Like so many modern love stories start, Sam and I met on Hinge. We planned a dinner date after a few text messages and I'm sure everyone can guess who made the first move. I was so nervous I almost canceled, but my roommates convinced me to go and said "Who knows, maybe he could be the one!"

After dinner, drinks and 2 hours of talking about our lives, love for our families, and everything in between, we decided we didn't want the night to end just yet. We headed to a brewery to grab a beer, where I forced Sam to play five rounds of Bananagrams. I won every time, it’s the only thing I can beat him in. I may have gotten a parking ticket that night, but it was totally worth it.

At the time Sam was traveling for work a lot so we spent time together when we could and talked over the phone when we couldn't. After a few dinners, a Nuggets game, and many Facetime dates, I think we both knew that we had found something special.

Sam was everything I had prayed for. He was kind, family oriented and secretly very funny. Being around him felt easy and I didn't even mind losing to him every time we played pickleball or tennis.

When my Pop died just a few months into dating, Sam was steadfast, supportive and everything I needed. He met most of my family for the first time at Pop’s funeral and sat by my Nanny and other Poppy. My Nan loved him almost as quickly as I did. I knew then that he was someone I could see myself building a life with.

My Nan passed away a few months later. I had been at the hospital all day and Sam was in Pueblo for work. He told me to meet him at his place and on the way there, I threw up in my car. Sam immediately came down and had me go upstairs to clean up and rest, he cleaned up whole car and never once complained. I knew then I wanted to marry him.

In June, we headed to Cleveland for the first time to meet Sam's family. It was so fun and crazy and I instantly felt like part of the family. I am so lucky to be a part of the Ricard family. They are some of the greatest people in the world. I think after that trip Sam thought he might want to marry me too.

And so, we continued building our little life together. We've celebrated my sister-in-law and brother bringing our nephew, Baker, into the world, Sam's sister getting married, and her and her husband welcoming out other nephew, little William to the world as well. Sam was there when we put down our family dog of 18 years. And now we have a dog of our own, Gus. I love making memories with him and can’t wait for many more memories to come.

Meeting someone who is patient enough to love your faults and never give up on you is rare, and I got extremely lucky that my person is Sam. He is the greatest partner and I can't wait to spend my whole life laughing with him.

Photos