The Wedding of Samantha Pena & Jacob Hollis

June 8, 2024

Photography by Edmonson Photography

Samantha and Jacob were a couple that embodied a timeless love, eager to infuse their wedding day with tradition and whimsy. They envisioned a cozy atmosphere that reflected their old-soul personalities. Every detail mattered to them, from incorporating Latin elements into the mass to showcasing a cherished doll hand-crafted by Samantha's grandmother at the reception. This vintage, traditional feel was essential, guiding their choices as they planned their special day.

Samantha’s wedding journey began with a dream her mother had harbored for years: taking one of her three daughters to Kleinfeld’s in New York City to find the perfect wedding dress. Surrounded by her loving sisters and mother on this Peña family trip, Samantha felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude as she stepped into the iconic boutique. Initially intending just to try on dresses and gather ideas, she quickly discovered that fate had other plans.

As they strolled the showroom floor, Samantha tried on several gowns, but none seemed to resonate with her vision. Just as disappointment began to creep in, their assistant returned with a dress from the basement, exuding an allure that Samantha couldn’t resist. When she stepped into the dress, adorned with stunning lace that framed her form elegantly, she felt transformed, as if she were a Spanish princess. To top off the look, they created a beautiful mantilla-style veil, crafted just for her. The joy of finding her dream dress in New York City was a moment she would forever cherish.

Fast forward to the wedding ceremony, where the air was charged with anticipation. As the priest bestowed a blessing on the newlyweds, it struck Samantha that she was now married. Her initial thought was, “Who is he talking about?” before it dawned on her, “Ooooh! Me and Jake! I’m a married woman now!” The sense of wonder filled her heart as they exchanged vows, each word grounding them in their commitment.

Tradition wove its way through their ceremony, reflecting their values and faith. They included beloved rituals like the lasso, the Bible, and the rosary, each symbolizing unity and divine protection. Their wedding crucifix, placed on the altar, represented Christ’s love, a beautiful reminder of the commitment they were making. Together, they honored the Virgin Mary by offering flowers, a heartfelt gesture seeking her intercession as they embarked on their journey of marriage.

Jacob’s thoughtful design of Samantha's engagement ring, featuring his grandmother's stone and engraved with “Totus Tuus” in Latin, spoke volumes about their commitment. They both promised to give themselves completely to each other, a promise reflected in the matching engravings on their wedding bands.

The day held another layer of significance—it was also Samantha’s parents' 39th wedding anniversary. To honor their love story, Samantha and Jacob adorned their cake with her parents' wedding topper, a sweet tribute that blended their past with the present. The celebration continued with the traditional father-daughter and mother-son dances, infused with a playful spirit as Samantha incorporated mainstream songs into their family tradition. Their dance was a spectacle that delighted their guests, a joyful homage to both heritage and family ties.

Their venue, The Astorian, was a perfect reflection of their personalities—classy, vintage, and bursting with character. Samantha's meticulous attention to detail shone through every aspect of the day, from the nostalgic wedding cake topper to the unique touch of a cigar roller and a vintage camera as a photo booth. Each detail, each moment, brought together their vision of a wedding that felt both intimate and grand.

Looking ahead, Samantha and Jacob felt excitement bubbling within them. They were eager to embark on this new chapter together, continuing their education—Samantha in optometry school and Jacob eyeing a potential Ph.D. One day, they dream of starting a family, all in God’s perfect timing. Their hearts were filled with anticipation for the adventures ahead, traveling together, celebrating holidays, and building a life rooted in faith and love.