Eric and Sam went on their first date in May 2021 after they matched on the dating app, Hinge. Oddly enough, they immediately thought the other looked familiar and soon found out they both attended Longwood University. They actually snapped a picture together while at Longwood (both unaware this ever occurred until shown to Sam by her friend Kelsey). The couple went on about three dates before Eric let Sam know he would be heading to Alabama to attend Officer Candidate School for the Virginia Army National Guard. Although Eric promised to write while he was away, Sam couldnt help but assume he likely wouldnt write and that she probably wouldnt see him again....she couldnt have been more wrong.

On November 3rd, 2024 Eric took Sam and their dog, Brandy, to Yorktown Beach. Sam was under the impression they were going to walk Brandy and then head to Erics dads house for lunch. As they were walking down the beach Eric popped the question and their closest friends and family came out of hiding to celebrate the moment with them.

From countless boat days, casino trips, football games, family dinners, hunting trips, fishing trips, biker fights, the stomach flu on a cruise, navigating distance due to Army orders to coping with the loss of loved ones, Eric and Sam have always stuck by each others side. They couldnt be happier to celebrate the countinuation of their journey together with beloved friends and family.