share about that late drive we went on that night into the mountains to go see the stars?

[Jeremy]

Yeah. So we had done many adventures, just like, little things here and there. I was working a lot, so we just kind of had evenings together. We would go hang out with friends, go to life group, just do some different stuff with my Community. And then one night, I was like, let's go stargazing. And, like, we did stargazing on the four 14ers in one day. So, like, let's. Let's do it again. Let's have some fun. So we went and just kept talking in general, and I don't know why it came up, but I had told her at one point we were in the car, and I was like, hey, like, I am really, like, this is just great. And I'm really wanting to honor you and, like, be intentional about everything I do. And so I'm. I'm. I'm going to hold off on saying I love you, and I'm going to probably not kiss you for a while as well, because I want it to mean something. I want it to have purpose. And.

[Lydia Plath]

Well, you actually told me that when you asked me to be my girlfriend. Your girlfriend?

[Jeremy]

Oh, really?

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah. That's. That's when you told me that he.

[Jeremy]

Was headlines for me.

[Lydia Plath]

He was like, I just want to let you know, like, I don't want to introduce the L word or any kissing until, like, you know, it develops. So.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. And so.

[Lydia Plath]

But then when we were in the car, I guess you can. Zach was like, the better timeline.

[Jeremy]

So.

[Lydia Plath]

So one of the many nights we were out just enjoying time together, we just drove into the mountains for a. And then we parked the car. And Zach was just like, this is really random, and this is not something I've ever thought about, but I just feel like I just keep, like, just this unction from the Holy Spirit to just ask you what you'd think about saving our first kiss. And I was just like, for our wedding day. For our wedding day, like, if that comes, like, not kissing till our wedding day. And I was just, like, shocked in my seat because it's something that I had wanted, but I didn't want it to be a legalistic thing. I didn't want it to be a rule we had to follow because of X, Y, and Z. I wanted him to initiate it. I wanted the guy to initiate it because it was in his heart, because if he was gonna be the one leading, he would have to have that desire. So when he said that, I was just, like, funny you asked. Like, that's the fact that he asked, first of all, and that it wasn't.

[Jeremy]

Something he thought of. Yeah. It wasn't like something serious like, hey, let's save our first kiss. It was like, what do you think of this? And then she was like, but he.

[Lydia Plath]

Was also like, I don't Know why this keeps coming to mind, but I just, I can't get it out of my mind. And I was like, well, that's actually something that I've kind of wanted, but I've always wanted the guy to initiate it. And Zach was like, okay.

[Jeremy]

I was like, okay, I'll think on it a little bit.

[Lydia Plath]

So I think we took a few days because we were like, if we're gonna make this commitment, we need to, you know, take a few days, make sure we're ready to make this commitment, make sure we're doing it for the.

[Jeremy]

Right reasons, that we have the discipline too. Like, that's. Yeah, it's a big commitment.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

So that's something that we've talked a lot about with dating as well, where. And you might not be familiar with this, but like in the courtship, some of the rules were like, you have to have a chaperone at all times, so you can't be alone ever until marriage. And a lot of these rules were put around so that I think driven out of a fear of like, oh man, the guy won't have self control.

[Jeremy]

Or they're falling into physical.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And as we talked about that, even back then when we were dating, it was like. And I would tell her, and we agree, we're on the same page, like, look, if I can't exercise self control, don't marry me. Like, if some 12 year old in, you know, across the table from us at subway at 12 noon on a Tuesday is keeping us from, you know, sin or being inappropriate, don't marry me. I don't have the moral fortitude and the character. Not saying, you can't be wise. Right. Like, hey, yeah, be wise. But if I don't have the moral fortitude to have self control, then I'm probably not ready for marriage.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And so you seen in him something where he was saying, hey, I really want to honor you and preserve this element, which isn't even necessary. Like, if you guys wanted to kiss, you can kiss. That probably spoke volumes to you. Just about.

[Jeremy]

Well, on top of that, to clarify, we both had had our first kiss in previous relationships. Sure. And so for this to come up was truly like. Because it was lingering on my heart for so long, I was just like, this is different. Like, there's a purity about her. There's an honoring I want to have towards her that leads me to keep thinking about this. And so I'm going to bring it up to her to see if this is something that I can truly honor her in and for her to say, like, I've actually had this desire for a while is like almost confirmation that this was a way that I could pursue her in a very honoring and respectful way. And so I feel like a lot of people think it's like, oh, it's legalistic and you're just white knuckling it just so that you can, you know, go from 0 to 100 super quick after you're married. It's like, no. Like, there's such a beauty about it in respecting the other. And it truly is like a great physical boundary because then, like, there was so many other ways that we were able to, like, build trust for one another and just enjoy different moments. Because we're not kissing and because we're not, you know, falling into different physical things, it's like, no, we get to, like, dance or, like, have more enjoyable moments like running around or frolicking or, you know, doing whatever, because we're not kissing. And not to say that kissing is bad, like we said, but it's just like, it was interesting to find the alternatives in it. So.

[Ginger]

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[Zach Wise]

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[Ginger]

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[Zach Wise]

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[Ginger]

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[Zach Wise]

Now, back to the episode.

[Lydia Plath]

And I can't tell you how many times it would just be like late nights in the car, just talking, and, like, the thought would keep, you know, just come to mind. Like, you know, usually in this point, people would just be making out, but we're. We're talking and we're, you know, growing deeper in that aspect. And I can't tell you how many times we, like, experienced so much joy that we were just like, this is even better than kissing right now. Like, I don't know where this joy is coming from, but I feel so close to you right now because of the conversations we've had, because of how intentional we've been. It was just so beautiful. So we felt so close in those moments and just so honored as well.

[Jeremy]

So, so truly, it was just unexpected.

[Ginger]

So that was definitely a landmark conversation early on in your relationship that you remember clearly.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

So eventually, you had to go home, Lydia. You flew home to Florida.

[Lydia Plath]

Well, now there's a lot more before that. So, yeah, I think it was like the next night or something when he was dropping me off at my place at my Airbnb there. He just. We hugged, and then he kind of just held me, and he was like, I'm ready to make this commitment and promise that I won't kiss you until our wedding day if that comes.

[Jeremy]

And, yeah, it was a sweet moment for sure.

[Lydia Plath]

A very sweet moment. Yeah, she gave me a big. Felt very loved and honored. Yeah. So then a few days later, I was supposed to fly to D.C. and we got up, had a nice breakfast. Then we went skydiving. And that was super fun.

[Jeremy]

She made one of the flights.

[Lydia Plath]

Made one flight. Skydiving. That was so fun.

[Jeremy]

It was crazy. Quick turnaround. We, like, basically we walked in, and then we were, like, in a plane.

[Lydia Plath]

Thirty minutes later, we were jumping.

[Zach Wise]

Wow.

[Lydia Plath]

It was crazy. So we headed to the airport, and he was gonna drop me off. This was like, my final. I was leaving Colorado and his.

[Jeremy]

Okay, I have a Toyota. Very reliable car.

[Ginger]

Yeah, the most reliable.

[Lydia Plath]

We love Toyota, but it breaks down on the way to the airport.

[Jeremy]

Breaks down on the way to the airport.

[Ginger]

Okay, first of all, real quick plug for Toyota. Love Toyota.

[Lydia Plath]

Yes.

[Ginger]

This had to be divine intervention. Please. There's no way a Toyota broke down. I don't believe your story. And now this is making me second guess everything you've told me.

[Jeremy]

I'm sorry, but, like, throw something crazy.

[Ginger]

Like that in, like, the Toyota broke down. Okay, bro, let's rewind.

[Zach Wise]

I mean, our Toyota never broke down, so we had a couple of them, and we actually ended up selling it just because we were like, oh, this is such an old car. Let's upgrade because it's gonna run for another 20 years.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah. So it was literally the Lord, like, nope, you guys aren't separating yet.

[Jeremy]

I know. It was crazy. So, like, car breaks down, and then.

[Lydia Plath]

We had a crazy experience that whole day. We don't have to go into detail because I want to take too much time.

[Jeremy]

But she break down. We're on the side of the highway, and she starts picking wild sunflowers. I'm just like, are you kidding me? This is, like, the sweetest thing ever.

[Lydia Plath]

And, like, it's supposed to be a.

[Jeremy]

Bad day, like, a dull moment, and she's, like, picking sunflowers.

[Lydia Plath]

Well, it's supposed to be a hard day because his car breaks down. I'm missing my flight.

[Jeremy]

But no, it turned into a great day. We, like, met up. Like, we met some couple that was connected to someone I knew, and then they, like, picked us up. Married for 50 plus years. And then we ended up, like, singing hymns together at the end.

[Lydia Plath]

Just, like, every 10 minutes. We were like, what, is it happening?

[Jeremy]

Yeah, we were laughing like, half the day because it was just like, this is insane.

[Lydia Plath]

Every moment was just. God.

[Jeremy]

From a bad day to a good day.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Zach Wise]

I mean, it wasn't bad because you didn't have to fly out, so obviously that was great. Right? So you just missed your flight. You just didn't miss your flight.

[Lydia Plath]

So I missed my second flight out of Colorado. Wow. And then after that, Zach was like, okay.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. So I was like, okay. This has been a roller coaster of a ride. Like, one thing after the other. God's working. We have not really planned any of this, but we're, like, skydiving, rock climbing, mountain climbing, you know, going on dates, having a great time. We. Oh, another one. We, like, she got a dress. And then, like, I was like, she has a dress. I have to dress up, too. So we dressed up and we went and watched Looney Tunes.

[Lydia Plath]

The best date. Dress up, dance, and watch Looney Tunes. Yeah.

[Jeremy]

Like, so super chill. I love it. And so just random, fun things that, like, are memories for us. And so I was telling her I'm like, okay, this is crazy. We need to, like, kind of slow down and just, like, see where God's at in this. And so I was like, let's take individual time. Let's, like, have. Let's, like, go somewhere, go our separate ways, and really dive deep into, like, what God has for us. Because, like, as great as this is, like, I don't want to do this if it's not God's will. Because I know about getting, like, caught up in excitement of things, and then you're just, like. You lose track of, like, what's really important sometimes. So I was like, let's go to a park. We'll go our separate ways and we'll go from there. And so this is crazy, but we go to the park. I read through all Ephesians kind of lot, talks about marriage a lot. And then I start walking and praying, just walking around the park and just kind of asking God. I'm like, hey, like, this is. This is a big deal. And, you know, but you're a bigger deal for me. So, God, if this isn't your will, take it from me. Like a hard prayer. I don't want him to take it from me, but I'm surrendering it to him because I know he's planning better. And so I'm like, God, just take it from me if that's your will. And, like, first time this has ever happened. I had this, like, longing in my heart to kneel. And it was like a moment. Like, if I don't obey in that moment, it's going to pass or something. I'm not going to get struck by lightning or anything, but, like. But basically just like, there's this feeling that I need to obey. So I knelt down and continued to pray. Like, God, you're obviously speaking like, you know, I'll open my mind to youo. Whatever you have for me, whether that's a no or whatever it may be, I'm open. And it was such a just sweet moment. And always, like, open my mind. Nothing was really there. And then, like, all that was left with was, this is my son with who I'm well pleased. And it was just like, such a sweet moment. And I knew it was personal because, like, on the way back, like, or just like, walking around more before, you know, our time was up, I was like, just thinking to myself, like, he gave that to me. So it's like, if Lydia has a no or, you know, if she has some sort of different response, then I can hold on to that because I Know, God wants that relationship, and he wants me to pursue that relationship, however this turns out. And so I was like, okay, cool. Like, we'll see what Lydia says. And so I met up with her, and she.

[Lydia Plath]

So we met up, and I. Yeah, my time with the Lord was really great. I started with some worship and reading, and then I kind of went into prayer and was like. I was searching. I was looking for a no from God. It's like, you've given it to me before. I don't know why I wouldn't be again. So kind of just looking. No, just avoiding it. Kind of like looking for the no and just praying. And it never came. And all I was left with was, I am well pleased. And when I told Zach. When I told Zach, I told him that. And I was like, but it didn't come. And all I was left with was, I am well pleased.

[Jeremy]

He just, like, I, like, jumped out.

[Lydia Plath]

Of my skin, froze.

[Jeremy]

I was like, I'm sorry, what? What did you just say? I hadn't told her anything yet. Like, she started speaking first, and I was like, whoa. Like.

[Lydia Plath]

And then when he shared that, you know, all he heard was, this is my son. And whom. I'm well pleased. We were both just like, okay, yeah.

[Jeremy]

We kind of like. I mean, we just hugged and, like, really were grateful for that moment, I think. And then joy.

[Lydia Plath]

It was a shock, but also not a shock because we copied each other so many times and so many things. It was like, well, of course we would hear the same thing. Knowing us. And then. Yeah, after.

[Jeremy]

That was the moment for me. That was the moment for me. I don't know if it.

[Lydia Plath]

The moment for you that. What?

[Jeremy]

That I was like, this is gonna be my wife. Lydia's gonna be my wife. And so just. Cause it's such a. I mean, it can't get more real than that. I feel like of just God being so present with the both of us. Of, like, this is. This is a relationship I'm pleased with and I want to continue. Even after you surrendered it to me. I would love for you guys to continue in that. I'm like, yeah, thank you, God. Like, kind of moment. So. Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah. So that was like 11, 12 days after we started dating. I don't know. We could look at our timeline. We wrote it all down because so much happened every day. We had to write the first few weeks down. And then. Yeah, so we both.

[Jeremy]

That's a side bit. After that, we, like, burst for joy. There's a playground nearby. We played on the playground.

[Lydia Plath]

It Was late at night. There was no one else. Sprinklers were on, so we got pushed out of the field and we ended up on the playground, just, like, playing tag and just being little children. We had lots of fun together.

[Jeremy]

It matters.

[Lydia Plath]

I love it. So, yeah, after that night, we were both kind of just like, okay, like, wow, this is happening. And are there any other, like, huge milestones that happened in my town in Colorado?

[Zach Wise]

I wonder, did you just move there? Did he say, will you move to Colorado or did you go home?

[Lydia Plath]

God, about that.

[Zach Wise]

Did you go back home at any point?

[Lydia Plath]

So, yes, I had a flight scheduled. Where are you? I booked my third flight. I was gonna go to Minnesota to meet with my family there, to then drive home. And the day before I left town, we had had so many experiences. We've shared just a smidgen with you guys. Like, so many experiences. We both knew at this point. And I just had the crazy idea.

[Jeremy]

We were going to go to the mountains.

[Lydia Plath]

Initially, yeah, we were going to go into the mountains one last time. But that morning, I had a crazy idea.

[Jeremy]

I was like, she wasn't feeling great. And she was like.

[Lydia Plath]

I was like, what if we went ring shopping so that whenever the day comes, you know, whether it's six months from now, two years from now, you know what I like, so you don't have to spoil the surprise.

[Ginger]

Wow.

[Jeremy]

Complete shock for me.

[Lydia Plath]

I was like.

[Jeremy]

I mean, I had known from that moment. I was like, yeah, she's the one. But then she's like, you wanna go ring shopping? I'm like, oh.

[Lydia Plath]

And, guys, this is the awesome thing I do. I've never gone ring shopping with a guy before. I'll just take Emery shopping three to three weeks after I meet him.

[Jeremy]

Three weeks. And so I was like, I mean, yeah, that'd be awesome. And so you're like, are you gonna.

[Zach Wise]

Let me save up for this or.

[Jeremy]

No, seriously, though. I was like, no.

[Lydia Plath]

I was.

[Jeremy]

Let me check on my bank account.

[Lydia Plath]

I was not, like, doing it for anything soon. I was, like, just getting it out of the way so that I could be surprised because I didn't want, like, a year down the road, then dropping all these hints of, like, what's your ring size? Do you know? Do you like opal? Do you like. Yeah. What shape do you like? What color gold? Do you like all, like, just get all that out of the way so whenever it comes, it could be a surprise.

[Jeremy]

He was like, I like this, I like that.

[Lydia Plath]

So he knew. He knew my ring size. He knew I didn't want anything too big. I didn't, you know, just. He knew all this stuff. After that, we were just like, oh, my goodness, do we even tell people about this? Because this is crazy. Probably not. We should.

[Jeremy]

You should for sure.

[Lydia Plath]

They need to know you before they.

[Zach Wise]

Took a little shopping trip.

[Lydia Plath]

Right before I told my dad about everything that happened on the trip. But I think I missed. About missed that until later.

[Jeremy]

That's good. Yeah.

[Zach Wise]

Like, what a coincidence. You have all of her favorites down. Like, how'd you know what kind of a ring when this conversation happened?

[Jeremy]

Oh, my gosh. Well, we did go one more time.

[Ginger]

Wow.

[Zach Wise]

Nice. That's very pretty.

[Ginger]

Is that one you saw on that day?

[Lydia Plath]

No, this is a custom design that he actually got it. So I used to work in a jewelry store and we custom designed and did all kinds of great things. And I knew I trusted them, I loved them. But he was in Colorado, so I didn't expect him to get it from, you know, the local place that I worked at. But he did. On a random trip out, he.

[Jeremy]

Well, we'll talk about that. So anyways, now we're in long distance phase, basically.

[Lydia Plath]

So I did make my third flight, sadly. I was really hoping all my friends.

[Jeremy]

Were teasing me about it, like, oh, you're gonna miss this last one. Right.

[Lydia Plath]

But we were both like, if I miss another flight, we're gonna be engaged before this is going. Like, we need some long distance to.

[Zach Wise]

You know, gotta meet the fans.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah, seriously, sort through some things. Cause long distance is gonna bring everything out of you, you know, test it all.

[Jeremy]

I think it was like three weeks later, I go out to see her family, which is really sweet, like, just really great family.

[Lydia Plath]

Love them, I gotta say. I. So I picked her up from the airport, took him to my dad's house. I had FaceTimed him when I was with my family, and I'd FaceTime my family when I was with him. So, like, they'd already interacted so much when Zach got out of the car. And my youngest sisters, Mercy and Cassie just like ran up and were like, Zacky. Mercy already had a nickname for him. He's like Zachy.

[Jeremy]

And just like gave me a big hug immediately.

[Lydia Plath]

It did not occur to me that this was his first time meeting my family because it just felt so natural. I felt like he had been there 20, 30 times. But it was when he was giving my dad a hug that I was like, oh, my goodness, this is their first time meeting.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Zach Wise]

Wow, that's crazy.

[Lydia Plath]

Hit back to reality. Yeah. And then I was like, wow, how is this so natural and authentic and real? Like, it feels like. Feels like I'm bringing him home for, you know, the hundredth time.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Zach Wise]

That's awesome.

[Lydia Plath]

It was the first.

[Zach Wise]

That's so sweet.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. So continuing on to that, we basically only had, like, two or three weeks in between each meeting with the long.

[Lydia Plath]

Distance Florida to Colorado. We never went more than three weeks without seeing each other, which was such a blessing.

[Zach Wise]

Yeah, we had incredible.

[Jeremy]

Were blown away by how we were able to make that work, but so we did. I think I did one more visit to her family, and then she came out and visited my family. We went to the mountains and did a train ride in the mountains, which was really sweet.

[Lydia Plath]

It's actually a childhood dream of mine to go on a steam locomotive through the Rockies. And he did not know that. He knew I liked trains, but he didn't.

[Zach Wise]

That's awesome.

[Lydia Plath]

No, it was like a childhood dream line.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. And so I surprised her, and she was just like, oh, my gosh.

[Lydia Plath]

So then somewhere in there, season seven came to light. Production called me first and was like, got a big surprise. Season seven is on board. And so Zach and I were both like, okay, like, how do we want to go about this? Like, I had never been one of the lead characters. I had never shared too much about my life, but obviously, like, something big had just happened. And, like, it was something they wanted to cover our story.

[Jeremy]

And my initial reaction was just like, what a great opportunity. Because knowing Lydia and how she kind of explained who she was as a character on the show, being the support role, I was just like, this is a great opportunity to show more of that. Of just how. How fruitful she is, but also just, like, how much of a light she is. And this is what I saw in her. And so it's like, let's illuminate that, and, like, let's just grow in that. And so going into it, we talked with all the people, and we're just like, let's. Like, we're up for it. Our goal is to spread this excitement and joy, though. Like, we. We probably don't have much drama. Apart from being in a relationship.

[Lydia Plath]

Any drama that's related to our story is from outsiders. Yeah, it's like, we're gonna choose Joy. And what other people choose to bring, you know, that's their choice, but we're gonna choose Joy.

[Ginger]

Was that an interesting dynamic for you? Cause obviously, it's not like Lydia was an actor. It's like she's in reality tv, and there's a different kind of investment people have who are watching in reality TV because they want to see every aspect of your life. And for you, it's just your mundane life. You're just milking cows and living on a farm. But for them, they're heavily invested. So this guy comes along and they want to know all the details. They want to know if there's drama. They want to know, was that for you? Like, because obviously she had told you she was on tv. Right. But when did it maybe hit home? Like, oh, this is a TV show, and I'm now a character on a reality TV show.

[Zach Wise]

First time you sit in interviews?

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

I mean, yeah, I warned him about it.

[Jeremy]

Interviews is a lot, for sure.

[Lydia Plath]

But you can say no to the question. You can answer however little or however much you want.

[Jeremy]

Yeah, I don't know. I don't think there is, like, any defining moment. I think there was, like, a lot of surreal moments of, like, there's a camera in my face or, like, you know, just getting different. Like, moments that I never thought I'd be in. But I think for the most part, like, I grew up kind of in theater, a musical theater a little bit. So I had some time on the stage of just, like, performing and stuff like that. So it's not. It wasn't too out of the norm for me. But it's also. I think I had such a goal in mind of just, like, giving Lydia kind of the spotlight. Not necessarily actually the spotlight, but showing her light, like, showing who she is and how amazing she is, but also, like, kind of seeing those interactions with her family and how much she cares for each family member and doing that in the same in myself. Like, I was going out of my way as much as I could to get to know each and every family member. And so I wouldn't say actually out of my way. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the whole process. And it was just something.

[Zach Wise]

But with that many siblings, you know, you have to go out and not.

[Lydia Plath]

All of them live in the area.

[Zach Wise]

Yeah. To make it happen.

[Ginger]

People always ask me too, like, how long did it take you to get to know them and their names.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And it was actually remarkably quick.

[Zach Wise]

Oh, yeah, Same.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. I never had really a problem with that. If anything, I know the ages.

[Lydia Plath]

It would help me remember their names sometimes.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. I'm like, if anything, I know the age is better than she does. And so it's like, it's nothing.

[Lydia Plath]

It's one of the things that I taught him. Then he passed me in something that.

[Jeremy]

Like, I care so much about her that this is a way that I can care for her and getting to know her family. So.

[Zach Wise]

That's so sweet.

[Jeremy]

But, yeah, I don't think there was ever, like, a shock factor.

[Ginger]

So you would. I mean, you'd go out there. How many times did you go out there before? I mean, we got to get to the engagement as well. But you had. You guys were going back and forth every few weeks.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

For how long? Until you're engaged. How long was your engagement?

[Lydia Plath]

We were dating for four months.

[Ginger]

Okay.

[Jeremy]

Yeah, we're dating for four months. So we had the back and forth, met each other's families, then we had filming. And so that was like a whole week long spiel of us doing the filming.

[Lydia Plath]

So I know how we filmed versus how you guys filmed is a completely different world. Like, the crew would come to town at scheduled times, and then we could fit our work schedules and everyone else's schedules and everyone's travels into who's shooting what days and what we're shooting when. So.

[Jeremy]

So, yeah, it worked out that way.

[Lydia Plath]

Just. So was that the trip that you bought the ring on?

[Jeremy]

Mm.

[Ginger]

Oh, that's what I was gonna ask you. So you started filming, you were not engaged?

[Jeremy]

No.

[Ginger]

Were they cautious about introducing him? Like, is this gonna be an in n out character? Did they have conversations with you about.

[Lydia Plath]

Oh, the fact that I was confident in introducing him was enough for them because I've never introduced someone in person before. And so they were like, okay, like, the idea is actually serious about this. Like, this is something.

[Jeremy]

I was getting them in on some of the plans too. So the lead up of all this happening, we're in ties with, like, okay, what are we going to be filming? Kind of stuff. And so I'm like, letting them in on some of it without her knowing. So in. In due time, I'm like, okay, I got to buy this ring. You know, I have ideas of exactly what it wants it looks like, and that sort of stuff. So I get it all figured out by it. And I'm like, telling her over and over again. I'm like, oh, that's just the timeline is.

[Lydia Plath]

He kept telling me, like, you know, I just. I think I found the right ring, but the shipping is, you know, just all these things. So just delay after delay.

[Jeremy]

Yeah, all the delays.

[Lydia Plath]

Because actually we already. Okay, this is the crazy point. We kind of had our wedding date planned before we were engaged.

[Ginger]

Wow.

[Lydia Plath]

And we knew we were gonna be getting married, like, end of February, beginning of March.

[Jeremy]

Okay.

[Lydia Plath]

So I Was just okay. But if the ring isn't coming soon, like, we're have to change some things because I need to enjoy being engaged for a little bit. Yeah.

[Jeremy]

So we're doing the week of filming. I have it planned already to come out the next week. Because I'm like. Because who would think. Why would you come one week after the other if it doesn't make sense? And so we film for the week and then, like, I'm saying our last goodbyes.

[Lydia Plath]

And like, this was the very first time we did not have a trip planned to see each other again. And so I'm like crying. I'm like, the wedding is coming up. Supposedly, if everything goes as planned, in like three months, we don't have a flight booked to see each other. You don't know when the ring's coming in. Like, what is happening here?

[Jeremy]

And I'm like, acting that I'm just as distraught as she is when I know I'm in. So it was fun, though, because for.

[Lydia Plath]

That whole week, he was, like, really busy. He was always on the phone. He was like.

[Jeremy]

Cause I was talking to everyone. I was like.

[Lydia Plath]

He was planning get everything in motion. I had told him. I was like, the crew can be there for the proposal as long as I don't know they're there. Like, you gotta plan that with them. Tuck them away, you know, have them wear bush suits, whatever's necessary. I just don't wanna be being proposed to and see cameras here on me. So, like, he knew that. And so he's like, coordinating with the crew, coordinating with my family, getting everyone down.

[Jeremy]

I call Barry, which the approval is another.

[Lydia Plath]

Oh, yeah, he already got my dad's. It's blessing, not approval.

[Jeremy]

I talked to Barry. I'm like, hey, like, we need to get her out to the location somehow, and we need her dressed up. So, like, could you possibly, like, ask her to, like, do a daddy daughter dinner or something, like, to honor her and just, like, have a good time and then just basically, like, stop by here and proposal?

[Lydia Plath]

Right after a few days, after Zach left town that time, my dad calls me late one night and he's like, just sounding so emotional. And my dad's not one who can put on a face or act or anything. So my dad calls me. He's sounding really emotional because at the time, I was planning on moving to Colorado when we got married. So he called me. He was like, lydia, it's just hitting me, like, I don't have much time left with you and my dad and I's relationship. Has so much over the last few years. I'm getting emotional right now. And, yeah, we've just gotten so close. And he's like, you're gonna be leaving soon. And he's like, I would love to take you out on a, you know, like a daddy daughter date and just go to some of our favorite spots and maybe do some shopping, grab a nice dinner. And I was bawling my eyes out, and he was sounding emotional. And my roommate, who also knew everything that was happening, she knew I was getting to propose to the next day. She was, like, crying, too. She was like, oh, that's so sweet, knowing that my dad was just setting up a trap for me.

[Jeremy]

It was the best, though, because, like, I had called Barry right before that phone call, basically to have that phone call. Then she calls me.

[Lydia Plath]

She's like, my dad just called me.

[Jeremy]

Which is, like, the sweetest thing. And she's like, still kind of emotional. I'm like, yes.

[Lydia Plath]

So the thing was, like, Zach had already scheduled it with the crew. Like, they had. There was, like, 30 people who had planned for this day to be the proposal day. And then my dad asked me. He's like, so, does Saturday work for you? And I was like. Because I did have, like. All my friends were having a boss.

[Jeremy]

Too, to make sure she had work off. Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

All my friends were having, like, my church is having, like, a Christmas party that night. So I was like, I've missed, like, the last three years because I've been traveling. So I was like, I think. Think Saturday should work, but I'll let you know, like, tomorrow. And dad was like, okay, yeah, no worries. Just let me know, you know, by Wednesday or something. And then Zach talks to my dad, and he's like, no, you have to make sure Saturday works for her. And then. Then I call Zach, and I was like, you couldn't guess what just happened. I was like, that was the sweetest thing. My dad just called me, and we were both crying. And he asked me out this Saturday. Cause he knows I'm leaving soon. And Zach was like, oh, that's so sweet. He's like, you should really do that. You should really go. Okay. So then I finally. I finally planned on yes. Or like, I was finally like, yes, Saturday can work for, you know, going out with my dad. And then. So then I tell her, I'm like.

[Jeremy]

Hey, I'm busy, kind of on Saturday. I have, like, a friend going out of the country. Which was true.

[Lydia Plath]

Well, we'll get to that in a second.

[Jeremy]

Okay.

[Lydia Plath]

I had finally agreed to, you know. Yeah, Saturday was the day that worked for me. Well, then talking with the producers, they were asking what my schedule was like, and I was like, Saturday, I'm busy. I'm going out on a date with my dad. And they were like, oh, we would love to cover that. That'd be so sweet. And I'm like, I would kind of like it to just be me and dad. Like, we could always do another one sometime. And, like. But I was like, I really feel like this is just an authentic moment that I just want to share with my dad. And they were like, oh, no, what now? Because they gotta get the mic on me for the proposal and everything. So then I called dad, and I'm like, the producers are wanting to film on Saturday. They're wanting to film our time together. And I really want it to just be me and you. And dad was like, yeah, yeah, that would be nice to just be me and you. Maybe. Maybe I'll talk to them. So, yeah, call me back. And he's like, okay, I gotta compromise. They'll just, like, film us getting ready and film us, like, leaving in the first few minutes. But then, like, our dinner and our time together will be just the two of us. And I was like, okay, yeah, that's a good compromise. Then they can get, you know, what they want, and we can also have our time.

[Jeremy]

And he was touching me with you the whole time.

[Lydia Plath]

And then I was, like, freaking out randomly. And this was, like, the first time, like, I told Zach also, I was like, they're wanting to film dad and I's time together, and I really want it just to be the two of us. But Zach was like, well, Lydia, wouldn't it be so sweet to, like, be able to look back on it? Remember?

[Jeremy]

I was, like, egging her on because it's.

[Lydia Plath]

Remember this time with you. Don't worry. And I was just like, I could remember it without the cameras.

[Ginger]

There need to be on a reality TV show to remember it. I know.

[Lydia Plath]

So with my dad's talented skills, he found a compromise for everyone, you know, to get the mics on me, all the fun stuff. So got all that worked out.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. And then. And then I think, basically, what happens next? You'll see. July 22nd.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah, I love it. The rest of the process, you'll have to wait.

[Ginger]

Welcome to platform.

[Lydia Plath]

Do I say yes?

[Zach Wise]

I hope so. After all of this. I hope so.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

That's the lead up. Yeah.

[Ginger]

Hey. Well, genuinely. So what you guys have done is, if people haven't been watching, welcome to Lathville. Yeah, they're definitely going to be watching.

[Lydia Plath]

Now because, yes, season seven is going to be pretty awesome.

[Zach Wise]

So when does season seven actually air? We have to know the date. So July 22nd, 22nd or 22nd? 22nd, season seven airs.

[Lydia Plath]

Wow.

[Zach Wise]

I can't wait to watch it, though. Now I'm, like, very curious to see.

[Lydia Plath]

This might be the first season I watch.

[Zach Wise]

Let's go. You have to watch it.

[Lydia Plath]

I've seen small clips. Like one episode, we ran a Spartan race together as a family. And I had to watch that. Like, when my sister got baptized, I had to go back and watch that. And I bawled my eyes out all over again, you know, like, so a few scenes now and then I'm like, you know, this is gonna. I wanna watch this. And is it just like, you need.

[Zach Wise]

To watch this one then?

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Jeremy]

Is it just.

[Ginger]

Cause you've lived it. You're like, I was there. I don't need to watch it.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah, I've lived it. And then I also know, like, I have my memories on how it took place, and I don't need to hear from someone else, you know, whether that's another member of the family or someone else on camera. The dramatized version of my memory of this occasion. So I'm just like, I remember how it happened and that's all I am.

[Zach Wise]

You're happy with that?

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah. I don't need to see the edited version of my life. Cause I already lived it.

[Zach Wise]

There you go.

[Ginger]

Do you like being on reality tv?

[Lydia Plath]

That's a good question.

[Jeremy]

Has that opinion or that thought changed from this year to previous?

[Lydia Plath]

That's a good question, too. It's never been a dream of mine. It's never been anything I've pursued. I obviously wasn't seeking for it because the first six seasons I was like, you know what I'm good at being a background support character. I don't need to. I need to draw the attention to myself. But every season I was like, okay, Lord, where are you in this? And how can I display you in this? I started before we even began filming season one. I was just like, lord, I don't want this to get between you and I. I don't want fame. I don't want attention. I don't want, you know, any money or anything to come between you and I. And so I was like, I give this to you. I want to be a light for you. And I want to use this platform to show your love and to show your joy and your light. So that's kind of been my heart from day one. So I've not like, I've never been like, yay, I'm on a reality TV show. This is so cool. I get to. But it's been like, okay, how can I use this to glorify the Lord? And how can I show others what love and honor and sacrifice is? So I've tried to make the best of it.

[Zach Wise]

And I think that's true. There are times, too, because I was saying, even in the couple episodes I watched of your family's show, I saw that, and that was something that immediately stood out to me, was the light of Christ shining through your reaction, your life, and the way that you carried yourself even in that behind the scenes as not like, maybe you'd say maybe not a main character. But I think that definitely was something I noticed when I saw it. So just throwing that out there.

[Ginger]

I also see. And even in the time that we've spent together, it's been really special having you guys here. But I see a lot of similarities between you and a younger Ginger as well.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And just life similarities, but also different temperamental things. And also, like, I think there's this. And I can say this about you guys. So you might feel awkward in a minute, but just like, Zach. I'll talk to Zach. I'll share a. Zach. Just like a deep seated humility that I see in these ladies where there's a lot of people clawing for attention and even without cameras, like, just people in life who have a self obsession. And I think we all have pride. Right. That we're working through. I like what John MacArthur has said before. Someone asked him if he's humble, and he said, I can't tell you I'm a humble man, but I can see God working humility in me because I know my own heart. I know the depth of pride in my own heart. And yet you can see how the Lord's working humility. And we have two women in our life who have this deep seated humility where they're not clawing for preeminence, which I think is one of the things that's probably attracted us to them.

[Jeremy]

Absolutely.

[Ginger]

Like, that's what attracted me to Ginger was. And I felt safe with her because entering the reality TV space, I'd be curious your thoughts, Zach. But knowing my own heart going, you know, the crew was preparing you for this. I remember distinctly Bill Stefanacci on an airplane once flying back from Arkansas, our first time, I think, after being officially together. And he said, you ready to, like, be Famous and have your life turned upside down or whatever. And I was like, no, like what? Like, you know this.

[Lydia Plath]

You can't be ready for that.

[Ginger]

But I felt this safety with Ginger, knowing if pride seeks to grip my heart, my wife is not seeking, like, she will keep me. She would oppose that in me.

[Jeremy]

Absolutely.

[Ginger]

And she'll be the first one to oppose it, because I've seen her oppose it in herself, and it gave me a peace.

[Jeremy]

Yeah, no, I entirely agree. I think that was massive with. As we were kind of leading into the show, and just like, not only I was doing nothing for myself again, what she just explained was this glory to God in everything that she was doing with the show. That's all I wanted to illuminate. And so in that I was fully supporting her, but on top of that, she was preparing me for everything that was to come. And, like, there was so many moments I would, like. I would tell her, like, 200,000 followers, that's like the population of the city we're in, or, you know, that sort of stuff. And she would just be like, okay, who cares? Because she doesn't see it that way. She sees it as an opportunity to glorify the Lord and an opportunity to show those people her light. And so I think that humility definitely went a long way, and she has prepared me very well for that. Of just like, yeah, I mean, numbers are numbers, but in the end, what's this for? And, you know, whatever people say about you, whatever, you know, accolades you get or comments against you come like, you're like, are you. Is your identity in Christ and is your purpose for Christ? And that's just been entirely helpful.

[Ginger]

Lydia, your goal, you didn't want this to get between you and the Lord. And I'm sure without knowing everything. But there's been. You've lived a lifetime on tv. You know, it's probably felt like. Has there been a time where it got between you and the Lord in the sense of. Well, I don't know what sense that would be. Like, did anything that have happened caused you to doubt your faith? Or did you feel like at any time you got swept up in the busyness and were, like, had to ground yourself in the faith and say, wait.

[Jeremy]

What am I doing?

[Ginger]

And go back to the Lord and say, draw near to me? I feel like I've been drifting. Like, as you look back, do you think you've by his grace, stayed close with him throughout the whole.

[Lydia Plath]

I can confidently say that it has only drawn me closer to the Lord because there's no way I could go through this, be in the public eye and remain myself and not get swept away in what people think about me. And trying to please people without being rooted and grounded in the Lord. So it's only made me draw closer to him because I see how it's affected other people and how fame and attention can destroy people when you're seeking that. And it's made me want to oppose that and just draw closer to the Lord. So it's only really pushed me closer to the Lord because I've seen, like, there's no other way to remain myself, keep my sanity, my dignity, my humility, but to remain in the Lord. And, yeah, he's carried me through everything. And it's been. Has been a beautiful thing.

[Ginger]

How have you found. Have you been able to surround yourself with community even outside of Zach or even outside of maybe some of your family members you're close to that have been a safety net for you? Because, you know, it's funny, you can feel lonely surrounded by thousands of people.

[Lydia Plath]

Oh, yeah.

[Ginger]

And the camera's turned on and pointed at you, and you might feel isolated, which is interesting phenomenon. But how has community worked into that? And have you found a community that kind of doesn't care that your name was Plath? You know what I mean?

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah. So until I was about 18, it was mostly just me and the Lord. And, yeah, the Lord is the one I went to for everything. And then Lord gave me an amazing church community, I think, when I was 18. And yeah, like you said, most of them have told me, like, we don't want to be on camera because we want to know you for who you are. We want to, like, just reassure you that that's not why you're in our life or we're in your life. And so I've had so many amazing friendships lifelong and from this church. Just be like, I don't. Like, it's not that I don't want to be on camera, but for our friendship's sake, I don't want to be on camera because I want you to know that that's not why I'm in your life. And so it's been. That's been beautiful to see in my church community. And yeah, so many. So many amazing friendships from that. My pastor as well, has just been amazing seven seasons in the first time he's on camera is at our wedding.

[Jeremy]

Proposal, but ending proposal.

[Lydia Plath]

Yes, that's right. Zach brought him to the proposal because he knew he was important in my life.

[Zach Wise]

Wow, that sounds special.

[Ginger]

A Guy, I love it. Mr. Wise. Yeah. You're aptly named.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Lydia Plath]

So, yeah, the Lord has definitely blessed me with amazing community the last few years. But before that, it was just me and the Lord. And I'm grateful for the time of just me and the Lord, because having the wrong community, having the wrong friends in your life who are seeking for the attention or want to be friends for the wrong reason, that can destroy you. It can break your trust for people. It can put your walls up. So I've definitely been blessed in that.

[Ginger]

The Lord has to teach every one of us how to walk alone with Him. There was a time in our life, very early on in our marriage, where we experienced some. I describe it as deep betrayal and felt like, you know, because you have relationships in your life that ground you, and when those shake or removed, you feel like, what am I doing?

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And I remember sitting down with a Pastor Ryan, and he was looking at us, and she was in tears and, like, deep tears. And I'm sitting here myself, shaken as well. There are times in life where the two of you will go through something and one of you will have, like, this steadiness, and the other's really struggling, so you're coming alongside. This was a moment when we were both very deeply unsettled where it was like we both felt that shaking. And I'll never forget what he said. Do you remember what he said? He said, jeremy, I think the Lord's teaching you how to walk alone and not alone like me away from her or us from the Lord, but the two of us having to be dependent upon Him. We didn't have an infrastructure. We didn't have a support. And it's interesting now, isn't it? This is the first time we're even talking about it, but now that's probably eight years. Seven years. Yeah. It's eight years on. We're in Los Angeles. We have friends who are family to us. We have a deep community that we're invested in, involved in. Like, we have everything we didn't have in that moment. And yet those years were necessary.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Zach Wise]

And the Lord used that in an amazing way for us to, one, deepen our relationship with the Lord. I just remember, like, in those times of devotion and prayer, it was so deep and so, like, you're just so desperate for the Lord to help you and to draw near to you. And then also for us as newlyweds, it was huge because we were able to draw closer to each other. And that, like, you can have a certain. I don't Know, like, even in front of each other, it's like we felt like so close throughout our relationship, early marriage. But that was like a deepening in a whole different level. When you walk through pain and hardship together.

[Ginger]

Yeah.

[Zach Wise]

It just finds your hearts in a different way that the Lord uses it all. And so for, you know, all the pain that we walk through, you can say, why does he allow that? But it's ultimately to draw us closer to Him. And in marriage, it drew us closer to each other as well.

[Ginger]

And I'll say it wasn't. The betrayal wasn't even family.

[Zach Wise]

No.

[Ginger]

And I know a lot of people listening might try to figure out it was people in my life that she had come into and people I had been really excited for her to meet and engage with. And then it was like, it was really difficult. But the Lord uses. And that's the beauty of God's sovereignty, which is his total control over all things. Where we do look at Romans 8:28 and say, he works all things together for good, for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. And in the moment, you don't feel it. But now looking back eight years later, we're in our ninth year of marriage and we're going, oh, man, those were the greatest lessons we've ever learned. This is the greatest thing that could have ever happened to us. Look where he's led us.

[Zach Wise]

Exactly what we needed in that moment. And so just that trust in him, regardless of the circumstance, when we can't see ahead, it's just trusting in faith. Like you guys in these moments that you walk through difficulty. It's like when we look ahead to our security in Christ, moving forward, like knowing that we are his children, he's gonna lead us. He's gonna carry us through. Then that gives you the confidence to just keep walking along, even in the pain and challenge, and draw closer to Him. So I love seeing that in your story.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Zach Wise]

And as it continues to unfold, you guys are newlyweds, and it's just exciting to see how you're so close and you're so close to the Lord in that relationship and how it's just exciting because, like, when you're just starting off life together, you don't know where he's going to lead you. And then, like, if the Lord gives you a family, where that's going to lead you. And so it's just really exciting to hear your story.

[Ginger]

And I'll play the old man here. I'll give you a little bit of advice. As young Couple.

[Lydia Plath]

Absolutely. Please do.

[Ginger]

It's exciting to see and to hear how the Lord has brought you guys together. And that's a really beautiful thing because God's hand is in it and you guys are in what people call. I'm sure you've heard this a million times, like the newlywed stage. And that doesn't have to end. And the way that continues in life is intentionality, loving one another, choosing to love one another every day. One of my favorite definitions of love is there's a book, if you guys haven't read it, we'll get it for you.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And you can read it together. It's called A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Van Aken. And it's the story of this young couple. They didn't love Jesus when they met. They fall madly in love, and the first half of the book is their love story. As non Christians, they don't love Jesus, but they're just like obsessed with one another.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And they're intellectuals. They go to Cambridge, I think it's Cambridge or Oxford in England to study, and they meet these Christians who were studying with them. And for the first time they thought, wait, we thought Christians were like dumb. Didn't think, didn't engage. Their minds, had no logic. And they meet their fellow intellect intellectuals who believed in Christ, and they actually engage with CS Lewis. They start writing letters to CS Lewis. And Lewis had this conviction if anybody wrote him a letter, he'd write them one back. So it's funny, he actually was annoyed by that by himself because he had to keep writing these letters back. But if you wrote Louis, you'd get a letter back.

[Jeremy]

Let's go.

[Ginger]

So there's all these letters back and forth, and Lewis is challenging their unbelief. Well, long story short, they come to meet Jesus and it's an incredible story, but they define love in that book. Talking about a cup of cold water, a glass of cold water in the night. Because in the night you're awoken, you're in deep sleep, the last thing you want to do is get out of bed. And yet for your wife to be able to lean over and say, hey, I love a glass of water, is not only a privilege for her to be able to ask you because she's now giving you the opportunity to serve her, but it's a privilege for you to wake up out of rem, whatever, go downstairs, get the glass of water. And he talks about the privilege of both asking and being asked. But looking at love in such a practical way and saying it's these Daily, tiny little decisions of putting the other person first. And what we call this newlywed phase doesn't have to end, because love never ends. Right. First Corinthians 13. Love is patient. Love is kind. It doesn't count. Wrong. You're not storing up a little journal of how they've wronged you. And so, as beautiful as it is to see you guys, and I think a lot of people watching, maybe people who've been married for a long time or lived life longer, there could be a temptation to go, oh, look at that cute young couple in love.

[Jeremy]

Right.

[Ginger]

But they'll learn. You know, life will come. Like that sort of thing.

[Jeremy]

There are many interactions like that, actually.

[Ginger]

Yeah. And it doesn't reflect truth always. I mean, life is going to get hard, and there are going to be things that threaten your marriage, and there are going to be moments where you don't feel the way you feel. But that's not what love is. Love is dictated by a decision. And ultimately, it's a supernaturally empowered decision where you're leaning upon the God of love who created love and gives love in order to love.

[Jeremy]

Right.

[Ginger]

Okay, I'm done. That's my rant.

[Lydia Plath]

No, that's really good.

[Ginger]

I just went into my marriage counsel.

[Lydia Plath]

I will say, believe it or not, in the three months we've been married, I won't go into detail because that won't spoil anything that you'd see on the show. But there have already been many times where we've had to choose each other, choose love, and just be like, we've gone through some really tough things already, but it's only brought us closer together. So 100%, it's about choosing love and continuing to do all little things for each other and serve each other.

[Jeremy]

I think a big part of what you said was the gratitude and the honor of being asked or having the ability to do something for your wife or for one another, just in general, is just like. Oftentimes we don't think of it that way. Of. It's just like, oh, this is a burden. She's such a burden in my life. It's like. But that's putting an identity on her that isn't true. It's like, what's a glass of water when she gives you so much in your life? So, yeah, I think that's huge.

[Ginger]

Yeah. It's interesting. The dynamic you guys have of reality TV as well is an unusual one. And Ginger and I experienced that. I think it accelerated a lot of growth in our relationship because our first year of marriage. Someone told us, if you can get through the first year, you can get through anything. We look back on our first year and thought that was really incredible. But actually, there were a ton of challenges, and a lot of them were assaults from the outside. And it was like, okay, we didn't expect to be in a war zone, but we gotta bunker down, and we get to bunker down with each other. And so it's like, that's the best part. It did bring us closer because, like, literally coming back from our honeymoon, we walked into. And this, again, was a situation in Texas. In my situation, we walked into, like, a war zone immediately. And we're like, what? Didn't expect that? We literally are walking off the plane from our honeymoon.

[Lydia Plath]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

And so. But things like that drew us closer and accelerated that growth as well.

[Jeremy]

Yeah.

[Ginger]

So it's been a joy, guys. Thank you for being so vulnerable, so open, so honest. It's really inspiring in many ways. You guys are such an encouragement to us, and we've enjoyed hanging out.

[Zach Wise]

Yeah. It's so fun having y'. All.

[Jeremy]

Thank you. I mean, it's just such a blessing to be able to have this opportunity to get to know you guys, too. I think. You know, not only are you guys pouring into us in a great way, I think you guys have great wisdom, and also just we're so similar in so many ways.

[Lydia Plath]

I think it's, again, for all the listeners, like, this is our first time meeting these podcasts, our first time meeting, first time getting to know each other. So, yeah, it's been awesome.

[Ginger]

Well, that's the cool thing about podcasting is we're sitting here just having a conversation in a living room, but we have people listening in. But it doesn't feel like that. We don't think that we're genuinely sitting here getting to know you guys. It's not like we're rehearsing these things.

[Jeremy]

Yeah. This is, like, definitely the first time you guys heard all those.

[Lydia Plath]

All those story.

[Zach Wise]

It's so awesome.

[Ginger]

Okay, so here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna end this podcast, and you guys are gonna have to come back next week for more.

[Zach Wise]

Yeah, I think we're gonna do a Q and A. Oh, yeah. And it's gonna be so much fun. So go ahead and, like, subscribe. What do you do? Turn on notifications. So that way, you know when that Q and A pops up.

[Ginger]

And if you guys are. If you guys are watching on YouTube, we're also on Apple podcasts and Spotify and all that. If you wanna listen on your way to work. If you're listening on Apple or Spotify, you can also watch us on YouTube.

[Zach Wise]

There you go.

[Ginger]

Okay, I think we've covered it. Thanks guys.

[Jeremy]

Thanks guys.

[Ginger]

See ya.

[Mom/Dad]

Mom and dad, the school supplies you buy me this year will mostly end up in my mouth. Maybe shop low prices for school at Amazon so I don't eat up all your money, just something to chew on. Amazon spend less, smile more Mom, Dad, I humbly suggest you save some money and shop Amazon for back to school. It's for my growth. Meaning my body's growing at an alarming rate and clothes you buy me this year will be very small very soon. Plus the clothes I love today will be out of style tomorrow. But at least your wallet doesn't have to be my fashion victim if you shop low prices for school at Amazon. Hopefully this is helpful. Amazon spend less, smile more.