August 24, 2023...

He had only just arrived for orientation, and only days into the week, she had already captured his eye...

Can you spot them? This photo was only taken minutes before a close friend and loving mother connected the two forever.

Several months into Sam's first semester at Taylor University and Vale's second year, they had already developped a strong and exciting friendship. They both connected over their shared heritage, having grown up in families that were involved in ministry, and also enjoied late-night rollerblading. Every moment spent together was filled with excitement, and it was a blaring fact to everyone what was going on, but neither Sam nor Vale shared their growing feelings with each other.

Halfway through November, on a cool evening, Samuel asked Vale out to get ice cream (her favorite) and at long last expressed to her how much he liked her and was attracted to her. Through many squeals and hugs, they both marveled at how God had orchestrated the past couple of months that led them to this moment of joy!

With the end of the semester approaching, both Samuel and Vale knew that they would be separating for the time being, and so they took the winter break to pray about their next steps.

After what seemed like more than years (although it really was 2 months) the two lovebirds reunited at the beginning of the spring semester. After a week of suspense that led up to dinner out and movie night, Vale returned to campus dishearted by the fact that Samuel had't even hinted at asking her to be his girlfriend anytime soon.

Samuel, however, with the help of Vale's friends, placed a vase of Vale's favorite flowers in the spot the two had their first date. With the sound of her favorite artist's music in the background, Samuel finally asked Vale to be his girlfriend!

This longawaited moment finally arrived; the adventure together had officially began!

Their first months of dating were filled with joy and growth. They enjoyed the simple moments shared on their college campus as they got to know each other more deeply and grew in love.

That first summer together was a time when they felt God was beginning to prepare their hearts for something greater. Sam had the opportunity to do his internship in Colombia—specifically in the very place where Vale had spent some of the most cherished moments of her childhood. During his time there, he also met Vale’s family and had the chance to enjoy and learn more about her culture.

When the leaves began to turn color, Sam's family decieded to come up to Taylor and visit for a weekend. It so happened that on that same weekend, Vale's family flew from Colombia as well! The two families were able to spend several days together and get to know each other in this special way. Vale and Sam were elated, and they couldn't help but dream of a future together!

"I love you" was a big step that Sam had told Vale would come when marriage was closer for them. One night, towards the end of September, during a romantic yet simple conversation they were having, Sam told Vale what she had been waiting for—but knew wasn’t the time yet. This was so exciting for both of them as they started to dream about a life together.

During Vale's last year of college, one of the most special things for both her and Sam was to spend time with her family, that visited on multiple ocassions. They could not imagine a future without the other in it. Even while all of this was going on, Sam had already begun to make plans...

After having reached so many milestones, one of the sweetest things for both Sam and Vale was the moments they got to spend with each other's families. It was so special for Vale to spend more time with Sam's siblings, Eric and Margie. As the spring began to transition into the summer, Vale began to wonder about what Sam was up to, and when he was going to take the final step.

On a clear, warm afternoon, Vale thought she was just going to have wonderful picknic with Sam. What she did not know was that he had planned a surprise for her, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Vale was convinced they were going on their "last date" as Taylor students, but it was so much more than just the end of a season.

After enjoying the food and scenary together, Sam gave Vale a painting he had done for her, and then began reading her a story. It was about his family—specifically, the women who had passed on a precious gift down through three generations. In her heart, she began to realize that the words were about to become true for her. Nevertheless, Vale tried to convince herself it was just another beautiful poem Sam had written.

By the end of the story, when it finally mentioned her name, Sam told Vale he had found her—someone more valuable than diamonds.

Then, he got down on one knee and told her he wanted her to be his wife. After lots of tears (and lots of “No ways! This can’t be happening!”)…

SHE SAID YES!