Sam and Virginia met at marching band camp at the University of Virginia. On the first day of band camp, the band director, Mr. Pease, said to look around because there's a chance that you may be marrying someone beside you one day. They had no idea that this would actually be true! Virginia had a crush on Sam pretty early on in their friendship (shh don't tell anyone!) and would always try to stand next to him in the stands on game days.

After a Christmas party, Sam asked Virginia to go on a date with him (finally!). Before the date, Sam drove an hour out of his way to get Krispy Kreme doughnuts for Virginia because he knew they were her favorite. They went to Michael's Bistro on The Corner first then went to a Christmas concert at the chapel. Afterward, they walked down the Lawn to look at all of the Christmas lights. It was a perfect first date!

Sam took Virginia on a date to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas light decorations. Beforehand, they got Persian food from Sufi's, one of Virginia's favorite restaurants. Under the lights, Sam got down on one knee and asked Virginia to marry him. She said yes!