We will warn you, 8 years together makes for a long ‘story’ but if you’re here for it, let’s go! December 31, 2015 we met for the first time at a friend's New Year’s Eve party in Locust Point, Baltimore. Cheston introduced himself and said, “I like your blue dress”, to which Samantha replied with a smile, “thanks”, and went about her NYE with her girlfriends. That was the extent of our interactions for the night. Over the next month, we would see each other around Federal Hill and bonded over our mutual love of EDM. It wasn't until February 10, 2016 that we had our first date at Metropolitan Wine Bar in Federal Hill where Cheston pretended to like wine and fancy cheeses, before dropping the act and ordering a beer. We then joined the same Baltimore Social kickball team with all of our mutual friends, shared a few more date nights, and decided to make the relationship official on May 12, 2016. In the early days, we loved spending our time exploring Baltimore restaurants, going to Orioles and Ravens games, playing social sports, and going to concerts with friends. Each year we try to celebrate the anniversary of our first date by visiting the same restaurant. Unfortunately we only got to celebrate one, first date anniversary back at Metropolitan before it closed. The next year we switched to Bar Liquorice (our second date spot)...which then closed as well lol. We thought we were cursed, but decided to move on to another favorite spot, Mount Vernon Marketplace. We haven’t closed that down yet after 6 years! We hope to continue this tradition for many, many years to come. Fast forward to June 2018 - we decided to take the plunge and move in together in Fed Hill. Later, in September 2019 we moved to Canton and therefore spent all of Covid in a small apartment together. If that wasn’t stressful enough, we decided to adopt a puppy in June 2020! Moose has become a huge part of our lives since the day we brought him home and we are so grateful to have him. Skipping ahead to December 2021 - we took a trip to New Orleans over Samantha’s birthday weekend with the only plans being: to find great food, drink on Bourbon Street, and see some gators. As soon as we got into the hotel in NOLA, Cheston hurried us out to the French Quarter for lunch and drinks. We enjoyed a few drinks and then all of sudden we no longer had time for lunch. Cheston then started leading us to a small plaza away from Bourbon Street. Once we got to a pretty little street called the Exchange Place, Cheston got down on one knee and popped the question! He had coordinated an “incognito” photographer to meet us at the specific spot to capture the special moment - truly an unforgettable trip! Since the engagement, we bought our first home together in Abingdon, MD and moved in during May 2022. We continue to travel, enjoy exploring local restaurants and bars in Bel Air, go to lots of Ravens and Orioles games, and love hanging out with family and friends as much as possible. After 2 years of being engaged, we decided it’s about damn time we plan this wedding! While doing so, it has allowed us to reflect on all of the special people in our lives and those we want surrounding us on our wedding day. Although lengthy, writing ‘our story’ has reminded us of countless memories with each and every one of you and how you have not only contributed to many of the experiences mentioned above, but also to who we are as a couple. Over the last 8 years we have navigated life’s twists and turns with our families and friends by our sides, watched our loved ones get married and start their own families, and have made numerous lifelong friendships over the years. We are grateful to have had so many amazing experiences together, but are even more excited to enter a new phase of life that is sure to be filled with many ‘firsts’ as husband and wife. We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding day with the most important people in our lives and hope to see you all on 08.23.24!!! Now let’s party!