We went on our first date on June 23, 2020. That was our first time meeting. We had always known of each other but had never officially met. We grew up going to the same church and attended the same high school. It wasn’t until the lockdown that Sam noticed me walking my dog the same route everyday, which was past his house. He then decided to message me and ask me on a date. I agreed to go out with him but only if we could get to know each other better first. The first date went so well that we decided to go on a second date. We very quickly realized that there was something different and special taking place between us. Everything just seemed to click. After dating 6 months we decided we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. Sam proposed in a beautifully decorated gazebo, thanks to his friends, on Clemson’s campus. Shortly after we got engaged Sam had to move away to Fort Benning for army training. The next 18 months would consist of living hundreds of miles apart and taking any excuse to see each other. While this was not our first choice, it only made our relationship and love for one another stronger. We are excited to spend the rest of our lives together and grateful that y’all will be there to witness our marriage.