Our story begins in an unconventional (becoming more conventional) way...online. You read that right. Kevin and I met on the dating app called Hinge. After moving to California from Florida the year before and not feeling comfortable meeting someone in the "organic" ways, the app was recommended to me from many different people. My experience as you will learn from Kevin's side was much different than his experience. I was on and off the app going on those cringey dates you always here about. Just when hope seemed lost, I matched with this guy named Kevin. He was wearing a suit in every picture save one which included a chef's coat instead. After the most intriguing and funny conversation on the app, Kevin and I made plans for our first date. Based on my experience I kept my expectations low.

For our first date we grabbed drinks at Starks, a steakhouse in Santa Rosa. We talked for 3 hours about everything under the sun. We talked about everything you are told not to talk about on a first date: religion, God, future plans, kids, etc. It felt natural, it felt fun, it felt so right. Kevin as those who know him can attest has more confidence then he knows what to do with. Sitting with his leg crossed hands folded, you would think he scripted the whole date with his cool demeanor and witty comebacks. In my mind I was thinking this guy is either really good at first dates (not sure how I feel about that) or I just won the lottery. Turned out to be both. Being the good salesman that he is he didn't leave without locking in another date. Since the very first date was the best one I'd ever been on, I couldn't help but be excited about what was to come.

For the next few months following, the magic continued. We went on fancy California dinner dates, he set up painting in the park, we went on a ferry ride into San Francisco to watch a Giants game, and so much more. It was a whirl wind and it was amazing! Kevin's friends can probably attest that they did not see him a lot that summer as we spent all the time we could with each other because as we both said it could not feel more right. Our vision and excitement for life aligned better than either of us thought possible with another person.

Despite the amazing, over-the-top experiences that Kevin planned, it was his character that drew me to him most. His loyalty to his friends, work, and then to me was unparalleled. No one can question Kevin's passion for something because he will say it often and proudly whenever given the chance (or whenever he creates the chance). He is open minded yet strong in his beliefs. He is strong with a compassion that shows itself in the sweetest ways. He has an uncanny knack for knowing something is up which is frustrating when you are trying to surprise the surprise master. He has the heart of a child, willing to give whatever he can to bring happiness to others at whatever cost. Despite my initial cautious optimism, I knew from the very beginning that Kevin had all the qualities you could want in a lifelong partner. He is someone I know will always be there for me at the drop of a hat. His excitement is contagious, I know there will never ever be a dull moment despite my best introverted efforts. Ultimately, it is a privilege to be on this journey with Kevin, there is no one who is more uplifting and supportive.

The last thing everyone needs to know about our story is how deeply rooted it is in our faith. We have been on a faith journey since that very first date at Starks. Our varying experiences in faith has led to growth and deeper connection for both of us in God's greater plan. In every decision or conversation we have together we seek God's protection and guidance. At a time where more and more is uncertain, we have never felt more safe. We know that there will be challenges ahead and have full confidence that if all we have is Him we are incredibly blessed.

It all started with a swipe…

It was a dark and stormy night, and I was telling my friend Kody (more on him later) that I think I was ready for a girlfriend. He told me I needed to download Hinge, the dating app. I explained to him that I would never download a dating app, but after much convincing I decided to give it a go. After downloading it, I uploaded my most handsome pictures (there were a lot to choose from) and wrote my best jokes. It wasn’t 10 minutes in when I saw a picture of these beautiful eyes radiating through my phone, then realized I was still on my profile. Shortly after that is when I stumbled upon the most gorgeous girl I had ever seen in my life. I was taken back by her smile, it was so wholesome and pure. I knew I had to go for it, so I built up the courage and messaged her. To my surprise… SHE MESSAGED BACK! After a few cheesy jokes and small talk, I had locked in the first date and was ready to go.

Fast forward to the night before the big date. Kody convinces me that we need to go out to Applebees to have some drinks and talk about the date. Well it turned into more of a “Lets party like it's our last time hanging out” type of night. Little did we know, it pretty much was! Now it's the day of the date, and let me tell you I am hurting. Quickly regretting those drinks the night before, I am contemplating canceling because I feel so sick. Something was telling me that I needed to go, so I pulled myself together and decided to go for it. I go into Stark's Steakhouse and pick the nicest table I can find. Good lighting, my hair is on point, and there's even a plant next to us. I look up and I see this woman walk in the door and my heart drops. I say woman because wow did she walk with conviction like she owned the place. My exact thoughts were “there is no way in this world she is here for me”. Then she looks over and gives me that same smile that I saw in her picture, and I feel the whole room start spinning. I get up and get her chair for her (nice move Kevin), and we start to chat it up. Now when I say I was nervous, boy do I mean I was nervous. Sam was so put together, smart, funny, and you could tell she was about her business. Every question, joke, or anything else I thought of beforehand was out the window. The best way to put it is she was intimidating in the BEST way possible. 15 minutes into the date, it was like I had known her my whole life. We were talking about family, friends, life goals, and most importantly GOD! It was the most natural, fulfilling conversation I had ever had and it lasted about 3 hours. After that date was over, I called my friends Kody, Noah, and Johnny and told them I had found the one.

Skip ahead to the 3rd date, I knew I needed to go in for the close. I had already told the whole world about her, including my mom! For a little context, my mom grew up in Franklin Wisconsin, with a big Catholic family of 7 siblings. So you can imagine how ecstatic she was when I told her about Sam. I decided to plan a “painting in the park” date. I went and bought every paint supply I could find, got a bottle of white wine, and even made a Charcuterie board (thank you to Mike and Cherie for the instructions there). We had a wonderful date, where we talked about all the same things and more, and even went deeper this time around. This was too good to be true. How could Sam be so sweet, so athletic, so determined in life, love her family and friends so much, be so incredibly fun to be around, and be so in love with God? I knew I had to ask her to be my girlfriend and seal the deal. So a couple dates later I did, and to my surprise she said yes!

The next year was by far the best year of my life. We went on so many dates to so many fun places. Whether it was visiting the nearby towns for wine and food tasting, going to Giants games in SF, cooking her food on my deck in the warm summer nights, going for a hike, beating her in basketball, going out and golfing together, traveling to Idaho, visiting her family in Wisconsin, going ice skating, eating take out at the beach with a sunset, renting a car and driving the Napa backroads, going to Lake Almanor and staying with Mr. Lake Almanor “John Frank” himself, going to Lake Tahoe, cooking meals and making drinks at home, you name it we did it. I felt like I was in a movie and was falling more and more in love every day. Sam also showed me a new meaning to faith and having a relationship with God. My personal faith grew tremendously as we did bible studies once a week, went to church together, and shared experiences in our personal lives that brought us closer to each other and most importantly closer to God.

Now with all the highs of a great relationship, comes struggles and tests. Sam and I also had some big life changes and challenges in the last year. Some of these include career changes, loss of loved ones, decisions to move, and more. It was times like these that really showed Sam's true colors. She was so strong through everything, her faith and love never waivered. Every single day I knew I had someone to rely on, and someone that was always going to be there for me no matter what I was going through. Not only did Sam show me that she is who I want to experience every high with, but she is who I want to go through every low with. Which brings me to my next chapter, the day I asked Sam to marry me.

It was Christmas time and Sam was back home with her family. I had just gone to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving but I told Sam that unfortunately I couldn't be there for Christmas. Little did she know I had a master plan put together with the help of the Diecks, Fonners, and Sam's friend Dre. December 23rd I was on a plane to Wisconsin to surprise Sam and she had no idea. Sam went to a Christmas light show with her family in Franklin Wisconsin (where my mom was born, fun fact), and I was on my way there as well. While Sam was taking pictures with her family in front of the big central christmas tree, I ran out from around the corner. She was completely taken back when she saw me. I got down on one knee and asked the love of my life to marry me, and once again to my surprise SHE SAID YES!!!