A Love Meant to Be Some love stories begin in unexpected places, but ours started long before we even realized it was a love story at all. We ventured through life together from a very young age, bound by the warmth of family traditions and childhood adventures. Every year, our families would take trips to New Melones Lake, where we spent the fall splashing in the water, laughing until our stomachs hurt, and unknowingly building the foundation of something incredible. As we grew older, our friendship evolved. Middle school brought with it innocent little crushes, the kind that made hearts race and faces flush. Then, in high school, our story truly began—Colin’s sophomore year and Sammy’s freshman year, we officially became a couple. From that moment on, we were inseparable, navigating the highs and lows of teenage life hand in hand. Through late-night phone calls, high school dances, and countless memories, our love only deepened. Even as we set off on our separate college journeys, life had a funny way of pulling us back together. No matter how far we strayed, we always found our way back to each other. It was as if the universe knew—our hearts belonged together. After graduating college, we both knew it was time to stop running in circles. It was time to choose each other, once and for all. So we did. We planted our roots in Reno, Nevada, and over the past few years, we’ve built a life filled with love, laughter, and the pitter-patter of four little paws—our two wonderful dogs, Kelani and Laila. But the most magical moment of all came at the end of 2024. Colin knew, without a doubt, that Sammy was the one. And on December 26th, beneath the soft drizzle of rain, he got down on one knee at Zephyr Cove Beach. It was the perfect place—not only nestled in our hometown but just a street away from where our first love blossomed into something eternal. And so, our journey continues, stronger than ever, proving that some love stories aren’t just written in the stars—they’re lived, day by day, side by side.