Though they knew of one another in college at Cal State Northridge, and had many mutual friends, Ryan and Sam didn't cross paths again until 2018 when they ran into each other at a friend's wedding. A few years later, after a few more run-ins, their good friends, Kelsey and Laura, knowing them both very well, had the idea that they may be a good match.

Their first date was lunch at the brewery Tarantula Hill, where their dog Max joined (of course) to help break the ice. They had such a good time they continued the date at Ryan's house where they sat and talked for hours. They've been together ever since.

Ryan will tell you after a trip to Austin with his buddies, he realized how much he missed Sam. He knew then he wanted to make the relationship official in the Spring of 2021. Fall 2021, Sam moved in with Ryan and Max. Both agree that after moving in with one another and learning more about each other, they fell more deeply in love.

After almost a year and a half of building a home and life together, and two dogs later, on May 27th, 2023, Ryan proposed to Sam in a place very close to her heart- Newport Beach, CA. They ate lunch at the infamous Cabo Cantina and went back to their beachfront rental where Ryan proposed. He gave Sam a photo album of all their memories over the last few years; weddings, trips, holidays, date nights, adventures and more. There was a note at the end and one last question. Sam will tell you it was the easiest "YES" she ever gave. It's safe to say this became one of their favorite memories together.

Both Ryan and Sam believe with as many times as their paths crossed over the years, timing was everything for them. When it came to finding their special someone, this love was worth the wait.