The Meet Cute: Samantha and Michael met in graduate school while earning their master ' s degrees in business administration. During the fall semester, Michael caught Samantha’ s eye every time he passed her classroom. By spring, she’ d moved into his cohort and sat two seats behind him, though they never spoke. On Patriots Day, they ran into each other in Boston. After a quick hello, they spent the rest of the day together and have been inseparable since.
The Engagement: As passionate Formula 1 fans, the couple couldn’ t miss the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2023. Thanks to Michael’ s hidden travel planning talent, they flew out the day before the race weekend. Using his Amex rewards before they expired, he booked a night at the Palazzo and reserved a spot at Best Friend restaurant. While getting ready, Samantha admired the view of the F1 track below her when Michael dropped down to one knee and asked her to marry him. For Samantha, it was the easiest yes of her life.
The Theme: Samantha describes the wedding theme as“ an elegantly uninhibited night in our grandmother’ s garden.” The couple wanted guests to feel enveloped in nostalgia and comfort. Nearly all the decor was thrifted, with subtle inclusions of F1 as a nod to their engagement in Las Vegas.
The Traditions: Michael’ s Chinese background plays a meaningful role in their lives, so it was important for them to include Chinese customs while being respectful. In Chinese weddings, red and gold are symbolic colors that represent luck, joy, nobility and good fortune, making it an easy color palette with sentimental meaning. Samantha also loved the uniqueness of red and gold in contrast to traditional summer palettes. For the ceremony, she wore a Paloma Blanca dress with 3D florals that matched the wild garden aesthetic. For the reception, she chose a sparkling red gown, a color traditionally reserved for the bride and groom in Chinese custom, designed by Albina Dyla.
June 13, 2025
KIM LYN PHOTOGRAPHY @ KIMLYNPHOTOGRAPHY
The Florals: The floral arrangements seamlessly tied together the wedding theme and Chinese traditions. Samantha worked with Thanh, owner of Petals Farm, and chose all red flowers with lush greenery to evoke a wild garden feel. Each bridesmaid carried a unique bouquet with different flowers, and the reception arrangements complemented the neon sign of the couple’ s name written in Cantonese.
The Highlights: The lion dancers were a major highlight for the couple. They filled the room with joy, and their guests embraced the tradition. There was also a special moment before the reception when one of the dancers arrived in a red Corvette convertible— Samantha’ s dream car— and let the couple use it to take photos.
The Advice:“ Time goes by faster than it ever will on your wedding day,” says Samantha.“ It’ s over before you know it. Stay present and absorb every feeling, every emotion. These will be some of the best memories of your lifetime!”
94 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2026