Wedding | Samantha & David

The Anti-Bride
2 days ago
4 min read

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Dave and I met freshman year of college at Duquesne University, where we both went to business school. Though we quickly gravitated toward each other on the very first night-out of the semester and exchanged numbers, we would remain just friends for the next 4 years. It wasn’t until senior year when we shared a class together - a random elective that we both must have heard was easy and signed up for - that our friendship blossomed. Our relationship quickly grew from friends to best friends to soulmates.

7 years later – after one year of long distance, big moves across the state, new jobs, personal and professional milestones, beautiful vacations and adventures around the world, new friends, loss of loved ones, growing closer to each other’s families, surprise parties, buying our first home, lots of laughs, tears and joy – I am so grateful for that random, easy elective class. It allowed Dave and I to gravitate right back to each other, build upon our friendship and fall so deeply in love.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

Two months after getting engaged, we bought our dream home together. As we moved in and began to fill each nook and cranny with our lives, we realized how much this space meant to us. We toured a few venues, but each time, we found ourselves joking about just hosting the wedding at home. After a few more tours, it became clear nothing felt quite as right as celebrating our love in the place where we’ve started building our life together—where we’ll make memories, raise our children one day, and continue to grow as partners. It felt special to create and hold this memory right in our own backyard.

How many guests did you have?

120.

What was your budget?

$30K.

Tell us about your outfits.

Wedding Dress: Milena Strapless Drop-Wast Mikado Wedding Gown by Jenny Yoo, purchased from Anthropology.

Second Look: Sera Silk Two Piece from Reformation

My bouquet was homemade with the bushiest peonies Whole Foods had to offer!

Jewelry: I wore my mom-mom’s pearl necklaces – she passed away when I was 10 years old, but we still hold her memory and presence so close. Whenever there is a special occasion that she should have been at, we (my mom, sister and I) honor her by wearing a piece of her jewelry.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

I wanted welcome our guests into our world and home for the day, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and intention.

From the start, I was determined to enjoy the process of designing this day rather than stress over it. To balance enjoyment with the rigor that comes with successful planning, I focused on what truly mattered: I had clear visions for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception but prioritized just 2-3 key elements for each, trusting those would bring everything together – and it did!

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

We wanted someone who truly knew us and our relationship to officiate our ceremony. As soon as we got engaged, we knew we would ask our best friend, Chris. The ceremony was so intimate and personal, perfectly weaving together thoughtful reflections about us individually and the bond we share. It was such a beautiful, special moment; we still find ourselves at a loss for words to describe just how much it meant to us.

Any tips for couples getting married?

There are no rules when it comes to your wedding day, do what you want and don’t feel guilty about it!

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

I cannot say enough good things about my photographer, Emma Melin Studios, for being such a talent – her photography is truly a work of art that tells the story of your day, inclusive of all the details. She’s just perfection! I look forward to continuing to work with her for future life events, I miss her already!

I must highlight my event designer, Elizabeth McGarrie, from VB Ellen Events & Design – her services include décor and theme design, floral design and include access to her large, personally curated collection of antique, vintage and modern furniture / décor. She added the perfect touches of understated elegance and vintage décor (big & small) to our day. She was so incredible and perfectly executed our vision for the day!

Photographer: Emma Melin Studios @emmamelinstudios | Styling: VB Ellen Events & Design @vbellendesign | Flora: Homemade floral arrangements & bouquets | Ceremony & Reception Location:

Jon Logan @jlogan.art | Dress: Jenny Yoo @jennyyoo from @anthropologie | Veil: MiBridalVeil on Etsy @etsy | Jewellery: Sami's late mothers | Shoes: Sami was barefoot | Engagement & Wedding Rings: Steven Singer @stevensingerjewelers | Wedding Party Attire: MOB Dress @amsale, Maid of Honor Dress @amurofficial & Matron of Honor Dress @anthropologie