There are few times that I am truly stunned and blown away by a wedding, but I MUST say that this amazing winter wonderland wedding did just that. I was floored by how gorgeous the bride, groom and surroundings were in this wedding by Sam Hurd Photography. And I can’t stop raving about the bride’s dress, it is a definite show stopper from Curvy Bridal.
Samantha and Whitney Wright
12.08.13
The Homestead, Hot Springs, V.A
Number of guests: 100
Wedding Colors: Red, Black and Silver
How did the two of you meet? We met through a mutual friend. Samantha thought Whitney was another girlfriend she would meet, little did she know he was a guy! Whitney also though that Sam was going to be a guy as well. It was karaoke night at Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant and Bar (Samantha’s favorite)! We talked all night and Samantha left before Whitney could get her phone number. Thank God for FaceBook!
Describe your engagement in 40 words or less: 40 words is not enough!!!!! OK! Challenge accepted! Whitney had always made a joke that if I could track down his favorite beer he would propose; needless to say I did right around the time of his birthday in February! Later that night he came downstairs wearing a (40 words, I cant do it) Penn State sweatshirt (my college) and asked me to get up, I resisted but got up eventually. He brought me into our living room and proposed with very romantic words (ya know mushy stuff). How could a girl say no? Of course I said yes! It was 10 months to the day of our wedding!
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The location, it was a one stop shop for the whole wedding and everyone that came. You walked to everything inside and people got to make a weekend out of it.
The most unique element of the day: Samantha is a trained opera singer. Her voice teacher who she has studied with for over 15 years sang at her wedding. It was an amazing gift for her to share her gift with us and our guests.
Your advice for other plus size brides: Alright ladies, here is the deal. Love yourself! It sounds so easy but I know we all have days where we feel that we are less than “perfect”. Acceptance is a hard thing to handle when you cannot go into any store and find something to wear. It has taken me 31 years to love every curve I have on my body. It has not been easy. I thought dress shopping would be a nightmare and thankfully for me it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Love the moments you have with yourself in the mirror when you turn around and say “damn I look amazing”. Sometimes they are few and far between but you have to love what you have and others will notice it as well. My father always told me that nothing is more attractive than women with confidence. No matter what size you are small, medium or large we all battle something but confidence doesn’t pick a size, we choose to have confidence. Be beautiful and feel beautiful on your big day and everyday for that matter.
Describe any unique aspects of the beverages you served: We had a signature cocktail which was the Dirty Bride, Samantha is a huge fan of the Dirty Martini!
The weather on your wedding was: To put it lightly there was ice, snow, sleet and freezing rain! But no worries, the wedding was indoors! The beverages were cold just like the weather, it was a winter wonderland.
Describe your wedding flowers {color, blooms, style}: We wanted a vintage style wedding. We wanted classic like Mad Men. We had evergreens, cranberries and any blooms that grew in the winter time.
Describe your wedding cake and any other desserts: There were four tiers alternating in flavors of carrot cake with cream cheese filling and icing and chocolate cake with butter cream filling and frosting. The whole cake was made to look like a present covered in fondant with embellishments all over it, topped with a big red bow. Instead of other deserts we had midnight savories which were Bison Burger Sliders for the end of the night. Dancing all night makes you work up an appetite. Fourth MEAL!
Describe your menu and your favorite part: Oh my Lord- the food was amazing. The start was a cocktail hour that had passed hors d’oeurves of mini Cuban sandwiches, bacon wrapped scallops, Virginia ham on homemade biscuits with orange marmalade and cucumber cups stuffed with crab meat. The first course was butternut squash soup with green apple shavings which was Samantha’s favorite. The next course was salad with gorgonzola, grapefruit, pecans and arugula with Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. The main course was The Homestead’s famous Brule Salmon with whipped potatoes and Filet Mignon, which is Whitney’s favorite!
Three adjectives that describe the day: Amazing. Joyful. Complete.
Your first dance song: Wanted by Hunter Hayes
The thing that we would have done differently is? Not worry so much! When it is all over at the end of the day, it is perfect. It is perfect regardless if something went wrong. Little to no people know about it and if you let the small things bother you then you won’t enjoy the day. It goes by so fast that you will want to savor every moment instead of worry about what may or may not go wrong.
If we could have spent our wedding dollars differently, we would have: Eloped and had an extended honeymoon! HaHaHa
What has surprised you most during the first few months of marriage? Marriage is hysterical! Who knew that typical things that would normally irritate you are now amusing! For instance, apparently my name was spelled wrong on the marriage license I am now Samanta no H! We now have to go to court to get it changed so I can become Mrs. Wright! We have laughed the whole time. We are also surprised how tense planning and executing a wedding can be, once it was done we both felt like we could breathe easily starting the first day as man and wife!
Vendors who made it possible: Photographer: Sam Hurd Photography // Wedding Planner: Samantha Uhlig // Caterer: The Homestead // Florist: Gillespie’s Flowers // Cake: The Homestead // Invitations & Calligraphy: Expressive Invites- Etsy // Jewelry: Jerin Designs // Bride’s Attire {Designer, Style Name or Number}: Enzoani (Haldana) Shrugs from Pink Clove UK from Curvy Girl Bridal {no longer in business} // Shoes: Betsy Johnson // Bridesmaids Attire: Mary’s (Label) from Blush Bridal // Groom and Groomsmen’s Attire: J.o.S Bank // Ceremony Location: Crystal Ballroom, The Homestead // Reception Location: Empire Room, The Homestead // Music/Entertainment: DJ Squirrel, a.k.a David Flyod // Rentals and Décor: Gillespie Flowers // Officiate/ Minister: Pastor Gerry Johnson
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR OTHER Real Weddings
WE’VE LOVE TO SHARE YOUR WEDDING, SUBMIT HERE
