{SBB Bride of the Week} Samantha
S A M A N T H A
+
L A Y T E N
{July 8th, 2023}
{Photos by: Burns Photography}
We are so happy to introduce you to our beautiful bride, Samantha!
For her July wedding, Samantha chose a gorgeous laser-cut gown by All Who Wander and a soft, cathedral length veil by Bel Aire Bridal!
{Photos by: Burns Photography}
All of Samantha’s gorgeous flowers were done by Florals by Steen out of Homer Glen, IL!
{Photos by: Burns Photography}
Samantha married her hubby, Layten, in a beautiful ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mokena, IL!
”My favorite moment was seeing Layten's reaction when I walked down the aisle. All the planning and anticipation led up to that moment, and it was truly magical. Seeing his expression filled with love and emotion made me realize that I was making the right decision. It was a moment of pure joy and happiness. I had no hesitations, and it's true that you really don't notice anyone else as you're walking down the aisle. I was nervous during the rehearsal that I would be looking at everyone looking at me, but when the moment came, all I saw was Layten.”
{Photos by: Burns Photography}
After the newlyweds said “I Do”, everyone made their way to the Haley Mansion in Joliet, IL!
This venue is so stunning!
{Photos by: Burns Photography}
How did the happy couple first meet?
”Layten and I met during our freshman year at North Central College. I saw Layten and his friend hanging out in my dorm hall and on a whim, decided to go introduce myself. We ended up talking for a while, getting to know each other. After that night, we became fast friends, and in September of our sophomore year, we had our first kiss and Layten asked me to the homecoming dance for our first official date as a couple.”
How did Layten pop the question?
”Nine years later, Layten planned a surprise proposal with my good friend and bridesmaid, Brittany, who also happens to be a talented photographer. They conspired to make me think I was arranging a couple’s photo session, but Layten was behind it all along. We were taking pictures along Chicago's lake shore when Layten got down on one knee and proposed. After I got over the immediate shock of what had just happened, Brittany suggested we go get a drink to celebrate. “Best espresso martinis in the city?” I said “Quartino?! Yes!” While we made our way there, I was telling Layten that I really wanted to get home to tell my family the news (and show them my ring!). I should have known Layten had already thought it through. When we walked into Quartino, my family was there waiting to surprise me even more. I was absolutely stunned!”
Was it a surprise or did Samantha know it was coming?
”Even though we knew we wanted to spend forever together, the actual proposal was a surprise. I had my suspicions, but I didn't want to get my hopes up too much.”
After she snagged the ring, it was time to find her wedding dress!
”Something Blue Bridal was a one-stop shop and perfect place for me to find my dream wedding dress! I invited my mom, sisters, aunt, and grandmothers to join me for a fun-filled day of dress shopping. We tried on tons of styles and had a blast imagining myself walking down the aisle in each one. It was a stress-free and enjoyable experience that helped set the tone for the overall look and feel of our big day!”
How did she know her dress was "the one"?
"My mom found my dream dress! She picked out this unique gown that was completely different from what I had originally imagined. She says she knew it was the one even on the hanger. I tried it on and it felt like magic. The square neckline was exactly what I was looking for, and the sleeves were airy and light, which complemented the overall feeling I wanted for the wedding. It was so different from the simple, clean dresses I thought I wanted, but something about it just felt so right. When I put on the cathedral veil, it was a done deal. It was everything I had hoped for and more.”
What was Samantha’s favorite part of the wedding planning process?
"My favorite part of planning was working side-by-side with my mom. She was my rock throughout the whole process! Since I hadn't planned a wedding before, I really relied on her expertise. My mom has amazing taste and vision, so I knew I was in great hands. It was the cherry on top that she picked out my dream dress. She knows me better than I know myself, and I love how everything came together to reflect who Layten and I are as a couple and our families coming together as one.”
What about her LEAST favorite part?
”Choosing a color theme was actually a very challenging part of the planning process for me. I wanted to create a cohesive look but wasn't sure how the colors of the flowers, dresses, suits, and decor would all come together. Ultimately, I decided on a color scheme based on what I was drawn to at that time of year and sought advice from the florist.
I also had to be mindful of my budget and avoid getting caught up in the extravagant wedding trends that I saw on social media. It was tough to resist the temptation to create a wedding that looked like something out of a celebrity's Instagram or magazine, but I knew that it wasn't realistic or necessary. I had to focus on what was essential and create a wedding that reflected our unique personalities and style.”
What is the best piece of advice Samantha can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their own big day?
”Don't feel pressured to follow trends or try to replicate everything you see on social media. Focus on creating a wedding that reflects your unique personalities and style, and sometimes less is more. The most important thing is that you and your partner are happy and celebrating your love. Your day will be beautiful because all your favorite people are coming together to celebrate you. And remember, even when unexpected challenges arise, trust that everything will work out in the end. Sometimes, the unexpected twists can actually lead to something even more special. Enjoy it all because it goes by so fast!”
Congratulations, Samantha and Layten!!
Check out more of their gorgeous wedding photos by Burns Photography in the gallery below!
