In August of 2022, Elizabeth was beginning her second year and Samuel was beginning his third year as students at the University of Virginia. Though they knew of each other through mutual friends for about a year, Elizabeth and Samuel officially met as the fall semester began. On a late, rainy night as Elizabeth moved into her townhouse two doors down from Samuel’s, Samuel first won over Elizabeth’s dad by jumping out of the bed of her pick-up truck with her couch in his arms.

Elizabeth and Samuel continued to get to know each other as the semester progressed, watching Batman movies; taking many trips to Cookout for peanut butter fudge milkshakes; and learning how to park Elizabeth’s truck in their tiny, shared parking lot. They went on their first date on October 13, 2022 to Burger Bach. Another one of their early dates was to the Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort around Christmas time.

Elizabeth and Samuel then got to know each other’s families, spending time in Virginia Beach to kayak and eat breakfast at The Bee & Biscuit and Roanoke to see the Hotel Roanoke Christmas trees and visit Samuel’s dog.

On October 13, 2023, Elizabeth and Samuel celebrated one year as a couple by going out to dinner at Maya and playing Anniversopoly (Elizabeth’s gift to Sam, a custom-made Monopoly board).

For Spring Break 2024, Elizabeth and Samuel visited Samuel’s sister in Florida for a weekend trip at Disney World. They watched fireworks, ate Mickey pretzels and turkey legs, and (almost) met Winnie the Pooh.

On April 21, 2024, Elizabeth was baptized at Center Church. Elizabeth and Samuel’s families came together in Charlottesville to celebrate.

On May 18, 2024, Samuel graduated from UVA with plans to soon begin part-time graduate education and a full-time job in Charlottesville. Elizabeth prepared to begin her summer internship in Charlottesville as well.

Over the summer of 2024, Samuel and Elizabeth continued to grow in their relationship. They started their jobs, attended a rainy Orioles baseball game, and picked A LOT of apples.

On December 1, 2024, Samuel and Elizabeth went to dinner at Black Cow Chophouse. After dinner, they returned to Boar’s Head Resort for the 2024 Winter Wander lights walk. Completely unknown to Elizabeth, Samuel’s sister and brother-in-law were following behind them with their cameras ready. Samuel proposed to Elizabeth!

Elizabeth and Samuel’s wedding will take place on August 16, 2025. They are so excited to celebrate with their family and friends!