{"id":136637,"date":"2026-01-29T19:22:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T19:22:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/136637\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T19:22:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T19:22:18","slug":"three-local-couples-say-i-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/136637\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Local Couples Say “I Do”"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SamanthaSamantha Williams Travis and Jacob Travis got married at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Hobe Sound. Photo by Tommy AlloreSamantha Williams Travis and Jacob Travis <\/p>\n

Pelican Club, Jupiter<\/p>\n

There may be many fish in the sea, but for Martin County\u2013born sweethearts Samantha and Jacob Travis, theirs is the only love that\u2019s ever felt like home. Hooked since their freshman year at South Fork High School and first drawn to each other on the sands of Stuart Beach, their romance reads like a love note to the coast that raised them\u2014and continues to shape their story.<\/p>\n

The pair grew up alongside one another\u2014Samantha on the softball field and Jacob on the baseball diamond\u2014charting their course from high school to the University of Central Florida. After graduation, they settled into life back home in Stuart, with eight years of dating behind them and a proposal now coming into view.<\/p>\n

\"SamanthaSamantha Williams Travis and Jacob Travis exchange vows. Photo by Tommy Allore<\/p>\n

When Jacob returned from a three-month work training trip, he knew the time to ask had finally arrived. Dreaming up the perfect proposal for his future bride, he devised a seafaring expedition on Hobe Sound as the surprise. \u201cWe both really like lobster diving, so I made a treasure chest, and the inside of it said, \u201cWill You Marry Me?\u201d shares Jacob. With the chest hidden behind a rock in the depths of Peck\u2019s Lake\u2014made conveniently traceable thanks to a GPS tag\u2014he captained what Samantha believed to be a Father\u2019s Day outing. \u201cIt was almost lobster season, so I was told we were just testing our diving equipment,\u201d she recalls. But their dive beneath the surface soon proved otherwise. \u201cIt was perfect,\u201d she adds. For Jacob, the moment carried a certainty he\u2019d long harbored. \u201cWhen I first met her, she blew me away. And I knew she was the one pretty much from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The couple toured a range of venues, from ranches to beachside hotels, but only one truly aligned with the coastal life they love. The Pelican Club, a familiar sight on their boat rides to Jupiter, instantly felt right. \u201cIt was just so beautiful being right there with the blue water by the inlet,\u201d muses Samantha. \u201cIt\u2019s something that we always dreamed of.\u201d They tied the knot at St. Christopher\u2019s Catholic Church in Hobe Sound (with the same priest who had performed all of Samantha\u2019s sacraments officiating their marriage) before celebrating under Fourth of July fireworks\u2014a fitting finale for this Stuart fairy tale.<\/p>\n

\"SamanthaSamantha and Jacob cut their wedding cake, made by Sweet Tiers by Elena Vara. Photo by Tommy AlloreBig Day Details<\/p>\n

Photographer: Allore Photography by Tommy Allore<\/p>\n

Videography: Eclipse Films and Photo by Colleen and Frank Garrod<\/p>\n

Ceremony Venue: St. Christopher Catholic Church, Hobe Sound<\/p>\n

Ceremony Officiant: Father Aiden Hynes<\/p>\n

Reception Venue: The Pelican Club, Jupiter<\/p>\n

Wedding Coordinator: Brittany Black <\/p>\n

Stationery and Invitations: Etsy, Simply to Impress, Zazzle<\/p>\n

\"SamanthaSamantha Williams Travis and Jacob Travis hosted their reception at the Pelican Club. Photo by Tommy Allore<\/p>\n

Hair and Makeup: Kayla Flores at Salt Beauty Bar<\/p>\n

Wedding Dress: Nicole Maree Bridal <\/p>\n

Wedding Dress Alterations: Lisa Muise <\/p>\n

Bridesmaids\u2019 Dresses: Azazie <\/p>\n

Groom\u2019s and Groomsmen Attire: Men\u2019s Wearhouse<\/p>\n

Florals and Decor: Creative Florals by Lynne Tweedale <\/p>\n

Catering: The Pelican Club<\/p>\n

Music: DJ Donny Events<\/p>\n

Steel Drummer: Smitty <\/p>\n

Wedding Cake: Sweet Tiers by Elena Vara <\/p>\n

Wedding Cake Topper: Etsy<\/p>\n

Transportation: Cobblestone Limousine <\/p>\n

Wedding Website: The Knot<\/a><\/p>\n

Guest Favors: Handmade oyster ornaments made with the help of mother-of-the-bride Joyce Williams, bridesmaids Alexandra Apito and Savannah Curry, and friend Lori Moxley<\/p>\n

\"ArianaAriana Rachel Gorman and Joshua Bailey Gorman got married at Ever After Farms Indiantown. Photo by Jennifer Sampson
\nAriana Rachel Gorman and Joshua Bailey Gorman <\/p>\n

Ever After Ranch, Indiantown<\/p>\n

ack in high school, Josh was the popular upperclassman and Ariana\u2019s longtime crush. The eventual Mr. and Mrs. couldn\u2019t have known it then, but a post-graduation digital encounter was about to shift their path from sharing high school hallways to sharing a life together. <\/p>\n

\"ArianaAriana Rachel Gorman and Joshua Bailey Gorman. Photo by Jennifer Sampson<\/p>\n

\u201cI always thought he was cute, and my friends knew I had a crush on him,\u201d admits Ariana. For Josh, the spark came later when a casual reconnection on Snapchat pulled them back into each other\u2019s orbit. \u201cThe first thing she said was, \u2018I think we go to the same gym and the same church,\u2019\u201d he recalls of their early exchanges. \u201cShe also followed up, saying, \u2018I think we went to the same school,\u2019 so it seemed like she liked me at first.\u201d A gym meetup followed by a meal at Chick-fil-A in downtown Stuart sealed the deal\u2014and the rest, as they say, was history.<\/p>\n

After three years together, Josh decided to pop the question amid the mountains of Missouri, where his family resides. Choosing a favorite childhood cave overlooking the river as the perfect spot, he enlisted loved ones to help pull off the surprise. \u201cI had no clue, really,\u201d notes Ariana. \u201cI knew we talked about it, so I did have my nails done, but his sisters were very involved and made sure I wore makeup.\u201d With family tucked just out of sight, Josh led his would-be bride to the overlook and got down on one knee while his sister Summer captured the moment on camera from a nearby bush. After Ariana said \u201cyes,\u201d Josh queued up Coldplay\u2019s \u201cYellow,\u201d a song the pair had claimed as theirs after countless drives. \u201cHe tried to be romantic and just danced with me in the cave after he proposed,\u201d smiles Ariana. \u201cIt was sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"InsideInside the reception. Photo by Jennifer Sampson<\/p>\n

The two tied the knot in a rustic celebration at Ever After Farms in Indiantown\u2014a venue they had chosen while dating, and whose tree-lined ceremony space, Ariana notes, looked just like her Pinterest boards. Having both families gathered, she remembers a tender moment with her mother ahead of the nuptials. \u201cOnce my gown was on, it was very emotional,\u201d she says, made even more poignant by the couple\u2019s photographer and a longtime family friend, Jennifer Sampson, who wiped away tears while helping Ariana into her dress. For Josh, who recalls the eventful day as somewhat of a blur, the sight of his bride is one he won\u2019t soon forget. \u201cI definitely remember watching her walk down the aisle, of course, and I was trying my best not to cry.\u201d As the night drew to a close, Ariana and Josh slipped away for a private dance to the soundtrack of high-school songs they grew up on\u2014proof they\u2019re still smitten, even after \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Big Day Details<\/p>\n

Photographer: Jennifer Sampson<\/p>\n

Videography: Mikhail Guseynov of Quality Media<\/p>\n

\"ArianaAriana Rachel Gorman and Joshua Bailey Gorman share their first dance. Photo by Jennifer Sampson<\/p>\n

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ever After Farms, Indiantown<\/p>\n

Stationery and Invitations: Canva <\/p>\n

Hair and Makeup: Olga and team at Wild Tress Hair & Makeup <\/p>\n

Wedding Dress: Moll\u00e9 Bridals<\/p>\n

Bridesmaids\u2019 Dresses: Birdy Grey <\/p>\n

Groom\u2019s Attire: Men\u2019s Wearhouse<\/p>\n

Florals: Sarandipity Floral Weddings & Events by Sarah Schnitzius<\/p>\n

Decor: Ever After Farms<\/p>\n

Catering: Paellauno<\/p>\n

Music: DJs Shelby and Micah Drum<\/p>\n

Wedding Cake: How Sweet It Is by Patty Lucidi<\/p>\n

\"RachelRachel Stewart and Davis Freeman married at a private home in Stuart. Photo by Meagan Puett
\nRachel Stewart and Davis Freeman <\/p>\n

Private Home, Stuart<\/p>\n

t\u2019s not every day that first dates turn into forever on dating apps. Rachel never expected her first-ever digital match to be her last. Davis, weighing a move out West, never expected a reason to stay.<\/p>\n

Rachel was new to online dating, but when she spotted a photo of Oregon\u2019s Crater Lake on his profile\u2014a place she\u2019d just visited\u2014a conversation quickly ensued. \u201cWhat drew me to [him were] his outdoor travel photos, and we immediately started chatting about our [travels] around Oregon and other places,\u201d she shares. Davis, who had already experienced his fair share of first dates on the apps, was instantly taken by her smile. \u201cWe just had really good conversations the first couple days, and then it didn\u2019t take long for us to go on our first date,\u201d he remembers. Meeting for happy hour at Spritz in downtown Stuart, the pair shared drinks and appetizers before strolling along the boardwalk. Contrary to the well-meaning advice from Rachel\u2019s more seasoned online-dating friends to \u201cjust give him an hour and a half max,\u201d their outing stretched to nearly three. \u201cThat went out the window,\u201d laughs Rachel.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe bride\u2019s parents\u2019 home set the scene for the couple\u2019s nuptials. Photo by Meagan Puett<\/p>\n

What began as an easy connection grew into a year-and-a-half relationship that eventually had Davis packing his bags to move into Rachel\u2019s Stuart home. As their partnership deepened, conversations about taking the next step naturally followed. \u201cWe had talked about it six months before, and I asked if she wanted me to surprise her with a ring,\u201d shares Davis. \u201cKnowing her, she wanted to design it herself,\u201d he adds with a smile. Ordering the bespoke ring during a December trip to Guatemala, Davis chose the pair\u2019s upcoming ski getaway to Bridger Bowl, Montana as the ideal setting to propose. Rachel had sensed the moment might arrive on the trip: \u201cWe both really prioritized travel, so I figured a trip would be a special time. I just didn\u2019t know [when it would be].\u201d Once on the slopes, beneath a clear blue sky, Davis dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe guests. Photo by Meagan Puett<\/p>\n

When it came to choosing a venue, they looked no further than the riverfront home Rachel\u2019s parents built, a decision she describes as \u201cthe easiest\u201d of the entire planning process. With the property\u2019s verdant backyard transformed for the celebration, thoughtful personal touches shaped the day from the start. From animal-themed earrings worn by Rachel\u2019s bridesmaids in a nod to the bride\u2019s \u201cearring game,\u201d to enlarged cutouts of their beloved pets\u2014felines Pip and Pud, and Sid the pig\u2014making an appearance on the dance floor, every detail felt distinctly theirs. Amid the day\u2019s festivities, it was the couple\u2019s first look that stayed with Davis. \u201cIt sort of calms the nerves and you get to see the person you love before everybody else does,\u201d he reflects. \u201cYeah, it was all lovely,\u201d affirms Rachel with a smile.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe reception. Photo by Meagan PuettBig Day Details<\/p>\n

Photographer: Meagan Puett Photography<\/p>\n

Videography: Neuen Films<\/p>\n

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The bride\u2019s parents\u2019 home, Stuart<\/p>\n

Ceremony Officiant: Vonne Smith (the bride\u2019s cousin)<\/p>\n

Stationery and Invitations: Minted Weddings<\/p>\n

Hair: ColourMrks Salon<\/p>\n

Makeup: Merrell Daly (the bride\u2019s cousin), Makeup Houdini by Kaitlin Malley<\/p>\n

Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace<\/p>\n

Wedding Dress Alterations: La Petite Fleur Bridal<\/p>\n

Bridesmaids\u2019 Dresses: Revelry<\/p>\n

Groom\u2019s and Groomsmen\u2019s Attire: Men\u2019s\u00a0Warehouse, Revelry<\/p>\n

Florals: Harbour Bay Florist<\/p>\n

Rentals: Unearthed Rentals<\/p>\n

Catering: Little Moir\u2019s Catering<\/p>\n

\"TheThe details. Photo by Meagan Puett<\/p>\n

Music: Dennis at Devine Entertainment<\/p>\n

Dance Lessons: Fred Astaire Dance Studio<\/p>\n

Wedding Cake: Sweet Tiers<\/p>\n

Rings: Alexis Russell Jewelry<\/p>\n

Bride\u2019s Earrings: Michelle Pagonis Designs<\/p>\n

Bridesmaids\u2019 Earrings: Lenora Dame<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Samantha Williams Travis and Jacob Travis got married at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Hobe Sound. Photo by…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":136638,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[171,173,172],"class_list":["post-136637","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-port-st-lucie","tag-port-st-lucie","tag-port-st-lucie-headlines","tag-port-st-lucie-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136637"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136637\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136637"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}