NEW BEGINNINGS

Samantha & Sam

WEDDING: May 14, 2022

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Woodhaven, Cannon Falls

HONEYMOON: St. Lucia

Photography

“Sam, have you met Sam?” That was how Samantha Hansen and Samuel Meidl’s mutual friend introduced them in 2018. “It is a beautiful thing how life works,” Samantha reflects: Earlier that day Samantha had attended church, and the message was named, “New Beginnings.” After their first dinner date, the pair was caught in a wild snowstorm where Sam literally swept Samantha off her feet so she wouldn’t have to traipse through the snow in her heels. “The hopeless romantic in me was instantly smitten,” she says. On a trip to Denver three years later, Sam asked Samantha to spend forever with him; a snowstorm delayed their flight home leading to a five- day engagement celebration full of excited calls to inform loved ones of the news. Their sunny May nuptials featured a black, white and beige palette with white floral installations. After exchanging vows, flower cannons went off as the new Mr. and Mrs. Meidl were introduced to the guests. At the reception, “In loving memory” cards and candles honored lost loved ones, and Samantha changed into her late grandmother’s wedding dress, with some modern alterations, to dance with her grandpa, much to his surprise and delight. Their day was unforgettable, from the emotional first look to the crowded dance floor.

GOWN: Colby John, @colbyjohnbridal; Flutter Bridal Co., @flutterbridalco | BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES: Olive & Piper, @oliveandpiper | RINGS: Wedding Day Diamonds, @weddingdaydiamonds | BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Show Me Your Mumu, @showmeyourmumu; Petal & Pup, @petalandpup; BHLDN, @bhldn; Azazie, @azazieofficial; Baltic Born, @balticbornclothing | HAIR: Suite Beatrice, @shiann.suitebeatrice; Salon Astoria, @alyssa.salonastoria

MAKEUP: Makeup by Erin Elizabeth, @makeup_by_erinelizabeth | DRESS RESTORATION: Annisseau LLC, @annisseaullc | GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S

ATTIRE: Atmosfere, @atmosferempls | CATERING: River Valley

Catering, @rivervalleycatering | CAKE & DESSERTS: Ptacek’s Bakery, @ptaceksbakery | VENUE, BEVERAGES & BARTENDING: Woodhaven, @woodhavenmn | FLORIST: Abloom, @abloom.floral | INVITATIONS, PROGRAMS & SIGNAGE: India

Jordan Design, @indiajordandesign | DÉCOR & RENTALS: Northern Urbanity Remtals, @nothern_urbanity_rentals

DJ: DJ CodyC of Sweet Life DJs, @sweetlifedjs | TRANSPORTATION & ACCOMMODATIONS: Treasure Island Resort & Casino, @ticasino | VIDEOGRAPHY: IrvSeg Films, @irvsegfilms

PHOTOGRAPHER: Shot by Perry James, @perryjamesphoto; and Sarah Heath, @sarahheathphoto; edited by Love Big Live Small Photography, @lovebiglivesmallphotography