{SBB Bride of the Week} Samantha
S A M A N T H A
+
S T E P H E N
{August 15th, 2025}
{Photos by: Eight Hands Photography}
How gorgeous is our bride, Samantha??
For her summer wedding, Samantha chose a beautiful, fitted lace gown from Allure Bridals! This strapless dress sparkles from top to bottom!
Samantha paired a waltz length, horsehair edge veil from Bel Aire Bridal to complete her look!
{Photos by: Eight Hands Photography}
Samantha’s wildflower bouquet was picture perfect, thanks to Oh My! Florals!
{Photos by: Eight Hands Photography}
Before the craziness of the day began, Samantha and her husband, Stephen, shared a sweet first look along with their personal vows.
“ My favorite moment was our first look, I thought I would be able to keep my composure but as soon as he turned around we both lost it. So many tears while reading out private vows, it made the day so special. Shortly after that, our dog Noodle came to surprise us and take pictures, it was great!”
{Photos by: Eight Hands Photography}
Samantha and Stephen were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at The Farmhouse in Plainfield, IL!
{Photos by: Eight Hands Photography}
After the newlyweds were officially hitched, it was time to celebrate!
Everyone made their way inside to enjoy one gorgeous reception!
{Photos by: Eight Hands Photography}
Let’s get to know the newlyweds a little better!
How did they first meet?
“Stephen and I met while I was bartending at a local bar. He would go out with his buddies after work and grab a beer and we got to talking and the rest is history!”
How did Stephen pop the question?
“He proposed to me in July right around my birthday. We had everybody come up to his family lake house to celebrate my birthday - little did I know he was proposing. He proposed at the end of the pier in the morning just him and I, with everyone I love standing behind cheering us on. We spent the rest of the weekend celebrating our engagement - it was amazing! A memory I will cherish forever.”
Was it a surprise or did Samantha know it was coming?
“It was a complete surprise, I had no idea it was coming which made everything so much more special!”
After that, it was time to say “YES!” to the dress!
“My dress buying experience was AMAZING! I needed to come in on a Monday since that is my only day off during the week. I was able to come in and have the store to myself. Sandy helped me with the process - she immediately got the vibe I was looking for. I am obsessed with sparkles and detail and she pulled all of the best options for me to try!”
How did she know her dress was "the one"?
“I told Sandy I wanted a mermaid fit with lots of sparkle and detail and this was the second dress I tried on which I kept comparing to every other dress I'd try on. That alone told me that it was the one, my mom, sister and best friend were all crying when I tried it on for the last time with the veil and that's when I knew. I loved the dress soooo much. I wore it the entire day until 4 in the morning, I refused to take it off!”
What was Samantha’s favorite part of the planning process and why?
“My favorite part of the planning process was booking the venue and picking out my dress. I loved deciding the florals and bridesmaids dresses - it all was such a fun process!”
What about her least favorite part??
“I didn't really have a least favorite part - it was all exciting and fun!”
What is the best piece of advice Samantha can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their own big day?
“Enjoy every minute of the process and the day. They are correct when they say the day flies by - take in every moment!”
Congratulations, Samantha + Stephen!!
Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Eight Hands Photography in the gallery below!
