Samantha and Dominic’s love story began how many do these days, on the dating app Hinge. Samantha had made a New Year’s resolution to get back into the dating scene, while Dominic had been waiting for a girl like her to come along. On January 30, 2024, Sam and Dom matched, and the story officially began when Samantha messaged him first, complimenting his adorable cat, Turbo. Just four days later, they met for their first date at Molino’s Coffee Shop in downtown Riverside. What was supposed to be a quick 30-minute coffee turned into three hours spent talking, first at the café and then wandering through the vintage shop next door. They talked about their families, hobbies, life goals, and dreams. Both left that first date feeling like it was the beginning of something special. Sam even called her best friend afterward to say it was the best first date of her life. A few weeks later, on February 19, Dominic asked Samantha to be his girlfriend. Within a month, they had met each other’s friends and families, and it was off to the races. Spending as much time together as possible, Sam and Dom packed their first year with adventures full of trips, fun parties with friends, forced roadtrips with exclusively Taylor Swift playing, all the while becoming completely inseparable. In late fall, both Sam and Dom experienced major changes in their careers. It was a scary and uncertain time, but they leaned on one another for support and encouragement. Coming out the other side stronger than ever, both earning promotions in their fields. This season showed them just how great they are together, not only as partners but as best friends. In March 2025, Dominic moved in with Samantha, and they made a home together in her 1,076-square-foot condo along with their three amazing kitties, Turbo, Ellie, and Betty. Life felt full, happy, and exactly right. Then, on October 10, 2025, during a drive up to Big Bear, California to spend the weekend with friends, Dominic took Samantha for a walk at Northshore Lookout Point and dropped to one knee. The proposal had been in the works for a long time. Dominic had told Samantha on New Year’s Eve 2025 that he planned to propose that year, and in August he began by asking permission from her father, mother, and younger brother; all of whom enthusiastically agreed. He spent the next few months designing the ring himself, incorporating diamonds from Samantha’s mother’s and grandmother’s original wedding rings, a detail Samantha absolutely adored. Dominic even hired a secret photographer to capture the moment, making the proposal all the more special. Overwhelmed with emotion and excitement, they said “yes” to forever. Today, they couldn’t be more in love or more grateful for the incredible community of friends and family who surround them as they begin the next chapter of their story.