In the day of technology, it only makes sense that our story starts with the dating apps. Right around Mardi Gras we matched on Hinge and set up a date at Taqueria del Sol. The day of our 1st date Sam offered to pick Ali up, like the true gentleman he is. Ali, being her mother's daughter and a true-crime lover, thought to herself "no way I am getting in this strangers car". Ali arrived first to Taq and let Sam know she was grabbing a margarita & hopping in the long line to order at the counter. However, Sam never texted back. In fact, Sam never showed up. Sweet Hannah Weinberger showed up to enjoy tacos and marge with Ali. About an hour and 45 minutes into the "date" Sam finally texted Ali back. After a long day at the golf course, Sam had settled in for a pre-date nap and never woke up. His sweet apologies were sincere and Ali thought "what's the harm in a second 1st date?" When Sam returned from visiting his brother, Hunter, and Libby in NOLA for Mardi Gras, he planned a swanky date at South City Kitchen for us. Ali decided to make him sweat a little bit and showed up 10 minutes late to the second 1st date (sorry Sam!) Since that day, Sam and Ali (and Millie) were inseparable.

If you don't know Sam, he is the most thoughtful, sincere person when it comes to his people. This sweet man has planned not one, not two, but THREE proposals! Christmas 2021 Sam planned to propose on the beach in Naples, but instead of a fiance he got covid. MLK weekend Sam planned to propose on a hike in Asheville, but 24 inches of snow made us cancel our trip. After all his elaborate planning, he decided to make the moment perfectly intimate in our city. Friday, February 11, after I got home from school Sam insisted we take a walk with our sweet golden girl Millie. Instead of our usual Beltline strolls, Sam suggested a neighborhood walk down to Springvale Park. We walked around the small park and made our way to the pond with ducks, Millie's favorite. It was there that Sam shared his love and his hopes for us before dropping down to one knee. Obviously the tears started flowing and I said yes! After walking home and getting ready for our pre-Valentine's dinner, we headed to The Iberian Pig for delicious tapas. After dinner Sam said he had a "surprise" up his sleeves. We went home, grabbed Millie, and headed to our usual spot, Lingering Shade. I thought we'd just grab some celebratory drinks, but NO! This was so much better! Sam had organized an engagement party with my closest Atlanta friends, but that wasn't the only surprise. Unknown to Sam, my sneaky girls told my parents and siblings about the party. Mom, Dad, and Janie flew up from Florida, Graham walked down the street, and surprised all of us! It was the sweetest day, and I know the love we felt that day will only be multiplied on our wedding day!