Samantha and Andrew, sittin’ in a tree....

In late 2015, Samantha was starting a new career. Within the first week at her new job, she became aware of Andy sitting a few seats behind her. She thought he was cute, but she was there to slay, not make friends. Over time, and a seat change that placed them next to each other, the two got to know more about each other. Samantha knew he was in a metal band, but learned that he loved all types of music, played several instruments, and was quietly hilarious. She was drawn to his gentle nature and kind eyes. Andy, ever the professional, was reluctant to start a relationship at work. He was, however, seduced by Samantha's relentless charm and wit. Samantha was also one of the few people in the universe who found Andy's jokes to be funny. After getting to know Samantha a little better, hearing her sing, and sharing their mutual nerdiness on a variety of subjects (Harry Potter), he could no longer keep to his "professionalism". After months as neighbors and colleagues, Samantha slyly asked Andy for Guitar Lessons as a method to see him outside of work. Those lessons led to a friendship that would lead to a first date of Tacos and Star Wars. Countless movie marathons, hundreds of songs learned, and almost four years later, they are beyond thrilled to make it official. As Andy's dad said, "it's about time!"

In an homage to one of their first "adventure dates", Andy planned a day of hiking at Hocking Hills and a drive to a Covered Bridge. Unfortunately, Samantha was sick and the date had to be postponed. The following Saturday, in the rain, the two hiked, and shivered, and snacked in the car before driving to the small park where they had first explored Ohio together. The topic had come up, as it should in any healthy relationship, but Samantha knew Andy was one to take his time. Andy had been planning his grand gesture, since he knew they were the perfect team, but he wanted to surprise Samantha. He was nervous in the moment, because it's a pretty big deal, and he hadn't practiced. Samantha was not expecting him to ask in this calendar year, and was wondering why he was acting strange. But after several awkward (nervous) moments on a Covered Bridge in Revenge, OH, she heard him say "I thought this would be a good place to ask you to marry me" and watched him take a small, plastic box out of his pocket. And, yes, he romantically got down on one knee. So did she, because they are partners and equals above everything else. Brilliant as he is, he made sure to have a place-holder ring, so that they could select a permanent ring that they both loved (and would fit). They kept their news a secret for a few days so that they could tell their parents in person, and they've been receiving congratulations and love ever since.