Deerfield

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

After Party

Our Wedding

Samantha and Sean met through mutual friends during their freshman year at the University of Delaware in the spring of 2018. What they didn’t realize at the time was that it would take a little while before they recognized they were each other’s soulmates. Like many great romances, theirs began with a foundation of friendship. During their sophomore year, they found themselves in the same Greek Mythology class. Samantha was genuinely interested in the subject, while Sean, sitting nearby, would spend the 90-minute class texting and playing games on his laptop, bored out of his mind. They continued to see each other at various sorority parties and formals off-campus—though not always together. It wasn’t until their senior year that they reconnected and went on their first date at Grotto Pizza on Main Street. With just a few months left before graduation, they officially began dating. Both had aspirations of continuing their education after UD and weren’t sure how that would affect their new relationship. They each took a leap of faith. Samantha enrolled at George Washington University to earn her master’s degree, while Sean headed down I-95 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. On weekends, they made it work—whether by driving or hopping on the Amtrak to visit each other in Richmond. The distance wasn’t easy, but they made the effort because they believed in each other. In December 2022, Samantha had the opportunity to become a Clinical Fellow anywhere in the country. With Sean working full-time for VCU Athletics, they knew this was the perfect time to move in together in Richmond, VA and start building a life side by side. Now living in Williamsburg, VA, Samantha and Sean support each other in their careers, goals, and daily lives. Their love story is one of perseverance—of never giving up, even in days of adversity—and showing up for one another every single day. Love isn’t always easy, but through the good times and the challenging ones, they’ve found joy in every step of the journey together.

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids

I met Jae in 2004, and it’s one of my earliest memories. I still remember walking to her house in my Powerpuff Girl sandals, so nervous to ask if she wanted to be my friend. Funny enough, we actually hated each other at first (lol) — but after a few forced playdates from our moms, we became inseparable. Jae isn’t just my best friend; she’s family and the closest thing I have to a sister.

Jae Barboza

I messaged Rachel to be my freshman year roommate, and I seriously hit the jackpot! We loved each other so much that we ended up rooming together all four years. Rachel is truly the most empathetic and caring friend anyone could ask for!

Rachel Fried

Another Amstel Ave college roommate! Emily has such an easygoing, grounded energy — she makes every moment lighter and more fun. And we could talk about books for hours!

Emily Powsner

Another Amstel Ave college roommate! Kerry is one of the funniest and most authentic people I know — she’s always unapologetically herself and can make anyone laugh until their stomach hurts.

Kerry Keough

The last Amstel Ave college roommate! Grace is the ultimate party planner BFF — she’s always down for a good time. She radiates happiness wherever she goes, and her energy is absolutely contagious.

Grace DeRosa

Steph is my future sister-in-law, but she’s always felt like a real sister to me. From the very beginning, she welcomed me into the Moran family with open arms — and now we still talk almost every day!

Stephanie Bezirdjian

Groomsmen

When Dan and I were 16 years old, we made a pact that we would be each other's Best Man in our respective weddings. I am true to my word! No matter where our lives have taken us, Dan has always been a phone call away. Dependable as they come! 

Dan Napoleone

Steve and James are brothers to me. Fortunate enough that they put up with me during our final two years at UD. Fun fact: James and I lived right next to each other during our Freshman year of college. They'll never admit it, but I was the best roommate they could have asked for!

Steve Dembeck (left), James McKenna (middle)

When Justin and I met, our friendship immediately turned into a bromance. Always finds a way to aggravate me about the Ravens. He is a Philly guy, but try not to hold that against him.

Justin Doran

When push comes to shove, Brian and I are always there for one another and I love him immensely. I will always go to bat for him. 

Brian Moran

Connor - AKA "The Con Man." The only person I know that can excuse himself from work whenever he wants! Grateful to have him as a brother-in-law! 

Connor Bezirdjian

Wedding Party

FAQ's

Hotel Arrangements

Please see below for available hotel and travel options for our wedding. All hotels below have a room block reserved at a reduced rate. PLEASE NOTE: The deadline to reserve a room under the Aquino/Moran hotel block at every hotel is October 6, 2026. We recommend booking early, as rooms may fill before the cutoff date.

Courtyard by Marriott - University of Delaware

400 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, DE, US302-737-0900 The Courtyard by Marriott is located on University of Delaware's North Campus and is a quick 7 minute walk to Main Street. This hotel includes a shuttle to/from the venue. We have a limited number of rooms reserved as part of our wedding block, so we recommend booking sooner rather than later! Please use the following link to book: <a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1765469826479&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1765469826479&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink</a>

The Hyatt Place

94 E. Main St. Building 1000, Newark, DE 19711302-266-2000 The Hyatt is one of the newest hotels in Newark and right on the heart of Main St. This hotel does not include a shuttle. It is in walking distance to all of the restaurants and bars. We have a limited number of rooms available, we recommend booking sooner rather than later through the following link: <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/ILGZN/G-AMWB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/ILGZN/G-AMWB</a>

SpringHill Suites by Marriott - Newark Downtown

402 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE, US SpringHill Suites is a 14-minute walk from campus. These rooms are suite style. Additionally, a complimentary buffet breakfast buffet is served every morning at the property. This hotel does not offer a shuttle. We also have a limited number of rooms so please consider booking on the earlier side! Please use the following link to book: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1759256392108&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1759256392108&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink</a>

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Airports

For guests traveling by plane, Newark, DE is close to a handful of great airport options.

Philadelphia International Airport is a quick 40 minute drive down I-95 from UD.

Philadelphia International Airport

BWI is just over an hour from UD's campus. Flying in and out of BWI gives guests traveling by air an excuse to see Baltimore, AKA "Charm City."

Baltimore/Washington International Airport

Wilmington Airport is the closest in proximity to Newark (about 20 minutes).

Wilmington Airport

Travel

We highly recommend checking out Klondike Kate's, one of our favorite restaurants in Newark! They are known for their nachos and make an awesome orange crush.

Klondike Kate's Restaurant & Saloon

A great bar and restaurant with cheap drinks and good food. Be sure to ask for the Blue Hen shot!

Deer Park Tavern

Santa Fe makes a very flavorful and strong margarita. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu, either.

Santa Fe Mexican Grill - Newark

The Wilmington Riverfront is a short 20 minutes from the University of Delaware. There are plenty of bars, shops, and restaurants to check out! We recommend checking out the Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront!

Wilmington Riverfront

Located near the Deerfield wedding venue, this is a great place to go for a walk and exercise.

White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center

This is another great place to go for a walk! Very scenic 1.8 mile loop.

Samantha & Sean

Samantha & Sean

S&S

Wedding Day

4:00 PM–4:30 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM–9:30 PM

Reception

10:00 PM

After Party