we first met as we began our journey to Israel on our Birthright trip. Coincidentally we were two of the three people on the trip from Virginia, the other being Olivia's best friend Kate. Being that there were few people from Virginia on our trip, Sam introduced himself as a farm boy from SW Virginia. As the 10 day trip ended and we returned to the U.S., we kept in touch throughout the rest of the summer and have been falling more in love since then.

Sam is not much for keeping secrets so our engagement came at no surprise. While we had been actively talking about wedding plans for upwards of a year, he finally decided it was the right time to make it official in December of 2019 on our trip to Portland & Seattle. Despite the torrential downpour of rain, massive flooding, and spooky sized waves, Sam proposed in a small cave on the coast of Oregon and we have been smitten ever since.

While we wish we could celebrate with each and every one of you, we understand these trying times have changed our lives more than we could have ever imagined. We have made the very difficult decision following 2 previously failed wedding plans, to follow our hearts and begin our marriage in Zion National Park. We understand that this venue is not accessible or feasible for all, however we will live stream the ceremony so that anyone who wishes to be there virtually will have the opportunity! We have no expectations and want no one to feel an obligation to make the trek, but we would love for anyone who wishes to attend to join in our adventure! We hope to be able to celebrate with everyone who cannot attend at a later date--more details on this celebration to come. We are so incredibly excited to share our next adventure in life with you. See you soon!