Like many good love stories, this one started with friends, good conversation, and a little bit of Austin magic. Mat and Sam first met at the Proper Hotel in Austin, Texas through mutual friends. What started as casual hangouts quickly turned into a great friendship. For the next ten months, they spent time walking around the lake, catching up over meals, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Mat even took Sam flying and Luan (Sam's mom) was convinced it was a date. It wasn't. However, it was clearly heading in that direction. Sam was hosting a New Year’s Eve party just a few weeks later, and when the clock struck midnight and the ball dropped… she kissed Mat. Many of you have already heard about the legendary “surprised” face that Mat made in that moment and Sam never would've predicted what happened next. Not long after that midnight moment, Mat and Sam started secretly dating. Somewhere between all the walks, their friendship quietly turned into something more, but Sam wanted to keep it just between them for a little while. Mat wasn’t exactly thrilled about the “secret” phase, but it didn’t take long before they finally shared the news with their friends and family who were absolutely ecstatic. Once the secret was out, Mat started traveling with Sam to meet all of her family and friends, and Sam did the same with his. After making the rounds and introducing each other to the people who mattered most, they started doing what they both love: exploring the world together. Whether it’s discovering a new city, trying a new restaurant, or planning their next adventure, Mat and Sam have found that they make a pretty great team. It’s a classic love story... an athlete falling in love with a pilot. Mat keeps Sam on time, and Sam keeps Mat flexible. And the adventure is just getting started.