The date was May 17th, 2023. It was a warm and blustery spring day in Cassis France. Matthew and Samantha arrived early in the morning with the Fokin family for a boat tour of the Mediterranean shoreline.

As they approached the harbor, in the distance, Matt saw the location of his big moment. The spot where he would propose to the love of his life, Chateau De Cassis. Samantha was still blissfully unaware of how the day would unfold, even if Matt was acting unlike himself all day.

The family quickly and carefully boarded the boat and rode off into the waves. The skillful captain of their fine vessel weaving in and out of the beautiful Calanques de Cassis. These large imposingly tall white cliffs towered high above crystal-clear blue water where their boat had now dropped anchor for pictures.

After ~50 pictures, it was time for the finale, the ladies picture. Everyone took their seats, and then suddenly there were very distinct sounds of a "Boom, Boom, and Splash". "That was someone's phone!" exclaimed Holly. A panic descended upon the boat. Turns out, the phone was Samantha's. Matthew's heart joined Sam's phone in the cold blue depths of the Mediterranean ocean, 30 feet down. SUDDENLY, Bailey quickly sprang into action, ripped off his shirt, and buttons flew off in every direction. In one fell swoop, he dove into the salty depths going 10 meters down and came up WITH THE PHONE IN HAND! Furthermore, the phone worked, and Bailey saved the day.

From highs, to lows, to highs again, Matthew then prepared for the biggest moment of Sam and his life. The family met for a "Christmas photo", a clever ruse by Holly to have the family dressed to the nines before a wonderful 5 star dinner. After the picture, and a covert hand off of the ring between Kendall and Matthew, the time had arrived.

Matthew stayed at the railing overlooking the sea, trying to formulate the perfect cocktail of words to express his feelings for Samantha. (Meanwhile Sam was oblivious and didn't get the hint to come to the railing but we will leave that part out). Sam slowly walked over to Matt at the railing. They clenched each other tightly as a Matthew began to speak his truths.

Matthew gazed into the Mediterranean hue of Samantha's eyes, dropped to one knee and with ring in hand and uttered the phrase. "Will you marry me?" Samantha burst into tears and hyperventilation. Throwing the ring on her finger aside for her new dazzling engagement ring and exclaimed "YES"!

Their story as one, has only just begun. Welcome to Samantha's McAlister Era.