The date was March 27th, 2020. Covid dominated the headlines. Toilet paper was slowly becoming a form of currency. Anyone who coughed was labeled an enemy of the state. Chicago was on lockdown. So, what did Sammi and Brandon do? Like so many others, they opened their phones and began swiping on dating apps looking for eligible single counterparts. They stumbled upon each other’s profile. They liked what they saw. They swiped right. Because of the lockdown, the next two months were spent getting to know each other virtually. She was sweet. He was funny. They bonded over travel and dogs. On June 2nd, they finally met in person. She was happy he didn’t lie about his height. He was happy that she was real. They carried out Mexican and played Uno. Sammi won - a phrase Brandon would get very used to. The next year went by with the two doing their best to enjoy Chicago together while navigating the lockdown. Their relationship grew stronger over creative outdoor dates, oftentimes followed by chicken wings and a movie. The following summer, Sammi set off for her MBA at the University of Michigan. Brandon graduated from his residency and moved to Wisconsin to begin work as a podiatrist. They spent the next two years long distance. Through grit, determination, and many weekend trips, the couple persevered and made plans to move to North Carolina together. The relationship even passed one final test when they spent a month traveling together in Asia. They've now settled in Raleigh and couldn't be happier spending their lives together.

Brandon organized an “us day”, citing that they hadn’t gotten much time for themselves between work and the recent holiday travel and family gatherings. Sammi was excited but oblivious to his true motive. Very oblivious. “Us day” was set to be a fun-filled day, filled thoughtfully with a few of their favorite things. The day started with a couple’s massage, which has become a go-to on their travels, followed by a hike on their favorite trail with Leinie (the dog), and eventual plans to meet up with her family for dinner. On the hike, Brandon handed off Leinie to Sammi while saying “Leinie, go to your mom”. Brandon had jokingly said months earlier that he would not refer to Sammi as Leinie’s “mom” until they were married. As Sammi realized what was happening, Brandon bent the knee. Neither remembers exactly what was said in the moment, but we know one thing for sure - she said yes!