We both swiped right on Bumble! After chatting for a few days, we decided to meet up. We watched Sunday night football together and talked late into the evening (on a school night!). Did we smooch on the first date? Well...it's not polite to kiss and tell ;) We hung out frequently from then on but it took months before we were "official". On New Year's Day 2020, I took Sam up to Schweitzer Mountain to teach her how to snowboard. She picked it up so quickly, I decided she was ready for something more challenging than the bunny hill. I may have been wrong in my assessment; Sam tumbled down the mountain and got a concussion. While recovering in the lodge, Sam asked me to officially be her boyfriend. I'm convinced it was my patience and kindness throughout the challenging day on the mountain that won me her heart. To the contrary, Sam is convinced it was her brain damage that influenced her decision.

Sam: I mean he is hot- but ultimately he is so kind and gentle and I appreciated his patience. Christian: On our first date, we watched Sunday night football and Sam was wearing a Tyler Lockett jersey. While being a Seahawks fan got my attention, it is Sam's adventurous, silly, energetic, relentlessly fun-seeking personality that got me hooked.

Sam: Traveling! Which is why we are doing a destination wedding! My ultimate favorite memory would have to be swimming with dolphins in Maui or the recent cruise we went on! Christian: I have to agree with Sam here, our travel adventures are cherished memories. However, another fun memory was our 'Stay at Home Olympics' where Sam and I competed in a bunch of silly, made-up games one night during the COVID lockdown. We had so much fun and really leaned into our creativity and silliness.

Sam: I enjoy any opportunity to see Christian get excited about something and dance! Christian: I enjoy long walks on the beach (or trail or sidewalk) with Sam because we get to talk about all kinds of things without interruptions or distractions. It's a simple but effective way for us to engage and connect with each other. Also, dancing!

Sam and I had recently gotten our new Golden Retriever puppy, Hoagie, and our favorite place to take Hoagie for walks is a large, open field with some rolling hills called Wellington Fields. When the sun is out and the leaves are changing in the fall, Wellington Fields is an incredibly beautiful landscape. So with the help of Sam's brother, Max, and sister-in-law, Linzee, we prepared a little deception and set it up. While Sam was coaching a Saturday morning gymnastics practice, we arrived at the field and got in a position where I couldn't be seen from the road. Sam got off practice and came out to meet us; when she got close, Hoagie ran up to her wearing a sign that read "Mommy, will you marry daddy?" I followed close behind and dropped to one knee to ask. And as you know, she said "Yes!

Sam and I have been to many weddings and we always wish they could last longer. Having only one night to spend with all your friends and loved ones just didn't feel like enough time for us. We hope that our destination wedding will allow our guests to leave their worries and responsibilities behind so they can fully celebrate with us, not just for one night but several!