Before they ever met in person, Rick spotted a photo of Samantha on her best friend, Maggie’s, social media feed. He didn’t know her name yet, but he instantly said, “I need to meet her.” A few months later, in the summer of 2019, a meet-up between their friends was arranged—and from the very first moment, everything just clicked. It wasn’t awkward or uncertain. It felt natural, like they had known each other for years. Looking back, it really was love at first sight. Two weeks later, just before the start of their junior year of college, they officially started dating. One of their very first dates was a spontaneous day trip to the beach—a full day of laughter. They said “I love you” only a few weeks later. It felt fast from the outside, but to them, it just felt right. Then came three years of long distance—Penn State to Kutztown, with weekend road trips, late-night calls, and more goodbyes than they liked. But somehow, even with miles between them, they kept growing closer. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. They learned to show up for each other, to hold on through the distance, and to grow together even when they were apart. They were building something real—and they never let go of that. In 2022, they finally closed the distance, and moved in together and started everyday life side by side. After moving out of their first apartment, and a year of saving up money and living with Sam’s amazing parents (thank you for everything!), they took the next step in September 2024 and bought their first home together—a space that’s truly theirs. What started as a chance meeting through friends quickly became a love story built on timing, trust, and total commitment. They’ve come a long way since that first glance—and can’t wait to begin this next chapter as husband and wife.

On the weekend of Samantha’s birthday, June 1st, 2024, Rick surprised her with the most thoughtful and meaningful proposal. For months, he had been planning—he had the ring picked out since March and kept it hidden in Samantha’s mom’s jewelry box, waiting for the perfect moment. That weekend, he took her to her grandfather’s favorite spot down the shore, a place that has always been so special to her and her family, and holds a deep connection since her grandfather passed away. When they got there, he suggested she take a picture of herself at the spot, and insisted she turned around so he could capture the view from behind. When she turned back, he was down on one knee. In the place that means so much to her family, he asked her to start our own forever together.