Real Brides: Samantha

We met while attending Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado. Mutual friends connected us, and our first date quickly became second and third dates. We instantly became close friends and continued to hang out as if we'd known each other forever. We dated for about 3 & 1/2 years through graduating college, navigating the pandemic, and enduring some long-distance months. On our road trip vacation to Florida in June of 2022, Connor proposed on Smathers Beach in Key West, the beach next to where my parents got married, which made it all the more special.

I originally went into wedding dress shopping thinking I wanted something plain and silky, with no lace or sequins. At the first shop I went to, a dress caught my eye that had ruffles (like on mine) so I decided to try it on just for fun. I immediately loved it way more than the other dresses I had been trying on, and altered my expectations from there. When I got to Casa Bianca Bridal, I saw a dress similar to the first that had the most beautiful leafy lace detailing on top, so I decided to try it on. When I put it on, I immediately was in love. I continued to try on other dresses but I could not stop thinking about how I felt in that dress, and everyone I was shopping with felt the same way. I loved the way the dress moved and ruffled and sparkled in the light, and after trying it on again, I knew it was perfect for me.

Photo Credits: The Iris Photography

Bridal Store: Casa Bianca Bridal