It all began in August 2022 at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. Thomas was a Hall Director working on his master’s degree, and Sam was a recent graduate looking to pursue her dream of coaching softball alongside her former coach and furthering her education. The first time they met was when Sam came to campus for a final-round interview for a Hall Director position.

As always, Sam was 15 minutes early—organized and ready. Thomas, on the other hand, strolled in right on time (classic Thomas). He noticed Sam immediately, thinking, “Wow, she’s hot,” but he decided to play it cool. Sam was a bundle of nerves meeting the Residence Life team (and, of course, Thomas). When they were introduced, sparks quietly started to fly—but instead of “the rest is history,” it was more like the beginning of a really fun adventure.

After the interview, Sam returned home to Appleton, Wisconsin, but her decision to move to Winona quickly became clear. The incredible people she met—and a certain Hall Director—made her realize that Winona was where she needed to be.

Once Sam settled into her new role, she and Thomas started working closely together to plan Resident Assistant training. As they got to know each other, Thomas discovered Sam loved hiking and coffee shops. So, he found the perfect excuse to spend more time with her. He invited her for coffee and a hike—a seemingly casual invite but a big moment in their story.

Thomas arrived to pick up Sam in his tinted black Cadillac, which he thought was the coolest thing ever. (Sam, to this day, loves teasing him about it. RIP to the Caddy, though, because rear-wheel drive isn’t exactly Midwest-friendly). They stopped at Blooming Grounds, where they discovered their now go-to order: Caesar salads and sugar-free vanilla lattes with an extra shot of espresso. After hours of talking, Thomas introduced Sam to Winona’s charm at Levee Park before they hiked up to Sugar Loaf Bluff. Sam giggles about how Thomas tried to hide his deep breathing on the hike, but the view at sunset—and the hours they spent sitting on “their rock”—made the climb unforgettable. That night shifted their connection forever, even though Thomas didn’t kiss Sam.

Sam was cautious, coming out of a long-term relationship, but Thomas’s kindness and patience slowly drew her in. Their friendship blossomed into something deeper as they continued spending time together—working out, hiking, playing board games, and binge-watching movies —going from coworkers to best friends to something a whole lot more. One day, they looked at each other and thought, “Wait, when did this become a thing?” Since they couldn’t pinpoint an exact date, they picked February 5, 2023—Thomas’s favorite month and Sam’s favorite number—as their official “anniversary.”

In May 2023, the pair took an amazing road trip out west, camping in the Badlands, snapping a quick photo at Mount Rushmore (because Thomas wasn’t that into it), and visiting friends in Colorado. From long hikes to stargazing, the trip became a core memory that solidified their bond.

Fast forward to August 2024, and Thomas decided it was time to take the next step. He planned the proposal with incredible thought and love, making it a moment Sam would never forget.

While in Appleton with Sam’s family before they were set to leave for a cruise, Thomas and Sam’s sisters created a plan to surprise her. Sam had no idea what was coming. The day started like any other, with Sam enjoying lunch with her dad. Meanwhile, Thomas was busy coordinating with her family to get everything just right.

After lunch, Sam decided to stop by her grandma Kathy’s house, thinking Thomas was there. When she arrived, the house was unexpectedly empty, leaving her a little puzzled. Then, a car arrived at the house—it was her sisters, who handed her a letter and a single white rose. The letter, written by Thomas, asked her to head to her parents’ house in 30 minutes, dressed and ready for something special.

Thirty minutes?! Cue the panic. Sam had no idea what was about to happen but knew she couldn’t keep Thomas waiting. She began to get ready, frantically curling her hair and putting on her favorite outfit just in time. When she arrived at her parents’ house, her mom and dad were waiting with big hugs and teary eyes. They didn’t say much, just smiled and pointed her toward a trail of white roses and petals leading to the backyard (similar to how her dad asked her mom to marry him).

As she followed the path, her heart started racing. The backyard had been transformed into the most romantic scene. Thomas was standing under twinkling lights, looking as nervous and excited as ever. He took her hand, walked her a little further, and then dropped to one knee.

As Thomas poured his heart out, her eyes filled with tears, and by the time he asked her to be his forever, she was already crying. Somehow, through the overwhelming joy, she managed to say, “Of course!”

Just when Sam thought the surprises were over, her family and closest friends appeared, cheering and clapping from where they had been hiding. Everyone hugged, laughed, and celebrated the beautiful moment together. They capped off the evening with a big family cookout, toasting to the newly engaged couple.

The very next day, Sam and Thomas boarded a cruise, deciding to keep their engagement a secret until they returned. It was so fun celebrating with strangers on the cruise and then coming home to celebrate again with all the people they love.

Now, here they are, planning their wedding and getting ready for a lifetime of adventures. They couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their big day with everyone who has been part of their story. Let’s make more memories—see you at the wedding! 💕