We both grew up in the charming little Norwegian town of Poulsbo, Washington. Over the years, we crossed paths countless times while playing soccer for our local club. But it wasn’t until 8th grade English class that we officially became friends. Will somehow tested into the “gifted” AGATE program alongside Sam. To this day, we’re still not quite sure how Will managed to slip in, but he likes to joke that a large bribe was involved. As we navigated those awkward early teen years, our friendship deepened. (But we are both having difficulties remembering the details as this was forever ago—11 years!) The summer before 10th grade, our younger siblings, Jack and Alaina, were coincidentally playing their soccer games on the same field one day. As good siblings, we both excitedly attended to support them (but secretly knew we would see each other). Just before Jack’s game ended and Alaina’s was about to start, Will made his move. He slyly slid across the bleachers to Sam and asked the most profound question a high schooler could muster: “Would you like to be my girlfriend?” And the rest is history. High school flew by in a whirlwind of dances, sports events, and the occasional late-night Dairy Queen runs. We walked across the stage together at graduation, two high school sweethearts in caps and gowns, beaming at the future ahead. But fate had other plans—after a Spring break trip to Disneyland with Sam’s sisters and mom, Will fell in love with California sunshine. And so began the challenge of long-distance. For four years, we juggled our schedules between the University of Washington and San Diego State University, scraping together our Christmas/birthday money and the odd valet tip to try to visit each other. Eventually, after college and COVID quarantine, we moved in together down in San Diego, finally trading in our FaceTime calls for actual morning coffee dates. Our first apartment was the beginning of our adult lives together. When Sam got accepted into graduate school at USC, we knew our next adventure awaited us in LA. Since then, we moved into six different apartments, made unforgettable memories, survived difficult times together, and expanded our little family. We welcomed our adorable Jurgen sausage last year (named after Will’s favorite football manager). The little guy quickly became the third wheel and a new adventure to navigate. After a decade of love, laughter, and an impressive collection of mismatched furniture, Will finally decided Sam was the one (thank goodness!). On a sunny trip back to San Diego, we walked along Coronado Dog Beach, where we once envisioned our future adventures together. In a full-circle moment, as Jurgen spun in literal circles, bewildered by the soft sand and waves (he had never seen the beach before), Will got down on one knee. As Jurgen gleefully ate mouthfuls of sand, Will, fumbling the ring while holding onto our Tasmanian devil son, finally asked Sam to marry him. Amidst the chaos, laughter, and a slightly panicked Will, Sam said “Yes!” without hesitation. After 11 years in the making, it’s time to celebrate our incredible journey and marriage with all our friends and family!