Brian and Sam met at Saint Michael's College in Burlington VT in an Introduction to Politics class. If you know Brian and Sam well, this seems fitting. After participating in a group project together (about skiing of course) and many outdoor adventures, hiking, kayaking, and skiing they became more than just friends. Brian LOVES telling the story of asking Sam to be his girlfriend "thrice" while she asserts she never remembers hearing the word "girlfriend." The two have been together since 2017.

Brian proposed to Sam at Odiorne Point State Park, a favorite spot on the New Hampshire seacoast. After walking out onto a jetty into the ocean, Sam got to the end and thought "Wow, this would be a great place to propose to someone!" As they were walking back towards the shore, Brian asked if Sam would like to "keep being happy," and got down on one knee. She said yes, and they both tried very hard not to drop the ring in the water. Of course, their entire families were in on it, and a wonderful party greeted Brian and Sam back at the Eldridge house in Dover NH. Sam's favorite photo of the day was taken by 2 bystanders and in that moment she learned that neither she nor Brian will ever perfect the art of the "soft smile."

In September of 2022, Brian and Sam were officially married at a courthouse in Traverse City, Michigan. With Brian flying for the U.S. Coast Guard, it practically and financially behooved the couple to tie the knot a little early - at least in an administrative sense. To this day, they still refer to September 9th as "tax filing day," and look forward to celebrating FOR REAL with friends and family in October.