Kirsten and Sam's story began in their Farmville middle school. However, it wasn't until 2010 in Richmond that they rekindled their connection and realized their shared interests made them a perfect match. In 2018, they established their home in Salisbury, where they joined Sam's sister and brother-in-law, residents for over seven years. 

In their new home built by Sam’s mom (Gay Irby with Midlothian, Inc.), they prepared to start a family. Two years later, daughter Hayden was born. “We haven’t really decided on a family size yet,” Kirsten says. “We hope to keep our family growing, but it’s ultimately God’s Plan.” The family also includes two beloved pets, Roscoe and Hitch. Roscoe, their dog, found his way to them nine years ago and has been a cherished companion ever since. Hitch may only be two, but the cat has quite a history. “She got her name because she hitchhiked for two days, when she was just a few weeks old, in Sam’s spare tire under his truck,” Kirsten says. 

Starting their family near Sam’s sister was a natural choice due to their strong emphasis on family values. “Our family is very close!” she says. “We vacation each year with both of our extended families. We believe that our families define us, but we have our individual identities as well.” Their individual Irby identity is rooted in their love of the outdoors, especially the beach. “The three of us are total beach bums,” Kirsten says. Outdoor enthusiasts, the family shares a deep love for the beach and regularly visits five different beaches on the East Coast: Sandbridge, South Port and Oak Island, NC, and Charleston and Isle of Palms, SC. Their shared dream revolves around moving to the beach and eventually launching a restaurant.

Sam and Kirsten work hard to make these trips possible. Sam is a professional engineer at WO Grubb, and Kirsten is a district sales manager at Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits. While mom and dad are at work, Hayden attends Skipwith Academy. Kirsten's job not only connects her with local restaurants but also fuels her Instagram account, Cocktails with Kirsten. “I love all of the local restaurants because I have the pleasure of working with them, but I particularly love O’Toole’s because they are good to me and treat me like family!” she says. 

Besides visiting local restaurants, the Irbys love playing at the pool, shopping at Target, date nights at Wild Ginger, attending reggae concerts, supporting the Hokies, and relishing Mexican cuisine. They're also active with outdoor pursuits like biking, walking, fishing, and utilizing the amenities at Salisbury Country Club. They enjoy neighborhood gatherings, playtime at Wishing Well Park, and visits to the lake.

From Farmville to Salisbury, the Irbys’ journey underscores the importance of shared interests and letting God’s plan guide you. Sam and Kirsten’s love story, careers, beach passions, and furry companions all weave a tale of vibrant togetherness.