Almost nine years ago, we met during a study abroad trip to Brazil! We became quick and close friends during those amazing few weeks as we explored and learned together. We also danced our way through the jazz clubs of Rio, and so music became one of the first things to ignite a spark between us. When we returned stateside, we soon realized our story was meant to continue on and in early July we were officially dating.

During Thanksgiving in 2018, with both of our families in Nashville, Sam proposed the sacrament of marriage in the most intimate and special way. It involved a Walker Thanksgiving tradition of each person writing something they are grateful for on paper leaves that are dispersed across the dinner table. Then each leaf is read over the course of dinner and conversations of love and reflection fill the air. This time, Sam asked for everyone (except MacKenzie, of course) to secretly write half of their leaves reflecting on an aspect of Sam & MacKenzie's relationship that they were grateful for over the past 6 years. By the time the leaves were read, tears were rolling and Sam was down on one knee asking for the inevitable yes that would solidify the new beginning of their lives together.