How it began- Simon's perspective:

Sam and I first knew each other through mutual friends in middle school and early high school. She was a grade older and I had a huge crush on her, but was too shy at the time to even talk to her other than saying hi. Midway through high school I transferred out to another school and we attended separate colleges. Fast forward 6 years, I am downtown with some friends when I spot Sam across the room. She was talking with Alec Kronitz (groomsman), my childhood friend and neighbor, and I knew that was my chance. So I ditch my friends and go to try and talk with her. To my surprise, she remembered me too. After a long game of darts and talking the night away, we have been dating ever since. Three years have gone by and now my middle school crush is my best friend. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her!

Our engagement - Sam's perspective:

This past summer, Simon and I decided to visit our friend, Alec Kronitz in Hong Kong and Bali. We invited our adventure buddy, Jessie Fitzpatrick (bridesmaid) to join us... as she always does :). The first full day we were in Bali, we decided to go on a morning walk on the beach to decide where to post up for the day. The beach was pretty empty and we walked up to a spot with a local man playing fetch with his dog. Alec had his nice camera (as he always does) and was taking pictures of our group on the beach. Knowing the plan, Alec told Simon and I to stand in front of the water for a picture. When Simon went to get down on one knee, a wave comes up and crashes into us. On our second attempt of a picture, Simon successfully got on his knee and asked me to marry him! I was in total shock and asked if he was serious, an embarrassing amount of times. We got to celebrate our engagement with two of our best friends with champagne on the beach in Bali. Tears streamed down our faces as we face-timed our family and close friends. To say I was surprised, would be an understatement. I cannot wait to have more adventures like these for the rest of our lives!