The couple met through Rachel - Sam's younger sister and Ryann's best friend. The girls met at SIUE in 2013 and Sam and Ryann met shortly after during a visit to Springfield. It would be 3 long years before they finally got together. While celebrating Rachel's graduation in the summer of 2016, they shared their first kiss at JP Kelly's in front of a cheering crowd. They’ve been hooked on each other ever since.

Ryann organized a birthday party for Sam's 30th in November of 2021 and Sam made sure her friends and family were there too. With their loved ones gathered and singing happy birthday, Sam got down on one knee. Even though everyone had known for weeks, this moment was a complete surprise to Ryann and she couldn't have been happier to accept.