It all began five years ago, nestled in the middle of a global pandemic, at a fun and cozy Portland restaurant called The Great Lost Bear. A first date that should have been awkward (hello, social distancing?) turned out to be effortless—just laughter, great food, better conversation, and that spark you only get when something really clicks. By August of 2020, Sam asked Monica to move to Minot, Maine, with her dog, “Milo” and cat, “Kiddons.” This decision to move from the city to the country has led to years of a happy and loving home. Sam hasn’t missed a single morning without texting Monica. Every. Single. Day. It started as a sweet: “Good morning, beautiful, have a good day.” Then grew into: “Good morning, my beautiful love, have a good day.” And now? It’s full-blown rom-com levels of cuteness: “Good morning, my sexy fiancée, I love you more than anything. Have a good day.” (Go ahead, swoon.) Monica also makes sure to sprinkle in her affection here and there. For their first Christmas together, Monica knew how much Sam adored fishing and bought him a life-sized bass mailbox. She knew it would put a smile on Sam’s face each time he drove into the driveway (proof of his giant smile is in the “gallery” section). Monica eventually learned to love the mailbox. She also let Sam’s prized deer head, which is mounted in their living room, slowly find a spot in her heart, too. The things people do for love, right? The one decision that did not take time was agreeing to adopt a new dog, Sadie. Who quickly became Sam’s shadow and the best addition to their little family. Together they share a love of the outdoors—especially camping—and one of their favorite day trip escapes is to Bailey’s Island, Maine. They’ve soaked in many perfect sunsets, enjoyed eating lobsters at local restaurants, and have always made sure there was time for Sam to cast a line and fish off the rocks. Back home, they are happily outnumbered by their three tiny sunbeams: two dogs and a very dignified, only-slightly-lazy cat. Sam and Monica are constantly appreciative of the life they have built together. Between gardening, exploring new walking trails, and spending time with family and friends, each day is a reminder of how they were meant to spend a lifetime together. In September of 2024, Sam popped the question in a true Sam-and-Monica fashion. Not overly extravagant or showy, but simple, over a box of Pat’s Pizza, their favorite guilty pleasure. Written inside the lid were two words: “Turn around.” One knee, a full heart, and the most handsome man Monica has ever laid eyes on, Sam proposed. But the real surprise? Monica’s father (as many of you know as “Jim-the-Jeweler”) and Sam had been secretly scheming for months, working together to design the perfect engagement ring. In a bold (and, let's be honest, risky) move, they decided not to tell Monica’s mom, Robin. Let’s just say… it was the right call. The ring? Gorgeous. The proposal? Perfect. The years spent together? Unforgettable. Monica and Sam can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you all, their favorite people. We will make some memories, share laughs, and cherish the love that has brought us all together. #TiedtoThomas