When we realized how stunning our Modern Love styled shoot was coming together, we knew we needed a just as stunning bride – queue Samantha. As we got to know her, we quickly realized her beauty is more than skin deep; she has a laid-back and fun attitude, and was totally game for getting in the rooftop pool at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. She definitely made a splash in our book! Keep scrolling to read about her modeling experience and her (now) husband’s response to a message she sent him five years earlier.

What made you want to model for this photo shoot?

It has taken many years to learn to love the skin I am in and in doing so it requires taking a step out of the box once in a while. This opportunity was definitely one of those steps, and I am so happy I did it – it was an incredibly empowering experience as a plus size woman.

What was your favorite part of modeling?

My favorite part of the modeling was the pampering – from hair and makeup to the gorgeous dresses I got to put on. It was an incredible experience and every bit of it put a smile on my face and had me feeling beautiful!

What was your favorite part of this shoot? Did you relate to the concept?

The décor and dresses! Everything from the cake to the jewelry was unique and absolutely stunning. I was very much intrigued by the modern vibes and how everything tied so perfectly together. The concept was beautiful and totally what dream weddings are made of!

What do you do for a living?

I am the Marketing and Events Manager for Almendra Winery and Distillery located near Chico.

What do you do for fun?

My fun is pretty relaxed – reading, crafting or a good movie on the couch with my husband, cats and dogs!

Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?

I met my husband Codey seven years ago through a mutual friend who invited me to a get together at his house. I thought he was incredibly funny and attractive, so I sent a friend request and message to him through Facebook the next day. He responded to my friend request and message five years later, yes you read that correctly, five years; he said “Sorry it has taken me so long to respond.” I couldn’t help but laugh and respond, and it’s been love ever since.

Codey proposed Christmas eve morning, with just him and I there – it was perfect. I may have shaken the gift under the Christmas tree and swore I was getting Yahtzee but low and behold it was the most beautiful ring I had ever seen in my entire life.

Tell us about your own wedding.

Our wedding was absolutely incredible and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. We were surrounded by 200 of our closest family and friends in a beautiful historical opera house located in the old mining town of Virginia City, Nevada. I was inspired by the opera house and went for a vintage feel. I decorated with vintage books, cigar boxes, dark reds, lace and skeleton keys. Everything came together beautifully with our incredible vendors and amazing family and friends who helped to put it all together.

If you could offer any advice to future brides, what would it be?

Do not procrastinate, if anything, stay ahead of the game. It’s never too early to book vendors, pick colors, find dresses, choose songs, make decorations or anything of the sort! But most important, enjoy every single moment of the planning process and especially soak in every second of the big day. It will go by quick!

 THE DETAILS // VENUE

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel | 916-545-7100 | sawyerhotel.com

PHOTOGRAPHER
Dee & Kris Photography
916-494-2734 | deeandkrisphotography.com

DESIGN, STYLING AND COORDINATION
Danielle Roe Events | 925-890-5724 | danielleroeevents.com

STYLING AND FLORAL DESIGN
Bloem Decor | 916-447-2001 | bloemdecor.com

CAKE DESIGN
Batter Up Cakery | 707-439-8299 | batterupcakery.com

HAIR AND MAKEUP
Lea Buehler BGorgeous | 916-705-5827 | lbgorgeous.com

SAMANTHA’S GOWNS
Sparkle Bridal Couture | 916-538-6615 | sparklebridalcouture.com

JEWELRY
Macy’s | macys.com
Arden Fair Mall | 916-925-2845 | Downtown Plaza | 916-444-3333
Sunrise Mall | 916-962-3333
Westfield Galleria at Roseville | 916-771-3333
Nashelle | nashelle.com
Stella & Dot | stelladot.com
Style Avenue Studios | 916-812-1114 | styleavenuestudios.com

PAPERIE
Paper n Peonies | 903-780-7772 | papernpeonies.etsy.com

TABLE, CHAIRS, PLATES, FLATWARE AND STEMWARE
Standard Party Rentals | 916-995-0921 | standardpartyrentals.com

LOUNGE FURNITURE AND TABLE RUNNERS
We Do Designs | 530-566-7603 | 530-321-1348 | 916-398-1133 | wedodesigns.net

CUSTOM NAPKINS AND CUSTOM DECOR SIGNAGE
Swoonable | swoonable.net

VIDEOGRAPHER
Justin Buettner Wedding Photography  |  916-220-0159 | jbweddingphoto.com

 Click here to see more from the “Modern Love“ photo shoot blog series!

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Associate Editor Emily Peter.

Photos by Dee & Kris Photography / copyright Real Weddings Magazine.

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