You guessed it, COVID! Sam and Cara were in the midst of sending out save the dates for their original date (12/12/2020), when they decided to check in with their wedding vendors. They were notified that their venue and catering company were closed through the end of 2020. In the weeks after, several different wedding scenarios played out (brunch wedding, courthouse wedding, micro wedding - you name it and they looked into it), but none of their 'new' options felt like they would truly represent the big day how they envisioned it. With the uncertainty of large gatherings - they began discussing an elopement. As you know, an elopement isn't EPIC unless it happens in an epic location (we love Wisco, but we love the Northwest mountains and Pacific Ocean more). So here we are, planning an elopement on the Oregon coast! Although our plan A did not work out, we are so so excited to bring it full circle and say "WE DO" in Oregon!

Sam and Cara went to UW - Eau Claire for college. Cara remembers going to Sam's house on the Chippewa River for parties, but nothing romantically transpired at that point! Fast forward 5 years, and Sam and Cara both ended up in Milwaukee to start their careers. At the time, they were both unaware of each others where about's - and little did they know that they lived less than 2 miles from each other! The beginning of July, Sam messaged Cara asking if she would like to meet for a drink since it had been quite some time. Cara replied instantly and said 'yes'. They had their first date at Camp Bar in the Third Ward, where they enjoyed each other's company and the conversation carried on like they'd known each other forever. Without Cara knowing, Sam took his Camp Bar beer glass with him as they left, having a gut-feeling that their first date was going to be a special one he'd want to remember (and boy was he right)! Sam officially asked Cara to be his girlfriend on the 11th of August, 2017, at the Italian restaurant, Onesto, in the Third Ward.

Sam and Cara went to Portland, Oregon in October, 2019. They had been there 2 years prior and absolutely fell in love with the laid back, funky city and the outdoorsy vibes. On the morning of the engagement, Sam and Cara planned on hiking up to Multonomah Falls. They wanted to do the same hike on their first visit to Oregon, but couldn't because of fires that closed the park for about 1 year. This landmark was highly anticipated by both Sam and Cara, but little did Cara know it would mean much more than that. They made it up to the top of the bridge, where there was a breathtaking view of the waterfall. Cara was facing the waterfall taking in the sight, and as she turned around Sam was on one knee with the ring! They spent the remainder of the day celebrating - by hiking without cell phone service and later that night going to one of Portland's best restaurants, Canard.