Our families have known each other since we were both in 5th grade. Sam's family was actually the first family my family met when we moved to Coronado, CA! At the time, we did not know how our lives would be connected, but we are so grateful that they are. As time passed, we knew each other as family friends but nothing more. Then, our last semester of senior year we "met" again on New Years Eve. Coincidentally, I had seen Sam on Christmas Eve that year and thought he was cute, but didn't think anything of it. We started talking and then our friends set us up on a lunch date where they all "couldn't make it." From there, I had a pretty good feeling about Sam and decided to ask him to the Sadie Hawkins dance at my high school. We had a blast and Sam asked me to be his girlfriend by writing it on my minivan. We quickly connected and had the best summer together. Unfortunately, the colleges we had chosen were 3000 miles apart but we decided to stay together regardless. This led into four and a half years of long distance together and many, many Facetime calls. Although it wasn't easy, it was 1000% worth it. We learned so much about each other and our love grew even stronger. After graduation, we moved to Atlanta and we have been so happy finally being around each other all the time. We are so excited to spend the rest of our lives together!

It started out like any other summer day in Georgia...hot and humid, but full of opportunity. It was my turn to surprise Rach with a date, but that day's was different than the others. I had been prepping for months and took all the proper steps: her nails were done, our families and a handful of friends had been notified, and she looked absolutely stunning in her outfit. It was a couple days from my birthday, so I knew she wasn't expecting anything, but I was still incredibly nervous. I wanted it to be special for Rach. When the time had come, I picked her up and we headed out on a drive. We were headed 90 minutes south to LaGrange, Georgia to Wild Leap Brewing Company. This brewery holds a special place in our heart; we discovered them a couple years ago and immediately fell in love with their IPA. They were also releasing the 17th edition of their Double IPA on that 17th of July, which coincides with the birthday of Rach's late grandfather. The drive took longer than expected and I was sweating through my shirt, so Rach was starting to get suspicious. We hurried in, got a beer, and sat down outside, all while our photographer got into position. I tried to play it cool, but instead spilled my beer all over the table. Nerves were through the roof, and Rach was now on high alert but I knew what had to be done, I wasn't leaving that day without the love of my life becoming my fiancé. As we walked back toward the building, I suggested we get a picture, and dropped down on one knee. I was so consumed in the moment, but I know a got those four special words out and was greeted with a resounding YES! Rach and I were both overwhelmed with excitement and joy and could barely contain ourselves. It was the happiest moment of our lives, and one we won't soon forget!