📸: Danyel DeBoise Photography // @danyeldeboisephotography
The Meet Cute
Fate certainly hit the nail on the head with this one. “We met through work,” says Samantha. “I was a vendor at a local hardware store where he was an employee.”
The Engagement
Five years in, the couple took a vacation to Florida to visit Roberto’s parents. During a romantic dinner cruise around Tampa Bay, they made their way to the top deck where Roberto got down on one knee right at sunset.
The Process
Samantha is the first to admit that wedding planning during a global pandemic was, well, stressful, to put it mildly. And yet: “We knew that as long as we could still get married that day, we wanted to, regardless of if we could have guests,” she says. “We just continued to plan as best we could.” While the couple was fortunate to be able to keep their original date and venue, the guest capacity regulations were constantly in flux. As a result, they kept having to change their menu, wedding cake and seating arrangements. They reduced their original guest list from 100 to 25, but then, two weeks before the wedding, Massachusetts increased its indoor limits. “Ultimately, we decided to have 50 guests so it would feel more like a celebration,” Samantha says. “To our surprise, we loved the smaller, more intimate wedding, which wouldn’t have been an option for us before COVID. We felt it gave us more time to interact with our guests and enjoy our wedding.”
The Venue
Samantha says Saphire Estate had everything they were looking for in a venue: beautiful outdoor ceremony grounds; a gorgeous, separate, newly constructed cocktail space; and endless photo opportunities—especially on the lake.
The Ceremony
The couple agrees that the vows stole the show: “Hearing each other recite our vows was a beautiful moment because it’s the base of our marriage and really shows the love we have for each other.”
The First Dance
Samantha and Roberto went with the modern classic, “All Of Me” by John Legend. “We always loved the song and felt like it described how we felt about each other perfectly,” Samantha explains.
The Hiccups
On the morning of, the trolley meant to transport the soon-to-be-weds to their venue unfortunately broke down on its way to pick them up. Luckily, “the limo company was amazing,” says Samantha. “They immediately sent a different vehicle, and everything stayed on schedule.” She and Roberto had decided prior that if anything were to go awry on their big day, they would recognize that it was out of their control and that they wouldn’t get upset. “I think that was the best decision we made,” she says.
The Highlights
“Our favorite part of the day was definitely the first look. We had wanted to do one because we knew it would give us more opportunities for pictures and to spend more time enjoying our wedding. Beforehand, we were anticipating what each other would look like and whether the other person would cry. It was exciting for the both of us. Not only did it let us get out any nerves we had before the ceremony, but it was the only time throughout the whole wedding it was just the two of us. Being able to see each other’s authentic reaction is a moment neither of us will ever forget.” — Samantha and Roberto.
The Details
Ceremony, Reception and Catering: Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA | Hair: Sam Kane of Blackroom Salon | Makeup: Lexie Garrity of Blackroom Salon | Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero, purchased from Alexandra’s Boutique | Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Formalwear: Ralph Lauren, purchased from Miltons | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Sorella Vita, purchased from Alexandra’s Boutique | Cake and Desserts: Montilio’s Bakery in Brockton, MA | Flowers: Yvette Frazier Floral Design | Signage: Antea Amoroso Design | Rings: ADCO Diamond | Officiant: Rev. Philip R Ryan | Ceremony and Reception Music: DJ El Sid Entertainment | Transportation: Black Tie Limousine