Sam Hubbard NFL Wedding as featured in BRIDES.
Planned By BTS Event Management.
Sam Hubbard NFL Wedding
As the lens behind these cherished moments, I had the privilege of documenting a day that blended emotion, elegance, and vibrant individuality. Here’s a heartfelt narrative inspired by the details featured in Brides magazine—and your own stunning work.
Sam and Jess’s story began as undergrads at Ohio State in 2015—a serendipitous meeting that blossomed over nearly a decade. Their engagement moment in May 2024 was as intimate as it was romantic: Sam proposed in their Phoenix backyard, surrounded by candlelight and flower petals.
Set against a backdrop of Phoenix mountains, El Chorro Lodge offered an open canvas rich with desert agriculture and sweeping views. The couple aimed for an “intentional ceremony” and “a fabulous party” that felt unmistakably “Sam and Jess.”
On April 11, the weekend kicked off with a relaxed welcome party at Andaz Scottsdale. Guests mingled over Mexican fare from a taqueria station and sipped prickly‑pear margaritas made from on‑site cactus. Jess dazzled in a bold orange Cult Gaia dress, while Sam kept it casual in a tan linen suit and white sneakers. A heartfelt toast from Sam’s dad, Jim, set the tone for the weekend of love and laughter.
Their invitation suite, crafted by Amorette, was an early hint at the bold and colorful celebration to come—with its vibrant orange palette and insert card announcing the welcome event.
Set on the lawn with cross‑back chairs, the ceremony featured asymmetrical ceramic vases overflowing with greenery and white garden blooms. Live musicians filled the air with selections like “Maestro” (from The Holiday) for Jess’s entrance and “Fast Cars and Freedom” for the recessional. Jess’s dad and stepdad walked her down the aisle, and the couple exchanged heartfelt, personally written vows—culminating in a dramatic dip and kiss after being pronounced married.
Guests transitioned to a lounge-like cocktail space, where a violinist and saxophonist set the mood. Signature drinks—Whispering Angel rosé for guests (and Titos with soda and lemon for Sam)—paired with passed bites like ceviche, bruschetta, mac‑and‑cheese balls, and chili‑lime chicken skewers. A DIY seating chart featured nostalgic wedding-day photos of parents, grandparents, and the couple—creating a beautiful bridge between generations. Even Joe Burrow made an appearance.
The reception unfolded in a custom-built open-air structure in the desert—a vibrant surprise for guests. Inside, chartreuse velvet linens, a serpentine head table under a greenery chandelier, and a striking green-and-black checkered dance floor brought modern elegance to life. Tables were adorned with floral clusters and set with dramatic chargers, floral-patterned plates, and gold-rimmed glassware under warm lighting. Dinner options included filet mignon and Chilean sea bass.
Toasts by Jess’s stepdad, sister, Sam’s brother, and her mother left the crowd moved and silent—“wonderfully written and so authentic,” in Jess’s words. The cake—a lemon-strawberry cream cheese confection—was wrapped in vintage-inspired fondant, adorned with floral and dragonfly motifs, and baked by A Bake Shop.
The newlyweds surprised everyone with a choreographed first dance to a mashup of “All Again” by Charles Wesley Godwin and Bob Marley’s “Is This Love.” Later, Jess changed into an off‑the‑shoulder mini from De La Vali, perfect for dancing the night away under DJ and MC tunes from Spags Music. A candy bar and a packed dance floor ensured the celebration ended on the highest note.
Photography-Jaimee Morse