Even though it was thousands of miles away from home, Riane Puno and Sam Rosenberg were able to create their dream wedding in Mexico—a celebration that not only honored her Filipino heritage but also felt uniquely theirs and true to their story as a couple.
The word “kismet” in English is often synonymous with fate or destiny. Romantic comedies typically depict kismet as two people unexpectedly meeting and eventually finding a happy ending together. Just like in the movies, Riane Puno and Sam Rosenberg’s story began with a chance—but fated—encounter that marked the beginning of their lifelong covenant.
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A Text From A Mutual Friend
Before tying the knot, Riane and Sam dated for eight years. Their love story began in college at the University of Pennsylvania, where a mutual friend, Kristen, set them up. “I was talking to Kristen one night during our summer internship in New York while Sam was with her, and–so I’ve been told–he asked who was texting her every five seconds,” Riane recalls.
“She told him about me, he asked to see photos, and then–lucky me!–he said he wanted to meet me once we were back at Penn. I met him that first day of senior year, and we’ve basically been together ever since,” she adds.
Fast forward to Sam’s proposal—Riane shared that her soon-to-be fiancé knew exactly what she wanted. Before popping the question, Sam asked for the blessings of Riane’s parents and siblings. “Because he knows how important my family is to me,” Riane explained.
The proposal took place at Riane’s sister’s house in New Jersey. It was during the holidays, so everyone was around to witness the moment. The whole family was in on the plan, which included a staged photoshoot, a surprise proposal in front of his family, the arrival of some of her closest friends, a champagne celebration, and a private dinner at a nearby restaurant.
“The absolute perfect proposal!”
Riane Puno
Choosing Dreamy Mexico
Riane and Sam were intentional with every element of their wedding, making sure it reflected who they are as a couple. “My north star was always: could you drop in another couple at this wedding and have it still make sense? The answer had to be no—it had to feel like us,” she shares.
They originally planned to marry in the Philippines, but with most of their friends and Sam’s family based in the US, it became logistically challenging. A friend’s wedding in Cabo sparked the idea of a weekend-long celebration in Mexico. When they visited Cancún, Riane instantly felt at home. “It reminded me of the beaches back in the Philippines, while still being easy for everyone to get to,” she says. The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai sealed the deal with its blend of tropical beauty and New York-style chicness, perfectly reflecting who they are.
The Finer Details
With the venue secured, the rest of the planning naturally fell into place. Riane focused on finding vendors who could bring their story to life in a way that felt both personal and effortless. Every choice—from the visuals to the smallest details—was guided by a single intention: authenticity.
For their videography team, it was a no-brainer. “Jay and Mack were the only ones I wanted to work with,” Riane recalls. “I didn’t want a cookie-cutter wedding video—I wanted something with a story, something real.” Jay, who is half Filipino, brought an added layer of connection, and together, they created a film full of heart.
Photography came through a lucky referral. Riane was introduced to Tejas by another photographer she loved but couldn’t book. Both trained under John Dolan and shared the same documentary-style philosophy that resonated with her. “I didn’t want posed; I wanted real,” she says. Tejas not only captured the day authentically but also became a friend and a calming presence when it mattered most.
Her bridal look was filled with meaningful touches. Riane found her Liz Martinez dress at Spina Bride in Chelsea, right down the street from Sam’s first New York apartment. “I used to walk by and think, ‘When I get married, this is where I’ll find my dress,’” she shares. For their all-white welcome party, she wore a custom two-piece ensemble with cascading pearls by Filipino designer Vania Romoff. “It was chic, unique, and so me,” she adds.
She kept her hair and makeup true to her style with Zoë Elizabeth, who enhanced her natural features without transforming her look. “I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so I wanted to feel like myself,” Riane explains.
From the venue to the smallest details, every element came together seamlessly. “It was everything Sam and I dreamed of—and so much more.”
Celebrating Mr. & Mrs. Rosenberg
The weekend of love and celebration kicked off with an all-white welcome party featuring delicious tacos and churros. The couple brought in a live DJ duo, Frank and Chui, who played various instruments while mixing songs. “Our wedding weekend was truly the best time of our lives,” Riane exclaims. “My family pushed aside the dinner tables so we could form a dance floor, and it was the perfect way to start the weekend.”
There was also a daytime pool party that brought back the couple’s college days. “We had tables for people to play beer pong and free-flowing drinks, and snacks,” she added.
The wedding ceremony itself was filled with emotion and felt magical for the couple. “I walked down the aisle to the beach pier with a cellist playing ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ in the background, arms locked with my parents, and was overflowed with emotion as soon as I saw Sam standing against the ocean waiting for me, all of our family and friends, and my brother who was about to officiate the wedding.”
At the reception, the couple surprised everyone during their first dance. Choreographed by two of Riane’s best friends, Rosie and Margo, everyone was shocked when the couple had a big lift moment at the end.
“It was romantic, full of love, a never-ending party, and extremely intentional,” she summarizes the weekend.
Keeping It Pinoy
Incorporating Filipino elements into their destination wedding was a priority for Riane and Sam, ensuring the celebration felt deeply connected to her roots despite being miles away from home. “I wanted our guests to experience pieces of the Philippines in a way that felt authentic and modern,” Riane explains.
The welcome party was one of those moments where Riane could showcase her Filipino roots. She collaborated with Filipino designer Vania Romoff on a custom two-piece set adorned with cascading pearls—chic yet meaningful, and a nod to her heritage. The rehearsal dinner at the St. Regis at Kanai added another layer of tradition with a full boodle fight. Her brother, Ryan, introduced the concept of kamayan, inviting everyone to embrace the practice of eating with their hands. The spread included Filipino favorites like inihaw na liempo, crispy pata, BBQ, and classic sawsawan, making the night feel like a true homecoming. “Our US friends and Sam’s family loved it—they went all in!” Riane shares.
Filipino traditions also found their way into the ceremony itself. The couple kept the symbolic coin exchange but updated the wording to reflect a more reciprocal promise of providing for one another. They also included ninongs and ninangs—sponsors traditionally chosen for their guidance—who took turns offering godparent blessings during the ceremony. These thoughtful touches wove cultural heritage seamlessly into a celebration that was uniquely theirs.
Photographer Studio of Tejasvir
Wedding Venue/Catering The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
Wedding Dress Designer Liz Martinez, Spina Bride
Wedding Suit Designer Alexandra Woodcock, Billy Reid
Hair and Make-Up Zoë Elizabeth
Videographer Jay and Mack
Rehearsal Dinner Venue The St. Regis at Kanai
Welcome Party Dress Designer Vania Romoff
Florals & Rentals Planner1
Band Imperial Band
Lighting & Sound Inspire
