Romance in the stars
DATE: Jan. 7 HER STORY: Samantha “Sam” Halstead, 29, was born in Evanston, Ill., and moved to Shaker Heights, Ohio, at age 13. She works as an assistant registrar at Glenstone, a small, contemporary art museum in Potomac. Her parents, David and Cameon Halstead, live in Raleigh, N.C.
HIS STORY: David “Dave” Santez, 26, was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He works as a research associate for the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, Va. His parents, David and Connie Santez, live in Dayton.
THEIR STORY: The two met in September 2014 at work at Barnes & Noble at Tysons Corner. Dave was already working at the location when Sam was hired.
Dave was immediately intrigued by Sam. “I distinctly remember her first day there like it was yesterday,” he said, adding that he met her over lunch while she was filling out her paperwork.
“I even remember what she had for lunch that day — a homemade turkey sandwich — and what she was wearing,” he said. “Sam really made an impression on me that day.
“She was intelligent and she was super beautiful,” he said, adding that she hasn’t changed one bit.
Sam doesn’t remember their first meeting or subsequent meetings the following weeks.
Her first real memory of Dave is from right after the Thanksgiving holiday. After not seeing him for weeks, she realized she missed him.
Sam was so excited to see him that she blurted out in front of co-workers and customers: “My light, my sun. You have returned!”
The two started dating a couple of weeks later and have been together since then. They live in Oakton, Va. THE PROPOSAL: Dave proposed to Sam in June 2016.
The days leading up to the proposal have been affectionately referred to as “Sam Week.”
The day before, the two went to see Sam’s favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, play from club seats. The day of the proposal, the couple went to see Sam’s favorite band, Barenaked Ladies, at Wolf Trap.
When they returned home from the concert, as Sam was about to get out of the car and go inside, Dave said, “Wait, I need to get something.”
Sam immediately started crying because she knew what was happening. Dave got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
VENUE: One hundred guests attended the wedding and reception at the George Peabody Library.
FLOWERS AND DECOR: Victoria Clausen Floral Events provided the flowers. The couple had an outer space theme because they both have an affinity for the universe and for the science of it.
BRIDE’S DRESS: Sam wore a Rosa Clará ballgown, made of Mikado silk with a tulle underskirt in purple and gold from Bella Bleu Bridal in Winnetka, Ill. She wore her mother’s David Yurman necklace, bracelet and earrings set.
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Bridesmaids wore a variety of BHLDN and J.Crew dresses.
MEN’S ATTIRE: Dave wore a three-piece, Hickey Freeman tweed suit, which was purchased from and hand-tailored by Highcliffe Clothiers in Middleburg, Va. Groomsmen wore suits from Men’s Wearhouse to go with crisp white shirts, pocket squares and galaxy-themed cuff links.
MUSIC: The reception music was provided by Mr. Potato Head. The couple’s first dance was to “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. The ceremony music was provided by Canterbury Strings, a group of Peabody Conservatory alumni.
FOOD AND DESSERT: Charles Levine Caterers provided the food. Assorted hors d’oeuvres included chicken scampi saute, coconut shrimp, Dijon scallops and filet mignon atop crostini. Dinner consisted of swordfish, Kentucky Bourbon filet of short ribs, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, and lemon and basil chicken. They had a classic yellow cake with chocolate icing that was decorated with a white fondant by Charles Levine Caterers.
FAVORS: The couple gave guests small stargazing kits.
SPECIAL TOUCHES: They are planning their honeymoon for sometime next year.