In October of 2015, Samantha and her cousin Jessica (who is now in the bridal party) were headed to the city for a girls night out. Samantha - who has never taken the public transit bus before, had no idea how to purchase her bus ticket. When they arrived at the bus terminal in Lakewood, Jessica asked the security guard for assistance with purchasing a ticket. The security guard, was Mark.


Mark and Jessica chatted about how she didn't need a ticket because she had a bus pass as she was going to school in the city. Mark then shared that his sister, Mariah (who is also now in the bridal party) was also going to school in the city.


As the bus pulled up, Samantha and Jessica hopped on and were ready to go out. Samantha turned to Jessica and said he was so cute which Jessica then said he is so your type!.


As they waiting for the bus to pull off, a man entered the bus and approached Samantha with a small piece of paper handing it to her. Skeptical (as always) - Samantha politely declined not knowing what he was handing her. He insisted she took the piece of paper as it was given to him from security.


Samantha passed the paper to Jessica assuming it was for her as Mark and Jessica were the ones who were talking the most. Samantha peeked through the front window of the bus to see Mark standing there asking if she received the note. Samantha signaled to him me? where he confirmed it was intended for her. She opened the paper where it was his name and phone number. Samantha (still skeptical ... as always), texted the number and said this is the dark haired girl, where Mark replied Good, that's who it was for.


From that night Samantha and Mark formed a close relationship where she would visit him at the bus terminal bringing him snacks and hot chocolate, and Mark would travel over an hour from his home to bring her lunch at her work. They talked everyday and soon became inseparable.


Over a year went by, and Samantha and Mark decided to go their separate ways. Mark was looking to pursue his career as a police officer, and Samantha went on to finish college.


Years went by and fate brought them back together.


On February 16, 2024 Mark proposed to Samantha where she said YES! The two are now more excited than ever to start their lives together and celebrate with all of you.