Samantha and Robert’s engagement session unfolded on the timeless campus of Princeton University, just as the golden light dipped across the architecture. The couple wanted their photos to feel both romantic and relaxed—beautiful, but not overly styled—and the setting provided the perfect mix of sophistication and ease.
Their story is rooted in destiny: after meeting at Samantha’s childhood best friend’s birthday party (who also happens to be Robert’s best friend), they instantly knew they had found their soulmate. From an engagement at Ireland’s breathtaking Cliffs of Moher to planning a September 2025 wedding, every step of their journey has been filled with intention, faith, and love.
Dressed in chic, modern style—Robert in a tailored Calvin Klein suit and Samantha in an elegant Abercrombie dress—the couple celebrated their engagement with a session that reflected exactly who they are together: graceful, timeless, and deeply connected.
“In that moment, we both knew we were looking at our soulmate.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
It is our absolute favorite story to tell! We met at Samantha’s childhood best friend’s birthday party — and guess what: her fiancé is also Robert’s childhood best friend! Even though they had been dating for years, we somehow never crossed paths until the perfect moment.
We weren’t meant to be set up that night — we simply locked eyes, grew extremely curious about the other, and eventually gravitated together.
In that moment, we both knew we were looking at our soulmate.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Early on in our relationship, we made the decision not to live together until we were officially married. It was a choice that felt right for us, and we feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by people who have supported that decision — especially in a time when it’s not always the norm.
When we started dating, Robert lived in NYC and Samantha lived in Morristown, NJ. After a couple of years, Robert moved back to NJ, but we still knew waiting to move in together was right for us.
As cheesy as it sounds, the biggest challenge has been missing each other and navigating our adult lives around spending intentional time together. It’s taken a lot of communication, patience, and a deep commitment to stay connected through phone calls, visits, and planning ahead.
We wouldn’t change a thing. This chapter has taught us how to love from a distance (the distance doesn’t sound far, but when you want to be glued to a person, it is FAR), how to grow individually and together, and how to look forward to sharing a home that will be all the more meaningful because of the wait!
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Samantha is Filipino, so we will be incorporating a few major traditions into our ceremony. We love our family so much, so we are doing our best to honor the members who will not be joining us (from aunts, uncles, to grandparents, and great grandparents).
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The ceremony is the most important for us.
Fun fact! We will be having a full Catholic mass, which will be celebrated by Samantha’s brother who is a Catholic priest!
Samantha’s favorite part of any wedding is seeing the couple meet at the altar. There is something so special about watching two people who are clearly with the person that makes them feel safe, but are still so nervous standing up there. It’s like watching crushes interact. It’s beautiful!
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
The best thing Robert has learned from Samantha:
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Ways to always be thoughtful towards other people
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After showering, to pull the curtain open to stretch the shower curtain out to prevent folds from retaining water and growing mold
The best thing Samantha has learned from Robert:
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How to love myself more and more confidently
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How to tell if the dishwasher contents are clean or dirty based on the color of the buttons (we don’t traditionally use the dishwasher for its main purpose in Filipino homes!!)
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Robert’s favorite thing about Samantha is that she’s always thinking about others and that she volunteers to deliver Eucharist to those that are homebound through church.
Samantha’s favorite thing about Robert is that he is driven and disciplined, especially when he sets his mind on something. Close second is that his favorite movie is Shrek!
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Our number one favorite part is that we grow more and more fond of each other every step of the way. We also love that our family and friends are showing up for us and making us feel so loved and blessed. We are lucky to have found each other and we are lucky to know such amazing humans.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Say “I love you” as much as you can because you never know when the last time will be. It does not take away the weight and meaning; it will GROW in weight and meaning if you let it.
Say “I love you” on good days and bad days. Your best, most special gift is right in front of you, so give it the attention it deserves!!!
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
It is the BEST PART of living and is the most true thing we can honor each other with.
Photography: Writer & Beloved Photography / @writerandbelovedphoto
Her Dress: Abercrombie / @abercrombie
His Suit: Calvin Klein / @calvinklein
Film Lab: Perfect Image Lancaster / @filmbyperfectimage
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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