January 30th, 2021 was a windy day in downtown Waco, Texas at the First Baptist Church. The sun was shining brightly through the stained glass windows and dome on the ceiling. It was beautiful! As I continued down the hall to the bride’s room, I entered and saw a stunning bride. I knew this day was going to be spectacular! The day Sami and Steve became Mr. and Mrs. Tyra.
“Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be.”
The Love Story
Dating during COVID can be tricky with all the social distancing, mask wearing, sanitizing and time in quarantine. None of this stopped Sami and Steve!
On January 24, 2020, Sami and Steve had their first date at Moroso’s and they both had a great time! Steve asked Sami if she’d like to continue the date. Sami agreed and they went to Heritage Creamery for ice cream. Sami thought Steve was funny and interesting and hoped to spend more time with Steve. Steve must have felt the same way because he asked her on a second date a few days later.
Valentine’s Day arrived and the two enjoyed dinner at 1424 Bistro. This place would later be the location of the proposal…and Sami had NO idea! After flying to California to meet Steve’s family, they once again enjoyed dinner at 1424 Bistro. This time Steve handed Sami the sweetest card with the proposal inside! She said, “YES!”
Love In the Time of COVID. Quarantine Romance. Call it what you want, but COVID helped these two become a close, strong couple. After all, there is no way they could be this close without spending almost every day together in quarantine! They met and dated less than 2 months before COVID hit. Steve and his daughter, Meli, were the only two people in Sami’s bubble. They fell in love. Meli and Sami created a strong relationship during quarantine as well.
During this time they enjoyed dinners, desserts, talking, laughing and planning their future together. They had lots of time to enjoy each other’s company during times of quarantine. This time together helped them form a strong and caring relationship full of understanding, forgiving and communication.
Steve says that he loves Sami because she’s so nice and she’s great with Meli. Sami says she loves Steve because he is calm, thoughtful and an amazing father to Meli. Their dream vacation would be having fun as a family (#teamtyra) and they’d love to take Meli to Disney one day.
The Wedding
Sami and Steve planned a simple, yet thoughtful, wedding. Sami and Steve asked to do a First Look before the ceremony and requested that this time was only for the two of them. It was so sweet to see them interact with each other without distractions of the buzz of the wedding circling them.
Sami also asked to do a First Look with her father. Again, this was a private time for Sami and her father with no spectators. The look on her dad’s face was priceless as he admired his daughter as a beautiful bride. Such a special time for the both of them.
It was finally time for the ceremony! Meli is such an integral part of the relationship so it was only fitting that they included her in the ceremony with a candle lighting ceremony.
After the ceremony, the guests - along with Mr. and Mrs. Tyra - would enjoy a simple reception with some of the most delicious cupcakes ever! The highlight of the reception was the slideshow and words spoken by their family members.
The send off was breathtaking! Flower petals were tossed in the air and the circled around the newlyweds! Meli was so excited for this part of the day!
“Take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can’t help falling in love with you.”
Vendor Credits
Venue: First Baptist Church Waco
Florist: Wolfe Florist
Cake: Simply Delicious
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Planner: Lois Ferguson
Music Services: Andy Muskrat (pianist)
Hair Artist: Sonya Guerrero
Invitations: Minted
Officiant: Matt Snowden
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Pagel with Kaitlyn Pagel Photography for assisting me in capturing the memories for Sami and Steve!
