Christopher and Samantha met back in 2021 in their local dive bar...Well, that is what Chris would call it. Sammy stands firm on her point that it was the local college bar. Unbeknownst to Chris, Sammy's Mom and Step-Father were also at the bar, along with her closest friends. You could say he was thrown into the group right away...

The following day, they had their first "official" date, which consisted of Ice Cream and sitting on top of the NIU Parking Garage. Both were extremely tired from a long Monday, however the date carried in to the late hours of the night as they talked about each others lives.

Since that night, they have spent over 4 years traveling the country together, taking cruises to different parts of the world, and growing together.

In July of 2024, they moved in together, and began living as one. Sammy finally convinced Chris to get a dog in January of 2025, and Layla entered the picture. Anyone who has met Layla knows that she makes it VERY well known that she is in the picture.

Finally, in May of 2025, Chris and Sammy took a cruise to the Caribbean. This was not just an ordinary cruise - it was a long 10 day cruise on a very small ship. Sammy was not sold on it, but Chris convinced her. That wasn't the only thing that Chris convinced her of, either. With the help of many friends, Chris successfully convinced her that they were NOT going to get engaged on this trip. However, on day 3, on the lovely Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda, Christopher finally proposed to Samantha.

We are so excited to continue our story, and are thankful that each and every one of you are here to celebrate with us.

Registry