Lauren was a senior at the University of Florida working for Gators Sports Nutrition. Sam was a grad student working as a GA for men’s basketball. In October 2018, Lauren and Sam’s worlds collided during her trips to the Gator basketball facility to stock the fueling station. Running into each other secretly became each other’s favorite part of the day. One day outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Sam worked up the courage to ask Lauren for her number. Soon, they were at idyllic Payne’s Prairie for their first date on 10/31/2018. They quickly found that they shared many interests & values. And felt an easy chemistry. One date became ten. As their time at the University of Florida came to an end, Lauren accepted a job in Ocala, FL, and Sam in Providence, RI. They began a journey of pursuing their professional dreams while building their relationship. Over four years, their long-distance journey covered FL, RI, IL, and PA. There were many elaborate weekends planned. Long walks on the phone. Airport pick-ups. And a lot of missing each other. Finally, Lauren moved to Providence, and a couple of short months later, Sam was on one knee proposing in Newport. After 7 years, they are elated to begin their new journey as husband and wife.