Just two people in a bar during a UF game (Go Gators!) It was simple. Mike was in a Florida Gator jersey and wearing white Converse like every game that season and Sam had no interest in going. It doesn’t take much for her friends to pull her out for a good time and some whiskey, so she packed her flask and out she went.

As the Gators wracked up the points, Sam shared her whiskey flask with the group. Who was this girl? Why have I never met her? Mike thought. Although she didn’t like the Gators, she surely was a catch.

Mike attempted making conversation about motorcycles, school and tattoos, but what caught her attention was his interest in yoga, chakras and fate versus luck. In the middle of a bar with beers flowing, Mike wanted to hear about Sam’s outlook on life and the universe. He wanted to just listen to her, not understanding much of what she said, he thought she was beautiful. This is where the connection began. Two people looking for a purpose, real love and true friendship.

The connection took time, it wasn’t perfect.

Mike and Sam fell in love with each other over good ceviche and live music. Dating each other was easy, moving in together was easier, but getting a husky puppy WAS NOT easy!

As everyone who loves us knows, we are better together. Our love for life, family, and each other is one of a kind. God made sure the timing was exactly how it was meant to be.

Then COVID hit, life became extremely unpredictable. Our jobs were overwhelming and we missed our families. As the rest of the world did, our plans were on hold. No anniversary photoshoots, nights out to dinner or Disney trips. Mike thought it was a good idea to take a small getaway and just separate from the madness. What better way than in the mountains, hiking 20 miles and climbing 2 mountain tops!

Mike wanted the proposal to be a true surprise. He used the cancelled anniversary photographer from months prior and in the midst of the madness, Mike popped the big question on a mountain in North Carolina.

Waiting for the perfect time doesn’t exist. Mike and Sam are the true embodiment of “when it feels right, it is right.” Through life’s uncertainties, Mike and Sam promise to stay true to each other.

And now the next chapter of the journey begins!