When they boarded that international flight many years ago, neither Samantha or Nico knew how much their lives were about to change.  Nico was placing his bag in the overhead compartment when he realized, to his luck, he was seated next to Samantha.  Drawn in by her infectious smile and warm personality, Nico struck up a conversation.  The plane took off and landed, and before they knew it, Samantha and Nico had been talking the entire ride!  They stayed in touch, and it was only a matter of time before Samantha found herself living in Chile, working as a teacher, and engaged to Nico!  The were married in the beautiful country one year ago and both agree that last year was one of the best years of their lives!

On January 5, 2013, Samantha and Nico recommitted their lives to each other in a beautiful ceremony at Samantha’s home church.  Afterwards, friends and family danced the night away at an incredible reception at Frank’s Waterside in North Bergen, NJ.  Standing on the dance floor photographing Nico twirling a laughing Samantha around in his arms, I found tears of happiness springing their way to my eyes.  In front of me were two carefree souls, madly in love, and just enjoying life together.

Samantha and Nico, thank you for giving me the honor of capturing your amazing wedding!  Mekina and I had a great time with you and wish you so much happiness in the many years to come.  I hope you are having a blast on your honeymoon in Jamaica!  Enjoy a few of my favorite photos from your gorgeous wedding day below.

Samantha slipped on the same beautiful dress she wore on her first wedding to Nico one year ago.

Samantha’s mom, sister, and best friends since kindergarden helped her get ready!

Samantha’s mom, Stephanie, is an AMAZING florist at Floral Expressions.  She did all the flowers for her daughter’s wedding.

The happy groom!

Since Samantha and Nico were already married, we were able to get some sweet photographs of them relaxing before the festivities of the day began.

LOVE.

Before the ceremony, we headed down to my favorite park in Hoboken to get some adorable pictures of Samantha and Nico.  How great are these yellow balloons they brought along?!

Samantha and Nico were married in Samantha’s home church.  Their ceremony was beautiful!

Afterwards, we headed down to the Waterside for a fabulous reception with even more fabulous views of Manhattan!

Great job on the flowers Stephanie!  They really did look incredible!

Britainy, Samantha’s sister, gave such a heartfelt speech.  By the end of it, she had the whole room in tears!

I can’t even begin to describe this dance party to you!  All I can say is it was epic.

Samantha and Nico spent the evening spinning around the dance floor in each other’s arms.  The love they have for each other could be felt by everyone around them.

Samantha and Nico, thank you again for allowing me to capture your beautiful wedding day.  It was a true honor!  I wish you both the best of luck in your lives together!  Here’s to laughing everyday, beginning each morning and ending each night with I love you…and to living happily ever after.