Samantha and Rene’s story isn’t your typical “boy meets girl” love story. It’s one built over years of raising their blended family, juggling busy schedules, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life together. After seven years of being partners, parents, and best friends, they decided it was finally time to make things “official” in a way that was perfectly them: simple, heartfelt, and full of love. A Hotel Lucy elopement. But first, let me share a little about their sweet love story!

Samantha + Rene’s Love Story

The Origins

Samantha and Rene’s love story started like many of the best do—by a beautiful twist of fate. As Rene tells it, “I always say it was a scene straight from an old movie. I was at the Seguin Brewing Company and it was dark, cool but not too cold, and raining heavily. There I was sitting alone with my drink minding my own business. It was trivia night. As I sat there I heard the door open and in walked this beautiful blonde woman. I remember thinking to myself “this girl is not from around here”. She was just too good-looking, she walked too gracefully and her smile caught everyone’s attention. I automatically assumed she was there to meet a significant other so I turned my eyes back to my drink preparing to win trivia.

Some time went by and a long-lost friend that I grew up with came and said hello and introduced me to his girlfriend (Samantha’s sister) and Samantha. We talked a few minutes and then they went back to their seats. An hour or so later the long-lost friend shows back up with his girlfriend and she says I should get Samantha’s number. Ryan says he will text it to me later and I pretty much figure that’s where the story would end. Until the next morning, I woke up dazed and confused, and my friend Ryan (that I hadn’t heard from in over 10 plus years) had texted me Samantha’s number! The loyalty of an old friend like that has always blown me away. From that day on (March 2017) Samantha and I have talked every day.”

The Early Days

In those early days, it wasn’t easy to find time for one another. With 4 kids aged 1-6 and the constant juggle of day-to-day life, they only had short bursts of time to sneak away. But for Samantha and Rene, those moments were enough to make them realize they had found something worth holding onto.

“We’d steal away 30-60 minutes just to be together,” Samantha shares. “It wasn’t about going out or doing something extravagant—it was just about being together, and that’s what mattered.” That strong connection formed the foundation of their relationship, a bond built on family and shared values.

The Proposal

On Valentine’s Day this year, Samantha came home from work to a sweet surprise. “When I got home from work, Rene was cooking dinner. He had flowers and wine waiting for me in the kitchen. I went to shower and change, and when I walked into our closet, there he was, down on one knee, asking me to marry him. I was very surprised and happy. He made me the happiest girl in the world that day.”

Intimate Elopement at Hotel Lucy

Set against the romantic backdrop of Hotel Lucy in Granbury, TX, Samantha and Rene planned a beautiful and intimate elopement. Their four-day getaway to the luxurious venue was just the two of them. No big crowds or elaborate wedding day pressures, just a quiet, personal moment to finally say “I do.” Even though their children weren’t physically there, a touching detail was the Unity Puzzle they incorporated into the ceremony, featuring all six of their family members’ names. It symbolized how important family is to both of them, even as they took this private step in their relationship.

They also had custom leather vow booklets, handmade by Rene’s dad, which added another deeply personal touch to the ceremony. Samantha’s daughter had often asked her why she hadn’t seen any pictures of her mom in a wedding dress. So, this ceremony was extra special for her. With a laid-back vibe and simple elegance, Samantha and Rene wanted this day to reflect their journey—one that was built on love, patience, and plenty of laughter.

Another detail that captured their down-to-earth spirit was their cute tabletop decor: two small birds, representing them, with their initials etched on it. They even brought along a small wooden sign that proudly said “We Eloped,” which made for a perfect photo moment to mark this special day.

And let’s not forget about the celebration! Hard Eight BBQ brought in the steaks, creating a cozy, delicious moment for the newlyweds to enjoy together. It wasn’t a big reception, but it was perfect for them—intimate, relaxed, and focused on what mattered most: each other.

Hotel Lucy Elopement

Samantha and Rene’s elopement wasn’t just about making things official on paper. It was a celebration of the life they’ve built together over the last seven years. From the early days of dating, when they would steal away 30 minutes just to catch up amidst their hectic schedules. To raising a family and building a home across the street from where Rene grew up. Their love story is about celebrating and cherishing every moment with their family.

Their elopement was the perfect reflection of who they are: laid-back, loving, and always ready to laugh together. From the constant stream of tears during the ceremony. To all the laughs throughout the evening, it couldn’t have been a more beautiful celebration. And I’m so honored to have witnessed it! Congratulations Samantha and Rene, your love and love story is one for the books!!

Loved this elopement? Want to learn more about Hotel Lucy? Check it out below:

---

Are you ready to celebrate your love story in a way that’s uniquely you? Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a full-scale wedding, I’d love to help you capture the magic of your day. I invite you to reach out so we can discuss your vision or head over to my blog for more inspiration from real couples! As your local wedding photographer in DFW, my goal is to help along your wedding planning journey however I can. Let’s make your love story unforgettable—one beautiful moment at a time.