Married Darren on April 6th, 2019
#kjbride samantha wore the ‘Celeste’ gown by Marchesa
Photographer: Sun + Life Photography (@sunandlifephotography)
Hair and Make Up: Kelly Jo Make Up and Hair (@kellyjomakeupandhair)
“When I put on the Marchesa Celeste gown, I kind of just came to a stand still in the dressing room once it was on my body. “
The dress shopping process:
“I found out about Kinsley James while researching every bridal shop in Los Angeles. The place surpassed all of my expectations and made my dress process a dream! The team is truly fantastic and made my experience very special and stress free. Before I went into Kinsley James I was starting to feel a little disheartened that I wouldn't have "that feeling" of finding the dress I was going to marry Darren in. I went to Kinsley James by myself one day and casually tried on a few dresses thinking I would have the same luke warm feelings I had been having at other stores. When I put on the Marchesa Celeste gown, I kind of just came to a stand still in the dressing room once it was on my body. I just felt so classy and elegant, but still fresh and young. Once I came out of the dressing room and saw myself in the big mirror and realized there were pockets in the skirt - I was floored. I got chills when they put the veil on me, I started getting very emotional. I remember Cassidy (a KJ Girl) asking me, "is this your dress?" I was hesitant to admit that because I was by myself that day. But I literally kept comparing everything to THAT dress. I didn't want to take it off - it was my dress. And I knew it was the dress I was meant to marry Darren in.”
ceremony
Why He’s “the one”
“Darren is truly one of the most well rounded and thoughtful individuals you will ever meet. He is such a positive person with an energy for life that I had never experienced before. We just had the best time together, he was always down to try anything, and incorporated this when we first started dating by orchestrating some of the most unique and well planned out dates you could imagine. He was a gentleman and really courted me! He also took note of the little things he learned about others, and made such an effort to get to know everyone important in my life. It was his considerate nature, adventurous spirit, curiosity and passion for life that really drew me in, pushing me to be the best version of myself - and that’s when I knew he was my person for life. Whether we went to a new music festival or tried a different type of food or learned a new subject together - he quickly became my favorite person to spend time and explore life with. I just couldn't get enough of him. This didn't wear off as the relationship progressed, our relationship truly gets better with age. “
“The favorite part of our wedding was the ceremony. I still get chills thinking about standing up in the front of all of our favorite people who were able to witness the most special day of our lives. People from all corners of our lives being together in one location as we said our vows on our wedding day was a pretty surreal and magic feeling. We selected certain friends and family members to give speeches, they were unbelievable and made both the ceremony and wedding feel that much more warm and intimate. Darren's best friend married us, which really set such a beautiful tone for the whole day. We felt so at ease up there, it just felt natural and I wasn't nervous or tense at all. In fact, I laughed way more than I cried during the ceremony. “
