Namor & Samantha – A Real Wedding Story

Namor & Samantha’s engagement was featured in the Winter/Spring 2021 issue and also modeled as our cover couple.

THE WEDDING

FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING: Our favorite part of the wedding was reading our personal vows.Though our decisions in life have always been centered around our dedication for one another, it was thrilling to publicly set our intentions and express the magnitude of our commitment with the world. At that moment, though we were surrounded by a courtyard full of guests, we felt everything around us fade away. It felt as if we were suspended in thin air, levitating on our own personal cloud nine. We were so excited after finishing our vows, that we even shared a premature kiss! Once the ceremony concluded, we melted in each other’s arms and were overcome with relief. Finally, after all of the planning and preparations, we could just cherish each other and our three children, as one perfectly happy family. To this day, we are soaking up the feeling of pure bliss that comes with knowing we have nothing left to do but enjoy the rest of our lives together.

MOST UNEXPECTED PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY: The most unexpected parts of our wedding day include a series of small wardrobe mishaps that occurred, leading up to the ceremony. Our 2 year old son, Maverick, decided he preferred not to wear his tie, while Samantha’s father, Jim, had lost his tie entirely. Samantha’s lace stockings, which featured an embroidered rose pattern, ripped while Samantha was slipping on her garter before the ceremony. While we were planning our wedding, I would have considered such mishaps to be catastrophes, and thought such catastrophes to be completely avoidable if proper planning had taken place. In all honesty, on the day of the wedding, those small things go without notice, and don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Planning a wedding will teach even the most thorough bride that some things are simply out of her control. The wonderful thing about mishaps is they allow you to see how small something unexpected can be, compared to how vastly wonderful and momentous the rest of your wedding day is guaranteed to be.

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY: If we could turn back time, we would have eloped after our wedding got postponed initially, due to restrictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. We would plan an enchanting, remote elopement somewhere in Northern California, surrounded by the sequoias. We would forget about what we are “supposed to do” and just do what makes us the unconventional, free-spirited couple we are.

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES: Samantha’s advice for brides-to-be is to think of nothing but what makes them happy when planning their wedding. It’s beautiful to uphold family values and traditions, but if they don’t suit you, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The destination, the decor, the music, the vibe, and all other aspects should reflect nothing more than who you both are and what type of love you share. Don’t worry about anyone’s opinions. Staying true to yourselves will provide you with all of the confidence and assurance you need to plan the wedding of your dreams.

ADVICE FOR OTHER GROOMS: Namor’s advice for future grooms is to remain patient and kind. For many couples, a wedding is the largest-scale event they will plan together in their lifetimes. Every little decision seems grand, while time seems to move at a rapid pace. Center yourselves and remember what your big day is all about your commitment to one another. Hug your bride when you can tell she needs it and remind yourselves you’ ll be joyously saying “I do” in no time.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING: Romantic, elegant and rock n’ roll

OUR HONEYMOON: Tennessee