Darling Rose Photography
How did you meet?
We met online. We were supposed to meet for coffee but the spot we chose had some kind of influencer super-event that day so we pivoted to a tap house where we ended up closing the place down. We talked for hours, though it felt like minutes, and we both knew right away that we’d met someone special.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
Even though at first it seems like we have highly disparate interests – I (Nora) am a lawyer who loves to read and Sam works in tech and plays five instruments – it turns out we both are highly curious about each other’s interests, with Sam finding herself engrossed in a new crime thriller every week and I am discovering one of my favorite weekend activities, hearing the Cleveland Orchestra.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
About 3 years.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Samantha: When she met my family! I knew she was nervous because my family is very important to me and I really value their opinions, but it meant the world to me that she understood that and wanted to make a good impression. Obviously she didn’t have to try at all, and they knew she was family within minutes.
Nora: I hate to echo Sam’s answer, but it was absolutely when she met my family. My family has always been the most important part of my life and Sam went above and beyond in getting to know them and understand the bond we all share. Now, they like her more than me!
What was the best part of wedding planning?
Setting time aside for us to tackle a project together that would be a reflection of us, our love and what we consider a good time. Oh, and cake tasting.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
Someone told us to plan the wedding we wanted to attend, not the wedding we thought others wanted to attend, and to make sure we had fun because that’s what others find fun. That was such great advice. Also, make sure your hora chairs have arm rests!
Were there any conflicts between the two of you or your families in the planning process? Did either of you have to make any sacrifices?
This is boring, but no, actually. I guess you could say we sacrificed our initial budget.
What else was unique about your wedding?
We designed all of our own materials, from invitations to programs to signage. This saved us some money, but mostly allowed us to express ourselves how we wanted and feel like we owned every element of the day.
– Samantha & Nora
Samantha Englander & Nora Bryan
Wedding Day
Sept. 1, 2024
Hines Hill at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Peninsula
Today
Ages: 38 &36
Hometown: University Heights
Planning
Engagement: May 27, 2023
Officiant: Alyse Paridon, best friend of Nora
Wedding colors: All of them
Dresses: Sam’s dress was custom designed and gifted by friend Trisha Stacks. Nora’s dress was from Park & Fifth.
Wedding rings: Automic Gold, a queer-owned jeweler based in New York specializing in ethical sourcing
Jewelry: Various Etsy finds, and a couple family heirlooms: Sam’s grandmother’s wedding ring, and her grandfather’s fraternity ring
Hair: Mallory Horan
Makeup: Natalie Marignoni
Bouquet/flowers: Tallulah in Bloom
Chuppah: The LaChance Family
Photographer: Darling Rose Photography
Videographer/music/entertainment: The DJ Crew
Planner/consultant: Hannah Winkler Weddings
Reception: Hines Hill at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cake/sweets: The West Side Bakery
Catering: Spice Catering Co.
Rehearsal dinner: Mission BBQ, catered to our rental house at the national park
Invitations/stationery: Self-designed
Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott
Registry: Zola
Honeymoon: Cancun, Mexico
Extras: Katherine Gwynn was the best attendant to our one and only wedding party: our dog, Nigel. Corkscrew Johnny’s supplied the ingredients to make our dream signature cocktails a reality. AKT Rentals was clutch with lawn games. And Alex at Sword Furs was a dream tailor, turning our dresses into timeless gowns that left us feeling so beautiful.