Molly and Sam’s origin story is about as traditional and timeless as it gets. You know, the one where a young couple thought it would be funny to start a group chat with their two younger siblings and jokingly allude to a scenario where they form their own loving bond. It’s still unclear whether or not Jake and Maddie’s intentions were earnest, especially after they stole Molly’s phone and sent Sam a series of uncharacteristic messages under the guise of a girl who had a strong affinity for a boy she hardly knew. Of course, Sam fell for it, and having only known Molly from afar, he was admittedly intrigued by this side of her he didn’t know existed and obliged her. After eliciting a response from Sam that suggested he took interest in Molly, Jake and Maddie preyed on the weak and devised a plan where they’d convince Sam that Molly wanted him to come over, only for him to show up unannounced and catch Molly by surprise. While Sam thought he was being pranked at his expense, Molly was secretly excited about the whole thing. Little did Jake and Maddie know at the time, this would mark the beginning of Sam and Molly’s journey that has spanned almost 11 years to date.

Since their inception in 2014, Molly and Sam have shared countless experiences across several locations, a few of which they’ve been lucky enough to call home. It started in Bloomington Minnesota where they spent their first two years together in high school, building the foundation for what was to come and getting to know each other’s families through cabin trips and family traditions. The impending reality of Sam going off to college a year before Molly and the uncertainty of where they would both end up made some people question whether or not they would make it as a couple, but the two of them never doubted the long term result.

Luckily for them, the best case scenario would become a reality and Molly would join Sam at UW-Madison after their first year of going long distance. In the years they overlapped, they experienced several new beginnings as a couple and found the best of friends along the way. They watched themselves grow both individually and as a couple, always making time for each other but also allowing one another to have their own experience.

After what they hoped would be the last time they’d be long distance during Molly’s senior year, Sam went to Molly’s dad seeking advice on making a career change to sales. About a week later, while en route to celebrate Molly’s graduation in Madison, Dave mentioned a job opportunity at his company that he thought Sam should apply for. The only catch was that they’d have to move to San Diego… bummer.

It was never a place either of them sought out or considered moving to, but it didn’t take long for them to fall in love with San Diego. They ate and drank their way around the city, formed lasting friendships, and best of all, grew their love tenfold while living under the same roof. The couple started to believe they found their home 2,000+ miles from where they had originally imagined, but life came at them fast when it was time for Molly to move back to Minnesota for PA school, forcing them into a long distance scenario for the 5th and final time.

The second Molly walked out the door to leave for Minnesota, Sam knew he had to find his way back, and this time it would be for good and there would be a ring to show for it. After 4 long months, Sam found a job that would reunite the couple in the place where it all began. Two short weeks later… Molly would fly out for the week to say a proper goodbye to the city they called home.

When Molly arrived, Sam realized it probably wasn’t the best idea to tell everyone and their mother about his proposal plans. As they made their last stops at their favorite local establishments, Sam held his breath hoping the barista/bartender/grocery bagger he spilled the beans to a week prior wouldn’t be the one to ruin the surprise. After many close calls and with the help of Molly’s amazing mom, sister, and best friend, there was one last thing Sam had to do before he left. On December 20th, 2023, before the imaginary dinner reservation Sam made in La Jolla, they made a pit stop to catch one last sunset on the beach where Sam would get on one knee and ask the love of his life for her hand in marriage. The celebrations would continue with a surprise from Molly’s loved ones in town and a party with family and friends at a very special place in San Diego, her Aunt Liz’s beach house.

Since being back in MN over the past year, Molly and Sam have been blessed with lots of family time, reunions with old friends, and a whole lot of love.

We’ve grown up together, and we can’t wait to grow old together. Here’s to our love story and all of you - the ones who’ve helped us write it along the way. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on our wedding day!