#realchicbride Samantha in Yvette by Ines Di Santo at her Miami Wedding
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Landan & Samantha met at Florida State University in 2015, when Landan’s name was added to a list of men who wanted to attend Kappa Delta’s formal and Samantha invited him.
In typical Landan fashion, Sam’s Formal invitation was rejected, as Landan claimed there was a “work schedule conflict”. And in typical Sam fashion, she prepared to ignore him for all of eternity.
Little did they know, this was just the beginning of their story.
After many nights of running into each-other and countless asks for a second chance, Samantha accepted Landan’s invite to a Phi Tau Woodser Date Function and the rest is history. The pair graduated as college sweethearts.
For two years after college, the couple faced long-distance obstacles as they determined the best place to grow in their careers and life together.
In the end, it was Miami that they decided they would call home. Quickly after doing so, Landan bought his first boat and Sam adopted her first bengal cat, making their household complete.
In June of 2022, the couple took their first trip to Europe together. They were at lunch with friends after spending the morning exploring the most beautiful sites in Greece when Landan, who had been holding on tight to his carry-on bag, suggested that they make one more stop at a historical castle across the street.
It was there, at the Old Castle in Santorini, Greece where Landan would get down on one knee and ask Samantha to marry him. And it was there where Samantha would say yes to spending forever with him.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
When I started planning my wedding, I envisioned a happy, Miami style fiesta, while still keeping the day chic and timeless. Our venue matched our vision of being on the water, where we spend a lot of our time, and with the skyline in the background and the tropical palm trees surrounding, we knew it was the perfect low-key, but naturally stunning spot.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
With Landan and I building our life together in Miami, we love this city and it was important to us that our friends and family that traveled from every part of the country to see why we’ve set our roots here. An after party was important for this, along with a venue that showed off the city! We didn’t want to focus too much on traditional aspects that don’t have meaning to us. We skipped the bouquet and garter tosses, and opted to cut our cake without a crowd.
How did you decide on the location?
Answered above
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Yvette by Ines Di Santo made me tear up the second I tried it on, and I’m not a crier! The way the dress made me feel ended the search for me. I set out looking for a dress that was flattering, set itself apart yet was still timeless. I really wanted the drama of sleeves, and this dress delivered!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My Maid of Honor was my go-to for important opinions on my wedding planning, and the day would not have been what it was without my bridesmaids and mom having quite a day in the bridal suite leading up to the wedding! I know Landan feels the same about the groomsmen and family gathered around him as he got ready for the day as well.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The send off was such a feeling of elation! We were so excited to recap the amazing day and wind down from visiting with everyone and have a moment to ourselves before meeting friends at an after party. The boat was docked right at our venue and everyone waved to us goodbye as ’This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)’ played, and docked right up at a bar on the water after a 20 minute cruise along Miami’s skyline.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I always knew I’d opt for a half up look as I normally wear most my hair down, but wanted the hair out of my face being outside. As for makeup, I love glowy and natural with a side of drama around the eyes and lips! The Clyque had me captured from the moment I saw their looks on Instagram.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Viktoriia Yasinka was the most amazing photographer! Her style is effortless, romantic, and timeless. She managed to be everywhere all at once and I am so happy to have these moments captured forever.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We leave to Africa later this month, we wanted to have a minute to recover and the seasons to align well between Zanzibar, a safari in Kenya, and visiting Cape Town. We are so excited for a shark cage dive, seeing animals in the wild, and visiting new cultures.
Credits:
- Dress: Ines Di Santo Yvette from Chic Parisian
- Photography: Viktoriia Yasinka
- Decor/catering/florals: Events by Alejandro