Cheers to Forever.

The story starts a month or so prior to the first time we actually met. Kevin and I went to the bar after one of our Thursday night softball games. Samantha was working behind the bar and I told Kevin that I thought she was beautiful. I didn’t say anything to her, as I was sweaty, wearing a stupid shirt from our softball team, and we were there just to get some food and go. Two weeks later I am in Nashville for a baseball tournament for the travel team I coached. I get a text from Kevin and our friend Mikey, telling me to send them a picture. He said “the hot girl” from the bar wants to see what you look like. So, a bit hesitant, I sent the picture, and Kevin and Mikey assured me she approved (I thought for sure that was never going to go anywhere lol). Then we again bar hopped in Grayslake after our softball game and ran into Samantha. She was sitting at the bar talking with someone. We sat down and started talking with the bartender as she said that the restaurant was going to close soon and told us to wait for her and we could walk down to Charlies. We had become friends with her so we waited. When we left, all of a sudden Samantha was following us and said she was going to come with us. She knew the other bartender, so we all made our way down to Charlies. I took a seat at the bar and Samantha sat down right next to me. We started talking about the 1960s, politics, and other random things. As we were all leaving we exchanged numbers, and the rest is history! -Brian

What started off as a pleasant Juneteenth quickly turned sour when Brian told me we’d be meeting up with his family for family portraits. We were living in Georgia at the time and visiting home for an extended vacation. One of the last things I wanted to do while on said vacation was Kelly-family portraits. I really wanted to just hang out with friends… My disappointment was not easily missed. Being the brat that I can be, I was in an awful mood. I reluctantly did my hair and makeup at my dad’s house while Brian got ready at his parents. In hindsight, it was a genius way to have me get dolled-up without disclosing what was really going on. As I was getting ready, I noticed my dad was in a mood as well. I’m used to my dad being moody but he seemed somewhat sad and abnormally interested in my appearance that day. He graced me with comments like, “that’s what you’re wearing?” “That’s how you’re doing your hair?” As helpful as he might have thought he was being… he was not. Once I finished up, I went downstairs to find my dad sitting on the floor, legs out, looking entirely defeated, and somewhat absent-minded, holding his obnoxious vacuum cleaner in one hand. My dad often looks like this on cleaning day so I thought nothing of it. Looking back, my dad was one of the only people that knew I’d be proposed to that day.. and I think he was having one of those “dad-daughter” moments. Brian picked me up and took me to Independence Grove in Libertyville. His sister, Erin, and her husband, Brett, were in the parking lot already. Brian asked me to go say hi to them. Again, I reluctantly walked over (I was in a reallllllly icky mood). Later, Brian told me that was the moment he put the ring in his pocket. It’s funny because I remember looking back at him and thinking he was so handsome & snapped a picture of him (you can actually see the outline of the ring box in said picture). We walked around the park for only a few minutes when Erin began asking me for advice on where their family portraits should be shot. I was annoyed by the question since I didn’t want to be the one making that decision for the family. I thought the bridge we were standing on was nice enough. She asked, “are you sure?” Again, annoyed by the question I responded with “sure look around,” and as I turned, I found Brian down on one knee. I don’t think I looked at the ring for a second. I was so focused on Brian. I didn’t want to forget a single second, I did everything in my power to freeze the moment. (I said yes.. by the way. Or something to that effect) I don’t think I can thank Erin & Brett enough for capturing that moment. Not only did they photograph the whole proposal, they shot a video as well. The last gift my grandmother gave me before she passed was a beautiful paper weight that featured a proposal photo Erin captured. Thank you (and I'm sorry for being in a shit mood). After the proposal, Brian drove us over to Emils where we were greeted by lots of friends and family. It was an amazing Juneteenth. -Samantha