Samantha + John are a couple whom we hit off with immediately. Both are kind, have a wicked sense of humor, are efficient and more importantly, they love their pets (a dog and cat named Dixie and Mitt) whom they paid tribute to with the cutest cookie favors.

Initially, they had planned for an October wedding at The Nasher Sculpture Center when Covid hit. Because things were so uncertain in the weeks leading up to that day, it made more sense to postpone the date to the following Spring. Although curveballs were thrown, they took all things wedding planning in stride and forged on ahead.

When March rolled around, they still made sure to implement social distancing measures that could help alleviate fears by spacing apart chairs at the ceremony, having bags with masks and sanitizers at every setting. and a smaller guest count.

It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, joy, food and a whole lot of dancing. Congratulations to this wonderful couple! We sure will miss planning with you!

Below is more about the wedding in Samantha’s words.

Tell us about your love story. How did you meet?

John and I met on Tinder when we were both new to Dallas. We were both just wanting to meet new people and get to know our city. Funnily enough, we decided to have our first date on Valentines day and ended up caving on the anxiety of a first date out and about on the big heart holiday. What we did instead is hang out at my apartment and play video games until the late hours of the morning.

What was your favorite part of the day?

This is impossible to answer because they entire day was perfect. I don’t have a moment I don’t favor.

What was your vision for the wedding?

I envisioned my wedding as timeless and classic. I wanted something that I would look back on years later and still be in love with it. There is nothing worse that committing to a trend and then getting tired of it within a few months. We wanted that feeling of stepping into a new world with our wedding. Something that would take your breath away and keep you entertained for a night you would never forget.

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

We grew up with different religious backgrounds and wanted to include both Christian and Jewish elements in the wedding. We were married under a chuppah, a jewish wedding canopy that represents the home the couple will build. We also included a reading from the Old Testament that was special to Bens mom.

Were there any sentimental moments/ items incorporated to the wedding?

Our vows were custom! We wanted it to come from the heart.

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

I did not do much for the wedding myself. I did put together little bags filled with a mask and some hand sanitizer for each guest so they could feel comfortable at an event during the pandemic. Per my planners rec, I recruited A Dancing Baker to bring to life our cat Mitt and dog Dixie on a cookie as a souvenir for our guests. Our guest book was a polaroid book where guests would take a picture of themselves and stick it into the book with a note. We also had a card box and little 3×3 cards for people to write us a little message or put any cards they brought with them into.

What advice do you have for other couples/brides-to-be?

Get yourself a Sarah! What I mean by that is find someone who you can trust with your vision. Even if you are only getting a day of coordinator or planner, this person should know you and have similar tastes to what you want. Go with the recommendations of your planner! The wedding industry is tight knit! Your planner knowing your photographer, florist, baker, every vendor! will give you an advantage on the wedding day. I am confident that my planners, Sarah’s, connections let the day go by super smoothly and made the execution flawless. Take an hour a day up until the wedding to review your decisions, check how you feel after giving yourself some time, and re-make those decisions again. This will help with the stress of planning and allow you to feel more confident with moving forward. Don’t stress the little stuff! My day was perfect, but there were the smallest details that fell through. Don’t let it ruin your day! Remember that you make your own memories, how you handle the little things will NOT be the milestones of your wedding. Let it go and love your day!