Sam and Makenzie matched on Hinge (@Hinge please sponsor us) in January of 2020. They exchanged a few messages, Makenzie confirmed Sam wasn't a serial killer, and then the two went on their first date at Grandview Cafe. They ended the night with an awkward side hug that they both immediately regretted, but it encouraged them to meet up again. And then again. And then a pandemic happened, which forced Sam into spending lots of time with Makenzie and her super cool roommates, Kendra and Brooke. Sam fit perfectly into the friend group, which was good since it would have been irresponsible to hang out with anyone else. (Shout-out to Covid guidelines) A huge test of acceptance also came from Makenzie's old and grouchy chihuahua, Cooper. Coop learned to tolerate Sam pretty quickly, and this solidified for Makenzie that Sam was the one. Over the years, Sam and Makenzie have only grown closer and stronger. Sam learned to accept Makenzie's endless singing, frequently used accents, and overall tendency to be a little silly. Makenzie listened and supported Sam with his rollercoaster obsession, video game playing, and endless basketball/football/Formula 1 watching. In May of 2023, Sam and Makenzie moved in together and Sam learned how to live with a grumpy chihuahua as well as 47 plants. They only fell more in love. In January of 2024, they said goodbye to Cooper and the two of them helped each other through a heartbreaking loss. It felt empty and quiet for a while. However, a few months later they adopted two beautiful and wild kittens, George and Kirby. Becoming kitty parents was a pretty big highlight of 2024, but it got even more exciting when Sam (finally) proposed to Makenzie at her favorite park in August of 2024. He planned a perfect surprise with a photographer and a bar full of their closest friends waiting to celebrate them afterward. In July of 2025 Sam and Makenzie purchased their first home together. It has been a dream for them to experience this huge milestone together. George and Kirby are also thrilled! Sam and Makenzie could not be more excited to be married and start this new adventure. They can't wait to celebrate this day with all of their favorite people!