John and Samantha started out as loose acquaintances. With (incorrect) preconceived notions about each other , They existed solely as friends of friends, circling in the same orbit with little more than cordial "hello" for 3 years. Sometime in 2021 they found themselves in the same room more often and slowly moved from friends of friends to just friends. They discovered their mutual connection to New London, their shared love of movies about New York, and all the similarities between Jewish and Greek culture. As time went on the friendship got closer and the conversations became more honest, vulnerable and intimate until one day it clicked. Separately and simultaneously, Sam and John realized they were in love, more so that they were meant to spend their lives together. Despite the risk of ruining their friendship they took the leap into a relationship and it has paid off in spades. The early months were filled with challenges, such as telling the rest of their friends about their love and splitting their time between New Haven and the Shoreline. The biggest hurdle was introducing their dogs, and knowing they would one day live together, this had to go well. John and Samantha each came into this relationship with a dog (both 5 years old, female, and very used to being the center of attention). Ruca and Gina started out very skeptical of each other and even had a couple scuffles, but time heals all. Much like mom and dad, they have gone from little to no interest in each other to sharing a bed, and now the Kaplans and Cotes live peacefully as a blended family in New haven. In the spring of 2023, John decided it was time to ask Samantha to marry him. After a long, exhausting, family-filled memorial day weekend in New York, John waited until they were back in the comfort and calm of the home they built together, with their girls (dogs) as witnesses, to get down on one knee and ask Samantha to be his wife. As you know, she said yes! They are so excited to celebrate with you this October!