Corey and Samantha first met in Fall 2021 when they were both on the same social kickball team. Both Samantha and Corey, were looking to make new friends and expand their social circle in DC as the world was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. After one of their games, a few members of the team went to a local jazz bar, where Corey and Samantha found themselves seated next to each other and the conversation was instantly electric. Later that night, Corey - being a gentleman he is- texted Samantha to make sure she got home safe. He also asked to see if she was interested in getting drinks with him alone, and of course she said, “yes!” Samantha and Corey had their first official date watching the Bills vs. Titans Monday Night Football game, at one of their favorite bars, Macintyres (RIP). While the Bills may have criminally lost that game 31-34, both Corey and Samantha knew they were leaving the bar as winners. Samantha and Corey went on their first trip together to Williamsburg, VA for a short, quiet, and uneventful New Year’s getaway. On their way home, the two of them got stuck on I-95 for nearly 14 hours after an infamous snowstorm shut down the highway. Needless to say, Corey and Samantha made it home confident their relationship could weather any storm. That summer, Corey brought his cat, Pebble, to Samantha’s 1-Bedroom apartment for the summer to live with Samantha and her late grumpy cat, Princess. Long story short - neither Corey or Pebble ever moved back out! In January 2022, Samantha and Corey moved into their first ‘official’ apartment together in DC. Living together gave them room to grow as a couple and start building a home together, even adding a new cat, Manny, to join their little family. In December 2024, Corey and Samantha bought their first home together in Maryland - taking the biggest step in their relationship so far (until marriage, of course!). They are so excited to get married and share this moment with all their favorite people!

Corey proposed to Samantha on the rooftop terrace at the Kennedy Center in March 2023 when he lured Samantha to the roof of the Kennedy Center with the promise of pre-show dinner and drinks. After a few minutes, Corey dropped to a knee and asked Samantha to marry him. It was the easiest yes of her life! The surprises only continued, when Corey revealed they would not be seeing a show that evening (the 'tickets' were a ruse!), but instead going to a local restaurant where many of their closest friends were waiting to celebrate their engagement!