Moody clouds, vibrant love
Most people want sunshine on their wedding days, but for Samantha and Bryce’s wedding, rain clouds just seemed more romantic. It kinda seems to be their thing.
After mutual friends introduced them by giving Samantha and Bryce each other’s phone numbers, Samantha reached out. After talking through texts for several months, they decided to meet in person for their first date.
“Our first date was something simple, a late lunch followed by a movie,” Bryce said. “It was a rainy day, so we decided on Panera for soup and sandwiches. We chatted for a while and got on the topic of books. I've been a big reader all my life, and Sam claimed to have been one too. I suggested we go to a bookstore before the movie to browse together, and Sam (bless her heart) allowed me to drag her along with enthusiasm. It wouldn't be until much later that Sam would admit she hadn't picked up a book for anything other than school in years, something that still makes me laugh to myself whenever I think about it.”
After spending half an hour at the bookstore, they headed for the movies. They saw a Marvel movie together, and then Bryce drove Samantha back to her apartment and walked her to her door.
“It was in front of her apartment that we shared our first kiss before parting ways,” Bryce remembered. “Now, over four years later, Sam actually does read for fun now and again.”
It didn’t take long for the new couple to know they wanted to go on a second date and then a third.
“I knew I loved Sam from very early on,” Bryce said. “After our first couple dates, we became inseparable, spending all of our free time together. We've taken turns supporting each other through school, have made three moves together, and have been fortunate enough to have recently purchased a house. We love to watch TV and movies together, spend days at the park, go on long drives and play video games. We enjoy spending time with each other's friends and families.”
Bryce was ready to start their forever. The only thing left was to ask Samantha if she was ready, too.
“Our engagement was quaint, done in our home,” he shared. “While Sam was at work, I lit a single candle for every month we had spent together and spread them throughout our apartment. I set a trail of rose petals from the front door to the living room, where I waited for Sam to arrive.”
When he asked her to marry him, she said yes.
They started wedding planning, deciding to go with a boho theme with modern elements.
Finding a venue was next up on their list, and they were dreaming of a fall wedding.
“We chose The Venue at Shadow Rock because we liked the atmosphere,” Bryce shared. “We loved the modern vibe, and we loved that the owners were so down to earth. We had been to other vendor meetings, and it seemed as everyone was pushing their business, but Ashley seemed like she only cared about us having a great wedding, no matter the location.”
With their venue booked and Oct. 29, 2022 chosen, wedding planning was in full swing.
When asked what they were most looking forward to about their wedding day, Bryce said, “Walking down the alter after being pronounced husband and wife.”
While wedding planning was exciting, the couple was looking forward to being married even more.
“We are most looking forward to relaxing,” Bryce said. “We are excited to not have to be planning the wedding anymore, and being able to spend more time enjoying each other’s presence.”
When the day of their wedding came and thick clouds and scattered rain filled the skies, it felt absolutely perfect. Rainy days were good days for them.
Their first date and then their wedding day were graced with the romance of moody clouds, gorgeous lighting, and standing close under an umbrella.
Gorgeous neutrals, mustards, burnt oranges, and light pinks filled the venue as their florals arrived and their decorating team transformed the space, bringing beautiful boho vibes and modern details to every corner.
However, their boho style didn’t keep them from paying homage to their occupations and the country they serve. Both essential workers (a police officer and a registered nurse), the couple showed their true colors with their wedding party wearing red, white and blue.
It was a gorgeous day full of beautiful flowers and wonderful people, and it was absolutely an honor to get to host the wedding of such a great – and giving – couple.
It is with great joy that we introduce Mr. & Mrs. Thompson.
When asked what advice they had for future couples, Bryce shared, “Make sure that the most important people to you are there for your big day. I wouldn't worry about inviting everyone you've ever known. Keep it simple and enjoy the process.”
Photos by Illuminate Photography
