You might ask: so how did a quirky Jewish boy from LA living in Stockton for medical training unite with a sweet but ambitious, budding social worker from the Philippines who grew up in Stockton? Was it supernatural influence or the whims of an online dating app? Perhaps it was their shared love of boba and tacos, free samples at Costco, and hunting for furniture store deals --- all of which took place on the first date --- that allowed their romance to ignite. Five years and a child later, they realized maybe they ought to make things official. So, on a warm humid night on the balcony of a villa on the island of Boracay in the Philippines in November of 2023, Sam finally ushered up the courage to pop the question. Lo and behold, in spite of her plugged-up ears and Benadryl in her system, Rhina actually said "yes"! And the rest is history. So we invite you to come celebrate our unconventional love story with us in October 2026.