Sam was born March 29, 1988, in Utica, New York, to Jessie and Peter Briend. Sam has two siblings, Jeff and Erin. Sam grew up playing all sports and loved to read. In 1998, the family moved to Georgia, where Sam continued his love of sports, particularly baseball. Sam played baseball at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta and continued to coach after his playing career. Baseball is Sam’s passion, and it is a true joy to watch someone get to do the thing they love every day.

Lucy was born November 30, 1991, in Northampton, England, to Donna Jones and Paul Fricker. Lucy has a lovely extended family with three brothers, Charlie, Max, and Adam.

During Lucy’s childhood, Lucy’s family had many wonderful holidays on Corfu Island. Lucy was excited this beautiful country with Sam on their first vacation. And now they look forward to sharing it with all of you for their wedding!

In 2000, Lucy’s family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where her love of tennis and volleyball was found. Lucy attended Saint Leo University north of Tampa, FL, to play volleyball and NC State for her master's program. In 2014 Lucy moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and this is where the story begins…

Lucy and Sam met at an Atlanta Braves baseball game one hot July summer Saturday in 2016. (I’m sure you’re all surprised by a baseball reference this early). Stephen, one of Sam’s best friends, and Lucy’s boss at the time, introduced the two of them.

After that baseball game, Lucy and Sam saw each other a few times at summer events. But in a different world, that’s where the story should have ended, as Sam was moving to Seattle that October. Clearly, it did not.

Sam left for the Pacific Northwest, and they kept in touch for months, speaking most days but never seeing each other. Not until Sam came back to Atlanta that Christmas, where they spent time together (and he met Betsy, Lucy’s cat). It was official. They were madly in love but miles apart.

After a few months and many flights back and forth across the country, a decision was made. Lucy was heading to the PNW! Lucy packed up her apartment, put Betsy in the carrier, and off they went!

Sam and Lucy spent three amazing years together in Seattle, finding the most fantastic home on Alki Beach. They could see the Puget Sound and Olympic mountains from their bedroom, watch the ferries commute, adore the seal pups sunning themselves on the beach, hear the sea lions playing in the harbor, and even catch glimpses of whales swimming by. They would walk the coastline and grab a coffee, seafood, or Sam’s favorite ice cream.

They worked hard, traveled frequently, and explored the wonderful Pacific Northwest.

In 2019, while they were driving along the coastline of Hawaii, Sam got “the call”. The New York Yankees were interested in him. The dream. Sam packed up and headed to Florida!

Lucy stayed in Seattle another year, which meant another year of distance between them. Working through the craziness of COVID, they each found stride in their own career. In July 2020, Sam was in the MLB COVID bubble, and Lucy moved back home to Chicago with 5 suitcases, and Betsy. Much to the chagrin of Betsy, it wouldn’t stay that way. After a few months in Chicago, Lucy bought a Great Dane puppy (Rowen).

When Sam returned the COVID season, with an increasing number of suitcases and animals, it was time for the family to head south! Once in Florida, Lucy and Sam bought their first home in Tampa! After a few upgrades to the home, Lucy’s attempts to garden, and Sam's attempts to keep her from knocking the house down and rebuilding it entirely, they had turned their house into a home where friends are always welcome. It is also the venue for the most exclusive Halloween party of the year—Ro’s annual costume party! An event that can’t be missed.

Most mornings, you will find Lucy and Ro walking miles around south Tampa. On the weekends, you will see Sam and Lucy with a coffee in hand and their big dog walking by their side.

In December 2022, Lucy and Sam started on their best adventure to date with the birth of their daughter, Reign Elizabeth Briend. It is a joy to watch Reign grow every day. Reign loves Betsy and Rowen. Betsy has a particular fondness for Reign, a shocking turn of events since Betsy hates everything except Sam and food. Ro also has a soft spot for her, since she learned Reign’s dinner time means extra “treats” on the floor.

The family of three went to Spain in December 2023 to take Reign on her first international vacation. It was there, during their first night in Barcelona when Sam got down on one knee and asked Lucy for her hand in marriage. Obviously, Lucy said yes!

And here we are today! Getting ready for their dream wedding in Greece! They are so excited to spend their day with you and beyond thankful for having you there to celebrate!

We can’t wait to see you!

Love, future Mrs., and Mr. Briend

L&S

Welcome Party!

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception