In the late summer of 2016, the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club hosted their annual Triangle Tournament. After a fun-filled day of rugby with Canadians and Wisconsinites, Sam found herself in her natural habitat pouring tequila shots at a picnic table under the pavillion. Although not a fan of tequila, Ben seemed to think it might be worth it to take one anyway and introduce himself. 

As the social continued through the town of Lemont, Ben and Sam were inseparable-- and very much have been ever since. As they grew into their relationship throughout the following months, they realized that their paths had likely crossed several years before at NIU Rugby events, but neither had realized it. Which if you were lucky enough to know either of them in their college years, was probably for the best 😂.

Sam started working for the Chicago Blaze Rugby Clubhouse bar, affectionately known as "The Sin Bin," and both Ben and Sam continued to play rugby and support eachother on and off the field. Over the next three years, rugby seasons had come and gone, but their love continued to grow. 

One VERY early Saturday morning of St. Paddy's Day weekend 2019, Sam was getting ready for her shift at the clubhouse to work a Six Nations match between Ireland and Wales, where Ben would follow along to watch and enjoy breakfast and a few pints of his favorite Guinness Draught. At just about 6:00am, (yes you read that right, six o'clock in the morning...) Ben called Sam upstairs-- of which she presumed was to clean up a mess that Gremlin made. To her surprise, when she opened the door she found Ben down on one knee holding the most stunning engagement ring, asking her to marry him. The rest as they say, is history.