First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables

Ceremony

The Cruz Building

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Michael, a born-and-raised Pittsburgher, arrived in the sleepy beach town of Fort Pierce, Florida in early 2024. He made the journey down South on short notice for an exciting work opportunity. From the moment he got there, Florida was supposed to be temporary⎼one year at most, and he would head back north to Pittsburgh. Or so he thought, until Michael met Samantha. That was when his plans, and his life, changed forever. Samantha and Michael owe their story to the modern day invention of dating apps (Hinge, specifically). While the app-facilitated way they met isn't exactly the stuff of romance novels, the next year or so sure felt like one to them as they got to know each other in sunny, fun-filled South Florida. Michael had never met anyone quite like Samantha. She was a spunky, Bronco-driving, weightlifting, Florida girl with a passion for coaching youth gymnastics. But they found out soon enough they had more in common than they might have originally thought. They both had midwestern roots: Michael being from Western Pennsylvania and Samantha from a small town in rural Michigan. They laughed on their first date that they had attended college an hour from each other in Western Pennsylvania, but it took them moving to Florida years later to finally meet (an effective icebreaker Michael had rehearsed in the car beforehand). Michael and Samantha shared a love for the outdoors, fitness, a good movie, and all things food-related. A particularly close bond they shared was, of course, a love for their animals⎼Wally the miniature dachshund and Maui the cat. As for what they didn't have in common, they came to deeply admire as complementary strengths in one another. With Michael's year in Fort Pierce coming to an end, the couple's story felt like it was just getting started. So, any previous plans were scrapped, and they set their sights on Miami for the next chapter. Over the next year, they built a life together in Miami. Now, they want to share it with all of you on what is sure to be a wedding weekend to remember.

Photos

Shelby Gouge

Nick Pasek

Abbie Hoffman 

John Pasek

Sydnie Gouge

Joseph Ferrari 

Kelsey Hays 

Wilson Guarnera

Sydney Hess

Sam Guzik

Carly Harten 

Donny Sgambati

Regan Kanner 

Shane Churma

Jill Jacobson???

Scott Koscho

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hotels

Black Tie Optional 

Suits or tuxedos are required for gentlemen. Colorful ties are encouraged. For ladies, we invite you to outshine the bride in your most stunning spring-inspired dress. Reminder that we are having our ceremony in our beloved church, so please dress appropriately.

Dress Code

Dining

We've provided some of our favorite spots in Miami for you to try while in town. Reminder that reservations are a must in Miami, so be sure to reserve a table for any dining options. And for nicer options, check to see any dress codes. NICER OPTIONS Cafe La Trova971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130Authentic live cuban music club with great cocktails Carbone Vino2911 Grand Ave Suite 194, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Upscale Italian fare Mimi Chinese1575 Alton Rd unit 2, Miami Beach, FL 33139Great food with over-the-top South Beach atmosphere Rusty Pelican3201 Rickenbacker Cwy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149Waterfront seafood restaurant with incredible views of the city skyline Mother Wolf3841 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137More upscale Italian CASUAL OPTIONS Chug's Cafe3444 Main Hwy Suite 21, Miami, FL 33133Trendy brunch spot, also good for drinks Le Bouchon Du Grove3430 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Charming traditional French bistro Sanguich2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135Mike's favorite Cuban sandwich in the city Gramps Getaway3301 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149Fresh fish and outdoor seating on scenic Key Biscayne Lucali1930 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139Brick-oven pizza in South Beach Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita1000 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130Fusion fare on a rooftop terrace in the heart of busy Brickell

Places to See

You'll likely be staying in Coconut Grove, which has plenty to do. If you're interesting in venturing beyond the Grove, here are some places to see while your here. Bayfront Park301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132Urban public park on the water with touristy shops, stands, and dining options in the shadow of downtown highrises. Viscaya Museum &amp; Gardens3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129Art museum and gardens where Mike and Sammy took engagement pictures (get tickets in advance). Little HavanaMiami's vibrant Cuban neighborhood; busy cafes, live music, and a great place to grab a Cuban coffee. Key BiscayneBarrier island town off the coast of Miami providing state parks, beaches, boat rentals; the drive back over the bridge at night is Mike and Sammy's favorite view of the city. BrickellMike and Sammy's neighborhood in the heart of the city; plenty of nightlife, shopping, and dining with great waterfront walking paths throughout. Cocowalk3015 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Open-air shopping mall in Coconut Grove near hotels and venue. Brickell City Center701 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130More shopping in busy Brickell. Miami BeachA tourist trap worth seeing for its beaches and iconic art deco architecture.

Golf 

In case you bring your clubs. Trump Doral4400 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33178 Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne6700 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Things to Do

Flights

*Ceremony, reception, and recommended hotels all located in the Miami suburb of Coconut Grove* Miami International Airport (MIA)~15 minute drive to Coconut Grove Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)~40 minute drive to Coconut Grove

Ground Transportation 

Regarding transportation to the reception and getting around generally, we encourage out-of-town guests to use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Lyft, or Waymo if possible, all of which are readily available in Miami. Public parking is available at reasonable prices in Coconut Grove near The Cruz Building, but it can be difficult to find on weekends. In the event you drive to the reception venue, there will be valet parking. But valet parking will be limited to the first 25 guests. There is plenty of parking available for the ceremony at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables.

Travel

Registry

thepaseks2027.com

Samantha Gouge & Michael Pasek

Samantha Gouge & Michael Pasek

S&M

Ceremony

Reception