In 2017, two newly admitted and eager students met in the Medical Laboratory Science program at Northern Illinois University. They caught each other's eye on day one. When it came time to pick seats in the lab, it quickly became clear that Alex and Samantha were both secretly waiting for the other to make the first move. As fate would have it, the last two seats were right next to each other, and thus, they became lab partners for life. Months of studying together turned into something much more, and in November 2017, their relationship became official and blossomed into something beautiful.

Since then, Samantha and Alex have been partners in life, supporting each other through every twist and turn of their professional and personal journeys. Growing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It started with a move from Dekalb to Northbrook, where they both finished their clinical education and proudly graduated with their B.S. degrees in Medical Laboratory Sciences. After that, Alex dove into full-time work in Chicago while Samantha pursued a graduate degree in Pathologists' Assistant Studies. Over the next couple of years, they moved to Evanston, IL, then downtown Chicago, and then to Glenview, IL because who doesn’t like a good adventure?

Fast forward to the next chapter; As Samantha was wrapping up her education and clinical training, her job took her to the northern suburbs of Chicago, while Alex received exciting news. He was accepted into Physician Assistant school in Charleston, SC! A long-distance relationship was suddenly on the horizon. But if anyone could make it work, it was these two. Endless phone calls, countless flights, and unwavering determination kept them going strong.

In 2022, the stars aligned once more when Samantha landed an amazing job in Charlotte, NC. Just as Alex was nearing the end of his studies and had been accepted into a fellowship program there. It was the perfect opportunity for them both to be together and continue chasing their dreams. In 2023, they officially made the Queen City their home and never looked back.

Now, here we are, in 2024/2025, Alex and Samantha are thriving in Charlotte, living the life they’ve worked so hard to build. They’ve come a long way, and the best part? They’re just getting started. They can’t wait to celebrate their love, their journey, and everything ahead with you all in the beginning of this next, new, exciting chapter of their lives.