Tori’s love for a stud all started with a spud. It was St. Patrick’s Day in 2019. Both out celebrating in Santa Monica, we had many mutual friends but had never crossed paths—until that day. Well, sort of. Tori actually never met Sam that Saturday. Sam, however, did meet Tori.

Later that evening, Sam found himself at the new Playa del Rey apartment Tori had just moved into with Sarah and Hannah. Tori, having already celebrated hard, was fast asleep on the couch. She briefly woke up mid-nap to call the foster puppies “potatoes” before passing back out—still unaware Sam existed.

Fast forward a few days. Sam didn’t get her number that night but was determined to make an impression. His first move? A Facebook DM. No introductions, no compliments, no small talk. Just straight facts:

“Did you know China is the leading producer of potatoes? And they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.”

A weird opener? Sure. But it worked.

We talked non-stop for days while Tori was on a work trip. By the following Saturday, we finally hung out—and the rest was history. From that first night, it just clicked. Soon, we were inseparable.

Over the past 6.5 years, we’ve built a life filled with lots of love, laughter, and never staying put. Together, we’ve been to countless concerts, celebrated friends’ weddings, taken unforgettable trips, and made an annual tradition of traveling to Hawaii. Now, we call Redondo Beach home, where we’re regulars at Tony’s—never passing up their famous Fire Chief Mai Tais.

We’re beyond excited to share this moment with our family, friends, and loved ones who have been part of our journey. Surrounded by the people who mean the most to us, we’re ready to dance, toast, and dive into this next chapter—one filled with love, adventure, and maybe a few more Mai Tais!

"And hopefully no more dogs" -Sosa, Pickles, and Frank