The Couple

Amanda and Sam knew each other throughout college, but they didn’t begin dating until after Sam graduated. One day senior year, Amanda showed up to a party before tailgating (or as SMU students call it, “boulevarding”). Sam happened to be in town that weekend, at the exact same party. It was the right place at the right time: they were both single and admittedly, always had a crush on each other. The rest worked out perfectly. Sam went back home to Boston after that weekend and immediately began looking for jobs in Dallas. He moved back a month later, and they’ve been together ever since. Now, they both work in commercial real estate, consider Dallas home, and have a miniature dachshund, Thor, who they treat like their child.

The Proposal

The couple was on vacation with Amanda’s family in Hawaii for the Fourth of July this past year. It was their first full day on the island, and Amanda’s family told her they’d be taking family photos that evening on the beach. Once everyone was ready, they posed for a few family photos. Then, Amanda’s parents suggested she and Sam take a picture together. The couple was standing together on the beach when Sam started to move around. Amanda assumed he was trying to be funny and turned to ask, “What are you doing?” when he was actually down on one knee with a ring in his hand. Amanda immediately began to tear up as she answered “yes!” Beach passersby and witnesses in condos overlooking the beach were cheering as they watched the proposal unfold. Amanda was completely taken by surprise.