For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Pauline, and I’ve had the privilege of calling Sam my best friend for over a decade. That means I’m the person who has had a front-row seat to her life for many years. I’ve seen her at her best, her boldest, and yes, through a few dramatic chapters too — and through it all, she has remained one of the most loyal and loving people I know. Sam loves deeply and shows up fully. Seeing her this happy, this grounded, and this sure about her future makes my heart so full. Sam, I’m so proud of you and so grateful to stand beside on your wedding day and always.

Samantha is my cousin, my uncle’s daughter, and we grew up together, sharing countless childhood memories filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. She has always been kind-hearted, loving, and truly family-oriented, always putting the people she loves first.

Although we had to part ways when she migrated, the bond we share has never faded. Now, after all these years, we have been blessed to reunite and celebrate one of the most important milestones of her life. It is truly an honor and a privilege to stand beside you on your wedding day.

Watching you begin this beautiful new chapter fills my heart with so much joy, and I couldn’t be happier for you.

Congratulations, cousin! I wish you and Scott a lifetime of love, happiness, and endless blessings. May God continue to guide your marriage and fill your home with peace, laughter, and unconditional love.

Chantel Gordon is a Bronx, NY native who met the bride freshman year of college. By day, Chantel and Sam were struggling through organic chemistry and clocking in hours at the library, and by night, bonding over big dreams (and bigger parties). Nearly two decades later, they’ve championed each other through med school, residency, and into the beginnings of their MD careers. Together achieving childhood dreams and booking Caribbean trips. Chantel is proud and honored to continue to be by the bride’s side as she steps into this next chapter.

Jaharra has fond memories of long thoughtful conversations with Samantha from staying late in college dining halls to vulnerable chats in unexpected moments. Samantha has always had a motherly, deeply caring energy that makes her impossible not to love. It is absolutely beautiful what she has found a partner that appreciates her love. Jaharra is honored to be a part of this union and I wishes the bride and groom endless love, patience, laughter.

Samantha is my cousin, and we’ve shared a close bond for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we spent so much time together, creating wonderful childhood memories with our family. Although Samantha later moved to the United States and I remained in Jamaica, the distance has never changed the relationship we share.

Samantha has always been someone who values her family, and seeing her so happy brings me so much joy. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be invited to witness and celebrate one of the most important days of her life.

I am incredibly happy for Samantha and Scott, and I look forward to celebrating with them as they begin this beautiful new chapter together.

Congratulations to you both. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, good health, and God’s richest blessings.

So, who would have thought that two master’s students—a Nigerian and a Jamaican—both striving to get into medical school would become lifelong friends, 11 years and counting? Well, this is Samantha and me.

I met Samantha in the fall of 2014 at Rutgers Newark, and our friendship truly blossomed when we became housemates a year later in 2015. By then, I already knew Sam would be an easy person to live with. She was honest, fun, straightforward, thoughtful, family-oriented, and focused. These are qualities I continue to admire and value in her to this day.

She was a constant source of motivation and inspiration. Together, we pushed through our master’s program and the medical school application process. By God’s grace, we both ended up at the same medical school in Brooklyn, with Samantha one year ahead of me. Naturally, we returned to our roomie status and found an apartment together during my first year and her second. It was truly special going through medical school with a trusted friend and sister. And of course, it didn’t hurt living with someone who appreciated a good pot of Jollof rice!

Samantha guided and supported me every step of the way, whether through clinicals or as leaders in SNMA. Her advice was always clutch. Along the journey, our families became connected, and my mom and sister especially grew to love Samantha dearly. So when she matched into residency in Rochester—my hometown—we were beyond excited to welcome her.

To see Samantha and Scott find each other in Rochester fills me with so much joy and hope. Scott is wonderful and already loved by my family. And once again, just as I did for medical school, I plan to follow Samantha—this time back to Rochester. I look forward to creating more memories, deepening our sisterhood, and growing our families together.

Thank you for allowing me to witness and celebrate this beautiful union. I am forever grateful for your love and friendship. May God continue to bless you and Scott, grant you favor, and fill your marriage and home with love, joy, and peace. Love you both! Congratulations!

It honestly feel like just yesterday when Samantha and I was little girls running around together. We go way back, we attend primary school together and spend so many years growing up side by side before she migrate in her teens.

Some of my favorite memories dem come from when we used to live on Henderson Avenue. Our older cousins would have we playing spelling games, and somehow dem make learning feel like the best competition ever. Those are memories I will always treasure.

If there is one thing I can say about Samantha, it is that she always have a kind heart. She is the type of person who genuinely care about others and always treat me with so much love and kindness. She is also one of the smartest people I know. From a young age, Samantha had a brilliant mind and an incredible ability to figure things out, no matter how hard the situation was. She was always one of the top students in school, and it was clear even back then that she was destined for great things.

Now for the funny part. Samantha was never one for drama or fighting. Whenever the rest of we cousins get caught up in arguments, she would quickly say, “I am not getting involved.” She wanted absolutely no part of the chaos. But every now and then, if she feel like somebody was truly in the wrong, she would surprise all of we by using her sweet little voice to tell them exactly how she feel. It was so funny because she look so innocent, yet somehow she would deliver the funniest little cuss out you ever hear. We could not help but laugh every single time.

Samantha, you have grown into an incredible woman, and I could not be happier for you. You deserve every bit of the love and happiness you have found.

Scott, thank you for loving my cousin and for making her so happy.

Congratulations to both of you on your beautiful marriage. May your home always be filled with love, laughter, peace, and God richest blessings. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Samantha and I first met during orientation in medical school. I’m pretty sure we were drawn to each other because of our shared West Indian background. We began as study buddies and at some point along the way I realized we would be lifelong friends . Samantha is so compassionate, caring and hardworking and I’m an so glad that she found someone like Scott who loves and appreciates her the way she deserves. I am beyond excited to stand by her side to celebrate their love and usher in this new chapter of their lives as husband and wife.

I met Samantha the way all great friendships are formed, surviving the trenches of residency. After three years of mild chaos, with some fun parties sprinkled in there, our friendship was officially formed.

One of my favorite memories with Samantha was a road trip to Canada for a friend’s birthday weekend. Things were going great … until the GPS switched to Kilometers. For two very intelligent and resourceful women, this unexpected switch to the metric system caused just enough confusion that we got lost… twice. After a brief moment in our shared delusion, a mild panic attack and some quick math we eventually figured it out.

I am beyond honored to stand by Samantha on her big day and couldn’t be happier to help celebrate this beautiful love story. Wishing the bride and groom a lifetime filled with joy, laughter and many more celebrations. Cheers to the beautiful life you’re creating together.