Real Wedding: Samantha & Darren

Where it all started

Samantha and Darren first met at a party when they were in university. She was immediately attracted to his smile and he thought she was beautiful – especially in the leopard-print sweatshirt she was wearing that night! The minute Darren walked through the doors at the party, Samantha thought “I’m going to marry this man.”

The proposal, which took place several years later, was nothing short of spectacular. While on a trip to British Columbia, Darren told Samantha they were going for a nice lunch. However instead of pulling up to a restaurant, Darren drove them to a helicopter pad! Samantha was terrified of heights but realized that there might be a proposal in the works, so she sucked up her fears and climbed on board.

After a stunning ride over the Rocky Mountains, the helicopter landed by a beautiful riverbank for a picnic lunch. Darren led Samantha over to a sunny spot by the water, where he got down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him… of course, her answer was a resounding ‘yes’!

Planning the wedding

Samantha and Darren knew from the start that they wanted a destination wedding. They didn’t want to spend a huge amount of money on just one night. They wanted to enjoy an entire wedding week full of making memories with their friends and family. They chose Mexico as their wedding destination because they had been there before and loved the food and top-notch service. Several of their friends had gotten married at Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa and loved it. Plus, there were plenty of activities for all their guests, a wide selection of restaurants and a gorgeous Sky Terrace where they could have their ceremony.

Day details

On May 7th, 2018, Samantha and Darren exchanged their vows on the Sky Terrace at Royalton Riviera Cancun in front of 77 of their closest family and friends. Samantha walked down the aisle in a form-fitting fit and flare lace dress with a sweetheart neckline, while Darren stood waiting for her in a royal blue suit that matched the sparkling ocean behind them.

After their picture-perfect ceremony on the Sky Terrace, everyone moved to the casino for the couple’s rustic-meets-romantic-glam reception. Samantha’s favourite moment of the big day was when they walked into the reception and were announced as husband and wife for the first time. Darren’s favourite moment of the day was his excitement to see Samantha walk down the aisle. For their honeymoon, Samantha and Darren plan on hiking through Peru.

Wedding day wear

Samantha’s dress: Fit and flare lace dress

Samantha’s shoes: Blinged-out white heels

Samantha’s accessories: Finger-length lace veil and jewelled belt

Darren’s suit: Custom royal blue suit with a thin tropical-print tie

Darren’s shoes: Brown weathered dress shoes

Darren’s accessories: Matching brown belt and a blue and brown watch

The bridesmaids wore: Long, light pink dresses with a halter neckline and open bar

The groomsmen wore: Matching royal blue suits with tropical-print ties

Samantha’s ring: Canadian made, vintage-style ring with a leaf detail

Darren’s ring: Viking-style band with hammered silver pattern

Small details

Flowers: Blush pink roses, baby’s breath and succulents

Photographer: Romanza Photography

Hair and makeup: The Royal Spa

First dance: Sure Thing – Miguel

Wedding favours: Candy bag full of assorted treats

Tips for future couples

"Don’t sweat the small stuff! Enjoy the moment and be happy that you are marrying the love of your life, because that’s what it’s all about."