Sami and Alex first crossed paths at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo thanks to a mutual friend. Despite the two-grade difference, they both stood out to each other and always enjoyed chatting the few times they were together at social events. However, it wasn't until a Fourth of July gathering that sparks flew, and they started the "talking phase." It took a few weeks for them to move from casual talks to more serious territory, prompted by Sami's straightforward question about Alex's intentions. Their first date was laid-back but memorable nonetheless – coffee, a trip to the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, a sunset beach picnic dinner, and a "Tick, Tick... Boom!" movie night. Among countless things, Sami and Alex enjoy attending concerts, cooking, going on walks, playing golf, and drinking lots and lots of coffee together. After Sami graduated from Cal Poly with her Master's degree, they both moved to San Diego and have loved living in the same city together - especially after doing long distance from the beginning. Alex proposed to Sami on December 1, 2023, on a trip to Kauai, and they cannot wait to spend the rest of their lives together.