“The odds were against us in so many ways,” says Samantha Grody about her relationship with Galo Sanjinez. “And yet, here we are.” Samantha is a comedian, but she used to work in auto finance—with Galo. “We dated for a little more than two years before getting engaged, but one of these years was kept a secret, during Covid, since we weren’t allowed to date due to work.”
Love prevailed, and finally, Galo proposed at the Orange County Museum of Art. “I was overwhelmed with happiness and said yes before even looking at the ring,” Samantha says, but indeed, the ring was special. “It was a true labor of love between Galo and Mirta de Gisbert,” the bride describes. “I have a 23-year-old parrot who I have had since he was six weeks old and I was 10. His birthstone is sapphire, so Galo chose a pear-shaped diamond with sapphires on the side. He jokingly commented, ‘I know I am marrying both of you.’”
It wasn’t the last time Samantha’s parrot—whose name is Watson, by the way—would make a showing at their wedding: He featured in the handpainted invitations by Whimsique, and one of his feathers was sewn into Samantha’s dress as her something blue.
There were even more touches of home. “We were looking for a venue that felt residential and cozy, and Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito checked both the boxes,” Samantha says. “I was struck by how much the architecture and decor reminded me of the home I grew up in. It’s reminiscent of the style of Paul Williams, a true reflection of Southern California elegance.”
The bride worked with stylist Maradee Wahl—who had styled her sister’s wedding a decade prior—to curate a timeless look. “I have always had a classic style, going back to my childhood obsession with Old Hollywood movie stars like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn,” Samantha says. “I chose an Oscar de la Renta gown that reflected that but with a modern twist in the details; it was the second dress I tried on. Maradee worked diligently to tailor the dress perfectly to my body and add more details.” Her favorite detail, of course, was the feather tucked inside.
For the reception, she changed into a blue tulle Monique Lhuillier dress that also served up Old Hollywood vibes. “We added a bright blue petticoat to give it that 1950s glamorous feel and a pop of color,” Samantha says. “I had so much fun in that dress.” Makeup Therapy gave her soft makeup and a low bun, a style that felt natural but elevated.
Galo got a touch of Watson blue, too, to go with his custom David August tuxedo. “I gifted him a pair of Cartier cufflinks to wear for the weekend with a dark blue stone in the middle that matched my engagement ring,” Samantha says.
On October 21, 2023, a flock of pelicans soared overhead during the couple’s Jewish ceremony. A string quartet played Bridgerton-esque tunes, and the couple incorporated sentimental objects, like Samantha’s father’s tallis. “I felt like I was floating,” she shares. “Galo and I were enveloped in a complete sense of peace and warmth; I felt more like myself and more present than I ever have.”
And that was only the beginning. As guests entered the reception space, they were transported to a wonderland created by florist Mark’s Garden with rentals from Bella Vista Designs and Theoni Collection, and design elements that tied back to the stationery. “The decor was spectacular,” Samantha says. “One of my friends posted a video walking into the ballroom saying, ‘Entering Galo and Samanthaland.’ It was a romantic, whimsical representation of us.”
Next came passed miniature tacos and tequila, then a multicourse meal of pasta, filet, and striped bass, chocolate cake and Champagne. “Our first dance was to ‘Luz de Dia’ by Los Enanitos Verdes,” the bride shares. “Galo grew up in Bolivia and we listen to a lot of Spanish rock; this is one of our favorite songs. The Hudson Project blew us away with their version of it.”
In fact, the band put on a show the whole night: “Everyone felt like they were at a concert that they never wanted to end; I don’t think a single person was off of the dance floor unless they were grabbing another cocktail at the bar,” Samantha says. And there was one last touch of Watson. “We had slippers with [a picture of] Watson printed on them that most everyone wore all night.”
At 2 a.m., the newlyweds made their way back across the lawn to their room. “The platform where our chuppah stood was still out,” Samantha recalls. “We stood on it, still in our tux and gown, looking over the great lawn in awe of the entire weekend. We were filled with gratitude.”
