Katie Manson & Sam Ring

October 13, 2018

When a group of California-based Clemson alumni gathered to watch Tiger football at a local bar, Katie Manson and Sam Ring caught each other’s eyes. They chatted during subsequent alumni meet-ups, but it took two years before Katie threw caution to the wind and handed Sam her number. Another two years later, Sam planned a perfect proposal evening for Katie, but when they set out for drinks before dinner, the preselected bar was closed. While most proposers would find this a setback, Sam had purposely led Katie to a closed bar so he could suggest a seemingly spontaneous walk to nearby Ina Coolbrith Park. The couple soon found themselves in front of the Bay Bridge with a stunning view of the San Francisco skyline, and once his nerves settled, Sam asked Katie to be his wife. She immediately accepted, with a photographer present to capture the moment. Surrounded by family and friends, the two were wed at the Owen Pavilion at the Madren Center in Clemson overlooking Lake Hartwell. Cotton Rouge provided makeup and hair, and Aimee Cromer created the floral designs. Katie is a manager of member engagement at Blue Shield of California, and Sam is in sales operations at Prezi. The couple continues to live in San Francisco.

Photography by Sabrina Fields Photography