We love color. We LOVE a guy in a blue suit. We love peonies. Which means, duh, we LOVE Samantha and Geoffrey’s wedding! Are you ready for all this fun, shot by Sassyfras Studios?
What made the wedding special and unique?
Planning a wedding for Columbia, SC in Virginia was tough. I had a lot of ideas and really no clear way to express them. Megan was great at figuring out the jumble of things I threw at her, even though they changed every time we had a chance to meet. I wanted a casual wedding, where everyone was welcome and comfortable. The wedding was Geoffrey and me in every way, easygoing, fun and a really great party. But what made the wedding special was how my mom’s church and friends showed that we are family too. My mother’s family is in South Korea and couldn’t afford to come, so all of her friends decided to wear their hanboks so that everyone knew my Korean family was there. It meant a lot to me.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I found my dress in Virginia Beach, at a boutique called Pure English. The one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted a lace dress. I tried on a few dresses in South Carolina and Virginia but every time I sent a picture to my mom and maid of honor, Stephanie, they would die laughing; I looked like a child bride. But, when I tried this one on, the most expensive one of course, I loved it. They thought it was the one and my daddy told me to get the one I wanted because it was my special day and I shouldn’t settle.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
The tattoos that Geoffrey and I got were the most personal aspect of the wedding. In Korean culture mandarin ducks are given to the bride and groom as a symbol of commitment, peace, and fertility. We loved the symbolism behind them and tattoos were our vows to each other.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Getting married in May in Columbia, SC pretty much guarantees that it is going to be sunny, hot and humid. We were prepared with water, fans, and a quick 15-minute ceremony. But the weather was perfect. It was 70 degrees with a slight breeze and a 10% chance of rain. Well, when my bridesmaids and I were taking pictures it rained. All I remember was someone saying, “was that a rain drop,” and everyone running in the reception hall. Koreans believe that if it rains on your wedding day it is good luck. It didn’t rain enough to make the grass muddy or long enough for me to start worrying, but I got my good luck.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Geoffrey and I met in undergrad at the University of South Carolina. We were just friends and didn’t really pursue a relationship until I moved back home after teaching abroad for 4 years. We had such a great friendship that I didn’t want to risk losing it but I’m glad I did. We were engaged a year after we started dating and married a year after that.
Samantha + Geoffrey from TWO FIFTY MEDIA on Vimeo.
Vendors: Photographer: Sassyfras Studios // Wedding Planner: Meagan Warren Weddings // Rentals, Chairs and Linens: Party Reflections // Florals: Fern Floral & Event Design // Music: DJ Foster Philips // Venue, Caterer and Bartender: Dupre Catering & Events // Cake: IZ GOOD BAKERY // Ceremony Musicians: Simply Strings