The Burgess and Thomas-Rose families crossed paths several times throughout their childhoods, but Sam and Jess met as adults in the Summer of 2016 while singing in Trinity Community Chorus with their families. After spending time together they were smitten, and continued a long distance relationship when Jess moved to Long Beach in the fall.

After several months of the pandemic, Sam and Jess decided it was the right time to adopt and raise a fur baby. After many searches on Petfinder, Jess found an adorable little of German Shepherd / Husky mix puppies up for adoption in the Central Valley. In August 2020 they drove four hours to pick up their new family member. Her nickname at the shelter was Coyote. After much deliberation about names, they finally picked "Stormy" for her light grey eyes. Ironically, it turns out she hates the rain!

Even though Sam had the ring in his pocket when they adopted Stormy, the day turned out to be too hectic to give the moment proper attention. So, a few weeks later he set up an adorable picnic date for them at one of their favorite spots, the Omega Diggins scenic overlook. That August, there were many fires in Northern California, and the smoke was thick in the air. When the red sun set, Sam got down on one knee and said, "Even though the world is burning down around us, there's no one I'd rather be with. Jessica Lynne Burgess, will you marry me?" Tears in her eyes, she said, "YEAH!!" They laughed and then she said, "Yes, yes I will!" The sunset was beautiful as they slow danced to Train's "Marry Me" on the platform overlooking the valley.