First things first, this adorable duo is now a threesome! While on their honeymoon at home (which was supposed to be South Africa and Mauritius, but, well, you know, Covid), Samantha and Nick got romantic…and welcomed their baby girl, Margot Elizabeth, to the world on December 8th!
Before Miss Margot Elizabeth arrived, Nick and Samantha were fortunate as far as wedding planning went. Unbeknownst to them at the time, their day of “I dos” fell on the last weekend before Ohio (and the rest of the country) went on pandemic-related restrictions.
Held at the charmingly named Music Box Supper Club, their celebration was all about love, family, friends, and showcasing the spectacular views of Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River. When it came to finding The Dress, you could say that Samantha and Patrice chose one another. Says our sassy bride, “Patrice and I had a mutual respect for one another, and I just loved her. I couldn’t wait to wear her again every time I went back for fittings and then again on our special day.” In fact, when we asked Samantha if there was one wedding day detail she couldn’t live without, her reply was, “My dress! Honestly, I cared about nothing on that day other than Patrice and marrying my love, of course!”
Samantha shares more details about her day—including the moment Nick’s ring escaped from his finger and was temporarily lost on the dance floor—below:
How did you guys meet?
“We met at work during our former company’s annual volunteer day! We were in the same office/building for years and never met each other.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Patrice via Brides by the Falls | photographer: Aster and Olive
How did you know Nick was “the one”?
“I don’t think there was one specific moment that I knew Nick was the one. Our relationship felt comfortable from the start. Most who know me would say I’m a bit sassy and Nick is very calm and rational. He balances me out.”
How did you guys get engaged?
“Nick proposed on December 23rd, 2018. He told me we would attempt to get a seat at the bar at our favorite restaurant in Chicago, Bavettes. When I was done getting ready, he asked me if we would go to the rooftop of our building to take a picture for his mom. I thought this was super weird because Nick hates pictures and it was the middle of winter in Chicago. After giving serious attitude, we went to the roof with our hound dog, Cooper, and Nick got on one knee and asked me to marry him. We then went downstairs, called our family and friends, then went to Bavettes where we had a reservation.”
How did you choose your gown?
“My mom, sister, and I went to Brides by the Falls in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. I was open to trying on gowns of any style and color, but I knew I wanted sleeves for my March wedding. Patrice was the third gown I tried on and even though I tried on more after her, I kept coming back. I tried it on multiple times and she was the gown both my mom and sister cried for. Patrice and I had a mutual respect for one another and I just loved her. I couldn’t wait to wear her again every time I went back for fittings and then again on our special day.”
Tell us about your day!
“Nick and I were married on the last weekend before Ohio shut down for the pandemic, March 14th, 2020. We were so worried we were going to be called off with so many gatherings being cancelled. We were able to get married that day surrounded by our loved ones who we are so grateful for.
Our venue, Music Box Supper Club, was right on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland. It has beautiful dark wood flooring and tables, with large windows overlooking the river. We wanted the venue and river to be the focal points, not our decor, so we chose greenery for the tables with simple white candles.”
What was your first dance song?
“We danced to John Legend’s “Conversations in the Dark,” which was newly released just before our wedding. It was the only song Nick would agree to.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“Nick’s wedding ring needed to be resized and he lost it for a few minutes on the dance floor. Not funny at the time, but funny in retrospect.”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?
“Old/borrowed: my mother’s handkerchief her grandmother made for her wedding
New: Patrice!
Blue: Flats from Bella Belle”
Three words that best describe your partner:
“Nick is patient, hardworking, and thoughtful.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We were supposed to travel to South Africa and Mauritius but covid threw a wrench in our plans. We had our honeymoon in quarantine and got pregnant with our baby girl, Margot Elizabeth, who arrived December 8th!”
Describe your wedding day in five words or fewer:
“Joyous, beautiful, and fun.”
Any advice for planning couples?
“Enjoy it! So much of the day is lost in things being perfect, but there is so much beauty in the imperfections.”
Samantha + Nick’s Cleveland Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Patrice via Brides by the Falls | photographer: Aster and Olive | venue: Music Box Supper Club | hair and makeup: Beauty Therapy | florals: Lowe’s Greenhouse | wedding cake: KB Confections | DJ: DJ London Bridges
