Frederick Weddings Magazine 2023-24 by Frederick News-Post

? GREATDJ FOR YOUR

NEED A

BIG DAY

We can’t wait to make your wedding great! Music. Party. Shew-sical w sical.

At Shew-sical Entertainmennt Services, we take customerr satisfaction seriously. We have done thousands of weddings, and can help customize the perfect partyy mix for you and your guestts. Let us show you how we combine c professionalism and fun to make youur wedding a Shew-sical Masterpiece!

info@shew-sical.com

888-743-9742

www.shew-sical.com Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Featured on the

show brodieledford.com | 301.305.1359

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

elcome to the newest edition of Frederick Weddings magazine, your pocket guide to all things weddings in Frederick County. Whether you are planning a huge event or a small one, Frederick Weddings will help you find the area's best venues, photographers, florists, caterers, entertainment services, and more to help make your special day a reality.

DESIGNER & EDITOR

Samantha Bangh The Frederick News-Post COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

A Natural Portrayal Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Inside, find out what is trending for weddings in 2024, plus get advice on how to choose your bridal jewelry from local jewelers who have been around for 75 years.

Darina Kantsavenka Ceresville Mansion Susan Summers Colonial Jewelers

ASK THE EXPERTS CONTRIBUTORS

Abloom, Ltd Flowers & Events Burnside Events Frederick Flower Farm K&B Bridals Sleeping Bee Designs Sunflower Weddings, LLC Tenth Ward Distilling Company

Get inspiration for your own day from five couples who’ve gotten married in and around Frederick. We are looking forward to upcoming wedding season and wishing all engaged couples a bright, healthy, and prosperous future!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

A Natural Portrayal Photography Anna Wright Photography Brittany Dunbar Photography DJW Photography Co. Pearly Kate Photography Valerie Michelle Photography

PLUS, be sure to check out the Frederick Weddings print directory inside The Frederick News-Post on Saturdays and stay connected to area wedding professionals throughout the year.

Frederick Weddings is published by The Frederick News-Post 351 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703

301-662-1163 FrederickWeddings.com

Facebook: facebook.com/FNPWedding

Geordie Wilson Publisher

Instagram: instagram.com/fnpwedding

Connie Hastings Revenue Director Brittney Hamilton Advertising Director

Frederick Weddings 2023

Pinterest: pinterest.com/FNPWedding

FrederickWeddings.com

75 years

CELEBRATING

IN FREDERICK

Diamond Engagement & Upgrades, Anniversary Bands, Diamond Jewelry and so much more!

COLONIALJEWELERS.COM 301.663.9252 I 1 South Market Street Frederick, MD Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Contents 11

CHOOSING YOUR BRIDAL JEWELRY: The Colonial Experience

19 Q&A:

Local Wedding Experts

26 REAL WEDDINGS: Get ideas from couples who’ve married around Frederick

53 STYLED SHOOT: Tailoring your dream wedding weekend

PHOTO BY PEARLY KATE PHOTOGRAPHY

70 2024 WEDDING TRENDS

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Unforgettable wedding dresses, lifelong memories. Private fitting rooms.

Personal stylist ready to celebrate your yes moment!

K&B Bridal

A collection of gowns in all styles to help you find the one.

Visit the Boutique: K&B Bridals Hagerstown 710 Dual Hwy, Hagerstown, MD 21740 301-665-1070

kandbhagerstown.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

@kandbbridals

FrederickWeddings.com

HISTORIC WEDDING VENUE, RESTAURANT, AND HOTEL

Antrim 1844

NOW BOOKING INTIMATE WEDDINGS AND LARGE WEDDINGS

SCHEDULE A TOUR WITH US TODAY AT WWW.ANTRIM1844.COM! WWW.ANTRIM1844.COM

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Bella Balloons

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

CHOOSING YOUR BRIDAL

jewelry sarah hurwitz robery o w n e r o f c o lo n i a l j e w e l e r s

From the engagement ring, to wedding bands and your wedding day look – is the start of a beautiful chapter in your life. The most enduring aspect of your big day will be the jewelry that marks this milestone moment, and it will be our honor to be a part of it! We are Frederick’s first choice for rings, fine jewelry, and custom design because of you – your story is our legacy.

Frederick Weddings Frederick 2023 FrederickWeddings.com Weddings 2023 FrederickWeddings.com 11 11

THE COLONIAL EXPERIENCE When you walk into Colonial Jewelers, a beautiful, naturally-lit showroom with original wooden beam details and elegant chandeliers greets customers with the allure of history meets present-day. You’ll encounter a personalized experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff who are ready to celebrate with you. When you shop at Colonial, you become part of an enduring 75-year history – we value tradition, and are eager to make your Colonial experience something you’ll always remember. Let us show you how you can make jewelry a special part of your big day:

something borrowed Something borrowed… Many brides choose to incorporate family stones into their wedding jewelry to keep their loved ones close at heart. Our Custom by Colonial department is equipped with the latest jewelry design technology including CAD modeling and 3D printing, so that we can create images for you to review before moving forward with production. Once you’ve approved the images, our master jeweler brings your piece to life right here in our downtown Frederick showroom.

something blue

Something blue… You may automatically think of sapphires for this one, but there are plenty of other beautiful gemstones when it comes to something blue. Turquoise, blue topaz, aquamarine, and tanzanite all offer varying hues to accent your ensemble on the big day. You’ll be wearing nothing but the best as all of our gemstones are hand-selected by our in-house gemologists!

something old

Something old… sometimes the best-loved jewelry needs a facelift. We absolutely love hearing your jewelry’s story and our staff will make recommendations on the best ways to restore it. Then our in-house master jeweler works his magic in our showroom to bring your family heirloom back to its original splendor.

DID YOU KNOW?

something new

Colonial has been serving the Frederick community since 1948.

Something new… Colonial Jewelers offers an unparalleled selection of precious metal, gemstone, and diamond jewelry. Nothing beats the in-person brilliance and sparkle of beautiful jewelry, so we invite you into our showroom to try on as many styles as you’d like. Bring photos of your dress, too, so we can curate your selection! FrederickWeddings Weddings2023 2023 Frederick

12 12

FrederickWeddings.com FrederickWeddings.com

{

Bridal Jewelry

LOCALLY OWNED, LOCALLY LOVED Colonial Jewelers exemplifies in more ways than one the unconditional dedication and love that a thriving relationship takes. When Ben Hurwitz came to America in 1912, he began what was then called Columbia Jewelers based on the values he learned as a skilled clockmaker in Belarus: trust and integrity. Ben’s second son, Will, and his bride-to-be, Marilyn continued to wholeheartedly invest in the downtown Frederick community through spearheading efforts with the Downtown Merchants Association to increase trade for all.

MODERN ART-DECO

Jeff and Patty Hurwitz took over the helm together in 1978, and they continued to embody the Golden Rule that has been the cornerstone of the business since its founding. Upon her breast cancer diagnosis, Patty embraced this challenge by founding The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund, which provides the most innovative options for early detection and treatment. More recently, Patty has worked tirelessly to renovate a new thriving arts complex at 1-11 North Market Street, featuring local artists and eventually a tribute to Albert Hurwitz, a lifelong arts aficionado and Chair Emeritus in Art Education at MICA.

COLORED STONES

Though diamonds will forever be an engagement ring staple, many couples are veering from tradition and opting for pieces that feature colored gemstones. Since no two colored gemstones are alike, these are wonderful choices for meaningful, personal jewelry.

EAST-WEST SETTINGS

While not a new trend, East-west settings make for a playful, but still endlessly elegant solitaire. We find that there is currently a real demand for pieces that are full of character.

The Hurwitz Family is here to stay, and their commitment to the surrounding community continues to develop today under the leadership of Sarah Hurwitz Robey. During the global pandemic, the Colonial Jewelers Em(brace)let program was launched to support organizations working diligently to provide valuable services to our community. Just this year, we started First Responders Lunches on each First Friday as a thank you for their enduring dedication and protection.

MULTIPLE LARGE STONES

by susan summers , sales associate

Frederick Weddings 2023

Art-deco pieces are still going strong given their timeless elegance. These designs are perfect for couples who prefer unique styles mixed with timeless and elegant touches.

Skip the solitaire setting and opt for designs that feature multiple large stones. Other variations of this trend can also include three-stone rings, á la Meghan Markle, or pieces that feature clusters of multiple diamonds and gemstones. FrederickWeddings.com

“

With 75 years in business, we embrace linking the past, present, and future. Sarah’s grandfather, Will Hurwitz, said it best: “I would rather justify the price than apologize for the quality.” When you shop at Colonial, you’ll only find high-quality jewelry that is meant to stand the test of time. It is our hope that everyone in Frederick and beyond will embrace us as their jeweler for life. Shopping for life’s milestone moments is special; let us be a part of your family tradition."

COLONIALJEWELERS.COM Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Ann award-w winning wedding and event planning company where our focus is You Yoou. u We offer planning services, day-of-coordination, and everything in between. rccweddingsandevents.com | 443-873-0903

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

I T ’ S YO U R DAY

WE’LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUESTS Your guests will feel as special as you do when they stay at our Frederick Hilton Hotels.

Our custom weblink makes booking rooms a breeze for your wedding guests. Our hotels also provide a picturesque setting for photos and gatherings. We take pride in developing a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience for our guests.

ADDRESS: 4850 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, Maryland 21704 CALL: 240-608-3000 EMAIL: FrederickHiltonSales@plamondon-cos.com WEB: frederick.home2suitesbyhilton.com

ADDRESS: 4950 Westview Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21703 CALL: 240-608-3000 EMAIL: FrederickHiltonSales@plamondon-cos.com WEB: frederick.homewoodsuites.com

CUSTOM WEBLINK makes booking easy

PICTURESQUE SETTING for photos & gatherings

EARN HILTON HONORS POINTS

for your stay & your event

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BY Plamondon Hospitality Partners

PLAMONDONHOSPITALITYPARTNERS.COM Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Ask the

EXPERTS f r e d e r i c k

w e d d i n g s

m e m b e r s

Weddings have changed over the past several years, and with each new year, new wedding trends emerge. We want to know what is trending now – what are couples must-haves when they are planning their big day. And, what trends that have been super popular are we seeing fade? See what wedding professionals in our local community had to share.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

SUNFLOWER WEDDINGS LLC

Stephanie Riordan

Q&A

I could write a book on wedding desserts – couples have been moving away from big wedding cakes. Now, many couples have a small cutting cake for ceremonial purposes, and catering keeps a sheet cake in the back to serve guests. Couples are also loving desserts they can enjoy while dancing, such as cupcakes, dessert shooters, or personalized desserts that represent the couple. I had one couple serve mini cannolis because that’s what they had on their first date, and the guests loved it!

BURNSIDE EVENTS Cory Albaugh We have noticed that couples are increasingly looking to create unique and memorable moments on their special day. Interactive Photo Booths: The new generation of photo booths is “slaying” the wedding industry, offering an engaging and fun experience for guests of all ages. Take, for example, our own photo booth, which not only captures photos but also creates boomerangs and short video messages. When we introduced this three years ago, we anticipated it would primarily entertain the younger crowd at weddings. However, to our surprise, it's the older generation that often seizes the spotlight. What truly amazes them are the “glam” filters incorporated into the software, which make them look and feel younger again. The interactive photo booth has become Frederick Weddings 2023

an absolute essential, serving as a central hub of enjoyment where guests of all ages come together to create lasting memories with photos and props. It is a MUST. Last Dance: The wedding day, after months or even years of planning, often passes in the blink of an eye. Couples find themselves swept up in the whirlwind of activities, leaving them overwhelmed and sometimes unable to fully savor the joy of the moment. One beautiful way for couples to steal a few precious moments and soak in the love is through a private last dance. As all the guests depart, the newlyweds find themselves on an empty dance floor. It's a profoundly touching way to conclude their celebration, creating an intimate, romantic moment that lingers as a cherished memory. 20

FrederickWeddings.com

Ask The Experts

FREDERICK FLOWER FARM

Chelsea DeNenno

This past year a lot of my brides have wanted "Flat lay blooms" for the photographer to take photos with their invites. This has been the first year I have had it requested for almost every wedding! Also, I have had many brides this year not doing personal flowers for parents – minimal wrist corsages have been requested for mothers, as well as boutonnieres for fathers.

SLEEPING BEE DESIGNS

Sarah Rosier

For Sleeping Bee Designs, “must-haves” is another phrase for “priorities.” It’s important for couples to determine their wedding day priorities as individuals and then share them with each other. These musthaves help outline your budget, understand your partner's hopes and expectations, and determine what may not be so important. Increasingly, Millennial and Gen Z couples are embracing family and creating special experiences for their special day while also highlighting their priorities in fun and creative ways. Outfit changes have become a favorite and must-have because though they want to feel like a "bride" or "groom," they don't want to sacrifice comfort! Many couples opt for fun dresses, festive pants, sneakers, and even sweatpants. It's a great way to show your personality! I’ve seen "fun food" grow in popularity – especially a late-night snack! There are no limits: popcorn, french fry bar, pizza, ice cream, cotton candy, or food from your favorite fast food chain. Interactive food experiences and late-night snacks allow your guests to experience something fun and different while not pushing your catering budget. Food has always been a top priority for couples and the best way to level up has been to add these fun components. Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Ask The Experts Couples today are shying away from anything they don't want to stress about. Many couples are currently opting out of having a wedding party. At minimum, they may just have one party member on each side. This eliminates extra communication, fear of keeping the peace, and allows for more autonomy. Similarly, couples are also inviting less guests and opting for more intimate gatherings. Many couples are having separate, small ceremonies or elopements and then having either a small dinner or separate reception. The lower headcount helps their budget and their sanity and keeps their nearest and dearest with them on one of the biggest celebrations in their lives.

TENTH WARD DISTILLING CO.

Monica Pearce, Founder & Boss Lady We are seeing couples shy away from the standard rehearsal dinner with the new trend moving to hosting a "welcome party". It's a nice way to spend time with out of town guests who have traveled far for the big day.

K&B BRIDALS At K&B Bridals, we are seeing couples are leaning towards different styles of foods other than a normal plated dinner including food trucks, taco bars and more Creative desserts as well, such as an ice cream bar, popcorn stand, and donuts! Couples are also embracing new ways of signage! Not just the regular guest book. They are making their details more personalized with their initials or including their pets!

Frederick Weddings 2023

ABLOOM, LTD. FLOWERS AND EVENTS WEDDING MUST-HAVES Cascade style bridal bouquets, including the classic inverted tear drop. WEDDING STYLE LEAVE BEHINDS The super messy, oversized bridal bouquets are going away as the style becomes neater, but not compact.

FrederickWeddings.com

IT’S YOUR DAY

WE’LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUESTS Your guests will feel as special as you do when they stay at our Frederick Marriott Hotels.

ADDRESS: 5225 Westview Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21703 CALL: 240-215-2066 EMAIL: Sales@plamondon-cos.com WEB: marriott.com/wasfd

ADDRESS: 5220 Westview Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21703 CALL: 240-215-2066 EMAIL: Sales@plamondon-cos.com WEB: marriott.com/wasfr

CUSTOM WEBLINK makes booking easy

PICTURESQUE SETTING for photos & gatherings

EARN MARRIOTT BONVOY REWARDS

for your stay & your event

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BY Plamondon Hospitality Partners

PLAMONDONHOSPITALITYPARTNERS.COM Frederick Weddings 2023 FrederickWeddings.com 23

CLAGGETT CENTER Adamstown, MD

Indoor & outdoor sites Newly renovated barn 60-room guest inn claggettcenter.org

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Real WEDD INGS

Get ideas for your wedding from five couples who got married in the Frederick area. Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

PHOTO BY VALERIE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

l FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

Jennifer &OMAR

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

HOW THEY MET Jennifer and Omar met in 2017 while working for the same company in Texcoco, Mexico. “I started a new position within the company, and my bio was emailed out to all staff – and Omar emailed me back. He said he hadn't realized we both had the same major in college and asked me out to lunch. However, I didn't realize he meant it as a date and brought my roommate. Nevertheless, Omar and I quickly became best friends. We traveled around Mexico together, ate lunch together Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

every day at work, and he would show up at my office every morning to say hello. Omar was always the highlight of my day, but I never dreamed that we would be more than friends.”

THE WEDDING Fifty-five guests, including a six-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their May nuptials at Trinity Chapel in downtown Frederick. “Our wedding ceremony was so special. Unfortunately, our wonderful pastor tested positive for COVID just a few days before the wedding, but one of my bridesmaids, Laura, was a licensed wedding officiant and was able to perform the ceremony for us. Laura was my roommate in Mexico – the one who I had accidentally brought on my first lunch date with Omar, so it was so special to have her do the ceremony.” “My favorite element of wedding planning was incorporating elements from both of our families and cultures into our wedding. Omar’s family is from Puebla, Mexico, which is famous for its beautiful blue and white pottery, Talavera, so we knew we wanted to incorporate this into our wedding, from our color scheme to our website and invitations. Omar’s parents only speak Spanish, and my parents only speak English, so we tried to make our wedding as bilingual as possible, printing our wedding service in Spanish for Omar’s family and having a wonderful bilingual DJ. I did my wedding vows in Spanish, and Omar did his in English. My dad and Omar’s parents gave the most beautiful speeches in their native languages, and Omar and I translated for them. My mother surprised me by google translating her wedding speech and delivering it in Spanish, which also made me cry.” FIRST DANCE: “Deja Que Te Bese” by

Alejandro Sanz Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

CEREMONY

Trinity Chapel, downtown Frederick RECEPTION

Brewer’s Alley PLANNER

Simply Grater Events PHOTOGRAPHER

A Natural Portrayal Photography HAIR & MAKEUP

“

Belleza Salon & Day Spa

My favorite element of wedding planning was incorporating elements from both of our families and cultures into our wedding,” the bride shares.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FLORALS

Abloom, Ltd. Flowers & Events ENTERTAINMENT

Wizer Productions

FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

Joanna & SARAH

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

THE PROPOSAL Joanna and Sarah met in high school. “We were both homeschooled and part of some of the same co-ops. We were best friends for years before either of us realized deeper feelings for each other. We discussed engagement and the fact that we both wanted a ring, so we did some ring shopping and ended up ordering our rings together. Since we went through so much of the process together, neither of us were expecting a huge surprise proposal.” Sarah got a notification that the rings were going to be delivered while Joanna was out of town so she planned a simple charcuterie picnic in Baker Park, and texted close friends to be waiting for them downtown to celebrate after Sarah popped the Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

question. Joanna had no idea what was about to happen. Towards the end of their picnic, Sarah said "oh also I have a question" and reached for the ring in her bag. She pulled out the ring and asked Jo to marry her. Jo was so surprised, she really did not see it coming. Sarah then suggested they grab a drink downtown to celebrate. As they walked to Brewer's Alley and turned the corner, all of their friends surprised Jo.

THE WEDDING Sixty guests, along with an 11-person bridal party helped the couple celebrate their January nuptials at Attaboy Barrel House in downtown Frederick. “We had decided early on that we wanted to elope somewhere beautiful and have a reception locally. We eloped on Oct. 20, 2022 in Mt. Rainier National Park, and it was the most incredible experience. We knew we wanted to have the reception at a venue somewhere in Frederick. We are both from Frederick, had lived there together for about six months, and a lot of our story took place here.” They toured a few places and ended up falling in love with Attaboy Barrel House. The overall modern, but casual vibe really matched their style. Joanna and Sarah wanted a modern and colorful vibe for their special day so they incorprated jewel tones, with various shades of pink, mauve, plum, burgundy, and navy. “We've always loved creating cocktails, so in addition to Attaboy's beer, we made two of our favorite signature cocktails, a Gold Rush and a Cranberry Mule. We also included a charcuterie spread from PIGS BBQ which was a nod to our engagement meal.” FIRST DANCE: “Simply the Best,” by

Noah Reid HONEYMOON: Pacific Northwest – we

visited multiple National Parks and cities and were gone for about two weeks. Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

VENUE

Attaboy Barrel House PHOTOGRAPHER

DJW Photography Co COORDINATOR

Sleeping Bee Designs DESSERT

Momma's in the Kitchen DRESS

BHLDN

WEDDING SUIT

Express

ENTERTAINMENT

District DJ

INVITATIONS

Zola

“

We fell in love with Attaboy Barrel House. The overall modern, but casual vibe really matched our style,” the couple shared.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

Alice &PENGYU

THE PROPOSAL Pengyu and Alice met in 2017 when Pengyu set up Alice’s work computer. “While programs were being installed, we discussed hobbies we both had, like rock climbing, Frisbee, and hiking. We also talked a lot about our pets, Peng had one dog at the time, and I had two cats. Being new to the area, Peng introduced me to the huge Frisbee group, and we went rock climbing several times.” The couple got engaged in January 2022. “It was the first really nice snow. We decided to hike around Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

Greenbriar since I and Lulu, Peng's Golden doodle, both love snow. I was taking a picture of the lake with the snow and mountain in the background, and when I turned around, Peng was on his knee. We had been talking about getting married for a while, but it was still a huge surprise.

THE WEDDING Seventy-five guests, including a fourperson wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their October nuptials at Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood. “We decided to have our ceremony at the Pine Cathedral, which is a really beautiful spot enclosed by trees. We had our mutual friend as our officiant, and the ceremony itself was very short. Both of us were pretty nervous about being up in front of people for a long time and having to remember to say long vows, so we kept it simple. Plus, we were able to have our dogs in the ceremony, which was hilarious.” Alice and Pengyu chose a fall color palette for their wedding decor. “I had a lot of little details that were nods to family. My mother and Peng's father both grew up in Baltimore, so our flowers included seasonal flowers resembling Black-eyed Susans. As a nod to Chinese culture, red was featured in my maid of honors dress, the flowers, and the ties. My brother and sister-in-law made origami flowers for their wedding centerpieces. My mother made paracord keychains that resembled DNA as favors. Luckily the wind died down during the night, and we were able to have a fire with S'mores, which I think both the adults and kids loved.” The couple lives in Hagerstown and works in Frederick, Alice as a virologist, and Pengyu in IT. Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

“

We had a lot of little details that were nods to family," the bride shared.

VENUE

Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood PHOTOGRAPHER

Pearly Kate Photography FLOWERS

An Elegant Affair CATERER

Renaissance Chef Catering Co. DESSERT

Tastefully Ever After DRESS

Posh Bridal HAIR & MAKEUP

Makeup by Ana B. ENTERTAINMENT

The Dapper DJs

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

Ashleigh & JIM

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

THE PROPOSAL Ashleigh and Jim met through a mutual friend at a backyard BBQ on South Street in downtown Frederick. “We got engaged on October 9, 2021 at the location of our second date, Washington Monument State Park in Middletown.” THE WEDDING One hundred and twenty guests, along with 2-person bridal party, that included the bride’s two children, her 10-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son, helped the couple celebrate their July wedding at Citizens Ballroom downtown Frederick. Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

The couple chose Citizens Ballroom as their venue for two reasons. One, the bride, who is a commercial real estate agent, sold the building in 2018. Prior to selling it, she took Jim through the building for a tour. Second, Frederick has played such a big part in the couples relationship. “We wanted to get married in downtown Frederick to share our great city with our out-of-town guest!” “Our overall wedding theme was ‘minimalist elegance’”. The color scheme was black and white, with a little dusty/rose gold. The venue is so beautiful and black/white brings out the elegance. “Being able to do everything in one location was great! I think our favorite part was the cheeseburger toss we did at the end of the night! Plus, another favorite and unique part of our wedding was choosing to do a confessional inside the vaults, as opposed to a photo booth! The videos have been great to watch!” Ashleigh is the vice president at MacRo Commercial Real Estate in Frederick and Jim is the assistant principal at Smithsburg High School. They currently reside in Frederick. FIRST DANCE: “Stay with Me” by John

Legend HONEYMOON: Freeport, Bahamas Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

VENUE

Citizens Ballroom COORDINATOR

DMV Wedding & Events PHOTOGRAPHER

Brittany Dunbar Photography CATERING

Celebrations Catering CAKE

Sage Cakery RINGS

St. John's Jewelers FLOWERS

Wild Flower Weddings & Events HAIR & MAKEUP

MAB Artistry

ENTERTAINMENT

Benefactor Events

“

Hire vendors that are familiar with your venue, especially

if your venue is unique," the

bride suggests. "They can help make everything seamless.”

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

tessa & ADAM Real Weddings

THE PROPOSAL Tessa and Adam met online initially and saw each other for the first time over a coffee date in 2015. In 2020, Tessa and Adam were living in Omaha, Nebraska, “a thousand miles away from where we called home.” After venturing out for Tessa’s higher education, the pandemic struck. Amidst life-altering changes, their relationship managed to blossom and Adam knew he was with his soul mate. He decided to buy the ring that Tessa had fallen in love with months before. After several months of planning, he took Tessa to a romantic dinner in the heart of Omaha, followed by a stroll through Turner Park, where they had stayed their first night in Nebraska. Adam coordinated a violinist and guitarist to play their song “Hold on Loosely” by .38 Special. As they played, he presented a scrapbook he had made that highlighted every Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

major event in their relationship, and at the end of the scrapbook, it read “Now one question remains…" As she read that, Adam was on a knee with the ring. To Tessa’s surprise, Adam had also coordinated some friends to be hiding while FaceTiming with her mother and sister, who were unable to travel at that time. She said “yes” and the rest was history.

THE WEDDING One hundred and ten guests, including a five-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their May nuptials. “After scouring the Internet looking for locations between our hometowns, in Maryland and Pennsylvania, we came across Dulany’s Overlook. This gorgeous venue allowed us to have a manor to get ready in, a forest to get married in, and a barn to have our reception. This was coupled with the proximity to beautiful downtown Frederick, which hosted plenty to do for our guests that traveled for the wedding. The couple chose a ‘Garden Tea Party’ theme with a color palette that consisted of lavender, cream, and champagne. “One of our favorite aspects to our wedding is you could feel the love in the air and the whole day had this magical energy dancing around us. We had amazing music playing that constantly had you on your feet whether you were two-year-olds or 75-year-olds. After dessert, the two families celebrated with a fire and cigars, a Cuban tradition. “As the night came to the close our closest friends gathered around us as we shared one final dance to ‘As the World Falls Down’, from the movie soundtrack the Labyrinth. FIRST DANCE: “One Summer Night,” by The Danleers HONEYMOON: Costa Rica

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

VENUE

Dulany's Overlook PHOTOGRAPHER

Valerie Michelle Photography CAKE

Charm City Cakes CATERER

CarterQue BBQ DRESS

David's Bridal HAIR & MAKEUP

Vintage Veils, LLC ENTERTAINMENT

“

The Dapper DJs

Our gorgeous venue allowed us to have a manor to get ready in, a forest to get married in, and a barn to have our reception,” the bride shares.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Make it a

grand event!

Serving MD, DC, NVA

• Professional Tenting • Graduation/ Party Rentals • Wedding Rentals • Corporate Event Rentals • Expo Rentals

410-674-7500

GrandRentalEvents.com

8251 Telegraph Road | Odenton, MD • sales@grandrentalevents.com

❝I would recommend Frederick Flower Farm to anyone looking to have a beautiful and happy wedding❞ 240-439-0428 | frederickflowerfarm.com frederickflowerfarm@gmail.com Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

8836 Hollow Rd. Middletown, MD 21769 Frederick Weddings 2023

MarylandNational.com

FrederickWeddings.com

IGNITE YOUR WEDDING WITH US Ce rem o n y & R eception P ackages Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure you’re taken care of. From the ceremony mics & music, to the reception party, we are dedicated to making your wedding day unforgettable.

P h o to Booth Packages Set your wedding apart with the Burnside Booth. Our user-friendly design, instant sharing, stylish templates, and live gallery create a remarkable experience and cherished memories for all.

Pro f essi o n al Lighting & Co ld Sparks Show off in style with our professional uplighting, dance lighting, and cold spark machines, creating a magical atmosphere that you and your guests will never forget!

USE CODE FNP23 WHEN BOOKING FOR OUR EXPO SPECIAL Code only valid through November 30th, 2023

(240) 203-9076 www.burnsideevents.com info@burnsideevents.com @burnside_events Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

2024 WEDD ING TRE ND

Tailoring Your Dream

wedding weekend by darina kantsavenka , ceresville mansion

Your wedding day is not just any day – it's a unique reflection of your love story. As you prepare to embark on this unforgettable journey, we're excited to unveil the hottest trends that will define weddings this coming year. Explore how you can make your wedding weekend an experience that's all about you and not just one day.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

STYLED SHOOT

WEDDING WEEKEND

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

A Weekend of Love

It’s More Than Just a Day

Modern couples, like yourself, are understanding that their wedding isn’t just about signing the paper and having a reception. Weddings now are less of a tradition and more of a celebration of love and quality time with loved ones. Picture this: A weekend-long celebration filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. That's the essence of weddings moving into next year. Welcome parties, raves, picnics, rehearsal dinners, and pool parties are all things our brides are organizing, which sets the stage for an extended celebration, ensuring that every minute is a treasured memory.

WEDDING DAY Getting Ready, Your Way.

Your wedding day begins with a quiet morning, where you get to get ready for the day ahead. Make it an experience that you will remember with your closest friends and family, it’s not all just about the wedding itself. We suggest that in the morning indulging in delectable food spreads. Then, to feel special choose attire that's both beautiful and comfortable, and add personal touches to your day. These details will be important to remember, so make sure that your photographer captures them, like unique invitations, accessories, family heirlooms, details that make your day unique. Invest in professional hair and makeup artists to ensure a stressfree and glamorous preparation. Give yourself ample time to relax and enjoy the moment. Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

STYLED SHOOT

WEDDING WEEKEND

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Capturing Your Love Story In the age of Instagram, every moment is an opportunity to capture memories. Preserving your wedding weekend is paramount. Invest in a professional photographer and videographer to document every heartfelt instant, ensuring that your love story lives on forever. They will know how to work with any situation including weather, lighting and more. If you’re wondering how much to allocate in your budget for average professional photographers and videographers in our area, think around $3,000 to $5,000 each for your big day.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

STYLED SHOOT

WEDDING WEEKEND

The Ceremony Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding, and this coming year it's all about making a statement and doing everything to make that moment memorable for you and your guests. Envision breathtaking floral arrangements, evocative live music, and the added touch of a live painter, all weaving together to immortalize your special day.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

STYLED SHOOT

WEDDING WEEKEND

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Dazzle Your Day with Bold Colors The new trend for weddings is vibrant and bold color pops. Rich hues infuse energy and create a lasting impression, setting the stage for a memorable ceremony and reception. Whether you incorporate these into your wedding attire, floral arrangements, wedding cake, stationery and more – they are sure to impress your guests. Some top color combinations are: • Champagne, purple, and lilac are the perfect combo for the lovers of soft color combinations.

• Take the classic pastel pink and add vibrant pink! (think Barbie) • Bright modern rainbow – this is a new, fresh spin on jewel tone weddings.

• Take the classic white and ivory, and spice them up with a vibrant mustard yellow.

• And, if none of these are you, then the black, white, and champagne classic combo is always in.

• Don't forget the trendiest color of the past few years – dusty blue with a pop of red. Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Throw a Reception that’s a True Party The days of a traditional, formal reception are gone. Now, it's all about creating a personalized experience with fine dinning, cool food experiences, and a dance party that reflects your unique love story. Invest in great catering with fun food and drink options, a professional DJ with a cuttingedge lighting system and let the good times roll. Your celebration should be a place where you and your guests can eat, dance, laugh, and celebrate your love.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

STYLED SHOOT

VENDORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE INVOLVED IN THE STYLED SHOOT VENUE Ceresville Mansion @ceresvillemansion PHOTOGRAPHER Anna Wright Photography @annawrightphoto ATTIRE K&B Bridals Hagerstown @kandbbridals DESIGN & FLORIST The Lemon Decor @thelemondecor LIVE PAINTER Wild & Beautiful Art @wildandbeautifulart MAKEUP & HAIR Handcrafted by Hannah @handcrafted_by_hannah CAKE Sage Cakery @sagecakery ENTERTAINMENT Burnside Events @burnside_events SOLO VIOLINIST Pixie Violin @pixieviolin VIDEOGRAPHY Travel House Films @travelhousefilms THANK YOU TO OUR MODELS: @ohhmaai @classylassy101tt

HAPPILY EVER AFTER STARTS HERE

JOFFOTO Photography

UNFORGETTABLE VENUES + FREE PLANNING SERVICES Just west of Washington, DC, Loudoun offers breathtaking venues, from rustic chic barns overlooking hillside vineyards to grand historic mansions to romantic B&Bs. You can count on elevated cuisine and talented vendors who turn wedding dreams into reality. Visit Loudoun’s complimentary planning services will help you ﬁnd the ideal venues and vendors for the celebration of a lifetime.

Find out more!

DESIGN YOUR DREAM WEDDING IN DC’S WINE COUNTRY ® | VisitLoudoun.org/weddings For complimentary personal service, contact our wedding specialist Dana Henry at henry@visitloudoun.org or (703) 669-2007. FrederickWeddings.com 64

Frederick Weddings 2023

2024

WEDDING TRENDS Weddings have changed a lot in recent years – the average wedding spend has gone up as couples invest in experiences for their loved ones, and this has created plenty of new wedding trends.

TOP

HONEYMOON SPOTS Selecting the ideal honeymoon location is a significant part of preparing for a wedding. While jetting off to a far-flung destination seems like the key to having a bucket list honeymoon, keep in mind that there are lots of special places closer to home that offer incredible food, accommodations, experiences, scenery, and much more. UNI TED STATE S Rhode Island Arizona Caribbean Destinations Tulum Turks and Caicos

EUROPEAN The Loire Valley, France Lofoten Islands, Norway Sicily

ASIAN

Personalization and the guest experience are at the heart of 2024 wedding trends, as couples go above and beyond to make sure their wedding truly sums up who they are. The focus is less on tradition, and instead on making the absolute most of the experience, with the ‘wedding weekend’ becoming a key new wedding trend for the year ahead.

FAMILY & FRIENDS ARE IN Now, 55% of American weddings are officiated by a family or friend.

MIDDAY CEREMONIES

The most spontaneous – and memorable – part of the whole wedding weekend is often the after-party. But if the idea of an eight-hour relay race from ceremony to cocktails to dinner to dancing to the after-party gives you pause, you can make sure your guests are ready to go all out by having a midday ceremony.

WILD WELCOME PARTIES

The majority of brides are hosting destination weddings which require entertaining guests on Friday and Saturday. A raucous, kickedback welcome party is en vogue.

DRAMATIC CEILINGS

Couples are opting for design impact by incorporating dramatic ceiling installations through florals, lighting, draping, and more.

Sri Lanka Udaipur, India

AFRICAN Tanzania & Zanzibar

SOUTH AMERICAN The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

GIRL, IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHOW OFF!

Take advantage of the wedding weekend by indulging in outfit changes. Brides, in particular, can relish the opportunity to wear all their dream dresses and outfits, showcasing their personal style and making the most of this special occasion.

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

wedding vendor directory

Accommodations/Venues

Caboose Farm

Antrim 1844

Ceresville Mansion

(410) 756-6812 Antrim1844.com

(301) 694-5111 ceresville.com

(240) 339-4436 caboosefarm.net

Cortland Mansion

Courtyard & Fairfield by Marriott Frederick –

Courtyard & SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hagerstown –

(240) 446-1758 cortlandmansion.com

Gettysburg Hotel (717) 337-2000 hotelgettysburg.com

Plamondon Hospitality Partners

Hilton Garden Inn Frederick

Home2 Suites by Hilton Frederick – Plamondon Hospitality Partners

(240) 215-2066 marriott.com/wasfd sales@plamondon-cos.com

(240) 566 1500 Frederick.stayhgi.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

(240) 310-1967 marriott.com/hgrht marriott.com/hgrsh

(240) 608-3000 frederick.homewoodsuites.com

FrederickWeddings.com

Linganore Winecellars (301) 831-5889 LinganoreWines.com

Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood (301) 271-2823 MountainMemoriesTW.com

Maryland National Golf Club (301) 371-0000 MarylandNational.com

Riverside on the Potomac (571) 528-1065 RiversideonthePotomac.com

Mount St. Mary's University catering@msmary.edu tinyurl.com/MountWeddings

Springfield Manor (301) 271-0099 SpringfieldManor.com

Attire

The Clagett Center

K&B Bridals & Tux

TLC Bridal Boutique

Airbrush Faces

Handcrafted by Hannah

The Beauty Company

(301) 473-0480 AirbrushFaces.com

handcraftedbyhan.com @handcrafted_by_hannah

tbcbrides@gmail.com @tbcbrides_

(301) 874-5147 ClaggettCenter.org

(301) 665-1070 kandbhagerstown.com

(301) 662-8874 tlcboutique.com

Beauty

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Caterers/Desserts

Canapés Catering

Gateway Liquors

Sage Cakery

(301) 663-8220 canapescatering.com

(301) 271-7078 GatewayLiquors.org

(240) 341-2710 SageCakery.com

Grand Rental Events

Jefferson Rentals

Decor & Rentals

Bella Balloons (240) 440-1794 BellaBalloonsco.com

(410) 674-7500 GrandRentalEvents.com

(304) 728-6657 Jefferson-Rentals.com

Sun & Moon Balloon Design

TES Event Trailer Rentals

The Lemon Decor

SunMoonBalloon.com

(240) 758-7665 tessanitation.com/ services-4

(240) 520-9774 thelemondecor.com

Florists

Wild & Beautiful Art @wildandbeautifulart

WoW Event Lighting

(844) 969-5444 WoWEventLighting.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

ABLOOM, LTD. Flowers & Gifts (301) 898-5550 abloomltd.com

FrederickWeddings.com

Jewelry

Frederick Flower Farm (240) 439-0428 frederickflowerfarm.com

Local Resources

Colonial Jewelers

(301) 663-9252 ColonialJewelers.com

Visit Frederick (800) 999-3613 VisitFrederick.org

Music & Entertainment

Frederick Weddings

Benefactor Events

Burnside Events

(301) 662-1163 FrederickWeddings.com

(301) 228-0963 BenefactorEvents.com

(240) 203-9076 BurnsideEvents.com

Pixieviolin (301) 712-7253 @pixieviolin

Double-E Entertainment Productions

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

(301) 370-6432 ee-entertainment.com

(240) 232-2329 FredAstaire.com/Frederick

Photographers/Photo Booths

Shew-sical Entertainment Services (888) 743-9742 Shew-sical.com

Anna Wright Photography anna@annawrightphoto.com AnnaWrightPhoto.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

Boudoir + Glamour Photography by Daysy (240) 641-1777 @BoudoirByDaysy

FrederickWeddings.com

Photography/Photo Booths

Brodie Ledford Studios (301) 305-1359 BrodieLedford.com

Transportation

On the Town Limousines, Inc. (301) 695-5466 onthetownlimousines.com

RCC Weddings & Events

(443) 873-0903 rccweddingsandevents.com

Burnside Events (240) 203-9076 BurnsideEvents.com

Videography

Travel House Films

Sleeping Bee Designs

SleepingBeeDesigns.com @sleepingbeedesigns

(301) 370-6432 ee-entertainment.com

Wedding Planners

travelhousefilms@gmail.com TravelHouseFilms.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

Double-E Entertainment Productions

A Tid Bit Bridal

(443) 974-8429 atidbitbridal.com

Sunflower Weddings LLC

SunflowerWeddingsLLC.com @sunflowerweddingsllc

FrederickWeddings.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

@thedapperdjs

wedding + events

premier vintage inspired disc jockey service 301.304.9792 | thedapperdjs.com | beesknees@thedapperdjs.com

Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com

Visit Brides & Weddings for the resources you need to plan your perfect day!

bridesandweddings.com

I T’ S YOUR DAY

WE’LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUESTS Your guests will feel as special as you do when they stay at our Hagerstown Marriott Hotels.

ADDRESS: 17270 Valley Mall Road, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 CALL: 240-215-2066 EMAIL: Sales@plamondon-cos.com WEB: marriott.com/hgrht

ADDRESS: 17280 Valley Mall Road, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 CALL: 240-215-2066 EMAIL: Sales@plamondon-cos.com WEB: marriott.com/hgrsh

CUSTOM WEBLINK makes booking easy

PICTURESQUE SETTING for photos & gatherings

EARN MARRIOTT BONVOY REWARDS

for your stay & your event

LOCALLY OPERATED BY Plamondon Hospitality Partners Frederick Weddings 2023 FrederickWeddings.com 74 PLAMONDONHOSPITALITYPARTNERS.COM

Say yes TO POSSIBILITY

Say “I do” among rolling hills, breathtaking mountain views, or historic city streets. Whether you are looking for an expansive outdoor backdrop or a rustic setting, unique venues coupled with stunning scenery make Frederick County the ideal destination for guests arriving from near and far.

Before you tie the knot, connect with all of the possibilities that Visit Frederick can bring to your special day. Visit Frederick provides complimentary assistance on the following: Room block proposals for area hotels Venue options for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions Visitor Guides and information on local attractions and activities for your guests

visitfrederick.org • 800 - 999 - 3613 Frederick Weddings 2023

FrederickWeddings.com