On a sunny Maryland afternoon, soon-to-be Hood College freshmen, Nigel and Sam found themselves at the same lunch table, parents in tow. They discovered their high schools were practically neighbors, a small-world spark amidst big-world nerves.

Sam noticed Nigel's mom, Tricia, would be her academic advisor. Laurel, Sam's mom, gleefully swooped in, wielding Sam's phone number like a cupid's arrow, and passing it along to Tricia. While Nigel took his time texting (clearly swooning from afar!), their college paths intertwined. Dorm life, shared classes, group projects, nearby apartments, and even tequila-fueled "study sessions" became their norm.

One fateful dive bar night, $5 pitchers fueled a reconnection. Nigel famously requested a crash pad at Sam's nearby apartment, claiming convenience (wink, wink). Sam suspected ulterior motives: snoring serenades and impromptu Netflix comedy specials, perhaps?

Weeks later, Nigel's question ("Will you be my girlfriend?") was met with Sam's unsurprised, "Yes!"

Schoolwork, career support, and endless laughter filled their days. Then, the pandemic. But distance couldn't dim their spark. Zoom dates, late-night calls, and postcard exchanges kept them connected. Finally, Nigel's presentation to his parents (a "COVID unit" risk-reward analysis!) earned Sam an official spot inside their COVID bubble.

With Ruby, Sam's college dumpster cat (always a package deal!), they moved into their first apartment. Fate intervened again, landing them in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida. Poolside lounging, beach reads, and chasing sunshine became their new normal.

In November 2023, Jamaica witnessed a romantic proposal. Tears of joy, sand between their toes, and dancing under the stars—their happily ever after officially began.

Join Nigel and Sam as they celebrate their love story, a tale of fate, laughter, and forever.