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Coastal Chic Annapolis Wedding Celebrating Love

This coastal chic wedding spectacularly celebrates love.  Officiated by none other than Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s granddaughter, Clara Spera, the day was as meaningful as it was stylish.  Adriana Marie Events planned the dream day, accented by cool shades of blue, and Floral and Bloom brought the event to life with fabulous floral styling.  Rebecca Theresa Photography perfectly captured the joy and happiness of the day in her artful imagery.  Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.




From Rebecca Theresa PhotographyPaige and Danielle met on hinge while Paige was in Baltimore for medical school and Danielle was working in DC. They had an instant connection and the conversation was easy. Danielle was so anxious, that she forgot her keys at the restaurant and couldn’t find them for over an hour. Unfortunately for Paige, she was on her surgery rotation and would have to wake up at 4 am the next day, so Danielle ordered her an Uber while her search for her keys continued. Little did they know, keys would become a tradition for the two of them; as they place locks on bridges in every city they visit. They featured this tradition in their seating chart, placing their guest’s names and lock on a gate for them to take as a souvenir! Paige then matched for residency in DC at a pediatric hospital. They got engaged in May of last year in Hawaii (check out our wedding site LoveKennWin. Com for the full story!). Paige proposed with a spa day and walk through a stunning jungle, then set up a picnic on these beautiful cliffs and showed Danielle a slideshow with some surprise celebrity cameos! Danielle proposed the next day by setting up a scavenger hunt throughout Maui with clues and prizes along the way, ending with a sunset and moon rise proposal!



The brides opted for a coastal chic themed wedding on the water at the historic Whitehall Estate. Whitehall stands proudly along the banks of Meredith Creek, Whitehall Creek and Whitehall Bay. The grounds consist of 135 acres of sprawling lawns and fields. This beautifully and lovingly restored National Historic Landmark offers an unparalleled backdrop for your one-of-a-kind meetings, weddings, corporate receptions, and private celebrations. Designed by the same architect who designed the iconic Maryland State House, Whitehall stands as the finest example of Palladian architecture in the country and was the first National Historic Landmark to be designated in the state of Maryland. The house showcases a collection of museum-caliber artwork and antiques. After enlisting the help of luxury wedding planner extraordinaire Adriana Marie Events events, they started planning out their blue, seafoam green, and coastal toned celebration. Officiating their wedding was Clara Spera, the granddaughter of the late honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While it, unfortunately, rained for most of the day and forced their ceremony to be under their plan B tent, their floral design by Floral and Bloom provided a romantic and relaxed aesthetic for their guests which was perfect for their waterside nuptials. Guests were wowed by their white circle bar, reception design, light display by White Glove Rentals, and beautiful linens by BBJ La Tavola and Stradley Davidson Linen Collective. They were also blown away with a delicious custom rainbow jello shot by Edibles Incredibles upon the brides’ grand entrance to their reception. The brides shared a dance with their moms, cut their cake, and danced the night away under their magical tented reception space.



From the brides Danielle and Paige… We chose to work with Adriana of Adriana Marie Events because she is a wonderful human who cares so deeply about the couples she works with. What made her stand out from the rest was her attention to detail, her coastal chic style, and most importantly, that she emphasized her desire to craft a wedding that was personalized and unique; a wedding that couldn’t possibly be anyone else’s. These personalized touches were a hit at the wedding, and something we will never forget. We were honored to have Clara Spera, the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s granddaughter, as our wedding officiant. Justice Ginsburg was a friend of Danielle’s grandparents and Danielle’s role model. She had hoped to one day officiate this wedding. We were unbelievably grateful that Clara filled Justice Ginsburg’s shoes and gave the most thoughtful, personal, heartfelt ceremony based off of her grandmother’s prior wedding ceremony readings. For our wedding toast, we passed around rainbow jello shots as opposed to the traditional champagne flutes to highlight our passion for “love is love” while also capturing our reputation of making themed jello shots for every festivity! Adriana helped us create an escort display that included an array of locks on a gate with guests’ names and table numbers to symbolize our tradition of placing love locks in every foreign city we have traveled to together as well as our obsession with escape rooms. Our adored pups were our flower girl and ring bearer, and they were also the theme of our signature cocktails – “Penny’s Punch” and “Jackson’s Juice!” We incorporated loved ones that had passed away by placing charms on our bouquets. The appetizers we chose were a combination of our favorite foods displayed in a unique way – spaghetti and vodka sauce twirled on a fork, bulgogi tacos resting on a lime wedge, and more! As Nutella enthusiasts, we had no choice but to have a Nutella wedding cake!

Paige proposed first in West Maui! She brought Danielle to a surprise outdoor couples massage and spa first, then she led her to a jungle where she got down on one knee in front of a large, stunning tree to pop the question! The photographer was hiding behind a different tree to capture the moment. Paige then led Danielle to a cliff’s edge along the water where a blanket, pillows, and their favorite white wine (Moscato) were waiting for them. Paige made Danielle a slideshow video with tons of pictures of the two of them (and Jackson and Penny, of course) and cameos of two of her favorite celebrities asking her to say yes! One of the celebrities in the video was Jake Scott, the singer of their favorite song, “Tuesdays.” Danielle started her proposal with their favorite nerdy date night activity, an escape room! The final clue of the escape room had a QR code leading Paige to a personalized website with password-protected video clues from Danielle’s mom and Paige’s parents and brother. Paige searched each location that the video clues led her to for items that represented inside jokes the two share, and those items gave her the passwords to open more videos. Danielle then proposed on a natural coral pier when the sun was setting on one side and the moon was rising on the other. Their favorite quote from the song Tuesdays was framed at the proposal spot. It’s obvious that Danielle and Paige are soul mates – two of the locations Danielle picked for her scavenger hunt were right next to the tree and cliff from Paige’s proposal. They also incorporated the same song, Tuesdays, into their proposals! Our wedding day was so magical in every way that even the pouring rain during the ceremony couldn’t ruin it! By the time we made it to the reception, the bottom of our dresses were beautifully decorated by Whitehall’s finest dirt and grass! Despite the rain, Rebecca and Alex managed to capture every detail perfectly and were such a pleasure to work with!



Photography: Rebecca Theresa Photography | Videography: Clayton Film Co. | Event Planning: Adriana Marie Events | Florist: Floral & Bloom Designs | Catering: Spilled Milk Catering | Officiant: Clara Spera | Wedding Venue: White Hall | Bartending: Mixing Maryland | Beauty: Behind The Veil | Dog Care: Furever & Fur Always | Getting Ready Location: Annapolis Marriott | Linens: Stradley Davidson Linen Collective | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rainbow Jello Shot: Edibles Incredibles | Rentals: Honeywood Rentals+Design | Rentals: White Glove Rentals

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Bridgerton Meets Grandmillennial In This Inspire Editorial

This Bridgerton meets grandmillennial-inspired wedding is beautiful enough for the Duke and Dutchess themselves.  SRS Events planned and designed the pastel-filled day with carefully curated details like a chic Aperol Spritz Bar adorned with fresh oranges.  Endlessly romantic florals designed by Love Bloom make every vignette magical, and every moment was artfully captured in the elegant imagery by Ashley Boyan Photography.  You can take a closer look at all the lovely in the full gallery.




From SRS EventsThis styled shoot marries Bridgerton-inspiration with Grand Millennial vibes! From the stately neo-classical architecture of the manor, to the pale blue chinoiserie wall paper in the sitting parlors, it is a beautiful locale inside and out. The invitation suite incorporated the pastel florals into the couple’s crest, and a hand-drawn illustration of the venue. The wallpaper was subtly infused into the envelope liner, as well as the petal toss cones. Hand calligraphy and a blue ribbon were the finishing touches on the invitation suite.



The couple selected a multi-tier wedding cake, along with individual cakelets at each guest’s place setting. A dawn blue linen with a floral design allowed the gold leaf charger plates and gorgeous floral runner to be the table showstoppers. The couple also added fun touches by welcoming guests with a champagne bubbles cart, Aperol spritz signature drinks, and a champagne tower. Their sweetheart table sat in front of the lush floral blooms on the fireplace mantle, and a sheer sequin overlay on their table glistened in the candlelight.



As a memento of their wedding day, they commissioned a live painter to draw them having their first kiss under the stunning arch. Colorful pastel spring blooms encompassed the floral design, including garden roses, ranunculus, sweet pea, spray roses, and lisianthus. A stunning floral arch served as the ceremony’s focal point, and then lush florals adorning the fireplace mantle, sweetheart table, and long guest table filled the room with lovely scents. Guests were welcomed to Annapolis, Maryland with a tote bag with the couple’s crest on it, lush hydrangeas, a mini bottle of Moet, rose’, lemon macarons, and a lavender candle, and chinoiserie designed cookies.



Photography: Ashley Boyan Photography | Cinematography: Kirsten Beatley Films | Event Design: SRS Events | Event Planning: SRS Events | Floral Design: Love Blooms | Wedding Dress: Stesha Ho | Cake: Cake Doctor Aimee | Invitations: Sara Lane Design | Reception Venue: Whitehall Estate | Reception Venue: IMPACT Collective | Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Revelry | Tux: The Black Tux | Accessories: The Loved One | Banner Sign: Coffee & Calligraphy | Bar Cart: Tiny Bubbles Bar Cart | Beauty: Kristen C. Artistry | Live Painter: Elena Fay | Model: Sarah | Models: Rachel & Chris | Rentals: The Collection By Courtney Inghram | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co


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A Waterfront Celebration Planned In 45 Days

Can you create wedding magic in 45 days? If you’re Rebecca Rose Events and a talented team of vendors the answer is an astounding- yes! After the pandemic changed Danielle and Anthony’s plans from a 400 person wedding in Italy to an intimate celebration on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the entire planning and design process was started again by scratch. A unique color palette filled with amber, toffee, and cinnamon tones with gold details, natural greenery, and the perfect punch of blue was the perfect complement to the newly chosen scenery. From the looks of the utterly elegant imagery by Corbin Gurkin Photography you would never know the plans for this picture-perfect day had been pulled together so quickly. You can see how it all came together seamlessly in the full gallery.




From Rebecca Rose EventsAfter the pandemic forced Daniella and Anthony to cancel their 400+ guest, 5-day destination wedding in a seaside city in Italy, we had 45 days to reimagine, relocate, plan, design, and produce a more intimate celebration on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.



Daniella’s fashion inspired the creation and selection of every artistic detail from the graphic design elements to the linen selection, to the fresh vines that adorned the interior of the tent. They honored their Italian heritage with a traditional Catholic ceremony that morning. Additional guests joined the families later in the evening for an alfresco celebration.



Daniella and Anthony blended their Italian culinary preferences with local Maryland cuisine to include a beautiful antipasto spread, four-course plated dinner service, late-night espresso bar, and Italian confetti candies in personalized custom tins for each guest. Daniella and Anthony immediately embraced a unique color palette, and we blended amber, toffee, and cinnamon tones with gold details, natural greenery, and the perfect punch of blue. All these colors danced together so beautifully against the sunset over the water.


Photography: Corbin Gurkin Photography | Cinematography: Clayton Film Co. | Event Design: Rebecca Rose Events | Event Planning: Rebecca Rose Events | Floral Design: Rebecca Rose Events | Wedding Dress: Mira Zwillinger | Cake: Susan Gage | Invitations: Rebecca Rose Events | Ceremony Venue: St. John Neumann Catholic Church | Reception Venue: White Hall | Shoes: Alexandre Birman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Susan Gage | Band: Elan Artists | Groom's Attire: Tom Ford | Transportation: Z Best | Transportation: Charm Cars | Rentals: Sugarplum Tents | Rentals: White Glove Rentals | Rentals: Nuage Designs

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Soft and Romantic Spring Wedding Inspiration

It’s official, Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow which means an early Spring is upon us! Well, at least we hope so!!  We just can’t wait to see tulips in full bloom at every turn and smell that fresh Spring air again. But until then, we’ll just be staring at this stunning inspiration shoot from Renee Hollingshead that satisfies all our Spring cravings. Emma Job from the Petal Report and Adriana Marie Events designed every inch of this gorgeous shoot, giving brides a modern yet ethereal take on the typical Spring wedding look.

From Emma Job from The Petal ReportThis intimate and inspirational editorial was focused to create a vision for couples that want to incorporate modern details mixed with an ethereal and refined authenticity for their nearest and dearest. Ambiance was crucial for the setting to show off the true feeling behind this vibe.

Crimson & Clover incorporated a mixture of tall candlesticks as well as pillar candles to add to the lighting throughout the space and popped some of their go-to spring blooms to soften the tablescape. The spring season was picked for this look as it to inspire those getting married in the year to come.

The spring season was picked for this look as it to inspire those getting married in the year to come. Our blushing bride, instead of having just a “something blue” we decided to incorporate the hue throughout her day. From the details within the paper goods, the delicate napkin tied across the dinner plates, to the tiny flowers popped in throughout the day, there was not a moment untouched by the shade. The modern paper touches are one of our favorite parts, paired with the soft edges of the china and natural linen textures throughout the space. A bit of personality from the “couple” in the ceremony runner to tell their full story, paired with the abundant greenery to fill the all white space of Prism for interested.

Photography: Renee Hollingshead Photography | Event Design: Cayleigh Hopkins | Event Design: Adriana Marie Events | Floral Design: Crimson and Clover Floral Design, Inc. | Cake: Catherine George Cakes | Stationery: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy | Hair and Makeup: Vintage Veils | Wedding Venue: Prism | Bridal Gown: Wren Bridal | Model : Cate Thompson | Rentals: White Glove Rentals

Head to Toe Blueprints for Styling a Classic Themed Wedding

Classic. It’s a word that has so many meanings. Rooted in tradition. Built around etiquette. Ceremony. Simplicity. Having written about and been a part of the wedding industry for the better part of 15 years though, the word classic has assumed a far different, far more broad intention than ever before. We feature whimsical, personality infused “classic” weddings all the time with the true definition simply tucked into the culture and ceremony that the wedding is inspired by. That said, for those of you that want a truly “classic” (think Grace Kelly or Kate Middleton) vibe, these are the blueprints you need…with a little history lesson baked in and a stunning, illustrative shoot from Joy Michelle Photography, Floret and Vine, Social Graces and the gorgeous White Hall Manor. Plus a beautiful film by Monachetti.

THE CLASSIC STYLED BRIDE

A classic bride is simple. She is elegant. She is refined. She is careful about the details and always looks at the whole AND  the individual pieces of her look. The main element for a classic bride to consider, is the color of the fabric she chooses. White became a popular option in 1840, when Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Apparently, paying attention to the royal fashions (ahem, Kate & Meghan) was pretty major. Since then, white has dominated as the color of choice for the classic bride. Alternative classic hues would include eggshell and ivory, although we believe whole-heartedly that blush will soon land on that list.

Next, she considers her silhouette. A-Line & Ballgown are the two cuts that are most commonly used in trad weddings (though there a dozen other stunning cuts that can still capture the timeless wedding vibe you are going for).  Satin, Silk and Charmeuse are generally the foundational fabrics, while lace, tulle and Chiffon are common overlay fabrics and give the bride that romantic, feminine vibe that a traditionally styled bride is after.

Beauty should be simple and clean. Natural inspired make-up just amped up a wee bit. Hair in a classic up do (a chignon, a french twist, a bun) or kept neat but free flowing. Jewelry can be anything that doesn’t distract from the overall look – a simple strand of pearls or a solitaire diamond on the neck, diamond, pearl or jewel studs. And a beautiful veil to finish the look.

Bottom line for a classic bride is to go for simple, understated elegance that will stand the test of time.

THE CLASSIC STYLED GROOM

A classic groom will be dressed in black tie. The color palette of his tuxedo can vary depending on the time of day and the formality of the wedding. However, for the most traditional grooms, it is important that they pay attention to etiquette when choosing what to wear. We found a pretty spot-on chart that will take all of the guess work out of choosing your menswear – something that should 100% NOT be an afterthought to the bride, but should elevate her look while still be ravishing on its own.

THE CLASSIC WEDDING INVITATION

Traditionally, black engraved calligraphy on white cotton paper and a wax seal defined the classic wedding invitation. Now, “classic” encapsulates that very foundational style but has permission to play with colors of paper and ink, calligraphic styles and methods of printing.

Classic on a budget, usually requires flat (no texture) or thermography printing (meant to mimic the look of engraving). Stick with white, the palest of grays or ivories and go with a darker ink on the primary pieces. Your best bet if you have elaborate classic invitation dreams but a kinko’s budget is to go with a larger printing house that specializes in wedding invitations like Minted or work with a local stationer that can tailor a home-printed invitation for you while staying inside your financial restraints.

If you have more of a budget, you can work with an artisanal or couture stationer like Pluma Palomino (I mean how amazing are the invitations above that she crafted!?) to really infuse your personality into your invitation while still retaining that classic style. Hand torn cotton papers, white ink, personalized wax seals, slips of the most delicate tissue paper ever (which was normally meant to protect the hand drawn ink). You can use embellishments like silk dyed ribbon, gorgeous envelope liners, various soft luxury hues in paper and authentic calligraphy to address the invitations. Depending on your overall spend, you can look at the above printing methods, along with calligraphy, engraving and letterpress.

THE CLASSIC WEDDING CAKE

One of the earliest traditions that we know of when it comes to the wedding cake is rooted in Ancient Rome where a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride’s head to bring good fortune to the couple. The cake was considered a luxury and the larger it was, the more wealth you seemingly had. 

Wedding cakes in early America were traditionally fruit cakes topped with marzipan and icing with tiers (sound familiar?) and the “cutting of the cake” was a focal point of the reception. White icing was a symbol of money and social importance so a white cake was the desired look – purely refined white sugar was a costly ingredient that only wealthy could afford. The concept that the color white represents purity in a wedding came about when Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert in 1840.

To capture the “classic” wedding cake on any budget – stick with a white or lemon flavored cake and vanilla buttercream or fondant (or both) with a raspberry, vanilla or lemon filling. Simple decor – from delicate sugar flowers, to silk ribbon or a classic cake topper are a must.

The best thing about a wedding cake is that you can really play and still retain that classic look and feel, depending on how you style the cake. More popular flavors are hazelnut, banana, red velvet, chocolate and coconut. A few of our favorite flavor combos?

  • Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate
  • Banana cake with chocolate buttercream
  • White cake with lemon buttercream and fresh raspberry jam
  • Italian Cream Cake & Cream Cheese Buttercream
  • Champagne Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

CLASSIC WEDDING FLOWERS

While the reasoning behind wedding flowers has taken many a twist and turns – let’s sum it up like this. Flowers, herbs and plants have been used in wedding celebrations for as long as anyone can remember. They have been a status of wealth, they have been rooted in meaning and luck, they have been used simply to make a room feel beautiful.

The most classic hues of wedding florals is generally considered white and green. Thus, the type of flower is rooted in the color options available. White roses, hydrangeas, Stephanotis, lilies and orchids have always been considered the most traditional. Now, “classic” includes many, many more varieties, the most popular being Peonies, Ranunculus, Anemones, Garden and Vintage Roses.

On a budget but still want a classic look? You can sub in just about any flower that comes in white – try to find flowers that are in season as they look richer and they are far less expensive than sourcing a peony in December. Not on a budget, well the sky is clearly the limit.

Most classic wedding flowers include a bridal bouquet, smaller bridesmaids bouquets, boutonniere for the men, petals for flower girls, ceremony decor (often two arrangements flanking the top and bottom of the aisle), corsages for the important women (moms, grandmas, etc) and reception pieces. The reception can feature long, draped garlands, low but full centerpieces, tall and towering arrangements or any combination of those elements.

THE CLASSIC WEDDING VENUE

Well, if we’re looking at our most recent history, weddings generally take place in a church with the reception either in that same church hall or an event space nearby. As wedding budgets have grown, wedding venues have taken on a myriad of shapes and sizes. Now considered most classic are hotel ballrooms, country clubs, garden, homes, barns and event spaces.

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Photography: Joy Michelle Photography | Videography: Monachetti | Floral Design: Floret and Vine | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Wedding Dress: TLC Bridal Boutique | Cake: Catherine George Cakes | Engagement Ring: By Angeline | Tuxedo: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: White Hall | Hair and Makeup Artist: Beauty by Brittany & Kristen Browne | Invitation Suite and Calligraphy: Pluma Palomino | Planning: Social Graces Events | Rentals: White Glove Rentals | Ribbon: Jefferson Lane

Really being successful in defining a classic look for your wedding comes down to a few key elements: Simplicity, Refinement and Elegance. Stick with an all white color palette, choose modest, formal attire and choose florals that feel “rich” no matter what your budget. Let ceremony take center stage and find the grace and elegance in tradition that has been built upon hundreds of years of intention.

But want to know the single most important element to hosting a classic wedding? Love. REAL love. TRUE love. The kid that of love that makes everyone forget about the room entirely, forget about the color of the flowers or the flavor of the cake. And focus on the reason that we are having a wedding in the first place. Love. That’s it.

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An Inspiration Shoot Where Traditional Charm Meets Modern Style

A wedding like this inspiration shoot from Cristina Calvert Signature Weddings & Celebrations and Stacy Bauer Photography could count as your something old and something new. How? Let your something old be Hammond- Harwood House, the gorgeous setting for this inspiration shoot, which dates back to colonial America. And for your something new, make jaws drop in the modern yet timeless Carol Hannah dress and Susie Saltzman Fine Jewelry ring. See all the pretty details in The Vault!


From Stacy Bauer PhotographyOur design inspiration came from the secret garden-like feeling of the garden at the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, Maryland. This venue is one of the premier colonial homes in America and dates back to 1774. The exquisite architecture found both inside and outside, provided a stunning backdrop to the intimate garden ceremony. Gorgeous cascading florals by Steelcut Flower Company were adorned to accent the doorframe that overlooked the romantic garden. A soft and romantic tablescape was set with rentals from Select Event Group and china from Crate and Barrel. Vintage silver flatware from the personal collection of the Hammond-Harwood house was used and gave nod to the history of the house. Small floral wreathes around the calligraphed place cards by Surcee Calligraphy were set and gave a feminine touch to the place setting.

The bride wore a Carol Hannah dress, veil and belt for the wedding ceremony and then later slipped into a shorter, sexier sheath for her getaway on the Vespa. Beautiful rings by Susie Saltzman were used and custom suiting and accessories by Capital Custom Clothiers outfitted the groom. The bride and groom celebrated an intimate ceremony and reception in the quaint downtown garden and then slipped away on the blue Vespa as husband and wife.

Photography: Stacy Bauer Photography | Event Planning: Cristina Calvert Signature Weddings & Celebrations | Floral Design: Steel Cut Floral Co | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Lilly Magilly's | Ceremony Venue: Hammond-Harwood House | Rings: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Ariel Lewis | Calligraphy: Surcee Calligraphy | Groom's Attire: Capital Custom Clothiers | Table Runner: Silk and Willow

Classic + Elegant Naval Academy Summer Wedding

You know we’re a sucker for a Groom in uniform and this classic Navy affair is certainly no exception. A military chic celebration that we’re falling madly in love with and thanks to Katie Parra Photography we can enjoy it for years to come. See it all unfold in The Vault!

From the Bride… I remember so many special moments from our wedding day…waking up early and taking a walk with my parents, reading a letter from my dear (at that point) fiance, laughing with all my bridesmaids while we prepped, the butterflies in my stomach before walking down the aisle, the disbelief that we had actually pulled this off, seeing every person I care about in this world there to support Jon and I on that day, and, above all, overwhelming feelings of love and humility that all these people would gather to be there with Jon and I. What a celebration of family, of friends, of our shared history at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and of God’s faithfulness for having brought us to this point. The day was everything I had thought it would be – a showcase of our love and experiences set against the backdrop of all of the individuals who had supported us throughout our lives. A true testament of grace, faith, and joy!

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Photography: Katie Parra Photography | Floral Design: Flower Follies | Wedding Dress: Ola From Modeca Collection 2013 | Cake: The Main Ingredient | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Ceremony: Naval Academy Chapel | Reception Venue: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Philip Merrill Environmental Center | Engagement Ring: Borsheims | Catering: The Main Ingredient | Makeup: Nichole Jordan | Hair: Mindy Whalen | DJ: Absolute Entertainment | Earrings: Banana Republic | Paper Products: Wedding Paper Divas | Photography - Assistance: Sharmila Photography | Rentals: The Main Ingredient | Veil: Big Rock Bridal | Wedding Dress Boutique: Spring Sweet | Wedding Rings: Zacharys Jewelers

Romantic + Elegant Annapolis Wedding

Want to start your week off in a super duper lovely mood? Then keep on scrollin’ because what you’re about to see is bound to bring a smile to your face. From Jenny Yoo’s blush bridesmaids’ dresses to the beautiful Bride herself, I have heart eyes all the way; her Jewel Hair Design alone has me eager to get pinning. Elizabeth Fogarty captured it all so we can do just that – on to our VAULT right this way!

From Elizabeth Fogarty… Mike and Amy wanted their day to be a romantic celebration of love. They wanted their guests to have fun and for their day to be overall relaxed. Their key elements were the flowers and small details, like the adorable pink macarons. These two could not be more perfect together. Mike is a caring gentleman while Amy is such a loving bride. They were all smiles on their wedding day. Amy picked elegant long gowns by Jenny Yoo for her bridesmaids. They were a perfect complement to the gold touches throughout the wedding. My Flower Box events did a wonderful job with the flowers! This Annapolis wedding was one for the books.

Peruse more romantic style weddings here!

Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty | Floral Design: My Flower Box Events | Wedding Dress: Robinson's Bridal | Cake: The Main Ingredient | Invitations: Beacon Lane | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup: Beauty by Jackie | Hair: Jewel Hair Design | Groomsmen's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Historic Ogle Hall | Getting Ready Venue: Loews Hotel | Jewelry + Veil: Robinson's Bridal

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Vintage Inspired Annapolis Wedding

When a beautiful planner bride (hello, 2Hands Studios) marries her childhood sweetheart, magical things happen.  Magical things like lush, romantic blooms crafted by Cache Fleur, a breathtaking reception filled with golden glitter and some seriously sweet moments captured by Natalie Franke.  See them all in the full gallery, then stay awhile in The Vault for even more vintage inspired pretty.

From Natalie Franke… Adriana and Kevin have been together since childhood. Their love story so beautifully intertwined that both of their families celebrated this day with joyful tears and beaming smiles. I absolutely loved the moment when Adriana put on her dress, the bridal party portraits at the State House, and seeing her wedding day vision come to life. The incredible team at 2hands studios, where Adriana is an extraordinary planner, came together to make this wedding one of the best I’ve ever experienced!

From the Bride… The theme to our wedding is an elegant garden feel. Soft, romantic, timeless, with pops of our personality and family. Sea foam is the color we selected, because it is relaxing and reminds us of the water. Kevin proposed on a dock!

I wanted something a little fun but not too extreme. We incorporated little touches of family with photos of each married sibling, parent and grandparent on the patio, Kevin’s grandmothers broach on my bouquet, my grandmothers jewelry, and some of our families favorite foods. My bouquet is also wrapped in my mothers veil.

Photography: Natalie Franke Photography | Cinematography: Drawn To The Image | Event Planning: 2Hands Studios Events | Floral Design: Cache Fleur | Wedding Dress: Bridals By Elena | Cake: Cakes By Rachael | Invitations: 2Hands Studios Events | Ceremony Venue: St. John Neumann Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Historic Inns of Annapolis | Hair & Makeup: Behind The Veil | DJ: DJ KRock | Transportation: Extraordinar Limousine | Photography - Assistance: Madison Short Photography | Photography - Assistance: Kate Ann Photo | Rentals: Rentals to Remember | Vintage Decor & Furniture: 2Hands Studios Events

Intimate Ceremony at Quiet Waters Park

Intimate weddings have always, and will always, be my absolute favorite affairs. Where love is the detail that shines through every moment, and the couple is the prettiest detail of all. So this wedding captured by Hillary of Lauren Fair Photography truly is my dream. Her photographs will forever a capture a day this family will cherish forever, and when you read the Bride’s description below, you’ll realize just how special they really are. Add in those stunning florals from Alicia Jayne Florals, and this wedding completely has my heart. See why here.

From The Bride…Brent and I first met in 2007 at a concert with some mutual friends. I always remembered thinking how cool and fun he was. Shortly after, I went off to school in South Carolina and he moved to Baltimore. We always stayed in touch throughout the years though — wishing each other happy birthdays and sending texts and messages here and there. During this time, Brent became closer with my circle of friends and apparently always asked about “your friend Kim” to my best friends.. I thought this was cute. Once I graduated and moved back home, I went to Baltimore to celebrate his 29th birthday, and as they say, the rest is history.

Brent proposed in January of 2014. He made me the most perfect breakfast where we shared a fancy bottle of champagne for mimosas. At this point, I didn’t think anything of it, until I noticed my plate was clean and he didn’t even touch his food. As soon as I asked “why aren’t you eating” he got down on one knee and proposed. It was the sweetest moment of my life, even though I wish I could remember what he all said.. I think some can all relate to this.

We began to plan our August 2015 wedding. As Brent can attest, there were moments of complete stress (only on my part though). Searching for a venue was the worst, but after several weeks, we found the perfect location. Vendors were locked-in and all our details started to fall into place.

A few months before our big day, my family received news that my father, who had been battling cancer close to three years, only had a few months left to live. Brent and I struggled with this. We weren’t sure what the right thing to do was. Eventually, we decided to postpone our August 2015 wedding and move it to August 2016.

As we sat in the hospital, I told my dad the news. I was so afraid that postponing our August wedding would upset him but it was completely the opposite. He was so understanding and comforting. He had a smile on his face; he was amazing. That same week, Brent and I made plans to have a small, intimate wedding ceremony at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis Maryland. We absolutely love this park — we take our great dane pup there on a weekly basis. Plus, I’ve always imagine having engagement pictures done here so to have our wedding photos taken in the beautifully sunlit woods was something special.

On June 12th, my dad walked me down the aisle and gave me away to Brent. It was something I cannot describe — I was overjoyed. We were surrounded by our closest family and friends. They were all here for Brent and I, as they all watch my father give his only daughter away.. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions.

Just two weeks later, my father passed away. I cannot put into words what this day meant for us and my family but we are beyond grateful to have these memories and photographs, and to look back on and cherish them for the rest of our lives.

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Floral Design: Alicia Jayne Florals | Wedding Dress: Lulu's | Ceremony: Quiet Waters Park | Reception: Chart House - Weehawken NJ | Makeup : Blend Makeup Artistry | Groom's Attire: Black Lapel | Officiant: Annapolis Wedding Chapel

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Abby Capalbo

Design, Styling, Parties
Elegant Naval Academy Wedding in Annapolis

I have such a soft spot in my heart for military weddings, and it goes far beyond the handsome uniforms and traditions. What really gets me is the couple. You can tell they have already been through so much, and they wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else in the world. How could you not love that? And when such a wedding plays out through Joy Michelle Photography‘s images, I couldn’t be happier.

From Joy Michelle PhotographyStephanie and Daniel tied the knot at the USNA Chapel on a sunny day in June and held their reception at the Alumni Hall (in the Bo Coppedge Room) offering sweeping views of College Creek and the Severn River.

They incorporated nautical elements into their decor including stripes, rope knots for their centerpieces and beautifully done calligraphy seating charts/tags. There were so many beautiful little signs, details, and decor elements throughout the whole wedding but one that stood out to me was the memory display to their friends who could not attend and were deployed overseas. They marked each name with a beer.

Can we just pause and take a moment to appreciate Stephanie’s all blush peony bouquet wrapped in blue and navy stripes?! Talk about romantic elegance!

Something old: Lace from bride’s grandmothers wedding gown wrapped around the bride’s bouquet.
Something new: South sea golden pearl earrings. A gift from the groom on his first deployment.
Something borrowed: Anchor pin. borrowed from Mrs. Lauren Cline (pinned to the bouquet).
Something blue: Bride’s shoes. A gift from the groom. (Designed by Badgley Mischka).

I’m a hybrid wedding photographer and this wedding was photographed with a mix of film and digital photography.

Photography: Joy Michelle Photography | Videography : Clickspark | Event Planning: Wedding Savvy Inc | Floral Design: Scentsational Florals | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: Caroline's Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Naval Academy Chapel | Reception Venue: Alumni Hall | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Calligraphy: Christy Scaljon | DJ: Absolute Entertainment | Cake Topper: Better Off Wed | Gown Boutique: Blush Bridal & Special Occasions | Letterpress Invites: A&P Designs | Make Up Artist: Stacie Snyder | Rentals: Rentals to Remember | Table Numbers: 2Hands Studios Events

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Abby Capalbo

Design, Styling, Parties
Romantic Downtown Annapolis Engagement Session

Having first met in downtown Annapolis, this couple couldn’t think of a more perfect place to have their engagement session! What could be more romantic than sneaking in kisses on a park bench and eating ice cream by the harbor, all under the spell of the city’s historic charm? Alysia & Jayson Photography captured it all in the full gallery right here!

From Alysia & Jayson PhotographyIt did not take us any time to figure out that Taylor and Jared were an incredibly authentic and dynamic duo. They have a most genuine love for one another and amazing chemistry that could not be hidden from our cameras. It was an absolute joy to photograph and get to know them.

Their love story began in the beautiful and quaint historic downtown Annapolis, and so there was no hesitation or question as to where we’d photograph their engagement session. We spent a beautiful evening roaming these charming streets, talking and sharing stories. We are so honored to be photographing their Naval Academy wedding next June.

From the beautiful Bride-To-Be… Jared and I met in the heart of downtown Annapolis at McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar. My sister and I stopped in for a quick drink. Jared had built the courage to approach me and nervously asked me for my phone number after some small talk! After many wonderful dates and 7 blissful months of dating, Jared proposed to me on a wintery December night in Chicago. Jared recently graduated from the Naval Academy and I call Annapolis home so we couldn’t think of a more perfect place to be married! We chose the Naval Academy’s Alumni House to have the reception. The ceremony and reception will encompass the historic heart and romanticism we fell in love with.

Photography: Alysia & Jayson Photography | Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Make-Up: Ashley Alana With Red, White & Beautiful | Location: Annapolis

Romantic Spring Wedding at United States Naval Academy

This Bride claims she’s not a crafty person but I beg to differ. Not only was her wedding filled with fantastically done DIY projects but she also sewed beautiful lace trim to her mother’s tulle veil; that my friends is dedication and skill. This fab style extended to her bridesmaids – all decked out thanks to Weddington Way – and the combination of chosen colors makes me downright giddy. Krista A. Jones captured every shade and these pics are what I like to a call a great midday pick-me-up.

From the Bride… We love the look on people’s faces when they ask us where we’re from and we answer separately, ‘New York City’ and ‘a really small town in South Carolina.’ Meeting each other and falling in love must have been destiny because so many things had to fall into place just right for it to happen. Luckily, my best friend/Maid of Honor knew what she was doing when she introduced us. Her (then) boyfriend attended the Naval Academy and David accompanied him to South Carolina for the USC vs. Navy football game in September 2012. They stayed at our apartment for the weekend and David and I spent hours talking in the kitchen. A year later our friends convinced us to catch up via Sykpe and the next thing I knew, I was buying a plane ticket to visit him in Annapolis.

We wanted the wedding to be reflective of both of our families and cultures – which can be difficult when two cultures and families are so different (I’m Southern and David is a Polish New Yorker). The food really helped pull the cultures together and we even did a celebratory shot of Spiritus (Polish vodka) as a nod to David’s family members who traveled from Poland to attend the wedding.

I was a budget-conscious bride, so I decided to make anything that we needed for the wedding that wouldn’t be suitable as décor in our home. I’m not a very crafty person, but I can get creative when I need to! My favorite DIY project was the ‘Need a Ride?’ taxi signs and business cards that provided guests with information about Uber and local transportation options.

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to wear my mother’s cathedral length veil on my wedding day. After purchasing my lace and tulle wedding gown, I realized that my mom’s tulle veil was beautiful but definitely needed lace. After finally finding the perfect lace trim, we spent a weekend with the veil laid out in the kitchen floor hand sewing the lace around the edge. It was hard work but totally worth it!

Another special touch was our cake topper. David loves Batman and after seeing a Batman and bride cake topper on Pinterest, I knew we had to have it. One of my best friends from college took up clay molding as a hobby while recovering from cancer treatments and volunteered to make it for us. It was a perfect touch on our cake!

Choosing the Naval Academy was an easy choice for us and dictated which date we chose for the wedding. With only seven months to plan, finding a reception venue was a bit trickier. Luckily, we stumbled upon the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and fell in love. It had the romantic feel we wanted and was the perfect combination of an indoor and outdoor space. Our wedding date was the only date available for the spring and summer, so we knew it was meant to be!

Photography: Krista A. Jones Photography | Videography: Ben Franco | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: The Main Ingredient | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony Venue: Naval Academy Chapel | Reception Venue: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Philip Merrill Environmental Center | Rings: Zales | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Catering: The Main Ingredient | Makeup: Caitlyn Meyer | Hair: Caitlyn Meyer | Transportation: Towne Transport | Bridal Boutique: White On Daniel Island | Bridesmaids' Dress Shop: Weddington Way | Cake Topper: Willow Tree | Headpiece: Sara Gabriel

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Glamorous Masquerade Wedding Inspiration in Annapolis

Romantic and glamorous, there’s something inherently fairtytale-esque about a masquerade ball. And this inspiration shoot lives up to that magical whimsy with stunning accessories from Jaclyn Jordan New York, romantic florals from Petals and Promises LLC and a scenic waterside setting. See all the beautiful images captured by Lissa Ryan Photography here.

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From the Pop the Cork DesignsThis elegant and romantic masquerade ball wedding inspiration came from a constant dream of mine! The color palette was made up of neutrals with pops of silver and gold with deep berry tones in the bouquets to give the event a very classy and sophisticated feel, while keeping the atmosphere cool and yet dramatic. We also incorporated a bridal getting ready portion – with this piece of the shoot, our goal was to inspire brides to capture the anticipation, the excitement, and the beauty of those moments before she walks down the aisle to marry the love of her life. There’s something so special and once-in-a-lifetime about those moments before the day begins.

The gorgeous waterfront private residence where the shoot was hosted was the perfect venue for such an elegant and yet achievable for a real bride wedding inspiration shoot. Each of the amazing artists and vendors involved in the shoot did a fabulous job creating amazing items that cohesively tied together into the masquerade theme!

Photography: Lissa Ryan Photography | Event Planning: Pop The Cork Designs | Floral Designer: Petals and Promises llc | Wedding Dress: Enaura Bridal | Invitations: Little Bit Heart | Bridesmaids' Dresses: The Boutique At Body Wellness | Hair: PSC Hair Artistry | Venue: Private Residence | Bridal Accessories: Jaclyn Jordan New York | Favors & Gifts: Marigold & Grey | Film Processing: Alpine Film Lab | Garters: La Gartier Wedding Garters | Make-up Artist: Tiyana Robinson Beauty | Model: Jackie Dolan | Signs: Susan Grace Dodge Designs

Coral + Navy Nautical Annapolis Wedding

With gorgeous of pops of coral and navy, this nautical wedding in Annapolis celebrates the rich beauty of the water, with simple DIY touches from the happy couple. With the help of Amie Decker Beauty & Emily Chastain Photography, the bride looked gorgeous as she walked down the aisle. Her bridesmaids wore Plum Pretty Sugar robes and Jenny Yoo dress which perfectly complimented the color palette. You won’t want to miss a minute of this gorgeous day here!

From the beautiful Bride… Growing up in Virginia, I was captivated by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, and I always dreamed of getting married one day on its shores. Coincidentally, the man I would marry was growing up along the same shores, but just a bit north of me the whole time!

Scott and I met on a blind date set up by mutual friends while we were living in Washington, D.C. We frequently made trips together from D.C. to his hometown of Annapolis, Maryland. As I began to realize that I was falling head over heels in love with Scott, it became increasingly evident that I was also falling in love with the charming, historic town of Annapolis. After Scott proposed during a weekend getaway to Charlottesville, the vision for our wedding came easily for us. It was to be a day of family, friends, traditions new and old, and of course – the water. There was never a doubt that Annapolis would be the perfect place for our wedding day!

To Scott and me, it was very important to weave in aspects of both our families’ traditions. We chose to get married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where his family has been attending for decades. The Annapolis Yacht Club would make the perfect place to celebrate after the ceremony, and meant a lot to Scott as he and his family are active members there. To honor my family’s traditions, I chose to wrap my bouquet with a handkerchief sewn by my grandmother, who passed away shortly after Scott and I were engaged. I also took one of her hand-stitched embroideries and had it sewn into my wedding dress. It was a special way to have my “something blue” close to my heart.

The ceremony continued our blending of traditions. We had a “unity sand” ceremony where we combined sand from a beach near my home with sand from a beach near Scott’s to symbolize our lives and families becoming one. At the reception, we wanted to reflect our love of the water by accenting the evening with nautical touches. From start to finish, guests received the full Annapolis nautical experience by enjoying a raw oyster bar and cold Dark n’ Stormy’s all night. One of my favorite DIY details was providing guests with a Polaroid camera to use for our guest book. Our guests loved taking group shots and included them in a photo album we designed, and added their messages alongside the photos. It was so much fun to look through it the next day – and it’s still our favorite keepsake from the wedding. Another very special highlight for us was the honor of signaling sunset by firing the canon for Attention to Colors. This is such a special tradition at the Annapolis Yacht Club, and we were very fortunate to have incorporated it into our day.

Every detail of our wedding was chosen for a reason, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. Even the fickle weather of the Chesapeake cooperated for us, something you can only hope for! I think the most vivid memory of our wedding day might be the final one! For our exit, Scott and I left on a friend’s beautiful Mast and Mallard yacht, and we were so exhausted, but blissfully happy. Looking back, we could see the outline of St. Mary’s grand steeple behind our friends and family on the docks waving and wishing us farewell. It was a magical night, and we would do it all over again if we could!

Photography: Emily Chastain Photography | Videography: Black Tie Video | Event Planning: Wedding Savvy Inc | Floral Design: Cache Fleur | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza Legends | Cake: Cakes By Rachael | Invitations: Paper in the Park | Ceremony Venue: St. John Neumann Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Annapolis Yacht Club | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Rings: Smyth Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup: Amie Decker Beauty | Hair: Morgan Gerard | Band: Doug Segree Band | Rentals: 2Hands Studios Events | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Nautical Annapolis Spring Wedding

I will forever adore nautical nuptials. With childhood summers on the coast, soirees of this sort are what I dreamed of as a little girl. And this beauty right here is that reality. From the bride arriving by boat, to the vows on the dock, this waterfront wedding hits a homerun. With Liz and Ryan behind the lens and Simple Flare filming every second, I’ll be reliving those childhood dreams all weekend long.

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From Liz And Ryan… Lesley and Clayton are two incredibly beautiful people on the inside and out! They met each other while in med school at the University of Maryland and quickly fell in love. They share a mutual love of the water. In fact, you could say it is in their blood. Lesley’s dad sailed across the Atlantic from England many years ago arriving in Annapolis, the place he would fall in love and welcome his sweet daughter, Lesley, into his life. He was an adventurer. And although he passed away a few years ago, he is still very much present in so many ways.

His love of the water shines through in Lesley. She is comfortable and at home on the water, most especially on Flying Angel, her family’s boat that her dad dreamed of. Her compass has never wavered, but in Clayton she has found a new North Star to adventure through this life with!

It only seems appropriate that Flying Angel escorted Lesley to the Yacht Club on their wedding day. It was her dad’s way of proudly walking her down the aisle. And we have no doubt, he is one incredibly proud dad and incredibly happy to welcome Clayton to the family!

Lesley and Clayton’s wedding was nothing short of AMAZING! Their love is so visible and present. In fact, as Lesley’s uncle shared in a beautiful poem he wrote for them, their love is, in fact, a present.

“…And so to the present both a time to be glad
And a loving present to her loving dad
Gift wrapped with their wedding vow
Their gift of love for ever now
To Lesley and Clayton man and wife
A present and a future happy life.

Friends and family share in their happiness
Wish them a life of love and all that’s best
A home that is warm and full of song
A life that is rich their love so strong
Lesley and Clayton two families now united.
Sutherlands and Alexanders, happy and delighted.”
– Owen Sutherland

Lesley and Clayton’s wedding day was so simple and so elegant. The florals were absolutely stunning and fit the decor in the most perfect way! Anne from Charleston Stems wowed us and Lesley too! (Lesley had no idea what the florals were going to look like. She gave her friend and trusted wedding professional permission to do anything that she wanted with the florals!) They were absolutely stunning and stand out to us as the most perfectly fitting wedding florals we have ever photographed!

Lesley and Clayton’s wedding day ended with a proper send off for Lesley and Clayton on the Flying Angel! It was the perfect way for them to set sail to the beginning of their lives together as husband and wife… and now Dr. and Dr.! 

Photography: Liz And Ryan | Videography: Simple Flare | Wedding Planner: Wedding Savvy Inc | Florals: Charleston Stems | Bakery: Palate Pleasers | Stationery: Paper in the Park | Bridesmaids Dresses: Lula Kate | Hair & Makeup: Behind The Veil | Band: Doug Segree Band | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Ceremony Music: Chesapeake Strings | Venue: Annapolis Yacht Club | Bridal Gown: Elizabeth Johns | Rentals: 2Hands Studios Events | Rentals: XOXO Vintage

Love Drunk Valentine’s Day Inspiration

This inspiration proves that behind every great party is a delicious cocktail and this one has the Cardamom Rose as the leading lady. With a nod to Alice in Wonderland – think painted roses + drink me tags from Laura Hooper Calligraphy,  and a beautifully styled bar cart, Strawberry Banke Studio craftedone very cute “Love Drunk” Valentine’s party. See even more photographed by Krista A. Jones right here!

From Laura of Strawberry Banke StudioFor this Valentine’s-inspired shoot, we wanted to bring out the playful, “love drunk” nature of Valentine’s Day by using a whimsical, recognizable theme to freshen up the typical Valentine’s Day decor. We chose to pull Valentine’s references from the timeless story of Alice in Wonderland (i.e. Queen of Hearts, painting the roses red, etc), and incorporate them into a modern, everyday bar cart vignette. Aiming to modernize a very romantic-heavy holiday with quirky little “Alice” touches, we executed the shoot in a black, white and fuschia color scheme, accented with bright pops of gold.

Simple, tightly packed roses (as well as some painted red!) are in keeping with both the book theme and the Valentine’s holiday without seeming overly cliche, while tiny apothecary bottles are grouped as bud vases reminiscent of Alice’s whimsical “size-altering” potions. Small gold stacked tea cups are a chic, contemporary nod to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The Cardamon Rose signature cocktail is another play on the rose-marked holiday, with a fresher, unique flavor combination. For a less complicated Valentine’s cocktail, we substituted pretty, blush-toned sparkling Rose (for typical champagne), garnished with a simple rose petal for a special touch.

Cardamom Rose Cocktailrecipe from Apothecary courtesy of Design Sponge
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  • 1.5 oz of Hendrick’s gin
  • .75 oz of Rose syrup (homemade or store bought)
  • .25 oz of Fresh lemon juice
  • .75 oz of Fresh ruby red grapefruit juice
  • 2 dashes of Peychauds bitters
  • 1 Cardamom Pod
Instructions
  1. Lightly muddle one cardamom pod at the bottom of shaker.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and ice. Shake for 20 second, then strain over fresh ice to remove the cardamom pod.
  3. Add a splash of seltzer water.
  4. Garnish with rose petals or fresh lemon wedge.

Photographer: Krista A. Jones Photography | Design + Styling: Laura Boyd + Meg Hale Of Strawberry Banke Studio | Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | Barcart: Society Social | Boutique Gift Boxes: Haven Court | Cocktail Napkins: Kate Spade | Glassware : Anthropologie | Macarons: Sweet Hearts Patisserie | Restaurant: Blackwall Hitch | Vintage Furniture: XOXO Vintage

Roses + Rings Event at Mervis Diamond Importers

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so the timing couldn’t be better for the Mervis Diamond Importers Roses and Rings Event from February 7-8, 2015. Not only will there be a large selection of designer rings to try on + experiment with different looks, but there’s discounts and special pricing as well! Something sparkly is calling my name…

Be sure to make some time to check out the Mervis Diamond Importers Roses and Rings Event — your fingers will thank you! Happy shopping, lovelies! xo

Sponsored-Post

 

Patriotic Backyard Wedding in Maryland

Veterans Day is a special day on SMP. It’s a day where we can take a minute to stop and thank all the men and women – past, present and future – who put their life on the line to make our lives as sweet as they are. We honestly feel honored to celebrate. So this patriotic pretty captured by Krista A. Jones is serving as our big ol’ virtual hug for all of those Veterans out there who make our world a safer place – from all of us at SMP, thank you, thank you, thank you.

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From The Bride…We were married on a gorgeous day exactly one year after we got engaged in Annapolis, Maryland. The forecast called for rain all week but when we woke up on Saturday morning there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and a cool breeze fought back the June heat. Like many of brides, I dreamed about my wedding day since I was a little girl – a big white dress, a gorgeous venue, my best friends by my side, the love of my life waiting at the end of the aisle – all culminating in one fantastic party. What I could not have imagined was how much more meaningful my dreams became when they were translated into reality. That big white dress was a custom combination of two different Modern Trousseau dresses that my mom and I picked out together. Our venue was my father’s gorgeous home where so much of our love story had played out – from summers spent by the pool just getting to know each other, to boat rides on the Severn and South River’s where we eventually got engaged, to the two months my husband actually spent living with my father right before we got engaged. Our bridal party was made up of our best friends from college – the ones that watched our relationship grow from the very beginning and encouraged us to treasure what we had found in each other. The boy waiting at the end of the aisle? He exceeds my wildest dreams every day. And that fantastic party? Well the tone was set for that when Bill Murray crashed my husbands bachelor party and the video of his inspiring speech went viral. It was like our own personal PR campaign for the fabulous party to follow.

We were actually engaged and married on Flag Day. If you knew my husband you would know that he is obsessed with anything covered in an American flag and his favorite holiday is the Fourth of July. So while Flag Day is no Fourth of July, the date seemed like a perfect match. We were also married about 5 minutes down the river from the Naval Academy and thought incorporating small touches of the American flag into our day would be a fitting tribute. Instead of flower petals or ribbons we were saluted by miniature flags as we left the church. We had custom designed American Flag cornhole sets made for cocktail hour and my husband even gifted each of his groomsmen American flag socks, cuff links and shorts which they did not hesitate to parade around in.

While my entire family is from the Mid-Atlantic, my husbands family is almost entirely from Ohio. In order to celebrate them we incorporated some fun Ohio traditions into our food choices. One of our cocktail hour appetizers were little cornbread cups filled with the very distinctly Ohio style chili. For a fun treat after the cake, we flew in the most amazing Cincinnati ice cream from Graeter’s. However, I couldn’t ignore my Maryland roots and we were sure to find a spot for the classic Maryland crab cake on our menu as well.

In terms of overall decor we wanted to keep it as simple as possible in order to really celebrate our gorgeous venue. We were so absolutely lucky to have a location right on the water that is beautiful in its own right so we stuck to a palette of mostly textured whites with some soft pinks mixed in. We also added a pop of silver and some sparkle here and there as a fun accents.

I will never forget looking up at the tent from the dock after the sun went down. We could see the twinkling lights reflecting off the water and hear the sounds of the band playing while all of our favorite people in the world danced the night away. While it may be cliche, I now understand why so many brides say their wedding day was the best day of their lives. We floated through the day on a cloud of complete and utter joy and everything we ever dreamed of was executed to perfection. None of this would have been possible without our amazing vendors and we are so thankful for all of the hard work they put in. We will treasure these memories forever.

Photography: Krista A. Jones Photography | Videographer: Clickspark | Wedding Coordinator: Wedding Savvy Inc | Florist: Silverstems | Wedding Cake: Palate Pleasers | Invitations: Cink Art | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Hair & Makeup: Behind The Veil | Band: Playlist Band | Transportation: Towne Transport | Bride's Dress: Modern Trousseau | Crab Mallots: Bay Imprint | Groomsmen's Shorts: Chubbies | Groomsmen's Socks: K.Bell | Love Is Sweet Print: The First Snow (Etsy) | Mirror Signs: Ikea Mirrors With Lettering | Photo Booth: Annapolis Photo Booth | Private Residence: Bride's Father's Home

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Charming Parisian Garden Wedding Inspiration

I can’t seem to pull myself away from these pristine images from Krista A. Jones. It’s all Parisian charm with a hint of boho glam, in the classiest kind of way. I couldn’t help but lead with the gorg hairdo that Jewel Hair Design perfected (a must-pin!), and beyond that lies so much more… freshly plated peonies, pastel macarons, gilded place settings and one seriously stunning ring. See it here.

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From Krista A. JonesIf Marie Antoinette had a more relaxed, laid back little sister, this would be the perfect wedding for her. We drew our inspiration from the chic couple who wishes to have a glamorous but small, intimate wedding. The shoot mixes the formality of eclectic vintage accents with a hint of a bohemian garden vibe. A soft palette of blush pinks, ivory, and gold paired with bits of sparkle and antique china help create a look that is polished, glamorous and a little bit un-done.

The existing vintage inspired decor at Blackwall Hitch paired well with chic candelabras and elegant gold garlands from Intrigue Design & Decor. Jewel Hair Design created the most incredible up-do reminiscent of Marie Antoinette herself and Amy from XOXO Vintage rentals brought in the most gorgeous vintage settee.

Photography: Krista A. Jones Photography | Styling & Design: Charlotte Jarrett Events | Florals: Intrigue Design & Decor | Wedding Dress: Annapolis Formal | Makeup: Behind The Veil | Hair: Jewel Hair Design | Invitations & Paper: Allison Barnhill Designs | Linens & Table Settings: Party Plus Tents & Events Maryland | Macaroons: Sweet Hearts Patisserie | Restaurant: Blackwall Hitch | Vintage China, Props, And Settee: XOXO Vintage