Sam and Jace first met the fall semester of their Junior year at Wayne State College (Go Cats). Jace’s roommate Karly invited Sam to have supper with them in the lower cafeteria. Immediately after supper Sam told his roommate Brenden that he didn’t know Jace very well, but she was very cute. The trio would continue to grab meals together and after a few months Karly would have “other plans” and that Sam and Jace could eat without her. Throughout this time, they also were on the same sand volleyball team and saw each other at other social gatherings.

While things were going smoothly and Sam had plans to ask Jace out during the spring semester, God had other plans and Covid-19 threw a wrench into everything.

Fast forward to fall of their Senior year at WSC, while they had stayed in touch over the summer it was like starting over again in their relationship path. But, God finds a way and through many Chinese food outings and trips out with friends they finally went on their first date. Well … they planned on going to a hockey game together and right before they left (like 5 minutes before) Sam asked if Jace would officially go on a date with him. She said yes! A few months later on March 27, 2021, they finally became official as boyfriend and girlfriend.

The two have spent a majority of their relationship apart as Jace lived in Chambers, NE and Sam lived in Fremont, NE (about a 2 hour and 40 minute drive). While long distance had its own challenges it made them appreciate all the small moments even more. Whether stargazing outside of Chambers or late night ice creams runs in Fremont, the two always make sure to have fun and make every moment meaningful.

A little over two years later Sam and Jace got engaged! Sam told Jace that they were needed at Sam’s parents' house to move some fallen trees. On the way over she was singing her heart out to the radio completely oblivious to what was about to happen while Sam was driving trying not to show his nervousness.

As fireworks lit up the sky a sign burned bright with Sam’s question on his heart “Will you marry me?”

She said yes, and the rest of their story starts June 29, 2024