Ben and Sammy

Aug 7
2021
TO 5:30 pm
After returning from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Ben ran into Sammy on Bumble (an online dating site for those lucky enough to be unaware). They quickly hit it off and found themselves on a first date at a local Portland brewery. Little did they know it was also trivia night, which they were both terrible at. After vowing to never play trivia again, they set up a second first date to hike to a waterfall, much more their speed. That second first date turned into many future dates of hiking, checking out wineries and breweries, trying new foods, playing games, and hanging with friends and family.
After many adventures in Oregon, Ben and Sammy decided they were ready to find somewhere new to call home. They wanted a change of pace and hoped for sunny weather following an extra rainy Portland winter. Sammy quickly found a dream job in Hawai'i, and Ben was excited to join her. They couldn't wait to check out the sandy beaches, blue water, and new waterfalls. Their only hurdle was getting their cat, Pixel, island ready (read lots of shots, check-ups, and a very angry kitty). After two months of planning, their little family moved into their first home together on Oahu. It took sometime to get used to their new environment (and missing old friends), but every weekend brings a new island adventure with new friends. They even joined a weekly trivia team that sometimes wins!
Ben and Sammy got engaged on October 13, 2019. It was a sunny afternoon in Hawai'i and they were hanging out in their living room. The engagement fit well with their personalities as they both laughed and smiled from excitement. Following the engagement, Ben surprised Sammy by taking her out to dinner at Vino's, an Italian tapas restaurant that serves wine flights. She couldn't believe he found the perfect mixture of both her favorite restaurants (Olive Garden and Melting Pot) in a non-chain restaurant. They cheersed glasses many times to spending their lives together!
The COVID-19 pandemic definitely changed up our wedding plans! After planning and moving our wedding three times due to safety reasons and guest restrictions, Ben and I officially made the decisions to have an intimate in-person wedding on Saturday, August 7, 2021 and stream the ceremony via Zoom for our guests. We hope to celebrate in-person with all of our guests at another time when the pandemic has passed.

Gary is Sammy's father and an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church. He is a master of words, wisdom, and love.

Delaine is Sammy's lifelong (almost day one) friend since they were found hugging in day care at three months old.

Elise is Ben's sister and a fast friend of Sammy's. Sammy cannot wait for the many adventures they have together as sister-in-laws!

Matt is one of two people that Ben wanted to stand next to him on his wedding day. They were friends in Boston who decided to bike across the country together to live in Portland, Oregon.
Drew is one of two people that Ben wanted to stand next to him on his wedding day. He is Ben's long-time friend from childhood.

Pixel is our pride and joy.

Dave is Ben's father from Fall River, Massachusetts.

Patricia is Ben's mother from Fall River, Massachusetts.

Elise is Ben's sister from Chicago, Illinois, who now travels the country in a van!

Gary and Karen are Sammy's parents from Duluth, Minnesota.

Laurie and Donnie are Sammy's parents from Fort Myers, Florida.
Ben & Sammy
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