The first time Sami noticed Gerardo was back in 2022 at a Young Life camp in Northern California. Gerardo was playing a skit character named DJ Ger-Bear—a role hard to forget. But it wasn’t until March of 2024 that the two were officially introduced at another Young Life camp, this time in Northern Arizona.

Both were there for staff training, preparing to spend a month serving at camp. By chance (or maybe something bigger), they were placed on the same team as Work Crew bosses—responsible for leading about 50 high school students. That summer in July, they spent 15 straight days working side by side. Though there wasn’t much space for flirting in the busyness of camp, sparks were quietly forming. Gerardo couldn’t help but notice Sami’s eyes, and something about her stuck with him.

When camp ended, Gerardo found himself still thinking about her. He started sending Sami Instagram reels—hoping she’d respond. To his surprise, she did, and soon their conversations grew more intentional. By September, Gerardo finally called Sami, confessed his feelings, and asked if he could take her out sometime.

That month was full of late-night talks and FaceTime calls—sometimes lasting as long as eight hours. On September 30th, Gerardo flew to the Bay Area to see Sami in person. Within the first few minutes of that visit, he asked her to be his girlfriend—and they shared their first kiss. From that moment, they knew their story had truly begun.

Though long distance, they saw each other at least twice a month—more than most couples in similar situations—but it still never felt like enough. Their relationship grew quickly, deeply, and intensely, rooted in joy, laughter, and faith. And now, they can’t wait to begin forever together.

Wedding Party