Our story truly begins in January 2020, when we reconnected at a family birthday party. We had known of each other in passing for many years before, but there was no real story or connection prior. What started as conversation at the bar quickly turned into something neither of us expected. Later, Karen was on the dance floor with her daughter when Sam came over and politely asked her for a dance. And honestly, that was it for us. From there, one moment turned into many. We spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and getting to know each other and catching up from over the years. Before the night ended, Sam very confidently made sure to get her number, and just like that, we were off. Over the past six years, we have built a life full of love, laughter, and so many unforgettable memories. We made it through COVID, celebrated holidays, traveled, and showed up for each other through all of life’s highs and everything in between. Somewhere along the way, we became each other’s home and safe place. We balance each other in the best way. Sam is the calm and Karen is the fire. She calls him “Sam I Am,” he calls her his baby, and while Sam says Karen is the funnier one, we would say we are at our best when we are laughing together, which is often. One of our first dates was a simple walking date across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. It was nothing fancy, just time spent talking and getting to know each other. To this day, walking is still one of our favorite things to do and a small but meaningful way we stay connected no matter what life brings. The next chapter began on New Year’s Eve at one of our favorite places, BARCA Pier & Wine Bar in Old Town. As the ball dropped and fireworks lit up the sky, Sam got down on one knee and asked Karen to spend forever with him. She said yes, of course. We are beyond excited for this next chapter and everything that comes with it. Celebrating with the people we love most makes it even more special, and we truly could not imagine this moment without you. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, new memories, and plenty more walks together. xo Karen + Sam