Queen & King

In a celebration of romance and commitment, recently engaged couple Catriona Gray and Sam Milby share their intimate love story founded on the clarity of their individuality while also recognizing the power of strength in togetherness

- VERONICA GARCIA

Love happens unexpectedly. In one fluttering moment, love meets you at your best friend’s wedding or at a high school reunion with shared drinks and stories. But sometimes,

love begins with a simple hello, a connection that builds on the foundation of friendship. Catriona Gray and Sam Milby never intended to start a relationship, but love touched by faith strengthened their bond.

IT JUST HAPPENS

The celebrated couple first met at an event in 2012, but like any other acquaintances in the industry, all they had was a photo together, and nothing else followed. Years later, they ended up in the same church group, where friendship found them.

“I think sometimes you go through this checklist of what you want in a person, and then you end up with the person that you don’t expect. It happens. You get along, and you follow up,” shared Sam on the unexpected blossoming of his relationship with Catriona. However, the beauty queen had high walls around her after she won Miss Universe 2018, but Sam was persistent in a good way.

THIS IS WHAT LOVE IS

The idea of falling in love may have been that “happily ever after” Catriona had seen in Disney movies when she was young. But growing up, her idea of love changed.

“I realized that love is really hard work. I think when you’re young and you see [love] in movies, you [get the urge to] find the perfect person, fall in love, and [have your partner] complete you. But in growing up and maturing, I’ve realized that no one should complete you,” Catriona said.