Our Story
How We Met
After facing the tough decision to leave college due to health challenges, Aliya packed up her life and moved to the city, hoping for a fresh start. It wasn’t long before she found herself searching for a job, which led her to the Lucky Shots Pickleball Club. That’s where she first crossed paths with Sammy, who was an instructor at the club.
In the beginning, before his lessons, Sammy would wait in the lobby. He started off not saying much, but as time went on, he started chatting with Aliya while she was at the desk. He started coming in earlier and earlier, just to chat with Aliya.
The staff at Lucky Shots picked up on this. Whispers and knowing glances were exchanged behind the counter. The gossip started spreading around the club and eventually, some of the staff were bold enough to ask each of them questions. Aliya, ever the skeptic, brushed it off, adamant that she wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship.
But Sammy had other plans. He was patient. Persistent. Intentional. On the days that snowed when he was there, he'd scrape the snow off her car as though it was the most natural thing in the world. He’d surprise her with a warm cup of coffee, always thinking of little gestures that made her smile.
Aliya, stubborn and in denial, told herself that there was no way this could be anything serious. But the more she spent time with him, the more she realized how wrong she was. Sammy wasn’t just persistent—he was kind, genuine, and everything she never knew she needed.
It took a little help from her friends, who could see what Aliya was trying to hide from, but eventually, she came to a simple, undeniable conclusion: how could she not? Sammy was exactly the kind of person she’d always hoped to find.
And now, here they are—planning their future together, stronger than ever, and about to begin a new chapter as husband and wife.
The Proposal
After a long day at work, Aliya had no idea that what awaited her would change everything. Sammy picked Aliya up and drove her back to her family's house in Buffalo. As they arrived, Sammy handed her a pair of boots and told her to put them on. Curiously, Aliya followed him outside.
Sammy led her down a path through the yard, and they soon arrived at the frozen lake in the back. There, her family had set up a beautiful surprise—candles and rose petals marked a path on the ice, leading to beautiful flowers at the end. A snowman, made by her brother-in-laws, stood proudly at the start of the path, holding a single rose.
At the end of the trail, on the ice, Sammy turned to her, dropped to one knee, and asked the question that had been on his heart...
In that quiet and magical moment, it felt like their entire future had unfolded before them.
Before Sammy could finish, Aliya started nodded violently (its still in question if she ever actually said yes)
...and Aliya started jumping