Welcome Party

Forte da Cruz

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Saying Yes to Forever

Our Engagement at Glacier National Park on June 11, 2024!

It was a gorgeous, sunny, 60 degree day in the middle of our Montana road trip, and we had been having the time of our lives. We had a 10 mile hike ahead of us and only one of us knew we would be ending that hike as fiancés. Matt hired a photographer and coordinated with her to start the hike a half hour before we planned to. He told her what we were wearing ahead of time so she knew who to look out for. They planned for the photographer to act like a random hiker and ask us to take a picture of her when we were passing her. Matt politely asked her to 'return the favor'. She took a picture of us on Matt's phone, and Matt then asked Sam to turn around so he could take an 'artsy' picture of her looking at the gorgeous view. While Sam thought Matt was taking a picture, he was actually bending on one knee getting ready to ask her to be his wife. The photographer was perfectly in place to capture the moment when Matt asked Sam to marry him. Through the happiest, tear streaked eyes, Sam yelled 'Yes!' and only later realized that the photographer was a paid professional and not just a random hiker. It was the happiest and best day of our lives and we couldn't imagine a more perfect moment...or backdrop ;)

Photos

Our Wedding Party

Meet some of the people who make us, US!

Hi I’m Rita, Sam’s cousin! Sam is the sister I never had and also my best friend. Ranging from performing choreographed dance routines when we were kids, to vacations together, and every family occasion in between… it’s safe to say that Sam and I have been through it all together. I have to say though, my favorite memory that we share together is getting to cheer Sam on during her marathon race, she is a true champ for doing that!! Sam is truly the most compassionate, selfless, and supportive friend anyone could ask for, I’m just lucky enough to have her as my cousin. I am so excited to stand beside you on your wedding day. May your future as a married couple only be a blessing, filled with lots of love and laughter. Mazel tov!

Margarita (Rita) Weissman

Hi I’m Joe, Matt’s brother and best man. Matt and I have been through it all together and it’s been an honor teaching Matt everything he knows about life. Growing up, it was fun dominating Matt in sports, academics and everything else in between. As the inferior brother, Matt had to learn how to be scrappy and use all of his skills to be competitive in our household. I was really happy when he met Sam because now he has someone else in his life to keep him in line. I’m looking forward to a fun night of celebrating with everyone! 

Joe Connors

Hi everyone! I’m Jules, Matt’s youngest (and funniest) sibling. Matt and I have always shared a very unique sense of humor, and, according to Sam, “the exact same personality” (not sure if that’s a good thing for me?) Since I’ve met Sam, we have shared countless Starbucks runs, book recommendations, and even our birthdays (pisces girls forever!!) I hope Sam is ready to deal with double the personality forever, because now she’s stuck with me too (: I can’t wait to celebrate the two of them in September & for many more shared memories to come!

Juliana Connors

Hi, I’m Mitch, Sam’s favorite brother! When I first met Matt I had no idea how long he’d be able to put up with my sister for, but here we are. Thanks Matt! Anyway, I digress. My favorite memory with Sam is when she made a swimming pool on our bathroom floor when we were little, and when we ran a 5k together last year. My favorite memory with Matt is jamming together on our guitars. I’m so excited to have Matt join our family. Mazel Tov! 

Mitchell Gutman

Not too long after my brother Matt introduced me to Sam, we were texting, calling, making charcuterie boards, going shopping at KOP Mall, & talking all things skincare, hair care, & makeup…. We quickly found out that we have A LOT in common! Sam has felt like family from the beginning. I’m beyond excited to be a part of Matt & Sam’s special day and to welcome in not just a sister-in-law, but an incredible friend.

Maryrose Connors

Hi everyone, my name is Ryan and I had the pleasure of meeting Matt and Sam through my girlfriend, Maryrose, Matt’s sister. Matt and I quickly learned we share many similar interests, including shooting pool and playing golf. Some of my favorite memories of Matt include taking his money while shooting pool and playing golf. Matt never fails to make me laugh, and I cherish those late nights of random hypotheticals that keep us occupied until we run out of Sour Monkeys. I am honored to be a part of the wedding party and can’t wait for the big day! 

Ryan Heurich

Hey, I’m Anya! Sam is my childhood best friend and chosen sister. I’ve been fortunate to know Sam my entire life and I couldn’t be more excited to watch her marry the love of her life! Not only did I get to grow up down the street from Sam, but 20 years later we got to live our childhood dream of living together. There are too many amazing memories to choose from but some of my favorites will always be playing restaurant in the basement, making music videos, watching love island, and hosting our first holiday in our apartment together. I love you so so much my Dinky doo and I can’t wait to be with you on your special day! Xoxo

Anya Bolshem

Sam and I met before either one of us can even remember. Our parents have been friends for decades, so Sam and I and our siblings all grew up together. After my family moved to NJ from NY, Sam’s family moved shortly after and they lived a 2 minute drive away. We have the most amazing memories especially as kids- getting picked up early from school to get fast food and go figure skating, sledding in her front yard on snow days, playing dress up in the basement and so many things over the years. Love her to pieces, our bond is for life ❤️.

Bridgette Bolshem Frankenfield

Hi, I’m Kat! Sam and I first met our freshman year at Penn State and have been causing trouble together ever since. From rooming together senior year to countless laughter-filled nights, I’ve been fortunate enough to share some of my favorite life moments with her. Sam’s enthusiasm for life lights up a room and I’m so grateful to call her one of my best friends. Sam and Matt are two of my absolute favorite people on earth—individually incredible, but together, they’re truly a perfect match. They’re both lucky to have found each other (you’re welcome), and I’m lucky to get to be a part of their love story. Here's to many more laughs, game nights, and snack-fueled adventures ahead in your married life! 

Kat Clauss

Hey everyone, I’m Jake and unfortunately during my first day of high school I realized I had to spend every class with Matt. While I may have sped up some of Matt’s grey hairs, I also truly gained one of the few people I call the brother I never had. Matt and I spent our college years living in the same apartment where, not only did I meet my wife Kat, but Matt met her roommate Sam (you’re welcome). Sam and Matt are truly two of my best friends in this world. From the countless memories we’ve had in State College, to the more recent ones living just a few blocks away in Hoboken, I can’t wait to be apart of your biggest day and all the bigger days to come.

Jake Clauss

Sam and I met at Penn State through our sorority. We immediately clicked and became fast best friends. She will always be your biggest cheerleader - she is supportive, reliable, and funny! 

Sam is my travel partner in crime - we have been to multiple countries together: Israel, The Netherlands, Germany, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, England, Wales, and Portugal (plus surely more TBD)! Although we now live 3500 miles apart, we make an effort to have somewhat consistent FaceTime catch ups throughout the year. We have also had the chance to catch up in our homes in New Jersey and in London multiple times over the last years and we always pick right back up like no time has passed in between visits. 

I was the first visitor after Sam and Matt moved in together and saw firsthand (finally - I hadn’t met Matt till 2023!) how these two were absolutely made for each other. They bring out the best in each other and support each other through anything. I cannot wait to go back to Lisbon to celebrate Sam and Matt’s forever love this year!!! &lt;3

Becca Silverman

Hey everyone, I’m Eddie and I became friends with Matt back in the high school days just like how all great friendships are made -  joking around and goofing off in the back of the classroom. Matt and I have many similar hobbies including playing guitar and I’ll never forget him ripping Cliffs of Dover the first time we jammed. It sounded like Eric Johnson was in the room. Oh by the way we should totally jam soon. Whether it’s been golfing or traveling Iceland's Ring Road with our buddy Dan, it never takes long for a humorous, boorish joke to surface that has us cackling uncontrollably. I couldn’t be happier for Sam and Matt and wish them nothing but love and happiness for the rest of time. 

Eddie Mckee

We were each other’s first friends in our sorority! We lived together for two years in college, and have managed to stay the best of friends ever since! There are too many good memories together to pick a favorite- from both of them helping plan my own engagement, Penn State tailgates, or having to call and tell Matt we locked his keys in his car on the way to a Penn State-Michigan game. They are really two of the kindest, most selfless people, and I can’t wait to be part of their special day!

Lauren Carey

Matt and I go way back—like “riding the school bus together” back. Over the years, we’ve tackled all kinds of projects, from crafting the world’s finest cornhole boards to drone videography in Iceland, and even launching our own (highly professional, of course) “spray paint & Photoshop” business, @215custom_arts.

I couldn’t be happier to celebrate him and Sam—a perfect match for a guy who’s been an incredible friend since day one!

Dan Kelly

We met at an onboarding event during our college internships at KPMG, and who would’ve thought we’d go from colleagues to best friends?! Throughout senior year we kept in touch, even making a trip to Michigan for a Penn State vs. U-Mich game. After college graduation, we both started our first full-time jobs in NYC at KPMG and even tried to get an apartment together, but Covid had other plans. Even with the world shutting down, our friendship didn’t miss a beat.

We’ve been there for each other through every high and low. From career milestones to personal ups and downs, we’ve always had each other’s backs when it was needed most. Even though we both eventually left KPMG and moved to different states, nothing (not even distance!) can ever come between us ❤️

Alexa Georgakopoulos

Greetings, I’m Pat. I had the pleasure of meeting Matt back in high school. It was so awesome that we decided to go college together. That was so awesome that we decided to be roommates. In college, Matt and I shared lots of interests like playing guitar,  drinking beer, and most importantly, birding. Throughout the years as music collaborators, Matt and I filled a terabyte hard drive with song ideas and recordings that will be never be finished (still working on the ending to our acoustic cover of Crazy Train). Shortly after Matt and I became roommates, Matt and Sam met, and I suddenly had a new roommate! In a short time Sam became (almost) as good a friend to me as Matt. Cheers to the happy couple! Looking forward to rooming with you guys again in Portugal.

Pat Farris

I have had the pleasure of knowing Matthew my entire life, because I am blessed to be his cousin. I have stood by him through the successes as well as the many failures. I got to watch him grow up into the big strong man he is today. I witnessed Matthew slay a real life Goliath, rising to the insurmountable rank of Champion in Rocket League (a feat that a mere 5% of players achieve) after only five grueling years of training. Seeing him now with Sam brings a tear to my eye, knowing he finally found someone who is willing to love and accept him the way he is.

Mike Santangelo

Wedding Party

the venue

The Closest Airport

The closest airport to the venue is Lisbon Airport, but feel free to fly into or out of any airport in Europe should you decide to extend your stay! Another popular city in Portugal to visit is Porto, and they have their own airport.

Humberto Delgado Airport

Where to Stay

Below are some hotels that are close to the venue. You can also book an Airbnb or another hotel in a nearby city like Cascais, Lisbon, or Sintra!

EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril Hotel

Evolution Hotel is where we will be staying! There is a 5% discount code if you use the code SAMANTHA2025.

Hotel Inglaterra Estoril - Cascais

Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness, an SLH Hotel

Travel

Things to Do

Q + A

Registry

We will be offering a live stream of the wedding ceremony for anyone who is not able to be in person! Although we would've loved to have everyone here, we though this would be a good way to share our wedding experience with everyone! Please follow the link below to access the stream on Youtube.

Samantha & Matthew

Samantha & Matthew

Things to Do

Things to Do coming soon!