It was an unusually cool night in New Orleans in October 2019. Sam and two of his best friends and groomsmen, Constantino and Ben, joined him for a pre-parade party at Taylor’s Maid of Honor’s house, Rachel. Sam had no clue that Rachel, who had just met him at the Tulane Law International Law Journal meeting, was setting him up with her single best friend. Taylor knew a little about Sam, and was excited by the prospect of meeting him. Sam was excited by the prospect of an exciting New Orleans weekend. They caught beads together at Krewe of Boo, sang the night away on the balcony at CAT’s Meow, and ended the night dancing to “My Heart Will Go On” at Pat O’Brien’s Piano Bar until the wee hours of the morning! There was no denying the magic between them. For Taylor, it was love at first sight. For Sam, he thought Baton Rouge was too far away to make it work….. Despite the most magical New Orleans night, the timing was not in our young heroes' favor. They were both in their respective cities and law schools, balancing busy schedules and studies. Taylor was preparing to graduate LSU Law and study for the Louisiana Bar, and Sam still had one more year of law school to go. A year and a pandemic later, Taylor decided quite randomly but boldly to message Sam on Instagram about the delicious-homemade sourdough bread he posted on his story. Remembering the fun night they had long ago. Sam penned a thoughtful response, rekindling the magnetic attraction they felt the night they first met. After talking for a few weeks while Sam was on Christmas break in Jackson, it was only fitting that their first date was in New Orleans, back where it all began! The magic they experienced back in 2019 was no fluke. The love they felt for each other was undeniable.…and the rest is history! During their first weekend dating in January 2021, Taylor and Sam went to Sunday mass at Loyola’s Holy Name of Jesus. Less than a year later, on December 11, 2021 Sam proposed to Taylor on the steps of the very same church! Now we are thrilled to be engaged. We are looking forward to celebrating our commitment, love, and our vows with the friends and family who make our lives a beautiful and wild adventure. We can’t wait to welcome y’all to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on July 23, 2022, then eat and dance the night away at Benedict’s. We hope to see you there! -Sam & Taylor