Our story starts in South Philadelphia. Both teaching high school, we initially became friends over the joys of education - lesson planning, grading and writing late notes for students who were either going to Samantha or Chris' class the following period. After some time hanging out with friends, we shared our first date at a Bruins and Flyers game at the Wells Fargo Center... on March 10th, 2020.

What followed were two years of picnic dates, plenty of walks around Media, Pennsylvania and way too many episodes of Bob's Burgers.

Our story is weird. We both navigated a global pandemic in our personal lives, in our classrooms and in our growing relationship. Luckily for us, along the way of our relationship, we have had endless support from our friends and family.

Samantha took Chris down to Wildwood for his first Irish Weekend for her birthday. Chris brought Samantha to her first Tomdependence celebration with O'Shea's. We became friends with each other's friends over years of celebrations, weddings and the small, everyday joy-filled moments that come from true, authentic friendship.

At the center of our relationship is our humor. Through all of our relationship, we have laughed. Simple inside jokes. Bits from TV Shows or movies. The moments we share with those we love.

In our relationship, we have laughed every day. We both love that we can be our true selves with each other and still find ways to make each other laugh, especially on the challenging days when we don't always feel like laughing.

Even at the start of our engagement when Samantha came through the door of our South Philadelphia apartment, after a big smile and an "I knew it!" from Samantha, we both just sat and laughed.

We love and cherish every moment together and cannot wait to share a laugh with you at the end of this year.

Forever silly,

Samantha and Chris