2025 Winners — Trainer & Samantha!
2025 American Heroes Dream Wedding Giveaway Winners
Samantha is a 3rd grade teacher at Madisonville Intermediate School. Her teachers largely impacted her as she grew up, so she decided to pursue teaching as a career. Samantha says, “I offer a safe place for my students every day just as my teachers offered me. I was once a little girl in a classroom with a dream, and I continue to remind my students that whatever their dreams may be, they can achieve them, and I will be there cheering them on.”
Trainer and Samantha are considered high school sweethearts. They went to the same school their entire lives. Being in a small town, everyone knew each other. Trainer and Samantha knew of each other but almost never interacted because of their different grade levels and the fact they were polar opposites. On a random Saturday evening, some of Samantha’s friends invited her to hang out after the game at Trainer’s house. That evening, Trainer and Samantha instantly clicked. They spoke the entire time and Trainer’s mother said that is when she knew Samantha was the one. They became best friends from that night on. Months passed of being just friends even though all their friends were pushing for more. They didn’t want to lose their friendship, so they were hesitant to take that step. Eventually, the time came when they both shared their feelings and they began dating in May of 2020. In 2024, they welcomed a baby boy into the world!
They are opposites in many ways with Trainer being a go-with-the-flow people person and Samantha being more reserved. Samantha says, “Trainer encourages me to not take things so seriously, let loose, and have fun. He is my daily reminder that everything does not always need a plan to be perfect like I may think.” Trainer and Samantha continue to fall in love every day and even more so as they take on this new role as parents together.
“We had the absolute honor of hosting our wedding at The Inn at Quarry Ridge in Bryan, Texas, and it could not have been more perfect. From the very beginning, the entire team made us feel supported and cared for. Ben, the venue manager, was incredible on our wedding day. He worked seamlessly with our coordinators, anticipating needs before we even thought of them, and making sure everything ran smoothly. The owner was wonderful and makes everyone feel like family. He was always quick to answer our many questions during the planning process, and his welcoming nature put us at ease from day one. The venue itself is breathtaking. The water view next to the gazebo creates the most serene backdrop for photos and ceremonies, and the cocktail area has plenty of space for guests to mingle comfortably. Every corner of this property feels intentional and beautiful. Our wedding day truly felt effortless thanks to the team at The Inn at Quarry Ridge. If you’re looking for a venue that is not only stunning but also staffed by people who genuinely care about your experience, look no further. We are forever grateful to them for making our day so special.”
“Our favorite parts of the day were our private vows and our first dance as a family with our son.
My advice to brides is to not leave each other’s side after the ceremony. Enjoy every moment of the night. Take it all in! This night is about your love story!!”
