S A M A N T H A

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D A N

{March 4th, 2023}

Introducing our beautiful bride, Samantha!

For her wedding in paradise, Samantha wore a sparkling, fitted gown by Stella York!

We love the lace and fun back details on this gorgeous gown!

{Photos by: Wedding Day Story}

Samantha married her hubby, Dan, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Riu Guanacaste Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica!

{Photos by: Wedding Day Story}

How did the newlyweds meet?

“Dan and I met through mutual friends at Purdue University. I was studying at another Purdue Campus and a friend asked me to visit main campus with her to see her boyfriend. Dan was the boyfriend’s roommate and the rest is history.”

How did Dan pop the question?

“Dan and I take an annual trip to a new location in Michigan every fall/summer, and in September 2021 we visited Ludington, MI. Dan and I spent the day exploring and we were walking on the boardwalk then arrived at the lighthouse, and that’s when Dan got down on one knee. Dan tells me he had the ring in his pocket all day and had absolutely no idea where he would propose, but was determined to find the perfect spot, and he did.”

Was it a surprise or did she know it was coming?

“I had a feeling it was coming! 😉”

After she said “yes!” to Dan, it was time for Samantha to say “yes!” to the dress!

“I loved shopping for dresses and visited two different locations with my family. The second was Something Blue. I had each family member grab a couple of clothes pins to pick dresses for me, and everyone pretty much knew my style. We worked with Colleen and she asked for feedback with each dress, and really tried to nail down what I would love. After I tried on all the dresses selected by myself and family, Colleen asked if she could make a suggestion. She came back with THE dress, and when I walked out in it my whole family knew it was the one. BIG thanks to Colleen, we had so much fun working with her!”

How did Samantha know her dress was "the one"?

“It’s difficult to describe, but I think when seeing myself in the dress it just looked like me. My family agrees, and said that when they watched me walk out in the dressing room that it looked like the dress was made for me.”

What was her favorite {& least fave} part of the planning process?

“My favorite part was the simplicity, Dan and I opted to elope in Costa Rica, and we wanted to make our day special without all the stress of planning a large event. I’d say we succeeded and we enjoyed every single second of our wedding day.

My least favorite part was the uncertainty of planning an event in another country. Riu Guanacaste eased all of my fears with each email and question I had, but there’s still a little piece of you that thinks, “I hope we thought through all the logistical pieces,” or “I wonder what this Spa is like.” Shout out to my wedding coordinator Valeria, who made every piece of our day so simple for us, and my stylist Estrella, who put any fears to rest immediately, and made me feel so beautiful.”

Looking back, what is her favorite memory from the big day?

“My favorite moment was the special script spoken after our vows and during the ceremony. Dan and I each held each others hands, and the script describes the experiences you will have with your partner throughout your lifetime, and discusses the gift that your significant other is to you. It was so special, and I still get about two sentences in before I get weepy thinking about the life that Dan and I will have together.”

What is the best piece of advice Samantha can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their wedding?

“My best piece of advice is not to overthink things! All of the details can of course be significant, but the most important thing to focus on at the end of the day is that you are walking away with your new spouse and life partner. Make the day something you two will look back and fondly remember.”

Congratulations, Samantha and Dan!!

Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos in the gallery below!