Neil & Samara’s Wedding
June 21, 2024
Neil and Samara didn't meet in the most common way for the times, they didn't have to swipe or click on their phones. They met at work, Neil was a lineman and Samara was a line apprentice. It all started with games of roadtrip connect 4 on a storm call to Louisana and blossomed into a magical relationship.
Their first Christmas together, Neil took a leap and took Samara back to his home town in Washington. Samara knew this was a huge deal to met his family, especially since there was air travel involved. Neil's introduction to Sam's mom was more of a surprise. Sam needed help moving and all hands were on deck, one quick introduction and everyone got to work.
Two years later, Neil and Sam found themselves in Mexico enjoying the world together. They enjoyed white beaches, local attractions, Mayan ruins, and one particular sunset sailing trip. As the sun was going down, Neil began to look a little off, maybe sea sickness? Little did Sam know, Neil had spent her trip to the bathroom getting the whole boat on board with his proposal. The bow was cleared, the music quieted down and photographers put in place so they could capture the most magical moment, Neil on a knee with Sam reminding him, "you're supposed to put the ring on my finger."
Jun 21
2024
TO 10:00 pm
When Katie and I first met, I know it wasn't friends at first sight for Katie. I was the unknown lady that Matt and Neil worked with. However she did think my truck was sexy at first sight, as it sat at her house while we were working in Louisiana after hurricane Ida. Slowly I crept into Katie's heart. Now she is one of my closest friends. She is even willing to wear face jewels with me in Las Vegas. One of her favorite memories of us is our spa day at the Monarch, it's our new tradition while the boys hunt. Also our first pajama night while the boys were working on storm.
I couldn't imagine Katie not being apart of our greatest adventure as my maid of honor. She helps keep me on track with all my wedding planning and helps keep my spirit bright. She is truly a one of kind friend.
Fun Fact time: Not only is she a badass at finding great deals/happy hours, she went diving with great white sharks. The cage that keep her protected swam with her too. She was bummed that they didn't approach her, so next time she will have to bring snacks for them.
Growing up as cousins, Kelsey and I were always having fun running and playing all over our grandparents farm. One of Kelsey's favorite memories was going on our annual family trip to Estes Park and visiting the Stanley Hotel! She has been apart of so many of my best memories growing up. It was only fitting that she'd join me as a bridesmaid on one of my greatest adventures.
Fun random fact time: She went backpacking across Europe and traveled to 6 different countries in 3 weeks with her friends from pharmacy school.
McKenzie is also my cousin, growing up together playing at the farm, having fashion shows in front of our parents will always be some of my favorite memories. Kelsey and I were getting our hair curled and McKenzie really wanted hers curled, but she naturally has curly hair, so my aunt curled her hair with a carrot to keep her calm and included.
This year we both got to try on wedding dresses together which was a very special moment that we got to share. She's been apart of so many of my favorite memories growing up together that I wanted her to join me as my bridesmaid on one of my greatest adventures.
Fun Fact Time: She was on ESPN in college for the National Cheerleading Championships. So she knows how to dance, which is great so she can teach me how to dance so I don't fall on my face!
My beautiful daughter, that reminds me so much of me in so many ways. Marley is my mini me. She loves to wear face jewels and have tutu dance nights. She is so special to us, that she needed to have a big role in our wedding day. She gets the very important job of being one of my bridesmaids. I hope she remembers how well Neil treats me so that she sets her bar high for any man that will come into her life one day.
Cody was my first cold apprentice, our first day working together I asked him if his face was RBFing all the time or if he just doesn't know how to smile. The RBF face must just be a Cortez thing, but he does smile. We spent lots of hours working together and jamming to music. One of my favorite memories is when I hit a bump with the bucket truck and threw all the milk crates which dumped all the material over the belly of the truck. We just couldn't stop laughing when we seen the mess.
I was super thrilled when he agreed to be the flower dude.
My oldest son, who is the only one that I can trust not to lose or drop our rings. When he isn't mad at me for taking his phone away acting like a teenager, he is very kind. We wanted him to have an important role in our special day. I know he will protect our rings.