“What’s your biggest secret?” Samantha Blair Shiff messaged to Kyle Charles Roberts, the new man she’d just matched with on the dating app Bumble in March 2018. Within a week of that first message, they were meeting up at Bayou Beer Garden for a drink. They felt a spark, so they planned a dinner date in the CBD. After dinner, they went to Barcadia to play games, and along the way they stumbled into a wedding second line. Perhaps that happy accident was a sign of things to come.
Four years later, Samantha took Kyle to Crepe Nanou for his birthday. Knowing she’d never suspect a surprise on a day dedicated to celebrating him, Kyle proposed after dinner and completely caught her off guard! Samantha joyously said yes, and the two began planning a classic New Orleans wedding.
Originally from Dallas, Samantha knew that most of her friends and family had not been to a New Orleans wedding before, so she and Kyle wanted to make sure they had the full experience. On October 14, 2023, their vision came to life as they were married at the historic Hermann-Grima House. After saying customized vows, their friend and pastor Stephen Partain pronounced the couple husband and wife.
This joyful ceremony was followed by a reception at Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard. Kyle and Samantha felt drawn to this venue by the indoor/outdoor flow, as well as by its reputation for creating delicious New Orleans fare. The menu Broussard’s created beautifully complemented the newlyweds’ favorite cocktails, a Moscow Mule and an Old Fashioned.
Samantha and Kyle kicked the celebration into high gear with their first dance to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison, a song that seemed like it was meant for them. As the dance floor heated up, guests kept energized by snacking on mini po-boys and mac & cheese balls.
Of course, in New Orleans, the best moves aren’t reserved for the dance floor. Dancing in the streets is a must, and dance they did, during a second line that brought back memories of their first date. Despite the police escort missing the turn and almost doubling the length of their walk, it was still one of Samantha and Kyle’s favorite parts of their special day.
The couple kept the celebration going with a two-week honeymoon in Italy. Their stops in Rome, Tuscany, and Florence proved the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Kyle and Samantha are currently enjoying married life in their home in Old Metairie with their nine-month-old puppy, Bennie. Samantha works in tech sales, previously at a New Orleans-founded company, Levelset, and now at their parent company, Procore. Kyle is an insurance agent at TWFG (The Woodlands Financial Group), where he works with his family.
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Ralphs on the Park
Reception Décor: Beth’s Flowers
Coordinator: Sue at Beth’s Flowers
Ceremony Music: New Orleans Classic & Jazz – Harry Hardin violinist
Wedding Gown: Alexandra Grecco gown from Unbridaled
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Johns Tuxedos
Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Aucoin Heart
Florist: Beth’s Flowers
Favor: Gem Printing – matchbooks and second line handkerchiefs
Invitation: Anna Schnitzler, Sassy Banana Design Co
Caterer: Broussard’s
Wedding Cake: Swiss Confectionery
Photographer: Kevin Benoit
Videographer: WeddingLens Photo + Video
Hotel: Le Pavillion
Hair: Flawless Bride
Makeup: Flawless Bride
Music: Main band: Dat Band; Second Line band: Big Fun Brass Band
