Sam and Chris met the old fashioned way: in person! These two theater professionals work for the same non-profit theater organization, New 42, which operates the New Victory Theater in Times Square. Chris works in the Education Department while Sam works in Ticket Services, their paths never crossing except for a once-a-month full staff meeting. It was always clear that a spark existed between them. But after one fateful company holiday party, the pair confessed to each other that something more was brewing as they stayed up until the early morning galavanting around Manhattan. From that moment on, they became inseparable. Countless nights out dancing, fabulous beach trips, oodles of Broadway shows, “Judge Judy” binges, and lazy mornings with dogs Farrah and Tiberius have dominated their time together as a couple.

In October 2022, the pair drove upstate for their annual fall weekend trip to the Hudson Valley. It had become tradition to stay at an incredible cabin that Sam discovered on AirBnB, sample the delicious food of that area, and hike the many mountain trails for a quiet respite from the bustling city. On this trip, they chose to hike the “Sam’s Point Trail” on their second day. A woman offered to take their picture at an overlook, and being experienced with the trail and all it had to offer, cheerily said “I’ll see you at the ice caves!” as she departed. Chris and Sam debated taking the ice cave trail, which detoured from the main path. The trail map pointedly called out the difficult terrain and specifically advised proper hiking footwear (this pair of city boys had of course only brought running sneakers). But the friendly stranger encouraged them to try out the path through the caves as it contained incredible sights. And if they made it through to the end, she promised they would find the “most incredible vista” at the top of the mountain, with a perfect spot for pictures. Chris and Sam hiked through the caves, scrambling across crags, through running water, climbing ladders, and tip-toed through pitch black confines. Finally they emerged from the dark and reached the summit of the mountain. Their new friend was not far behind. “That’s the spot,” she exclaimed and pointed to a large rock formation. The pair climbed over to the rock and posed for pictures. Chris suddenly asked to try out “one more pose” which caused Sam to turn towards him in confusion. But as Sam turned, he discovered Chris was already on one knee, presenting a ring. Atop a mountain with an incredible vista surrounding them, Sam gave an enthusiastic “Yes!” The hiker who had just taken their spontaneous engagement photos revealed that she is actually a professional photographer, had previously lived in the couple’s Queens neighborhood of Sunnyside Gardens, and has a husband of 30 years named Chris. If that’s not a clear sign from the universe that they are taking the correct path, what is?