The story of Greg and Samantha began in 2004, when they first crossed paths while working together at Goodwill. At the time, life was in a different place for both of them. Greg was in a committed relationship, focused on his own path, while Samantha, a bright and warm soul, was navigating her own journey. They were two kindred spirits who shared moments of laughter and camaraderie at work, but little did they know that their connection would go far beyond those early days.

As the years passed, Greg and Samantha each went their separate ways. Greg's relationship ended, and after a time, he found himself facing the difficult but liberating experience of divorce. It was a period of self-reflection, healing, and growth. In the meantime, Samantha continued to thrive in her own life, building her career and nurturing her friendships, but there was always an underlying sense that something—or someone—was missing.

After several attempts on Greg’s part, Samantha finally agreed to meet up for drinks with Greg. It had been years since they'd seen each other, but the spark from their past interactions was undeniable. This time, things felt different. There was no past relationship, no obligations—just two people, finally ready for the right kind of love. They spent hours talking, catching up on the years they'd lost, and rediscovering the unique bond they'd shared back in their Goodwill days.

The connection was instant, as if no time had passed at all. They started dating, and it quickly became clear that their reunion wasn't just a coincidence. It was meant to be. Every moment spent together only deepened their bond. Greg marveled at Samantha’s kindness, her infectious laughter, and the way she made him feel truly seen. Samantha admired Greg's strength, his humility, and the quiet wisdom he carried with him.

Together, they created a life full of love and adventure, from quiet evenings at home to spontaneous weekend trips. They built a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and deep affection, always encouraging each other to grow and be their best selves.

Fast forward a year and a half, Greg and Cecilia had moved in, trips were had and life continued. Every September Samantha and her mom take a trip to her favorite place, St Pete Beach, Florida. 2024’s trip was set to include both Greg and Robbie, her stepdad. Samantha and Tammy went down Saturday and enjoyed the beach. Hurricane Helene was supposed to be coming, but with 16 years of no hurricanes, they decided to risk it. Greg and Rob started their travel day on Wednesday around 11 am. After their flight being diverted to Jacksonville due to heavy outbound traffic from Tampa and a four-hour drive, they arrived in St Pete Beach just after midnight. Hurricane Helene was set to hit mid afternoon that day, but the morning brought windy, yet sunny, weather. Hour by hour they documented the weather changes, until about 9pm when things got rocky. The hotel had lost power, and the ocean front hotel became really ocean front as the water began coming into the hotel room. After evacuating to higher ground, with 17 of their newest friends, they rode out the storm. Luckily the hotel had an open suite upstairs that everyone hunkered in, with Greg and Samantha finding space in the walk-in closet to sleep. Six hours after the big surge, the flood waters receded, and Greg and Sam made their way back downstairs to try to get real sleep. The sun rose early the next morning, and the damage was more extensive than anyone had anticipated, leaving a scene of destruction that stretched as far as the eye could see. As the other guests woke up and figured out their vehicles would work, the numbers started to dwindle. Soon it was only Sam, Greg, Tammy and Rob left at the hotel, due to not one but two rental cars being total losses from flooding. While waiting for tow trucks to save them from the island, Greg and Samantha took a walk along the beach.

As they walked along the beach, hand in hand, Greg and Samantha took in the scene: the waves crashing on the shore, the sea foam swirling around their ankles, and the lingering mist in the air. The hurricane, once fierce and unpredictable, was now just a memory—a reminder of the resilience they both shared.

It was in that moment, surrounded by the aftermath of the storm, that Greg knew it was time. The beach, although battered, was still beautiful. And just like their relationship, it was stronger for having weathered the storm. He had wanted to find the perfect moment to ask Samantha to be his forever, but life had already given him the perfect moment—here, now, after everything they had been through together.

The usually pristine shoreline was now littered with debris—broken branches, pieces of beach furniture, and sand scattered across roads where it didn’t belong. A crab trap had washed up, and Greg took great interest in it. He released the two crabs that were stuck in the sand and Sam was trying to head back to the hotel. A large piece of driftwood caught Samantha’s attention, which gave Greg the perfect opportunity to surprise Samantha and drop to his knee. Samantha turned around and heard “Samantha, will you marry me?” to which Samantha replied, “What are you doing?!? What are you doing? WTF? Get up!” The answer was YES! As Samantha said the entirety of the trip, it was a memorable trip!