Aubrey and Sam met the summer after high school in 2014 through a mutual friend. It was a casual summer night hangout with a group of friends - playing games, talking, and watching tv. Sam had to get home to meet curfew, but he had caught Aubrey’s eye and she was upset he had to go. Sam heard that Aubrey wanted to spend more time with him, so he snuck out back to the house where everyone was hanging out (sorry parents!). They spent the rest of the night talking and getting to know each other. As the summer went on, their friend groups continued to hangout. They knew they were going their separate ways in a few short months - Aubrey was headed to KU to study pre-pharmacy and Sam to K-State to pursue a business degree. However, after a few weeks in college, Aubrey met some friends who knew Sam and she texted him to tell him they said hello. Aubrey and Sam continued to talk and Aubrey took a weekend trip to Manhattan to visit Sam at K-State. They realized, despite the distance, this could be something real and continued to talk and spend weekends together. 9 years later, the rest is history….

Aubrey’s favorite spot in Kansas City is Union Station. Her favorite Christmas movie is The Grinch. The stars aligned and Union Station was hosting a Grinch-themed pop-up bar for the 2022 Christmas season. Sam knew there was no better excuse to take Aubrey to her favorite place and pop the question after an evening full of Grinch-themed drinks and fun. Sam had also planned a surprise party back at his parents’ house where they would celebrate with friends and family after the engagement. The entire family was in on it - pretending to be spending a casual night in watching movies and hiding mountains of balloons, decorations, and desserts where Aubrey wouldn’t see them before the evening started. Sam and Aubrey took an Uber to Union Station and somehow got the worst driver in the world. Thankfully, they arrived safely and had a wonderful evening of drinks and Grinch fun at the bar. Sam suggested they walk around and look at the Christmas displays before they headed home. Little did Aubrey know, her sister and Sam’s sister were hiding on the main level with the ring box to give to Sam. He took Aubrey by the hand to the Christmas trees in the lobby and got down on one knee. Aubrey’s sister and Sam’s sister were hiding in the crowd with a camera to capture the entire moment! It was magical. Some onlookers even came and took selfies with them to celebrate! After that, they came back to Sam’s parents’ house where Aubrey was surprised once again by a room full of their closest family and friends. They spent the night celebrating their love and getting excited for the wedding to come!