Every good love story starts with a little twist of fate—and maybe a tiny bit of teenage drama. Samantha transferred to Roanoke Catholic High School her junior year, quickly making her mark on the volleyball team and making waves with her bold school spirit. A year later, Michael joined the school, unaware that the girl who was already making her mark—quite literally in school colors—would soon become unforgettable. It all started at a football game, where Samantha and her teammates decided to go all in with their support: crop tops, shorts, and painted letters across their midriffs spelling out the team name. School spirit? Off the charts. Administrative approval? Not so much. The punishment was swift—but the girls had a plan B. For the next game, they showed up looking like southern belles at a tailgate, dressed to the nines in sundresses and bows, each adorned with a football player’s number. That’s when Samantha waltzed up to Michael and asked for his number. His heart skipped a beat—she wants my phone number!—but alas, she meant his jersey number. Still, the spark was lit. Cue high school romance, complete with hallway smiles and football games. But as these stories sometimes go, Samantha graduated and went off to college, and Michael had one more year left at Roanoke Catholic. They parted ways in 2013, but stayed in touch as friends, never quite letting go of that flicker.

Fast forward to Halloween 2020—Michael spotted Samantha’s costume on Instagram and couldn’t resist leaving a comment. What started as a simple exchange soon turned into something more, and before long, that old spark had ignited into something much stronger. A year later, they moved in together to start the next chapter—with lots of laughter, workouts, road trips, and wedding dance floors along the way. They’ve now been in eight weddings together (yes, eight), zigzagging across Virginia and North Carolina, perfecting their coordinated dance moves. With every bouquet caught and every cake slice shared, they started dreaming of a wedding of their own.

In November 2024, Michael proposed to Samantha beneath the moss-draped oaks of White Point Garden in Charleston, South Carolina. She said yes (between happy tears and probably a few giggles), and they’ll say “I do” in that very same spot on November 8, 2025.

Now they call Roanoke home, where they love hosting family and friends—especially for the Super Bowl (Go Eagles!). When they’re not planning parties, you’ll find them at the gym, chasing live music, or building a life full of love, laughter, and maybe just a little bit of chaos. They can’t wait to celebrate their happily-ever-after with all of you in Charleston this November!