How did you meet?

We are a Tinder app success story! Fate had it’s eye set on us as we actually matched not once but twice on the app before going on our first date!

Tell me about the proposal!

We got engaged on the beach in Panama City Beach, FL on September 7, 2019. Samantha would soon find out that wasn’t actually Drew’s initial plan for the engagement. Flash back to a few days before September 7th, we were flying to FL for a visit while a tropical storm was moving through the Panhandle/Panama City Beach, stirring up the ocean waters and Drew’s engagement plans. Drew had been planning to hire a boat captain to take them to a secluded barrier island. His plan was to pretend he found something while looking for shells and then pop the question with the ring! Unfortunately, Drew’s reservations with the boat captain were cancelled! Determined to make it special still, Drew decided to rent a boat himself and continue on with his plan to go to the secluded barrier island. Samantha being the nervous nelly that she is, did not like the idea of taking a boat out after the tropical storm, but Drew encouraged her to try (he was very determined!). Ultimately, the waters were too rough and the semi-adventurous couple decided to turn around and head back to shore, never making it to the barrier island. Finally, Drew had his chance to pop the question while walking on the beach later that morning. Of course Samantha said YES! and we celebrated with champagne and swimming in the crystal clear water!

What inspired your vision for your wedding day? Do you have a theme or color palette? How do you envision your ideal wedding day?

Our colors a white, black, and metallic/glittery gold. Our themes area Pittsburgh and a modern take on traditional. We drew our color selection from Samantha’s clothing style. We like the clean, modern, elegant look but are also incorporating some older, more traditional things such as our church and reception venue.

What is the most anticipated moment of your wedding day? If you could only choose one photo to walk away from your wedding day with, what would it be?

I can’t pick one!! But if I had to it would be the crowning part of the ceremony because it’s very unique and also the groom’s reaction to seeing the bride walk in.

• Hair Stylist- LAB Salon
• Make Up Artist- LAB Salon
• Dress- custom designed by Anomalie
• Veil- handmade by Mother of Groom
• Overskirt- handmade by Mother of Groom
• Groom and Groomsmen Tux Rentals- Men’s Warehouse
• Videographer- Kyle Nash Films (Kyle Barger)
• Ceremony Venue- St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church
• Officiant- Rev. Father Valerian Michlik
• Reception Venue- LeMont
• Caterer- LeMont
• Band/DJ- Fireside Events
• Wedding Cake- Fenoglietto’s
• Cookies- Family and Friends
• Stationery and Paper Goods- Fresh Cut Prints
• Florist- One Happy Flower Shop (Carrie Anne Powell)