Joe and Sam first met at West Allis Central High School when they walked into computer class. Joe was a sophomore and Sam a freshman. For days, weeks, and months Joe sat next to Sam and flirted nonstop. After six long months, Sam finally caved and agreed to a date. They went to the Sweethearts Dance together in February of 2006 where they shared their first dance and first kiss. A few months later, they split, going their separate ways.... for now at least... Fast forward 12 years... In September of 2018, Joe popped up as a "person you may know" on Facebook for Sam. Figuring there was nothing to lose, she sent him a friend request. Joe accepted and sent a note to her. They messaged and spoke nonstop for the next few weeks. On November 9th, 2018 Sam flew up to visit Joe in Duluth. They spent the weekend together meeting Joe's friends, sight-seeing, and by the end of the weekend they had brought life back to a long lost flame. Sam flew back for the holidays, Joe went to visit her in Phoenix, and their relationship grew stronger and stronger. In May of 2019, Joe flew to Phoenix, AZ, packed the remainder of Sam's things, hitched the jet ski up, put the dog in the car, and they drove the 28 hours to Duluth, MN. From there, life's next chapter began.

On November 6th, 2020, Joe put his plan into action. He called the secretaries at Sam's school for help making the arrangements. He arrived while she was out for recess with her kids, had her called to her classroom, where he met her for a surprise and moment they will never forget. Joe took a knee, popped the all important question, to which she said YES, and even confirmed it with an, "are you sure"? They spent that weekend celebrating their engagement and two year anniversary.