How this couple's serendipitous romance led to unforgettable celebrations

Samara Madhvani, entrepreneur and heiress to Uganda’s multimillion dollar Madhvani Group fortune, and Sam Wignall, a London-based energy investor, are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. They share their sweet love story with Brides Today.

How we met

“Sam and I first crossed paths in 2020. I used to live in Mumbai and had always planned to move to New York. But when Covid-19 hit, everything changed. I decided to visit my family in London until the American border restrictions were lifted; that’s when I met Sam. From the moment we were introduced to each other, there was an undeniable connection. We couldn’t stop texting each other and arranged to meet as soon as possible. With the lockdown in full swing, Sam planned a simple yet unforgettable date. We met in a park for a picnic and games, trying to make the most of the situation. Just as we had settled in, it started to rain—a scene straight out of a romcom. It was perfect. Safe to say, I never moved to New York, and I can’t imagine my life having unfolded any other way.”

The next step

“For me, the proposal was the most special part of our story because it truly showed how much Sam values me. Last summer, he whisked me away to the Bahamas, one of my favourite places and a frequent destination for family holidays growing up. He collaborated with a planner called Travel With Natives and arranged the most beautiful surprise at the Rosewood Hotel. At sunset, he led me to the beach, where the sand was decorated with flowers in every shade imaginable. It was a moment I’ll never forget. Sam had also arranged for a photographer and videographer to capture it all. I’m usually the planner in our relationship, so when he put together something so thoughtful, it meant the world to me. We later celebrated with dinner at Daniel Boulud’s restaurant. Being the foodies that we are, it was the perfect way to end such a magical day.”

Leading up to the big day

“As we had planned an intimate civil ceremony in London with just our immediate family, we wanted a way to celebrate with our friends, as well. Coincidentally, my 30th birthday fell over Easter weekend in 2024, and I had already arranged for 20 of our closest friends from around the  world to join us in my hometown in Uganda. The plan was to celebrate for a few days, followed by an unforgettable safari and a once-in-alifetime opportunity to see gorillas. It felt like the perfect time for a precelebration, so we organised an engagement dinner at my parents’ home. 

It was a white party, where I curated every detail with love and care, even hand-carrying candle domes all the way from London. We included all the special touches—from Sam’s favourite foods to hundreds of candles. We even had personalised napkins with our dog Mishka drawn on them! Karaoke kept the energy high. It was a beautiful night under the stars, where all of our friends could join us for this special time.”

Memories that will last a lifetime

“It was incredibly special to have both of our families gathered around a table. Our families are spread out across the globe. Although they had all met before, this was the first time everyone had come together in one place. We hosted a post-wedding lunch at one of our favourite restaurants in London, Gold, nestled in Notting Hill. The setting was perfect—we wanted it to be all about good food, wine and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Seeing everyone together, laughing and sharing stories, made the day unforgettable.”

My advice

“Set realistic expectations from the start. Know what each person is going to do—it’s all about teamwork, so having clear roles can help avoid unnecessary conflicts. Remember, you’re in this together, and when you’re both on the same page, it makes everything smoother. As for the decision to get married, trust your instincts. When it feels right and both respect and genuinely want the best for each other, that’s when you know you’re on the right path. Sam and I are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, and that’s what makes our partnership strong. It’s about being on the same team through every decision and every moment.”

The details

Photographer: Cameo Photography
Décor: Gold, London
Bride’s Outfit: Milla Nova
Jewellery: Vishal Javeri (ring), Cartier (watch), Chanel (necklace)
Hair & Make-up: Atherton Cox
Locations: Marylebone Town Hall and Gold, London

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