Every love story has its unique twist, turn, and, in this case, a bit of engineering magic. Eoin & Samantha are two engineers who met in 2017 at University College Dublin, where Sam’s American study abroad programme became a full-time Irish adventure. They bonded over problem-solving and laughter, and somewhere between group projects and group hangouts, started their lifelong journey together. Eoin is known to be very conscious of days and holidays and asked Sam to be his girlfriend on his Birthday and Valentine’s Day, creating the mighty ‘BirthValVersary’.
After two years of long-distance love and spending all holidays and free time together, came time for the proposal and a ring as unique as his American dream girl. Sam had dropped hints about loving the look of an oval diamond with some sparkles on the band. ‘Clear preferences, but I still needed more guidance,’ says Eoin. After all, as an engineer, he likes nothing more than a good plan.
While Samantha loved the idea of an oval diamond and side stones, the angled halo was Eoin’s idea. The pair loves the fact that the hidden halo adds just that extra bit of dazzle to the main stone, which is perfect because Sam has admitted to adoring anything that shines.
It was all about finding that subtle touch that would make her engagement ring that little bit more special and personalised, and it worked like a charm.
The pair has always loved puzzles. Early on, when Eoin was trying to find the right words to express how he felt, he said Sam was ‘the missing piece of my two-piece jigsaw puzzle.’ This unashamedly adorable expression stuck, and as time passed they just naturally made it their ‘thing’. To celebrate and cement this further, Eoin included a puzzle engraving on the ring as a little nod to that sweet moment. The couple kept the ruby signature stone in Sam’s engagement ring because they loved the meaning behind it. It represents love, passion, and a hint of luck, which are all qualities that the couple is keen to welcome into their marriage.
Proposing was always going to be an adventure. After all, it had to live up to their transatlantic love story. Eoin proposed while the two were doing long-distance during the pandemic. Sam had already guessed the exact day, so there were no big surprises there, but the little details made it memorable.
An excited Eoin flew to the US for the proposal, and even the immigration officer seemed invested in the story, asking, ‘Why haven’t you proposed yet?’ After being told the plan, he replied, ‘Well, let’s see if she says yes!’ Talk about pressure.
The big day was on Stuart Island, Washington, with a beautiful sunset setting the scene. Eoin planned to ask for Sam’s family’s blessing mid-hike, starting with her dad, Dan, who took a good five minutes to say yes. Attention then turned to her mum, Pam, and sister, Olivia, while they were distracted by a swarm of mosquitoes.
Sometimes the natural world provides its own brand of drama. Then, with everyone in position for the perfect photo, Eoin gave a speech that ‘neither of them can now recall’ before he got down on one knee. The rest is history.
‘The engagement ring experience with Taylor & Hart was so good that I had to return for the wedding rings,’ says Eoin proudly. Since the couple have always loved the idea of being a ‘perfect pair’, it made sense for their rings to match as well. They chose interlocking half-heart puzzle piece engravings that, when combined, form a whole. The sentiment and detail are a happy representation of their relationship, bringing them even more joy every time they link hands.
The wedding day at Marlfield House in Gorey, Ireland, was magical. Even the Irish weather decided to be kind. Surrounded by friends and family, the happy couple had the perfect ceremony, with the surprise addition of a tennis bracelet from Taylor & Hart for Sam, which added yet another level of sparkle to the day.
As Sam & Eoin continue to explore the world together, they strive to cherish each moment, big or small. Whether it’s debating chicken thighs (Sam hates them, and her new husband knows better than to serve them) or planning their next adventure, the newlyweds are excited for what’s to come.
From Dublin to Bainbridge Island, to (now) Cambridge, who knows where the couple will end up next? Whatever the destination, they’ll be there together, making new memories and solving even more puzzles.
