Sam and Sara met during their first year in the Navy while in their "A" School training down in Virginia Beach. Arriving a few months before Sara, Sam was assigned to give her a tour of the base upon her arrival. They immediatley formed a connection, which sparked a friendship. Upon their first "date" a few weeks later at a local brewery, they spoke for hours--8, to be exact--and learned so much more about each other as the friendship evolved into a romance. In the months that followed, Sam and Sara were inseperable, falling more in love with each day that passed. They explored Virginia Beach, talked for hours on end, even took a road trip up to NYC to meet Sam's family--all while sampling almost every breakfast spot within a 15 mile radius of the base. Unfortunately, after an incredible few months, Sam and Sara learned they would be stationed a continent apart after school ended--Sara in San Diego, and Sam in Washington D.C. Though disappointed, both were determined to make the relationship work. Making lemonade out of lemons, they traveled to the other as often as possible, getting to know each other's families and exploring the East and West coasts. After nearly three years of long-distance, Sam and Sara were finally reunited when they were stationed together in Lemoore, CA where they bought a home with their three pups. During this time, Sam went on a seven month deployment and they were again forced into long-distance, with only e-mails to converse this time. Following the deployment, Sam and Sara finally enjoyed a semblance of normalcy in their relationship until June 2024, when Sam planned to propose to his girlfriend of five years. They took a surpise trip down to San Diego, masquerading as Sara's birthday trip, which ended in an elaborate proposal at a beachside campfire complete with s'mores. Sam and Sara have made the best out of so many uncontrollable circumstances in the last five years. Now, they are determined to chart their own course--buy back some lost time by committing to a life together through marriage. Thank you for supporting and joining us on this journey. We look forward to celebrating with you.