On the morning of her wedding, Samantha was overcome with a flood of emotions as her sister-in-law and mother-in-law handed her a wedding gift from her soon-to-be husband, Scott. Inside a leather box was the day’s newspaper, photos of the couple, a rose and something Samantha never would have expected – a letter, not addressed to her, but to the couple’s future children.

“It told the story of ‘how your mom and I met and fell in love;”, Samantha said. “He included the tiniest details and memories that truly told the story of ‘us'”.

The couple’s ceremony was also very dear to their hearts. They wrote the entire thing themselves, including their own vows.

“We kept our vows a secret from each other until the wedding day, so listening to Scott read his and knowing he wrote each and every word is something special I’ll always remember,” Samantha said.

Since the two were engaged just weeks before moving to North Carolina, they had very little time to search for a Wisconsin venue. Luckily for them, they fell in love with the Olympia Gardens at Olympia Resort & Conference Center – the first and only location they visited. They’ll both agree – the day turned out perfectly.

“As cliche as it sounds, Scott and I really are best friends,” Samantha said. “It’s a special balance of sweet and sincere that makes us strong and keeps us close.”

Location: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Date: June 16, 2012
Photographs: Simon at Valo Photography

Ceremony site: Olympia Gardens; Officiant: Judith Kubish, Milwaukee; Videographer: Dave Gruentzel; Reception entertainment: Moceans DJ services; Gown: Essence of Australia; Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka; Bride’s hair/makeup: Roots Salon & Spa; Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal; Suits: purchased at Jos A. Bank; Rings: Kay & Zales; Florist: Blooms in Bloom; Favors: Koozies from getimprint.com