Drew's Story:

I met Sam in 2018 on a hiking trip with some friends. (Thanks Roz) Looking back it was a great trip! Thankfully we continued to hang out with each other and get to know one another until I finally decided I needed to ask Sam out on a date. I knew Sam was special. I asked her out on a dinner date night and little did I know she broke her current rules of dating to go on a date with me. So glad she did! (I’m pretty sure she is too). We had a fun maybe slightly awkward first date but we both had a great time and loved getting to know one another.

Our first date was great but it has been more than great to continue to go on dates, hikes and other adventures with Sam and continue to get to know her and how amazing she is. I can think of so many amazing times going on trips and adventures and doing life together with Sam. From going on hikes to waterfalls, fishing, mountain biking, going on road trips, traveling to new places, cooking delicious food together (aka mostly but not limited to pasta), meeting family, being goofy and cheesy together, dancing, laughing and crying together. Sharing life stories and our relationship with Christ and how he has worked in our lives with each other. It didn’t take long for me to totally fall in love with Sam and I continue to fall in love with Sam more and more every day and thank God that he brought us together.

It is a little crazy to think that it has been a little over a year since we started dating and I can’t imagine not wanting to be with Sam for the rest of my life.

I can’t say that our relationship together has been totally bliss... (well maybe close to it ;)) We have had to work through some difficult things together but I can say without a doubt that there is no one I would rather work through things together and do life with than Sam.

So, I proposed to her that we get married and she said yes! (you should read her story for more on this).

I could not be more excited to continue the adventure of life with the love of my life and marry Sam on May 1st.

Sam's Story:

Shout out to Roz, who invited Drew to come hiking. Our friendship grew into more after Drew asked me out and I am grateful he wanted to keep dating after our adorable yet awkward first date. I’ve had a blast getting to know Drew during hiking trips, fishing, and great conversations over many bowls of pasta. On a visit to Indiana for a wedding is when I fell for him. A 9 hour car ride one way can show a lot about a person and I loved every minute of that trip (sleep was a huge part of the trip for one of us…but still). After that I was in love! We shared testimonies about how God has worked in both of our lives and I learned I wanted to spend my time getting to know him more.

Our engagement was wonderful! I had had quite a week and we had agreed to make Sunday, March 8th a fun and relaxing day. I got all my school work done and moved in so I was completely free. After visiting a church in Greenville with some friends we went out for brunch with them. We took our time and just enjoyed delicious food (Maple Street Biscuits) and our company. We just chilled for the afternoon and Drew made BLT’s to pack for our picnic dinner before driving to a lookout over Lake Jocassee. The view was gorgeous and I was oblivious that he was going to ask the question. Taking silly photos and eating our snacks (not Drew, apparently, he was too nervous for snacks) we laughed and enjoyed the view. He started telling me all the nice things and how much he loves me and got down on a knee. He told me he didn’t want to wait anymore and asked me to be his wife. Yes! I couldn’t stop giggling as we watched the rest of the best sunset I have ever seen.

I am crazy excited to keep giggling and start our marriage on May 1st!