It was January 21st, 2018. Up until this time, both Sam and Nicole hadn’t had much success on the dating apps. That day, however, Nicole decided to take a chance and swipe right. After matching, they began sending the typical “getting to know you” messages. Sam had a great idea for a first date and asked Nicole if she wanted to go to a hip hop show that night, which was quickly shot down. After all, it wasn’t an intimate setting and it's hard to meet someone with music blaring in the background. It all could have ended right there, but luckily, Nicole was free the next day (a Sunday) and suggested meeting up for a drink. Sam knew the perfect bar - The Octopus - it had great music and the right atmosphere. Sunday night is not a common first date night, what with the work week quickly approaching, but fortunately Nicole agreed. When they finally met, the connection was instant. Nicole’s smile and personality was electric and a conversation never came so easily to either of them. Over 4 hours and many drinks later, both decided it was time to go home (despite some Sunday scaries!). That night ended with a kiss on the forehead and was a sign of much more to come!  Fast forward to 2022. Nicole and Sam's relationship had faced a few challenges over the last four years. First, they survived a dreaded year of long distance after Sam got a job that moved him to New York City. Then, shortly after Nicole moved out to Brooklyn to join him, Covid hit. They then survived a year of being locked together in the same NY apartment (Hey - it helped make up for lost time!). The timing felt right to ask her “the question”. Sam planned a surprise engagement party over Thanksgiving but the nerves were getting to him. Nicole suspected something was “up” but couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Sam recalled back to all their fun early dates and remembered going up to Queen Anne hill and watching a beautiful sunset together. “That's the place” he thought. Unfortunately, daylight savings doesn’t factor in proposals and even though they left around 4:30pm, the sun set before they got to the hill. In the pitch black, they arrived at the park overlooking Seattle and Sam popped the question!