Brax Girl Ed 35: Samantha Cheyenne-McRae

Intimate, Intentional, Unforgettable

When it came to planning her wedding, Sam Cheyenne did things differently, and beautifully.

Just months after getting engaged in August, she and her partner decided to skip the long engagement and create a celebration that felt completely true to them.

“Originally it was supposed to be an engagement party. But then we figured, why wait?” she says. From that moment on, their focus became clarity and connection: “The day was about our relationship and our marriage.”

On the morning of the wedding, 30 of their closest family and friends gathered at the Venus Gardens in Caesars Palace for an intimate ceremony. Later that day, they hosted an outdoor brunch in her parents’ backyard—personal, heartfelt, and joyfully unscripted.

“It was meaningful, joyful, and perfectly us. We truly wouldn’t have had it any other way.” The celebration continued with a private dinner the next evening at Guest House in Town Square.

Planning With Heart (and Speed!)

How does one pull off a wedding in just a few months? “We reminded ourselves that the day was about our relationship,” Sam shares. She credits their families and planner, Liva Faselt, for bringing everything together seamlessly. “Rather than managing outside expectations, we focused on doing everything in a way that felt true to us.”

Their vision? “Intimacy, intention, and authenticity.” From serving Connor’s favorite carrot cake to hosting a brunch inspired by her favorite spot, Sadelle’s, every moment was a reflection of their story.

“It was all about creating moments that reflected little tidbits about who we are.”

The Dress That Told Her Story

Sam didn’t follow convention when it came to her wedding wardrobe, either. “I initially went the traditional route and visited a classic bridal salon… but I quickly realized I already knew exactly what I wanted.”

She found her ceremony gown online at Anthropologie and knew it was the one. “I gravitated toward a simple, understated dress that would let the veil, and myself shine.”

She paired the minimalist gown with a dramatic cathedral-length veil and wore three different dresses over the weekend, embracing the freedom to express every side of her style. 

“I truly wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

Every Detail, Deeply Personal

Sam and Connor chose to honor their guests in the most thoughtful way, through personalized notes and meaningful gifts. “We included handwritten notes for each guest, along with personalized gifts for both the women and men.”

Each woman received a custom claw clip from @hiclau, engraved with her name and the wedding date, a signature Sam accessory.

“I wear a claw clip almost every day,” she laughs. For the men, it was custom Pro V1 golf balls, a playful nod to Connor’s passion.

“Those details felt incredibly special to us and perfectly reflected who we are.”

Their Rings, Their Story

Sam’s platinum solitaire, set with a radiant 3.54ct diamond, reflects her effortless, refined style, paired with a delicate diamond band for added brilliance.

Connor’s two-tone gold band features an emerald-cut tanzanite, a nod to Sam’s birthstone, accented with round diamonds. Thoughtfully chosen, their rings are a perfect reflection of their story, bold, personal, and deeply meaningful.

Advice From a Bride Who Trusted Her Gut

Planning on a short timeline may sound overwhelming. but Sam found clarity in the urgency.

“Trust your instincts and avoid decision fatigue,” she advises.

“Because we were on a short timeline, I didn’t have the luxury of overanalyzing every detail, and that actually made the decision-making process easier.”

Her planner even noted how the compressed timeline made her more confident and focused.

Building Something That Lasts

“Marriage represents a shared foundation that we will continue to build,” Sam says.

“It’s rooted in communication, respect, and the intention to evolve together through every season of life.”

As the whirlwind of wedding planning settles, Sam and Connor look ahead to their honeymoon in May, choosing to pause during the busy holiday season. Their destination? Hawaii, split between the serene islands of Lānaʻi and Maui. “We plan to enjoy golfing, horseback riding, snorkeling, spa hopping, and other adventures!”

It’s a love story written quickly, but with deep care, one that proves when the intention is strong, there’s no timeline for forever.