Our story started and will come full circle on our wedding day at the The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant. Alex & Sami were both caterers and became close friends as part of a tight-knit group with fellow coworkers who often hung out together after long shifts, usually to a local dive, Casino for a White Russian and a couple Rhinelander Shorties. After they both graduated from UW-La Crosse, they started working together more and more during their year off. They became thick as thieves and considered each other best friends. After a year and a half of friendship, Alex came to his senses and told Sami his true feelings for her. Luckily for Alex, Sami felt the same way. With their fateful relationship formed, they adopted a kitten, and they aptly named her Kahlua. Before leaving La Crosse for their next opportunities, Alex & Sami took a 3-week European vacation visiting Sami's brother Chayden in France and Alex's friend Steven in Germany. Though they visited many beautiful places, they fell in love in Florence, Italy. They moved to Milwaukee in the Fall of 2017, living with Alex's parents' while he went to Law School at Marquette University and she UW-Milwaukee for her nursing degree. Living with the Sterlings was a test for both of them and while that first year in Milwaukee wasn't without its difficulties, they grew as individuals and their relationship became stronger in the long run. Moving downtown Milwaukee to the Brady Street Area, Alex & Sami rekindled friendships and met some new amazing people that would eventually be known as the Brady Bunch. Adding another fur addition to their little family, Archie the Bernese Mountain Dog became the newest member.

Sami and Alex had so thoroughly enjoyed their first trip to Europe that they planned a second; this time with their close friends Taylor & Gus. Alex planned to propose at the Piazzale Michelangelo, his and Sami's favorite view of Florence with Jesse, their roommate surprising her and providing the engagement ring for the big event. Unfortunately, Jesse's flight across Europe delayed his arrival in Florence enough so that the original proposal plan was out the window. The celebratory dinner Alex has scheduled would now be the place he asked Sami's hand in marriage. Though Alex attempted to alert the restaurant of the change in plans, they did not get the memo until the group arrived for dinner, leading to some close calls and almost blowing the surprise. Luckily, Sami remained oblivious to the pending proposal even as she was referred to as the "lucky lady" and there was seemingly a missing member of the dinner party. Jesse would eventually join them with a tap on Sami's shoulder in the midst of dinner sending her into a whirlwind of confusion. When she looked back over at Alex, he held a little box with a ring inside. With instant tears, a lot of ugly crying and a 2 kilo Florentine steak interrupting Alex's proposal, Sami happily said yes to their forever. With a round of applause from the restaurant, lots of champagne and drinks at an Irish pub in the middle of the city; they continued to celebrate a night they would never forget. Alex & Sami give their special thanks to a few people, who without their specific contributions, the proposal would not have been possible: - Anna Hoffman, a close friend of the couple, who ensured that Jesse could take off work to make his trek across the Atlantic - Jesse Stansell, the best delivery man and roommate - Taylor & Gus Frank, the best travel companions who kept Sami distracted and Alex sane during the changing proposal plans - Dean Murray and The Jewelry Center, who created a beautiful engagement ring under seriously short time constraints