Kimberly + Sam

How did you meet?

Sam and I met while we were both living in San Francisco – I had been living in the city for a few years already, but Sam had just moved there a few weeks prior after living in San Diego for years. We met on a dating app and our first date was at a cocktail bar in the neighborhood Sam was living — a neighborhood where we would eventually move in together. Sam thought it got off to a rocky start after he accidentally knocked over his chair, but I found him charming. Five years and a few apartments later, Sam surprised me by proposing during a romantic staycation.

When did you know they were the one?

I loved his easygoing nature right away – I felt comfortable with him almost immediately and our first date felt so natural because we shared many of the same interests and the conversation just flowed. As time went on, that feeling only got stronger – I’m not sure there was one moment, but a series of moments as I started to fall in love with him and pictured how lovely our life would be together.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Sam is so affable and caring. He takes the time to really get to know someone, and he remembers the small details that matter. He cares deeply for his family and friends and is always willing to listen and help however he can. I also love his sense of adventure – whether it’s small stuff or big ideas, he’s always up for trying new experiences, traveling to new places, or eating new foods. It brings so much fun and spontaneity to our relationship! He’s also very self-motivated at work and personally. He’s a life-long learner, and if there’s a topic that interests him, he’ll dive right in to understand more about it.

Who proposed and how?

Sam and I had plans for a staycation in San Francisco – we had reservations at a restaurant we’d been wanting to try for years, so we decided it would be more fun to stay the night at a hotel nearby. We had an amazing day shopping and enjoying each other’s company, and right before we left for dinner, as we were looking out onto the bay from our room, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was totally surprised – he really did a good job of hiding his plans! And then we got to enjoy an amazing dinner and bask in the glow of our new engagement.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

Louie Flowy was the very first dress I tried on! Just a couple of months after our engagement, my mom suggested that we visit a local bridal shop in Reno (Swoon Bridal!) while I was visiting her. I had planned to go to a few different places, so I just thought I’d go for some initial inspiration. The attendant pulled a few different dresses to start and asked me which I was most drawn to so we could start there. It was the Louie Flowy and I was instantly in love. I tried on a handful more dresses there but kept coming back to her. I loved it so much that I just went with it and purchased the dress right then and there! When you know, you know.

I absolutely love the romantic and elegant feel of Louie Flowy, to me it’s both unique and timeless all at once. And my venue feels like a romantic garden fairytale, so this dress fits so seamlessly with my vision for the big day.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

There is no way to put into words the feeling you get when you’re standing at the end of the aisle, holding hands with the person you love most in life, and you look out to see everyone else that you love dearly – family, close friends – all there to support you and your love story. It’s truly a feeling like no other.

It’s a tie between that and when my DJ surprised me with a Taylor Swift remix to dance to 😉

What were your favorite details?

I feel so lucky and grateful that I had such an amazing team of vendors to bring my dream wedding to life. From the romantic, dreamy garden space we got married in, to the gorgeous florals, our audio guestbook so I can listen to my guest’s well wishes for years to come, everything was absolutely perfect.

On our wedding day, it actually started pouring rain just a couple hours before the ceremony – we were all nervous, but it let up and ended up being the most gorgeous setting, post-rain. And the SUNSET! Our golden hour photos were unreal.

What advice would you tell other brides?

It’s easy to start getting lost in what feels like a never-ending to-do list but remind yourself that at the end of the day, it’s just a day. Rain or sunshine, perfect details or not, you’re marrying your best friend and partner. Soak it all in and really bask in the joy and happiness that you’re surrounded by!