How We Met

7/24/15 HER STORY: As a fresh high school grad, I was excited to enjoy the summer before starting college and went to a summer bonfire. I was familiar with everyone at the party except for three siblings who came together. When it was time to play volleyball, I was embarrassed because I didn't know how to serve. However, this guy (Sammy) came over and offered to teach me how. We began talking and by the end of the night I didn't want to leave. Unfortunately, I had to go home and left without getting that guy's contact info. I thought I'd never see him again, but a week later I received a friend request from Sammy and our relationship took off from there. After a few movie, tennis and mini-golf dates we were so excited to be dating one another. HIS STORY: I remember it was a nice summer day, when my siblings & I were invited to a friend's house for a bonfire. I also heard there was going to be volleyball, so of course I wanted to go! I packed a cooler of Coca Cola and headed there with my brother & sister. We got there and were helping to set up the volleyball net when I saw Lian for the first time. I had no idea she was going to be there and I remember staring at her while I was supposed to be setting up the volleyball net! Lian & I hit it off right away — we were on the same volleyball team and crushed it. She claimed she had never played volleyball before, but at the time I thought it was a total lie since she played so well. We went on to reminisce about our competitive tennis days and sat next to each other at the bonfire.

10/1/2020 HER STORY: I had gotten 4 hours of sleep and had a tough day at work, but I promised Sammy we could go on a bike ride in Boston after work. I was running late, but eventually made it to Sammy's work and we took off on bikes down the Charles River. It seemed like we were riding forever, but he said, "just a little further to the dock". We eventually made it and I was so relieved to be off the bike! We happened to run into one of his friends taking photos of another friend. I didn't think much of it when she offered to take some photos of us and before I knew it he was down on one knee! I was so surprised as we had talked about buying an engagement ring earlier that day. Little did I know he had already purchased one and had a plan all along. It was such a wonderful surprise, I was in complete shock for a few days. HIS STORY: Lian had been sending me ring suggestions for months and I just couldn't pull the trigger on one. One day I got this gut feeling that it was time and I called my oldest sister, Katie, to help me order the ring. It was very important to surprise Lian with the engagement ring! I had been trying to get Lian to go on a bike ride with me after work for months, but she didn’t want to. However, when she finally decided to give it a try, I knew it would be a great plan to surprise her. We planned to meet at Converse and go for a bike ride on the Charles River bike path. I was very familiar with the path and knew a of a dock which would be perfect to propose. I hired a friend of mine to be waiting for us, so when Lian & I arrived we “accidentally” ran into her taking pictures of a friend. I asked her if she would mind taking some pictures of us and during the halfway point I got down on one knee and completely surprised her.

Sammy & I believe God brought us together and we are so excited to start this new journey of marriage together! We are looking forward to the great things He has in store for us. We hope to use our faith and marriage as a way to bless others and share God's selfless love.