Ceremony Rehearsal 

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel

Ceremony

The Barn at the Springs

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Amber and Sabines story starts out unlike any other. It began years before they had even met, when they individually became dear friends with Daneel Patel. Amber through his now wife Baylee in college and Sabine during their time in the Marines together. Unbeknownst to them this would be the link that would later bring the two together. Sabine and Amber officially met at the Patel’s wedding as they were both in his wedding party. As they began to plan and prepare for that celebration there was already a connection between them akin to long lost friends reuniting. That bond further deepened throughout the weekend of celebration for their friends. By the end they both knew they wanted to continue their friendship despite the distance of Sabine living in Florida and Amber living in Virginia. Both already thinking about future visits they could make to each other. In the months after first meeting the two continued to text everyday and call/face time as often as they could, when Sabine's job as a commercial diver allowed it. And with time their friendship strengthened further as they shared secrets and stories of their lives. This is when they both started to feel the romantic interest blossoming in their hearts but were unsure of when they would meet next. They got their opportunity sooner than expected. A mid-November storm suddenly brought Sabine to land for a few days. Both joked about how crazy and fun it would be for Amber to visit him in Louisiana and for him to show her around New Orleans. The joke quickly turned serious once they realized the trip was an attainable feat. Amber booked her flight for the next day and everything lined up perfectly for them to see each other once more. That night both were nervous the other wouldn't show and it’d be a bad prank played, but that next afternoon Amber stepped off the plane to be greeted by Sabine. The rest of the day they ate, drank, laughed, danced, and sang together all up and down bourbon street. Sparks were flying between them which led to their first kiss on one of the balconies along the strip with fireworks exploding in their hearts. They ended the night at a jazz club with a lively and romantic atmosphere which aligned with how they were feeling. Long lost friends were starting to feel like long lost lovers. This was only made more apparent to them when other patrons asked how long they had been together only to be astounded when they learned this was only their second time meeting! The rest of their time went by in an exciting romantic blur, ending much too soon for either of their liking. Already making plans for when they’d see each other again and thus, how it was for them. Learning about each other inside and out and visiting when they could. Sabine finally officially asked Amber to be his girlfriend March 4, 2023. Despite starting this fun, new, adventurously exciting life together it was not always sunshine and rainbows, each having to deal with loss, uncertainty, physical/mental health, financial hardship, loneliness, and everything else this crazy world can throw at someone. In the midst of those trials and tribulations it only further proved to them that they were made for each other mind, body, and soul. They worked together as a team, true partners as they helped each other overcome every obstacle in their way. Helping to shape the other into better, more authentic versions of themselves. Sabine continuously smitten with how brave, intelligent, resilient, and charming Amber is. And Amber completely enamored by Sabine’s dedication, drive, humor, and genuine love of life that is contagious to all those around him. They fell in love ... deeply so. With an intensity that burns brighter with each passing day, month, and year. The type of love felt by all their friends and family. The type of love poets write epics about. But their story doesn't end here. No, in fact its far from over. So, join them and see what happens next because you don't want to miss it. Oh the places they’ll go ... Authored by Sabine MelendezEdited for historical accuracy (and grammar) by Amber Smith (for now)

Sabine & Amber

Sabine & Amber

Registry