It was December 2021. Sam was tired of the dating apps. John was just tired. However, they decided to open Hinge and give it a few more swipes.

Sam came upon John’s profile and couldn’t keep her eyes off it. Was he a professional dancer? Did he have his own beer line? Sam had to know more and swiped right.

John started the convo and threw out the critical test question: “What are your three desert island movies?” Sam’s answers passed the test: Forrest Gump, Interstellar, and—the one that proved to John they could establish a deep connection—Rat Race.

Their first date in Jersey City was full of laughter and hoppy craft beers. John impressed Sam with a story about how he once threw salmon directly into the mouth of a bald eagle in Alaska. Sam had John smitten with her quick wit, enviable drive, both personally and professionally, and, of course, her discretionary beer taste.  Both knew just after one date they had found someone special.

The long 40 minutes between Jersey City and Bedminster didn’t bother Sam and John, as second, third, and fourth dates were planned quickly. Families were introduced, with Sam’s mom telling her how much she loved John and John’s mom telling him not to mess it up. Everything just “clicked” and it was clear from the beginning that JAM was meant to be.

In May 2023, two months after John and Sam purchased a house together in Cranford, NJ, the family got together and John pulled aside Sam’s dad, Paul, to ask for her hand in marriage. Paul was so excited he almost ruined the surprise for Sam by saying “I’m proud to call John my son-in-law”—luckily, Sam was used to Paul saying silly things. John and Paul’s handshake confirmed that John would always be there for Sam in sickness and in health, and always be there for Paul to talk about baseball.

In June 2023, John and Sam embarked for their trip to Europe. Little did Sam know that John had brought a ring across the pond with him. They hiked to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland, and John popped the question. Sam quickly said “Yes” and they celebrated the special moment in a Scotland bar with champagne and haggis.

John and Sam have never been happier, and they feel so lucky to have found each other and have family and friends to celebrate their love.