Josh and Sam first met in a Grad School class in the Fall of 2021 on the Fate of Organic Contaminants at Duke University. They studied and talked in class together that Fall, but Sam decided on February 3rd, 2022 to make the move to ask Josh out on a date. They went on a date that Friday to a brewery and got to know each other further. This marked the beginning of an amazing journey together! They became official on March 4th, 2022!

Josh and Sam took their very first vacation together in Asheville, NC. They hiked Mt. Mitchell, toured a number of breweries both independently and on an incredible brewery tour where they took this picture getting cocktails at the Omni Grove Park Inn. This is where both Josh and Sam "fell in love" with one another, but it would take a bit longer to say it out loud. They both still cherish these memories together and this vacation is a large reason why the wedding is in Asheville!

For Josh's 25th Birthday, Sam planned an amazing birthday party at her house complete with all the people we love at Duke! In addition, she surprised Josh by inviting his best friends from his childhood in New Jersey to come down and celebrate. She planned the whole thing herself without him knowing. This surprise meant the world to Josh and definitely indicated to Josh that Sam may be the one. After this party, Sam and Josh both got COVID. Having COVID together, they unofficially moved in together, officially making the decision to move in together later that month.

July 2022, Josh and Sam went up to Jersey for a vacation at Long Beach Island (LBI). This was the first time Sam met Josh's family! She loved each one of them right away! She even got to meet Josh's extended family at an engagement party for his cousin Sean and lovely (now wife) Nicolette. This vacation meant the world to both Sam and Josh as they took this next step in the relationship.

Sam and Josh took another vacation together with Evie (their greyhound) to Myrtle Beach, making even more memories together.

Shortly after their first Christmas together (spent in New Jersey), they adopted their first pet together. Sam and Josh welcomed their little flame-point siamese, Shoto Todoroki Esquire III (aka "The Rat"), into their family. Though Sam already had two cats (Mikko and Nino) and a greyhound (Evie) that Josh "adopted" as part of his family. Adopting their first animal together marked a major milestone and solidified that they knew their relationship was for the long-haul!

Making more memories at the Stadium Series game for the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitols game!

Josh and Sam celebrated their 1 Year anniversary together with a beautiful walk around Lake Pine and a dinner at one of their favorite restaurants.

Earlier in 2023, Sam decided to change her life a bit and leave her PhD to graduate with a Master of Science. While she did not know what the future had in store, she was excited for all to come and Josh was her biggest supporter and encouraged her through this entire transition. For better or worse indeed.

Josh surprised Sam earlier in the year with a trip to Disney World to celebrate her graduation and to share some more adventures and memories together! It was a trip full of amazing food, laughs, memories, and some excellent drinks! Disney World is one of Sam's favorite places in the whole world!

When Sam graduated with her Master's she had no idea what she wanted to do. Josh throughout this journey told her repeatedly that she should look into becoming a teacher. Sam did not listen to him for a long time because she had heard such mixed things about teaching K-12. However, as fate does, a job opened up for an Environmental Science Teacher at a local charter school. She applied immediately, following Josh's advice, and after a few interviews got the position. Through this job she found her passion for teaching kids about her favorite subjects and topics and loves each of her students dearly. Sometimes Josh knows Sam better than she knows herself, and vice versa! She is continuing teaching at the same school and subject for the 24-25 school year!

Continuing to make memories! They enjoyed time with friends at a Wake Forest vs. Pitt football game!

A little over 2 years after they met on campus, Josh proposed to Sam at Duke. In an amazing speech and beautiful location, Josh asked her to marry him and Sam immediately said "yes"! He even quoted Taylor Swift's "Love Story" in the proposal!

Sam and Josh went looking for wedding venues and one of the last they toured is the venue you all will be celebrating with them at. This venue was love at first sight! This photo was taken when Sam and Josh toured and will be the spot they say "I Do". We can't wait to "See you on the Solstice"!