Meet Sam: An Exotic Beauty from Far, Far Away

Written By Beth Kelley

Photos provided by Jeeheon Cho www.jeeheoncho.com

Samkeliso, also known as Sam, hails from Harare. Where is that, you may ask? Try Zimbabwe, Africa! Michigan is her home now, yet there is still something exotic and captivating about Sam. I had the great fortune of being her bridal consultant when she visited our salon last Fall. I put her in a Hayley Paige strapless Fit-to-Flare gown called Cricket. Sam recalls her Mimi’s Bridal shopping experience:

I tried on two other gowns before mine. It was over my budget, and since Mimi’s was the first dress shop I had been to, I thought it would be good to look around before deciding. I tried at least 10 other gowns after visiting Mimi’s and none felt right. When I went back, I knew for sure after I tried on the dress again that I had found my wedding gown. I love my dress! I love the simplicity, the lace, and the way it shapes my body. I immediately felt like a bride in it. And it just fit the hazy image I had of myself walking down the aisle!

I was self-conscious about everything during my appointment. Even though I loved my gown when I tried it on the first time, I didn’t feel pressured into buying it that day when I realized I wanted to shop a bit more. When I returned to Mimi’s, I felt at ease.

Sam did her undergraduate work at Western University in London, Ontario where she received her Bachelor of Medical Science. She got a Master of Science from Eastern Michigan University and now she works as a research monitor for the University of Michigan.

Joe, her handsome new husband, was born in Detroit and attended the University of Michigan where he got his BBA in Marketing and Consumer Behavior. He is an Operations Manager at Minacs. I asked Sam about how they met:

We met on eHarmony. Joe went to Spain and France one month after we met. The relationship was so new that I was sure he would forget all about me. He came to see me as soon as he got back and gave me a poem, which he had written about me while in France (on a paper bag he got while having breakfast at a pastry shop). He said he was inspired because he missed me so much and wrote it on the spot. That’s when I knew he was The One.

Choosing the theme “Spring”, Sam and Joe were married on May 23rd, 2014 in Farmington Hills. They had a very envious honeymoon destination – Hawaii!

We’re attracted to Sam’s beauty and poise. We love her smile and sophistication. And how cool is it to meet a bride from Zimbabwe. Sam, we write this piece about you to share the lovely experience of having met you. The entire staff at Mimi’s wishes you much happiness in your new life with Joe. Or to put it in Shona, her first language in Zimbabwe, “Nguva ye kufara”!

Photos provided by Jeeheon Cho www.jeeheoncho.com