Fairview Crystal Springs

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

From the Bride's point of view: He told me we were meeting a friend of his for dinner in Santa Cruz. They had not seen each other for awhile so he made reservations at a nice restaurant. On the drive to Santa Cruz, he gave me my Christmas present. Every year since we’ve been dating he has given me a photo album. Each picture includes a little summary of when/where it was taken, and at the end of the album there is a year recap message. I flipped through a few pages reminiscing on the highlights of the year. We were driving along a scenic route looking for his friend’s Airbnb. He asked if I recognized where we were and if I wanted to look for “our spot”. When we first started dating (over three years ago) we drove along this route until I made him pull over, we watched the sunset and enjoyed each other’s company. The picture on my office desk is from that day! On the day of the proposal, it was pouring rain but we grabbed the umbrella and started walking out to the cliff. I heard him say, “I know I’m going to butcher this..” under his breath. At that moment I knew what was about to happen and I started uncontrollably crying as he went down on one knee. I did not hear his speech, I did not hear him ask, I could not even feel the rain, I just saw his sweet face. The shoulders of his sport coat were soaking wet, he had a beaming smile, and his eyes looked nervous but were beginning to swell with tears. No words could come out of my mouth, I just nodded while shaking and crying hysterically.  He had hidden photographers trying to snap pictures in the rain. When we got back to the car he uncovered two hidden pages in the photo album to include the proposal. It was perfect.

How He Asked 

Travel and Parking

Things to Do

Growing up with Samantha as one of my older sisters was quite an adventure. From almost running over my friends while picking me up from school to taking me bouldering after running a 5k, she has never failed to make days more fun. 

I am excited to stand by her side and dance the night away with her on her wedding day. 

Kimberly L.

Miky C.

I first met Farouk at work. From the beginning, I could tell he thought I was hilarious. At some point, he just couldn’t hold it in anymore and asked me to be his personality enhancement coach. During this time we became friends. 
Whether we are sharing a mini cannoli hands-free, shouting over the table in Avalon, eating burgers that are jumping from the bun, or on a dog date, there is always something memorable about time with Farouk. 
I am excited to see Farouk emote. More seriously, I am excited to celebrate Farouk and Sam, and kick off their lives together.

Adam D.

Samantha's littlest sister, we are ten years apart but manage to keep a close relationship. I love you so much and I am excited to welcome another older brother to the family. 

Emily L.

I met Farouk at Upstart, where we both worked on the Growth Team. Our relationship developed over heated debates, long walks, warm hugs, muddy spartan races, high intensity work outs, 3 hour rants, and presents. 
At a German bar in Tahoe, Farouk told us all about his trees while under the influence of gypsy juice. 
I am most looking forward to watching Farouk cry like a baby.


Jungwon B.

I am a coworker with Sam. She always doubts her skill and knowledge so she asked for help a lot. It was through the regular help and questions I got to see Sam's kindness and humor and become her friend.
Being able to work on jobs together is actually some of the bright points. Auditing is not exactly the most exciting thing, but Sam always makes working a little more fun. Bringing a positive attitude and friendliness to all. Although don't expect her to get puns, it was a long car ride from Santa Cruz trying to teach those.
I am excited for these crazy kids to finally get hitched. Ever since meeting Sam, the way she talks about Farouk, I've known they were going to end up tying the knot and sharing a great life together.

Kevin K.

Childhood/best friend 
Samantha has always been a ray of sunshine in my life, providing positive energy with her voice, personality, and loving nature. From volunteering at 5k runs, to playing in the snow, to bopping to our favorite artists at shows, she will always be there for you thick and thin.  
I’m so excited to see Samantha to be married to the man of her dreams and have the wedding she deserves. I’m also excited to see her in her dress! 


Kimmy T.

I met Sam during our first year of College at UCR. The following year we became roommates, and we’ve been such good friends since then. Even though she moved back up north, we have made efforts to see each other at least once a year. It’s always one of the highlights of my year!
Sam and I knew this friendship was real when I arrived at her apartment with a cake on her 21st birthday. We got ready together and then went to Downtown Fullerton for a fun celebration! I’ll never forget that special night!
I couldn’t be more thrilled that Sam has found such a special person who I know will love her for the rest of her life! I knew he was the one when she first told me about him. I’m so excited for them to profess their love for each other during the ceremony. I already predict that I’ll be shedding happy tears!

Marisa A.

She is my favorite older sister. 
When I was leaving for college, Samantha spent the night before crafting a handmade bracelet so I could have a handheld piece of home. She put an "S" for Sam and an "M" for Mel on the bracelet as well as an "A" in-between for "and" ... resulting in the most narcissistic-looking heartfelt gift I have ever received. On the bright side, walking around with a "SAM" bracelet in college made me feel less alone, as every time someone called me "Sam" I was reminded of home.
Samantha has always been a 'princess' in that she is kind, beautiful, and a leader. I am most excited to see her experience the joy of a 'happily ever after' .

Melanie R.

Farouk was my best friend at Upstart. Between our killer HIIT workouts, vegetable challenges, all-day Lord of the Rings marathon, and learning and struggling together in growth and finance, Farouk was one of the best parts of work (and more) for me for 4 years.
My favorite memory was the Upstart ski trip of 2017: including Farouk's first time skiing down a blue, Farouk getting a drink named after him at a German restaurant, a never-ending bus ride, and so much more.
I'm excited to celebrate Farouk and Sam's love and watch their first dance!

Rachel L.

I met Sam through a mutual friend (Kimmy) 7 years ago and our friendship developed through our love for good food, tea parties, traveling, and twinning together.   
My favorite memory of us together are all the little traditions (Christmas in the Park & Friendsmas) we've created through the year. 
I can't wait for the ceremony and celebrate the night away! 

Farouk & Samantha

Farouk & Samantha

Registry