Sam and Braden both attended Hononegah High School in Rockton, IL. Braden was a member of the football team while Sam played volleyball. Although both were quite the social butterflies, they did not officially meet until Braden's cousin's graduation party in June of 2015. Sam had played high school and club volleyball with Macy , Braden's cousin, and Braden attended a few matches throughout the years so he knew of Sam. After their initial hangout with their mutual friend, Jim Gorski, Sam and Braden's friendship flourished in the summer of 2015 and turned into a relationship by fall. Sam and Braden spent time attending each others sporting events, visiting Squaw Lake and hanging out with friends and family. By early 2016, Sam had decided to attend UW-Whitewater to play volleyball and Braden committed to Carthage for football. It was at that time that they decided to take a step back so they could both fully enjoy the college experience, knowing that they would be attending schools a few hours away with busy class and sport schedules. Both finished out their senior year at Hononengah with excitement for each other and their separate futures...or so they thought.

At this point, Braden was testing out the trades to see which one was the best fit for him. Sam had graduated from UWW and was living in Janesville, WI. Sam's best friend, Chelsea, was home from school and they decided to go out to a local bar with some friends to celebrate since it was the day before Sam's birthday. Coincidentally, Sam and Braden had recently caught up with each other over social media. Sam decided to let Braden know what bar her and her friends where at and Braden showed up 15 minutes later to ring in her 23rd birthday with her. The rest is history...

Sam and Braden now reside in South Beloit, IL, where they bought a home in March of 2022. They are proud parents to their dog, Monte. Braden is a certified HVAC Technician and Sam is a Human Resources Manager. In their free time, they enjoy competing in sand volleyball, playing euchre or watching Wisconsin sports. They are proud aunt and uncle to 5 amazing nieces and nephews. They are so excited to start this next chapter of their lives and are so grateful for the special place each of you hold in their lives.