It all started with a drink... Sam walked into Carmel, Indiana's swankiest new hotel bar with her best friend (and future MOH) Sam Duffy. David was the bartender, and after a few rounds of banter Sam ordered a "Manhattan just for the cherries". David clearly thought she was cute from that very first day, as a 10 cherry Manhattan made its way across the bar, and Sam knew who her new favorite bartender in town was. They stayed all night, returned for many more, and became fast friends. Sharing late night stories and quick witted humor across the bar became their routine, and soon it was clear that any free time they had was spent together.

The first official date - a walk in the park. They had already grown close over the past few months, but they were ready to make the jump from "just friends" to "couple". David knew Sam and her puppy Charlie were a package deal, so many dates were spent all together hiking, at the dog park, or frequenting dog friendly patios. Thankfully Charlie, here two months old, had David wrapped around her paw in no time. His kindness, care and humility made for the perfect partner.

The Vacation - Sam invited David to a visit her parent's home and friend's cabin in Minnesota over the 4th of July. The weekend was spent boating, swimming, and relaxing in the sun, enjoying the outdoors and soaking up the best days of the summer. It's easy to see how when the vacation was over, David wasn't ready to leave! The seed was planted, an opportunity for Sam and David to talk about their future and their goals, and they both knew whatever the future held, they certainly saw each other in it.

The big move - After a lengthy pros and cons list, Sam and David made the decision to move to Minnesota! An opportunity opened up for Sam to work at a new IVF clinic in Minneapolis, and David's remote work meant he could easily relocate. It was hard to say goodbye to all of the family, friends and fun Indiana had brought into their lives, but Minnesota would be a new exciting adventure! With Sam's parents and David's brother Daniel and his wife Kelsey living in Minnesota, they had a great support system and built in network of many friends in their new town together.

A true Minnesotan - Over the next few years Sam worked on Operation Minnesota Integration, and exposed David to the highs (but mostly lows) of Minnesota sports. They went to many Twins games, Wild games, and even a few St. Paul Saints games. Their love grew together through shared experiences, enjoying concerts and exploring new neighborhoods, always learning about each other just as much as the city around them.

Home, sweet home! Sam and David thought it was time for Charlie to have a home to call her own, and knew that Minnesota was a place they would be for a long time. After carefully searching for just the right home, they knew that this was the one. And at the same time, David also knew that Sam was the one. David left the realtors office the day they closed on the house to pick up the ring.

The Question! David proposed in the house they bought together, and Sam was completely surprised! He had the help of Kelsey Collins to get her out of the house with a clever ruse, his brother Daniel to let him know when they were on their way back to the house, and of course Charlie to deliver the ring to Sam when she walked through the front door. Sam answered with a quick and resounding "yes", and they couldn't be happier to be sharing their love forever.