Our story starts in the rainy state of Washington, just prior to the entire world being locked down. We met online, and as a first date figured, "What would be better than tacos?" So, Sam hopped in Matt's car (having no idea who he was) and it started. The world would shut down the next month, and we were then stuck together for an indefinite time. This was the true test of compatibility. After a couple years, lots of travels, and lots of time apart due to the military and nursing, Sam was still madly in love. She forced Matt to start skiing, and Matt forced Sam to start going to every available sporting event and country music festival. One trip to Canada, which included a Canucks hockey game and a ski day in Whistler, ended a bit different than average. It was December 3, 2022. On our walk home from the game, the streets were glowing with beautiful Christmas lights. We happened upon a tall, white lit tree with a perfect arch underneath. It was there that Sam (somehow) said "YES!"