They say: To honor. To love. To cherish. Until I die but we choose longer, somehow.

Our journey began unknowingly meeting each other 8 years ago at Sandee’s (Sam’s mom) 50th birthday party. We were standing next to one another, not realizing at the time that our soul mate was right next to us, well one of us couldn't see that short.

Fast-forward through many years of life lessons, it all began to play out. Strong, almost mandatory suggestions for one, and soft sweet suggestions from another, Sandee & Sara, best friends and immediate family of the bride and groom opened our eyes to our future. We began exchanging messages with one another. It felt like we had known each other in a previous lifetime. We instantly connected. Despite being many states away, home was in one voice. The excitement of seeing each other resulted in more butterflies than brains, as we both took to FaceTime while driving. After a few moments, we decided to face time later that night. Despite both having very busy schedules, we found ourselves face-timing or talking for hours on the phone daily.

We both feel that time is an invaluable asset, we already wasted years! Time is something that should not be squandered. With this, we wanted to spend as much time together as possible. Amanda jumped on a flight in March to Tennessee to stay with Sam for a couple of days. Upon our first kiss, we knew that this was the real deal and fell even more in love with each other (if that were possible). Saying goodbye after that visit was one of the hardest things that either of us had to do. It made us realize that we were the missing piece that should have been in one another's lives much sooner. Not wanting to be apart from one another too much longer, Sam added Amanda to his itinerary to see his grandmother in Arizona. In Arizona, their love continued to flourish, and they realized life should only be spent together.

Both valuing tradition, Sam decided to fly to California in April to meet the rest of Amanda’s family, ask her parents for her hand in marriage, and to drive along the Pacific coast. Being nature lovers, the four days traveling through the national forests, seeing the sea elephants was blissful together. Not leaving his side the entire time, Amanda prevented Sam from asking her parents in person for her hand. He called them when returning home to ask, and her parents, wanting her happiness, instantly saying yes.

Love, in our opinion, is the master key that opens the gates of happiness. On April 20th, the loving couple saw one another again. Sam took her to a few locations he thought would be perfect for their wedding to propose. One location they both loved prior to finding the cave called Paris State Park, was the spot Sam proposed to me. I knew that moment of hearing those words my life, our life, would be complete. Amanda quickly secured a job and decided to make the move to Tennessee in May. That is where her heart belongs.

Ever since Amanda moved in with Samuel, laughter has filled the halls of their home. Love is felt in every piece of furniture they have picked together, even those bachelor recliners, that Sam will talk about like it's his children. We like exploring, playing games & creating adventure, whether it's grabbing groceries (thank you, Walmart pickup) or parking lot dates. Living life the way its meant to be. We miss each other any time we aren't near. We've become best friends, sidekicks, Fantasy Football rivals and partners. We choose to make the promise of sharing one life, October 6th, 2024. We look forward to celebrating our love with all of you.