Both graduates of Kempsville High School, Melanie and Sam did not connect in-person until August 2017 at a celebration for family friend, Nick Liakos who has recently graduated from the Virginia Beach Fire Department with Sam. Months later, when Sam moved down to the oceanfront he ran into Melanie at the Harris Teeter and they exchanged numbers.

3 years, multiple run-ins and the timing was finally right. In August of 2020, Melanie was with her best friend Cindy and they ran into Sam at Old Beach Farmer's Market where he was registering people to vote for the 2020 election. 4 days later finally had their first date on September 1st at Hearth and they've been together since!