Every now and then we get to plan a Family event. Two years ago it was my niece’s wedding, but this year we celebrated my son’s big day.
When Brandon and Samantha first met, they were both working as Pool Managers at different locations. Their first meeting did not go very well at all. Brandon, who is in the USMC Reserves, was deployed to Iraq in 2004, so he did not see Samantha until the following year. Their paths crossed again at an aquatics refresher course. Brandon thought she was pretty cute but did not recall their first encounter. But Samantha had not forgotten and just rolled her eyes at him. Eventually she came around and they began dating.
Both were in college, so their time together was valuable. They had to endure college life in different states and a very long separation when Brandon received a second deployment to Iraq in 2008. This was the true test of their love.
Within a week of Brandon’s return home, they not only found but moved into an apartment. Apparently this was a very good thing, because one afternoon I received a call from Brandon that he had just put down a deposit on an engagement ring. Within a couple of months, after seeking approval from Samantha’s father, it was time to pop the question.
The deed was done on a special date night. Both love the water and all things Maryland. With this in mind; Brandon made reservations at McCormick and Schmidt, a nice restaurant located on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. After Samantha said yes, the wait staff presented them with complimentary champagne and a personalized menu. Let the planning begin…
