Samantha & Mike THE AMELIA RIVER CLUB by Julie Simmons

Samantha & Mike THE AMELIA RIVER CLUB by Julie Simmons

Photography by Design Photo + Film

For everyone out there who is married and reading our Amelia Island love stories, doesn’t it feel great to daydream and reminisce about the day you were all dressed up, giddy with anticipation, and saying your own, “I dos” – maybe even right here on Amelia Island? For Samantha and Mike Block, they would agree. Round one was so perfect, why not do it again?

The duo are avid surfers, and they met on the water in southern California. They married in 2010 in an intimate seaside wedding on the Pacific Ocean, followed by a honeymoon in Pebble Beach.

“We did a super-small family ceremony with the full intention of renewing our vows a decade later, but COVID got us, so 2022 became our year,” explains Mike. “After the pandemic, we wanted to do something to celebrate us, our friends, and share Amelia Island with our family.” What could possibly be better than a second wedding, or vow renewal, to put a checkmark on all their wishes!

Samantha and Mike came to Amelia Island with the golfing industry. “I am a golf pro, and of course, Florida is the golfing capital of the world. We came here by way of the Omni Amelia Island Resort, and today, I have the privilege of being general manager of The Amelia River Club,” shares Mike. As it happened, The Amelia River Club was in the midst of opening its own wedding and special event venue at the same time the couple was dreaming about their renewal celebration.

“We are pleased to offer a gorgeous, riverfront venue. With the backdrop of lush, green marsh grasses, rolling hills of golf terrain, all under a canopy of oak trees, the natural beauty is stunning. Complementing what heaven has already given us, we’ve added a 5,000-plus square foot tent for both open air and closed entertaining of up to 250 guests,” says Amelia River Club’s Event Director Michelle Miller. “An added benefit of our property is that you may use your own vendors for catering and more – it’s totally up to you!”

Even on a weekday afternoon, a stroll through The Amelia River Club property and restaurant doesn’t disappoint. With its stunning views of the marsh and the Amelia River, it provided the perfect setting this year in May for the Blocks to say “I do” for the second time. With white, green, and lavender as their wedding colors popping alongside the property’s unparalleled natural beauty, it couldn’t have been more beautiful thanks to the support of Planning Forever, the couple’s wedding planning company.

“Having the chance to do a wedding the second time takes all the stress away, but wow, it doesn’t take away the excitement,” the couple agrees. “It was a brand-new start for us for no other reason than that we wanted it, and we wanted to entertain our family and beloved Amelia Island friends,” Samantha and Mike reminisce.

And entertain they did! With the gentleman playing golf during the long weekend, the ladies enjoying Caribbean Salon for their pampering, and Lagniappe preparing an amazing pre- wedding party, the family from around the globe and local friends were ready to celebrate.

On the wedding day, hearts melted as Mike, an amateur guitarist, played and sang his special song for Samantha with the sun setting in the background, kicking off an evening of fun and dancing to the tunes of Island Sound DJ. Family and friends sipped custom drinks, “The Knarley” and “The Teddy,” named after the couple’s late golden retriever and puppy golden doodle, and guests enjoyed a delicious meal presented by Southern Soul Barbeque. Custom cupcakes from Breakable Hearts provided a sweet finish to the evening.

As the event came to a close, the couple was all smiles sending their guests off with a tealight, wooden candleholder to remind them of their illuminated evening of celebration under the oaks. In the days following, the couple entertained their families on their beloved Amelia Island before enjoying one more honeymoon!