While living in Boston, Sam and Marke would spend a couple weeks of May each year back in South Carolina to attend the Charleston Affair CofC alumni weekend. Outside of Charleston, in McClellanville, Sam and Marke always loved the Hampton Plantation historic site: among their favorite spots to hike with their dog Moose, for its natural beauty, and rich history. Out in front of the 18th century main house, there sits a grand old Live Oak tree which in 1791 the owner had planned to cut down to provide a better view from his veranda of the then extent horse track. However, when George Washington visited the Plantation on his tour of the Southern states, he was asked his opinion on cutting down the tree, to which he replied, “let the tree stand.” The owner took Washington’s advice, and the tree bears his name to this day: the Washington Oak. While on their walks at Hampton, Marke would always ask Sam if she remembered why the tree was important, to which she would reply with the story about George Washington. On May 17th, 2023, while walking with Moose at Hampton, Marke, as usual, asked Sam that same question: “do you know why this tree is important?” But as Sam began to reply, “Because George Washington saved it…” Mark interrupted her and got on one knee saying “no, because it's where I'm asking you to marry me.” Thereafter, Marke, Sam, and Moose sat under the Washington Oak - just the 3 of them - and basked in the glorious southern spring day.