What's Up? Weddings - Fall/Winter 2020

INSIDE DISCO BALLS, HAIR PINS, AND A HARRY POTTERTHEMED RECEPTION

GLAM MASKS FOR YOUR BIG DAY FIVE PLANNERS SHARE THE WEDDINGS OF THEIR POST-COVID DREAMS THIS YEAR'S TRENDIEST COLOR SCHEME

OUR H OW F ES COUPL D ON FOR G E HEIR WITH T NTINE QUARA INGS! W E DD

WHAT’S UP? MEDIA FALL/WINTER 2020

Specializing in Beautiful Brides & Groomed Grooms

FLOWERS BY SEVERNA PARK FLOWERS | GOWNS BY MARY BRIDAL | HEAD DRESSES BY ANDI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CORRINE FRANCES PHOTOGRAPHY

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Our Image Creators Bridal Squad is available for offsite services on the Day of the Event

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Let us exceed your expectations YOU EXPECT THE BEST ON YOUR WEDDING DAY...

Prospect Bay is a hidden gem on the Eastern Shore, just minutes from the Bay Bridge, offering a ceremony and reception venue for up to 250 people. Our experienced, friendly staff will guide and assist you from the initial planning to the final toast. We specialize in exceptional quality and value.

To schedule a tour or for more information, contact Shelby Anania at 410-827-6950 or sanania@prospectbaycc.com W W W. P R O S P E CT B AYC C . C O M | 3 1 1 A P R O S P ECT B AY D R . W EST | G R AS O N V I L L E , M D 2 1 6 3 8 What’s Up? Weddings

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Join us on March 14th from 1-4 p.m. at Prospect Bay Country Club Get everything checked off your Wedding To-Do list at our onestop shop. From cake tastings to beauty makeovers, we will have plenty of options for you to plan your perfect wedding TICKETS ARE $15 IN ADVANCE, GO TO WHATSUPTIX.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

Interested in being a vendor? Email us at dcarta@whatsupmag.com 2

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Three Historic Boutique Inns |124 Guestrooms & Suites | Valet Parking Pub & Restaurant On Site | 24 Hour Fitness Center | High Speed Internet Three Historic Boutique Inns |124 Guestrooms & Suites | Valet Parking Beginof your forever our boutique inns located in picturesque downtown Annapolis.

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• Event • 58 State Circle | Annapolis | MD 21401 410.263.2641 | www.historicinnsofannapolis.com 58 State Circle | Annapolis | MD 21401 410.263.2641 | www.historicinnsofannapolis.com

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Contents Fall/Winter 2020

On the cover: Ashley and Seth Lyons turned their June 2020 engagement party into a backyard wedding (pg. 54). Photo

by Nicole Caracia Photography.

Design by August Schwartz.

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10 From the Editor

How pandemic weddings are encouraging us to think outside tradition.

Trends

Décor and planning ideas we’re crazy about right now

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14 The Ring Box

What’s inside is only the afterthought.

Inside gorgeous real weddings from around the Chesapeake region

15 Wedding Day Masks

Your mouth never looked so good covered up.

60 Jackie Seisman + Paul Czyzia III

16 Disco Balls

Follow the call…

19 Hair Pins

Planning

Stick ‘em up.

Your strategy for navigating the decisions that come before, during, and after the big day

20 Burnt Orange

Corrosion is cool, at least as a color.

22 Cookies

Cookie Monster said it best: Me want cookies!

A busty cut with class.

26 Off the Shoulder

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Show the people you’ve been working out in your home gym.

What’s Up? Weddings

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

64 Anandi Bhusry + Anuj Bhatnagar

Chartwell Golf & Country Club

68 Guienen Behrle + Edward Feduke

Herrington on the Bay

72 Angela Mercier + Bruce Grove

The Tidewater Inn

76 Amanda Hurlbutt + Jesper Helin

80 Shannon Carta + Hunter Cole

84 The Ultimate Wedding Guide

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

A comprehensive listing of area venues, and other vendors you need to know

96 Mad Libs

Five fabulous wedding fantasies from the pros.

40 Love, At Home

Sometimes, the best venue is in your own backyard.

Don’t forget to visit us online at whatsupmag.com/ weddings

William Paca House & Gardens

28 Daydreamin’ Planners

24 Square Neck

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Real Weddings

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Kids say the darnedest things about marriage.

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President and Publisher

Veronica Tovey (x1102)

Chief Operating Officer

Ashley Raymond (x1115)

Art Director

August Schwartz (x1119)

Editorial Director

James Houck (x1104)

Weddings Editor

Jessica Greensmith

Entertainment Editor

Megan Kotelchuck (x1129)

Graphic Designers

Matthew D’Adamo (x1117) Lauren VanSickle (x1123)

Web Content Specialist Contributing Photographers

Brian Saucedo (x1116) Carly Fuller Photographer Cecile Storm Pictures Elizabeth Mae Photography Holly Croft Photography Justin Kunimoto Photography Karena Dixon Photography Kirsten Smith Photography Nessa K Photography Nicole Caracia Photography Sarah Aaron Photography Urban Row Photography

Account Representatives

Debbie Carta (x1110) Kathy Sauve (x1107)

Events/Special Projects Production Manager

Melanie Quinn (x1132) Nicholas Gullotti (x1101)

Administrative Assistant

Kristen Awad (x1126)

Bookkeeper

Heather Teat (x1109)

Accounts Reveivable

Deneen Mercer (x1105)

WHATSUPMAG.COM/WEDDINGS What’s Up? Weddings is published twice a year by What’s Up? Media, 201 Defense Highway Ste. 203, Annapolis, MD 21401 410-266-6287 Fax 410-224-4308 No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without express written consent of the publisher.

Publisher disclaims any and all responsibility for omissions and errors. All rights reserved.

Total printed circulation is 12,000 copies with an estimated readership of 54,000. 8,000 copies are mailed free to brides in the Chesapeake Bay region, with an additional 4,000 copies distributed on regional newsstands, at bridal expos, and to venue locations within Maryland. ©2020 What’s Up?, Inc.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Amid a crisis, I want to think about how to scale the pit’s walls; I refuse to wallow in the muck at the bottom. and it sucks. But couples are adjusting to pandemic restrictions in amazing, meaningful ways—from sending wedding cake to virtual guests (in five different countries, no less!) to throwing surprise ceremonies (page 40). As a homegrown magazine, these homegrown details are like icing on the cake—or cookie (page 22).

Me (right) with one of my best friends, Erin, at her July 2019 wedding. Carrie Coleman Photography

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uch to my doomsaying husband’s frustration, I am a silver linings girl. Amid a crisis, I want to think about how to scale the pit’s walls; I refuse to wallow in the muck at the bottom. So with that sunshine state of mind, allow me to present our “Love Lives” issue and remind you that weddings aren’t going anywhere!

They might be smaller or later or held in the backyard with paper napkins and barbecue, but they are happening now and forever. Of course, plans (and businesses) have been ruined,

One day, we hope soon, face masks will disappear for good, and we can go back to hugging and squeezing hands and gathering with precious friends. And that’s why we chose to include a handful of pre-pandemic weddings in our Real Weddings section — to remind us of the days ahead. After a long, quiet summer, we also thought it was time to dream big, so we invited some vendor friends to fantasize about the weddings they wished their clients asked them to plan (page 26).

Dear lovers, good things are coming. Take heart and have faith!

Jessica Greensmith What's Up? Weddings Editor

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TREND WATCH 14

THE RING BOX

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WEDDING D AY M A S K S

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DISCO BALLS

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HAIR PINS

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HUE: BURNT ORANGE

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COOKIES Jose Villa Photography

TREND WATCH

The Ring Box

Jose Villa Photography

Not to be greedy, but with storage this gorg, imma gonna need like thirty rings.

Ring boxes are the queens of the flat lay, the iconic shot of every wedding album, in which the photographer captures your invitation from above with various items, sentimental and not so much. For the record, it is a highly staged setup that requires the right props, often including a few stray flowers from a bouquet, jewelry, and the clincher—the pretty ring box. It might appear that these contents just fell right onto a perfect layout, but, trust us, this level of visual artistry takes preparation, and a special box is your key.

A NOTE ON CONVEYANCE

PICK YOUR MATERIAL V E LV E T: T H E M R S . B O X , F R O M $75 C O P P E R : L E O S K L O, $4 3 W O O D : C R A F T B U R O, F R O M $31

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Your most trustworthy friend is probably not the lil’ shortie carrying your ring down the aisle. He may fall and accidentally fling your sign of eternal love into the ocean.

Oopsie! Give the tyke a ring pop, or if tradition is the utmost, tie the ring to something solid to ensure it makes it to the altar. The wisest (and most type-A people) appoint a capable adult ring bearer. Uncertain who that is? Google Samwise Gamgee.

TREND WATCH

Wedding Day Masks If you have to wear it, it might as well look good.

TIP: CONSIDER PURCHASING MASKS FOR ALL OF YOUR GUESTS TO BET TER C O O R D I N AT E W I T H YOUR DECOR.

Ken Strap Shop via Etsy, $26

Danenberg Design via Etsy, $27

Symbolic Imports via Etsy, $12

Hushed Commotion, Beaded Bridal Face Mask, $65

ALSO BRILLIANT A pearl mask chain for easy dangling when you’re ready to declare your love, chow down, and seriously imbibe.

Lele Sadoughi, Pearl Sunglass Chain, $75

My Angel Gear via Etsy, $14

Claire Pettibone, Butterfly Mask, $28

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TREND WATCH

Disco Balls

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One day soon, we’ll dance without masks.

We’ll feel the rhythm of the night and follow the call of the disco ball. A discocentric wedding is, perhaps, over the top.

But disco balls in unexpected places (like floral installs or vases!) is so fun!

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1. Photo: Meaghan Brianne Photo / Planner: The Shootout Collective / Florist: Love Struck Blooms / Rentals: Sig Party Rentals and West and Rose 2. Photo: Alexandria Monette Photography / Design and florals: Bloom & Bloomprint 3. Photo: Aimee Westcott 4. Planning: Oh Happy Day!

This is an easy DIY disco backdrop, made out of mirror board paper. For the tutorial, visit ohhappyday.com.

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There is an old Irish saying, “Joy and laughter is the brightest in a place where food is.” The dedicated staff at Royal Oak Catering have been bringing people together to celebrate their special events for 17 years Your guest experience starts with us. Let our team of knowledgeable event experts assist you through the planning process to make your event as pleasurable for you as it will be for your guests. With every detail accounted for coupled with creative menus and outstanding service your guests will be treated like “royalty”. You may rest assured that your special day will be memorable for all.

Contact us today and let us make your special day everything that it should be!

410-490-5123 | www.royaloakcateringcompany.com Email: Laura.RoyalOakCateringCompany@gmail.com What’s Up? Weddings

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Whitehall Premier Waterfront Wedding Venue In Annapolis, Maryland

This beautifully and lovingly restored National Historic Landmark offers an unparalleled backdrop for your one-of-a-kind wedding.

Schedule your wedding today!

Photo by Rachel May Photography

Photo by Perry Vaile

whitehalleventsmd@gmail.com | whitehallmd.com | 1915 Whitehall Road, Annapolis, MD 21409

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TREND WATCH

Hair Pins

Barrettes were ’90s; hair pins are completion.

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4 1. Untamed Petals, Proxy Bobbin Pins, $66 for set of 2 2. Olive and Piper, Dylan Hair Pins, $54 for set of 3 3. Hair Comes the Bride, Bailey Bridal Hair Pin, $60 4. Lelet NY, Seeing Stars Bobby Pin Set, $188 5. Olive and Piper, Celine Hair Clips, $24 for set of 2

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HUE:

Burnt Orange

Orange is the new black, and we’re not talking about our favorite women’s prison tv show. From rust table runners to copper-painted cakes, rich, retro burnt orange is fall’s best color story.

SeaAndPaper, $23

Mosshound Designs, From $62

TREND WATCH

Dear Cleo, Mia, $119

AmyTarahDesigns, $16

Elysian Theory, CORA in Terra-cotta, $42

Something Vintage Rentals, $299

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PAIR WITH: DEEP PURPLE, MUSTARD YELLOW, FOREST GREEN, NAVY, BLUSH, GREY, BEIGE

AVOID: BRIGHT PINKS AND BLUES

EXTRA CREDITS Bridesmaids Photos: Rosie Nary Photography Sunset Arches / Design and Backdrop: Mae&Co Creative Photographer: Sunshine Shannon Venue: Willow House Gown: Rue De Seine Jewelry: Opal Milk / Flowers: Good Seed Floral Hair & Makeup: Hello Flawless Groom Attire: ASOS Styling & Stationery: State of Reverie Flowers: Wild Flos Tableware: Dann Event Hire Bride Portrait / Concept and Photography: Tori Watson Photography / Planning and Styling: Rachel Kendall Events Florals: Rise and Flourish DC Hair and Makeup: JKW Beauty Gown: Soliloquy Bridal Venue and Rentals: Sylvanside Farm

A RUST COLOR WHEEL

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TREND WATCH

Cookies Cookie Monster said it best: Me want cookies.

Weekend Waterfront Weddings For the price of 6 hours, you get the entire weekend!

No Cut-Off times, No Neighbors, Discounts on Weekday Weddings

www.blackwalnutpointinn.com • 410-886-2452

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3 REASONS WE’RE CRAVING COOKIES:

Introducing The Atreeum at Soaring Timbers. Boasting a 4000-square foot open floor plan, The Atreeum offers many options for entertaining guests with plenty of room for dining, dancing, mingling and meetings. The space is illuminated with beautiful, modern light fixtures, and neutral, sophisticated décor. We have created the perfect dressing room complete with wet bar, makeup counter, lounge area and private restroom.

610 North Bestgate Rd. Annapolis MD 21401 | 410.919.8393 theatreeum@soaringtimbers.org

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THEY’RE BLANK SLATES. Stephanie Lyles, the Crofton-based baker behind Sugar Butter Love, has designed everything from Storm Troopers (in lieu of a Groom’s Cake) to boho cacti. Of course, she’s also a master of the classic monogram cookies and will even match color swatches and wedding fonts.

THEY’RE EASY TO PACKAGE INDIVIDUALLY. In the time of coronavirus, safe food service matters more than ever. Unlike cake, cookies are innately single serving, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to minimize manhandling.

THEY’RE A BUILT-IN FAVOR. If it’s wrapped, it’s a gift. And, personally, we’d much rather munch on almond-iced treats than accidentally overwater our “let-love-grow” succulent.

c at e r i n g f or a n y o c c a s i on of a n y s i z e

Chesapeake Chef Service is a full-service catering team that sources locally and seasonally to deliver an unforgettable experience. Chef Kurt and his team bring the cuisine of the Chesapeake Region to your table, artfully personalizing and executing each detail with excellence.

S e r v i n g M D , D E , D C a n d VA

( 4 1 0 ) 8 2 9 - 0 3 0 7 | w w w. c h e s a p e a k e c h e f s . c o m

kurt@chesapeakechefs.com | sales@chesapeakechefs.com What’s Up? Weddings

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RUNWAY REPORT

Square Neck

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RIP this year’s Renaissance Fest. We’ll remember you with our décolletage.

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1. Maquette, Carol Hannah 2. Dahlia, Emmy Mae 3. Austen, Dearheart by Carol Hannah 4. Salvia, Rosa Clara Couture 5. Leigh, Lihi Hod Contact designers for pricing

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LOCATION, BAYCATION, STAYCATION!

Thinking outside the bouquet

Sleep Over 40 Guests in 4 AirBnb #Superhost Homes all on Kent Island in Stevensville MD!

410.604.3860

101 Dundee Ave., Ste. 100, Chester, MD 21619

www.flowers4youtoday.com Mention this ad for your free bridal gift!

Kent Island Beach House with the Beach Volleyball Court Kent Island Beach House II by the Kentmorr Marina Kent Island Beach House III by the Bay Kent Island Golf House by the Blue Heron Public Golf Course

Kent Island Beach house llc KIBeachHouse.com • 410-984-7618 Reserve 1, 2, 3 or all 4 homes online now www.airbnb.com/users/22935809/listings

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RUNWAY REPORT

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Off the Shoulder Hey sugar, show some shoulder.

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1. Beloved by Casablanca, BL250 Goldie, Contact designer for pricing 2. Sareh Nouri, Adeline, From $3,800 3. Emmy Mae, Hazel, $2,100 4. Melissa Sweet for David’s Bridal, 8MS161225, $599 5. Carolina Herrera, Mercer, $5,990

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Inn • Restaurant • Marina Waterfront Ceremonies and Receptions 18 Charming Inn Rooms Fine Dining Restaurant 30 Lavish Acres for Wedding Pictures On-Site Event Coordinator

Located in the charming bayside village of Rock Hall, Osprey Point offers the most serene and relaxing setting that you can find. Set back off the main road on more than 30 acres, Osprey Point has everything to create the perfect getaway!

20786 Rock Hall Avenue, Rock Hall, MD 21661 | (410) 639-2194 | www.OspreyPoint.com

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DAYDRE A MI N’ P L AN NE RS

BY JESSICA GREENSMITH

Five local planners share the larger-than-life Chesapeake Bay weddings they wished their clients asked them to plan.

Tori Watson Photography

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MELISSA WILLIAMS

B ASTONISHED EVENTS 30

Terri Baskin Photography What’s Up? Weddings

Planning + Styling: Amorology Photography: Brandon Kidd Florals: Oak and the Owl

HER DREAM WEDDING CONTEXT: A glossy summer wedding for 150 at a private estate.

COLOR SCHEME: White with hints of green, mauve, dusty rose, and lavender.

CEREMONY AESTHETIC: The ceremony takes place in front of a lush, circular floral arch, with the Chesapeake Bay serving as backdrop. The groomsmen wear black tuxedos and the bridal party wears a mix of ombre hues from mauve to dusty rose. Guests sit in lucite chairs. The ceremony opens with traditional, classical music, until the bride arrives, walking down the aisle to “Why I Love You” by MAJOR.

Planning + Design: B Astonished Events Photographer: Terri Baskin Photography Florals and Arbor: Sweet Root Village Linens: BBJ Linens Rentals: Something Vintage Stationery: By Dami Studios Wedding Gown: The Bridal Room

COCKTAIL HOUR VIBES: During a poolside cocktail hour, live swim entertainers pass out lavender mojitos to guests from a floating boxwood stand. The drinks double as escort cards, with guests’ names and table numbers written on the acrylic straw stirrers. A live band is playing jazz music, but they transition to R&B to cue guests when the reception begins.

RECEPTION AESTHETIC: The reception is held in a sailcloth tent, lit with greenery-bedecked chandeliers.

There is a mix of round and long estate tables with ivory linens and a black-and-white checkered dance floor to complement the chic, garden style. Guests feast on salmon and crab cakes with filet, served as a dual entree, while watching a live dance performance.

EXIT STRATEGY: The couple departs with a sparkler exit to a vintage Rolls Royce. As the evening closes, guests pick up a lavender frosé from a vintage bar cart.

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CAITIE HANRAHAN

BETTY LOU EVENTS

Kir Tuben Photography

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Courtesy of HILDE

HER DREAM WEDDING CONTEXT: A minimalist, modern fete with 15 of the couple’s closest family and friends.

COLOR SCHEME: Warm fall neutrals - cream, blush, hazelnut, oat, sand, linen, burnt orange, olive, golden hues.

CEREMONY AESTHETIC: The wedding takes place outside at the bride’s family estate on the Bay. A stunning suspended foliage arch with lush flowers flanks each side of the aisle. The bride is in a suit from Fifth and Welshire and the groom wears a deep plum jacket with black trousers.

COCKTAIL HOUR: Bubbles are popped directly following the ceremony. The bar is stocked with IPAs for the boys and apple cider Bellinis for the girls.

RECEPTION AESTHETIC: Guests sit at an impactful king’s table with alternating arrangements of single stem florals in ceramic vases and larger lush arrangements. Amber votives and sandstone taper candles create a golden glow under bistro lights hanging from the trees above.

MENU: Seasonal farm-to-table fare, served family style. Guests start with a hearty pumpkin gazpacho, followed by a pear escarole burrata salad, short ribs, seared scallops, mushroom and pancetta pasta, and sides of broccoli rabe and roasted harvest vegetables.

For dessert, there is earl grey creme brûlée and fireside s’mores.

Courtesy of Fifth & Welshire

PART Y FAVORS: In lieu of favors, the couple makes a donation to the World Central Kitchen, a not-forprofit, non-governmental organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters.

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PIA CRONE

OAK + POPPY EVENTS

Courtney of Null Creative

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“After quarantining for months, I would love to be able to party with lots of people without having to worry!”

HER DREAM WEDDING CONTEXT: A open-air beach blowout for 200 with casual, boho vibes.

COLOR SCHEME: White, ivory, sandy beige, and gold tones.

CEREMONY AESTHETIC: Lots of white florals with dried grasses and dried greenery. The ceremony takes place under a canopy with bistro lighting. Ghost chairs add a pop of glam and make the beach backdrop the focal point. The bride wears a spaghetti strap, A-line gown and walks down the aisle to “Glitter in the Air.” The groom is in something casual, like ivory pants and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

“P!nk is my favorite artist ever! This song gives me major “long walks on the beach” vibes.

RECEPTION SETUP: The reception takes place under the stars. There’s a lot of lounge furniture, giving the reception a modern, laid-back feel. Tall, marquis letters spell out the couple’s last name and table assignments are written on lanterns displayed on a shelf.

MENU: The food is light and refreshing, with a seafood bar (raw oysters + crab legs = a must!), and a taco station. Guests are drinking mojitos and margaritas while a live band performs summer songs.

Ocean Elopement: Michelle Gonzalez Photography Tables: Button Up Photography Bridesmaids: Fancy Vestido Picnic Tablescape: The Blonde Abroad

PHOTO OPP: The bride isn’t afraid to get wet and opts for a beautiful “trash the dress” portrait session.

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RACHEL CUMBERL AND

RACHEL KENDALL EVENTS Tori Watson Photography

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HER DREAM WEDDING CONTEXT: A moody, cool soirée on the coast for 100.

COLOR SCHEME: Black, gold, green, with hints of burgundy and blush.

CEREMONY AESTHETIC: The bridesmaids are wearing black, midi-slip dresses. As guests take their seats, a harpist is playing. The altar design consists of lush florals in a semi circle, with the water as the backdrop.

COCKTAIL HOUR VIBES: Cocktail hour consists of a few grazing tables with gourmet meats, fruits, and cheeses and an on-site oyster shucker. Guests are drinking estate-grown wine, craft beer, and two signature drinks - a spicy mezcal margarita and the perfect oldfashioned, served with one big ice cube and a Luxardo cherry. A bluegrass band provides entertainment.

Planning + Design: Rachel Kendall Events Photographer: Tori Watson Photography Florals: Steelcut Flower Co. Venue: Habitat Event Space Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals Cake: Sugar Bakers Cakes Menu: Bare Ink Co Groom Suit: INDOCHINO

“Before I was a wedding planner, I worked in the music industry, so I really like that edgy look.

It’s a little different than the dusty blue vibe.”

RECEPTION SETUP: Lounge areas are scattered throughout the tent and lawn with elements of black and rattan. Dinner is a family-style Mexican/ Mediterranean feast with authentic tacos, hummus, pitas, and fresh avocado and corn salad. For a latenight snack, an old-school ice cream truck serves up soft-serve with sprinkles. There’s also a black and gold cake. After dinner, the folk band grows and becomes a jack-of-all trades group that plays oldies, contemporary, and jazz.

FAVORS: Mini estate-grown wine bottles

Jessica Flynn Photography

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kent island yacht club Kent Islands Premier Waterfront Wedding Venue

Specializing in American style ballroom.

Purchase your first lesson and receive half off of a second scheduled lesson within 6 months.

The Kent Island Yacht Club offers indoor and outdoor space and a million-dollar view! We sit snugly on the Kent Narrows with breathtaking views over 10 acres. Our Dining Room, outdoor lawn and grounds are large enough to accommodate up to 125 guests indoors and 400 guests on the lawn for a tented event. We also offer complimentary parking, on-site catering, and the best dedicated staff experienced with executing your special day and catering to all your needs. Join us for a wedding day to remember!!

410-757-8860 67 Chautaugua Road Arnold, MD www.annapolisdanceacademy.com

Advertise with us.

CONTACT:

Debbie Carta 301-503-6076 dcarta@whatsupmag.com

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY’S DEFINITIVE BRIDAL RESOURCE

To the Rescue VENDORS SAVE A KENT ISLAND WEDDING

( ) INSIDE

RING SHOPPING, GLAMPING, AND A MOROCCANINSPIRED RECEPTION

WHAT’S UP? MEDIA SPRING / SUMMER 2020

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The Top First Dance Songs of 2020 Should You Buy a House While Planning a Wedding?

Seven Gorgeous Chesapeake Weddings

Kent Island Yacht Club can help make your dream come true! Arrive by boat or car.

117 Yacht Club Drive | Chester, MD 21619 | P: 410.643.4101 | E: kiyc@kiyc.org

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LOVE HOME AT

BY JESSICA GREENSMITH

When the coronavirus pandemic spoiled their wedding plans, these Maryland couples shifted their ceremonies to home, sweet home.

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Bridget Brady and Sam Meyers were supposed to get married on May 16, with a 200-person wedding at Chartwell Country Club. Then COVID hit, and they postponed their wedding to September. But when their videographer told Bridget about her own backyard nuptials, the couple decided to scale their day down to a 15-person ceremony, too. “We didn’t want to keep playing the will it or won’t it game with the pandemic,” Bridget says. “So after advice from Carla, we made the change!”

F O R T H E I R F I R S T D AT E , SAM BROUGHT BRIDGET H E R FAV O R I T E C A N D Y.

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e’d heard from his cousin Jess, who is Bridget’s best friend, that Bridget didn’t like flowers, so he offered her Sour Patch Kids.

Ironically, Bridget brought her own sweet stash along to the date.

Jess gave her insider information that Sam was really nervous and Bridget thought a Reese’s Fast Break might help him relax!

With just a month to reconfigure plans, Bridget turned to her capable army of mom, MIL, three bridesmaids, and two grandmas to communicate with vendors and iron out the details. “My mom created a thorough spreadsheet with tasks, who was responsible for completing them, and when they needed to be done,” Bridget says. “Her project manager background came in handy!”

THEIR GRANDMAS THREW ROSES. Bridget and Sam packed their wedding with meaningful touches, from inviting their grandmothers to be their flower girls to incorporating heirloom accessories. Sam wore his grandfather’s watch, which had been passed down to him for his 25th birthday, as well as a tie clip from the other side of the family.

Both grandmothers also lent Bridget a piece of their own jewelry; a pearl necklace from one and earrings from the other.

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While Bridget was getting ready, Sam and a few male family members set up the reception tables. “Sure, the moms went behind a few minutes later to tidy it up a bit, but I was blown away with their styling,” Bridget says. “It was really an all-hands-on-deck situation.”

After Bridget saw a picture of a pet napkin on Instagram, she decided her cat Gizmo deserved a cameo of his own.

T H E I R C AT M A D E H I S N A P K I N D E B U T. One of Bridget’s favorite details was the photos the couple used for their centerpieces, featuring various family member’s wedding portraits.

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HER ADVICE.

Pre-COVID, Bridget and Sam had custom cups made as party favors, which they were able to repurpose for their micro ceremony. “Our hands are actually covering up the original date the bottom for the photos!” Bridget reveals. She hopes to pass the cups out in the future to would-be guests as a memento from the celebration.

“Having your wedding at home gives you the ability to make everything your own.

Everything was exactly how Sam and I wanted. It was intimate, everyone was involved and you really do get to stop and enjoy every small detail. We also added an amazing new memory at a home that already carried so many special moments for Sam growing up.”

VENDORS: Alterations: Dalinda’s Alterations Bride’s dress: Hayley Paige (designer), Garnish Boutique (shop) Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie Cake: Baked by Mary Kate Cat napkins: The Emerald Hound Catering: Chartwell Country Club Flowers: Bay Blossoms Hair & makeup: Behind the Veil Beauty Men’s attire: Capital Custom Clothiers Lemonade cups: Sycamore Studios Officiant: Fr. Matthew Himes Photography: Holly Croft Photography Rings: Marc Todd Jewelers Tent and rentals: Absolute Party Rental Videography: Carla Elizabeth Studios What’s Up? Weddings

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hey met at age 5, dated in high school, and nine years later, got engaged and started planning their July 4th wedding at the Tidewater Inn. But when the stay-at-home order was instituted in Maryland at the end of March, their venue temporarily shuttered and Colleen and Patrick were left wondering what to do. “Disbelief, uncertainty, and even a bit of despair clouded our thoughts as Plan B quickly turned into C, which turned into D, and so on,” Colleen says.

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Two months before their date, the couple decided to forge ahead with a reception at Colleen’s parents’ home in St. Michaels. “The logistics of the ceremony, the reception venue, the caterer and menu options, and even the officiant had to change,” Colleen says. “However, the most difficult adjustment was narrowing down our 250-person guest list to 50.” Colleen and Patrick made those who were uninvited still feel included by live streaming their ceremony and sending Maryland gift boxes to all of their original guests.

NEIGHBORS CHEERED FROM T H E I R K AYA K S .

When Colleen and Patrick disembarked from their ceremony transport, they noticed a few unexpected onlookers: the whole neighborhood had shown up on paddle boards and kayaks to congratulate the couple from a distance, thanks to stealthy orchestration by Colleen’s parents.

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T H E FAT H E R O F T H E BRIDE WORE HIS G R A N D FAT H E R ’ S T U X .

Other special details were the ring pillow sewn from the wedding gown of Patrick’s grandmother - and the couple’s French bulldog, who was able to join in for pictures because of the private setting.

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Despite the setbacks, “the day was perfect,” Colleen says. “Just like we imagined it.” Blue and green and ivory. Classic, yet bohemian. Married.

AND LOVE P R E VA I L E D.

VENDORS: Bride’s Gown: Tara Lauren (designer), The Bridal Room (shop) Bridesmaids Gowns: Azazie Cake: Julie Bakes Catering: Chesapeake Chef Service Cookies: Clough’D 9 Cookies Florals: Monteray Farms Flowers & Gifts Groomsmen Getting Ready Suite: The Tidewater Inn Hair & makeup: Alison Harper & Co Men’s Attire: The Black Tux Month-of-coordinator: Rachel Kelly Events Photography: Karena Dixon Photography Tent & Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events Videography: Film & Flourish

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J O H N WA S C L A R A’ S F R E S H M A N B I O L O G Y TA .

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hey met Clara’s very first night at college. John was the year above and her friend (eventual bridesmaid) Hannah introduced them.

As a doctor, John spent a lot of time in March and April in the ICU treating COVID patients. Having a small, at-home wedding became the obvious choice, Clara says. “Being that we are both in health-related fields, and with everything being so uncertain at the time that we had to make the call, we were extra sensitive to keeping our families and friends healthy.”

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Clara and John served the same meal they were planning to have pre-COVID: filet and crab cake, sautéed fresh corn with basil, roasted zucchini, and sweet potato biscuits.

Clara and John pushed back their large celebration, which would have included 175+ attendees, to 2021 and pared down their wedding to nine guests, all of whom were tested for COVID the week before the wedding. They made custom hand sanitizer bottles for their gathering and required face masks, which Clara’s sister and MOH adorned with lace.

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Clara wanted to highlight John’s Italian heritage with her background on the Shore. “We incorporated a lot of small and big details for both: my mom and sister made homemade limoncello, we had crab cakes for dinner, and then Italian cannolis and a Smith Island Cake for dessert.

The escort cards were oysters that my sister and I painted gold and wrote names in calligraphy, and our signature drink was the Italian aperol spritz.”

THEY DANCED IN T H E M O O N L I G H T.

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“It was important to me that we still did wedding day traditions, including the first dance, mother/groom and father/ bride dances,” Clara says. They hung up string lights in the trees to mark the dance floor in the grass and set up a portable speaker to play songs from Spotify. “After we did the first dances, we ended up having a spontaneous dance party, I think the song playing was the Italian love song “That’s Amore,’” Clara says.

AND TOOK A C R U I S E O N T H E B AY. They rented a boat for the weekend out of Annapolis. John proposed while the pair was sailing on the Charles River in Boston, and sailing was going to be a theme for the wedding day they were planning. Initially, they considered having their micro wedding ceremony on the open water, but logistically, it was easier to have the ceremony in the backyard and go for an afternoon sail later. "Not only did we want to incorporate the sailing theme, but we wanted to have an activity for the afternoon that everyone would enjoy,” Clara says.

VENDORS: Bride’s hair: Heathers Salon Catering: Blue Heron Catering Flowers: Black Dog Blooms Photography: Cecile Storm Pictures

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SETH AND ASHLEY INVITED FRIENDS TO A CASUAL SUMMER BARBECUE.

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he plan was to kick off summer and finally - celebrate their engagement.

They’d locked in the venue, a friend’s home in Herald Harbor on the Severn, back in November. And for just as long, they’d been quietly plotting the world’s greatest ruse: with the help of Seth’s father, a Methodist pastor, they were going to get married on the spot.

They’d even managed to keep the secret from their kids.

The only hiccup in their plan was COVID. “For three months, we stressed over cancelling, changing our date, or coming up with a new wedding plan,” Ashley says. But the pair watched the news and decided to take a gamble, sending out invites just a few weeks before Governor Hogan reversed the executive order banning private gatherings.

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AND SHOCKED EVERYONE WHEN THEY GOT M A R R I E D O N T H E S P O T. Some guests started crying, others immediately got on their phones, trying to coordinate rides home for kids they thought they would be picking up before they realized they were attending an impromptu wedding. “I even had friends shaking their heads no, thinking Seth was wrong [when he made the announcement] because they had been bugging me for a wedding date for months and I told them it would be in September,” Ashley recalls.

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After telling guests about the forthcoming nuptials, Ashley and Seth disappeared to get ready, while their florist set up cocktail tables and prepared for the ceremony. Other vendors were in on the scheme, too. “It’s one of the reasons I chose Main & Market,” Ashley explains.

“I love their cake and I knew I could trust them with the surprise.”

ALL OF THE D E C O R AT I O N S W E R E S TA S H E D IN THE GARAGE.

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Ashley found her pink high-low dress at Macy’s and ordered it in two different sizes, since she wasn’t able to try it on in person.

VENDORS: Brides Hair: Courtney Click Cake: Main & Market Catering: Mission BBQ Flowers: Studio H Floral Design Photography: Nicole Caracia Photography

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JACKIE SEISMAN + PA U L C Z Y Z I A I I I Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

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ANANDI BHUSRY + A N UJ B H AT N A G A R Chartwell Golf & Country Club

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GUIENEN BEHRLE + E D WA R D F E D U K E Herrington on the Bay

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ANGELA MERCIER + BRUCE GROVE Tidewater Inn

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AMANDA HURLBUTT + JESPER HELIN William Paca House & Gardens

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S H A N N O N C A R TA + HUNTER COLE Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

Carly Fuller Photography

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REAL WEDDINGS

A C H I C C O A S TA L W E D D I N G INSPIRED BY JOANNA GAINES

WEDDING DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2019 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 80

Jackie Seisman + Paul Czyzia III Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum | Kirsten Smith Photography

OCCUPATIONS: BIRTH DOULA AND LEAD TECHNICIAN FAVE DETAILS: OYSTER SHELL PLACE CARDS AND GODDAUGHTER’S FLOWER CROWN

HAND HOLDIN’ Ski jackets might have been the gateway to a budding high school romance, if only Jackie hadn’t given Paul the cold shoulder during math class. “He used to bring skiing magazines into class and would ask my opinion on different style jackets,” Jackie recalls. “Math was never my strongest class, so I was just trying to pay attention to the teacher! I never would have guessed I was sitting next to my future husband.”

Fortunately, for the both of them, Paul got a second chance when the pair began hanging out during college. They “caught feelings” one Halloween when a group of their friends visited a haunted house. “We held hands because I was absolutely terrified,” Jackie says. A few months later, they were officially dating.

Jackie and Paul wanted to get married in St. Michaels because it’s where her parents were wed. “We wanted something that felt like us and, after visiting the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, we immediately fell in love with it,” Jackie says.

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ANTHRO-MAGNOLIA Jackie told her wedding planner, Carolyn Lasako of Kari Rider Events, that she wanted an Anthropologiemeets-Joanna Gaines vibe for her day. To pull off the look, they wove a blue, gold, and maroon color scheme with different textures, like velvet.

BEER PUP As a wedding favor, Paul brewed and bottled three homemade beers: a brown ale, an IPA, and a lager.

“Since we planned our wedding in less than six months, it took a lot of preparation on his part,” Jackie says. The pair named the brews in honor of their rescue pup, Roo, and had their stationer design a custom label.

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING DUCK A thing you don’t see everyday: a group of people shotgunning a duck decoy.

“The duck has been to every party and event with my high school friends since our college years,” Jackie says. “I am not even 100 percent sure who has it now, but I was not surprised when it made an appearance at our wedding!”

Jackie and Paul’s number one splurge was on their catering.

Her favorite bite was the mushroom risotto, while Paul enjoyed the pan-seared beef tenderloin the most.

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REAL WEDDINGS

THE GAL FOR THE JOB Of all her vendors, finding a photographer was the hardest, Jackie says. “I had reached out to ten or twelve and they all were either booked for our date or out of our price range,” Jackie says. But after seeing Kirsten Smith’s work on Facebook, she sent the photographer an immediate inquiry. “Paul and I don’t like to be the center of attention, which is hard to avoid when it’s your wedding,” Jackie says. “But we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer; Kirsten felt like a friend and made us feel comfortable,” she says.

THE DETAILS BRIDE’S GOWN: WREN BRIDAL BRIDE’S HAIR & MAKEUP: BEHIND THE VEIL B R I D E ’ S J E W E L R Y: B R I D E ’ S M O M BRIDE’S SHOES: BIRDIES C AT E R E R : G O U R M E T B Y T H E B AY D E S S E R T S : B AY C O U N T R Y & G O U R M E T B Y T H E B AY F L O R A L S : M O N T E R AY FA R M S I N V I TAT I O N S & B E E R L A B E L S : S T E P H B. A N D C O M E N ’ S AT T I R E : C A P I TA L C U S T O M C L O T H I E R S M U S I C : B AY S T R I N G S (C E R E M O N Y ) & J A S O N WA L L A C E AT D I S T R I C T R E M I X ( R E C E P T I O N ) O F F I C I A N T: B R I D E ’ S A U N T, B E C K Y C R O W E L L PHOTOGRAPHER: KIRSTEN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY PL ANNING & ST YLING: KARI RIDER EVENTS (C A R O LY N L A S A KO ) RINGS: ANNA SHEFFIELD R E N TA L S : G O U R M E T B Y T H E B AY See our Ultimate Wedding Guide on page 84 for more vendor information.

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THIS COUPLE SENT DESSERT TO ALL THEIR VIRTUAL GUESTS

WEDDING DATE: JULY 4, 2020 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 29 OCCUPATIONS: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING FOR HOME CARE COMPANY AND FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR

Anandi Bhusry + Anuj Bhatnagar Chartwell Golf & Country Club | Justin Kunimoto

TECH SPECS: BLUETOOTH MICROPHONE, TWO IPHONE CAMERAS, TRIPODS, WIFI HOTSPOT

TEA PART Y FOR TWO When Anuj and Anandi connected online in January 2019, they bonded over their love of food, Bollywood movies, and their similar career paths. But neither expected to find out they had the exact same morning routine: drinking tea with an Indian cookie called Parle-G! Seven months later, Anuj proposed after dinner at Guapo’s, which was their first date spot.

PRE-COVID PL AN Anandi and Anuj were planning to have an evening wedding with 150 guests at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. They had organized choreographed dances, a sparkler exit, and an elaborate menu featuring both Indian and American cuisine. But when the coronavirus pandemic unfolded, they were forced to pare their guest list down by 80 percent and shift the majority of their celebration online. They hired a virtual wedding planning company to help handle the technical logistics and ensure that their guests, located across six different time zones, could tune in seamlessly.

A year before their wedding, Anandi and Anuj attended a friend’s graduation celebration at Chartwell.

“We loved the location, its scenic views, and the food,” Anandi says, which meant deciding on a venue a few months later was easy.

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REAL WEDDINGS

At the luncheon for their in-person guests, Anandi and Anuj served Kathi rolls, daal, spinach chaat, and two different types of biryanis. Dessert was kulfi (Indian ice cream) and a small wedding cake.

MAILBOX CAKE Anandi and Anuj worked with bakeries around the world to ship dessert to each guest who couldn’t attend the wedding in-person. “In India, sweets are always shared with guests on [special] occasions,” Anuj explains, “and we wanted to [give everyone the opportunity] to cut the cake with us.” The couple asked Anuj’s cousin for help researching bakeries overseas and arranged to have each delivery arrive in the three days leading up to the wedding. UK guests received red velvet cake, Swiss guests had chocolate truffles, and the Indian guests got butterscotch cake. Anandi took the lead on the North American treats with cake truffles from Milk Bar (US) and cookie truffles from Sweet Flour Bakery (Canada).

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STREAMING IN Anandi and Anuj were very intentional about making sure their virtual attendees felt as honored and engaged as their in-person guests. Besides inviting Zoom participants to dress up and have a drink ready to toast, they also enlisted the help of Anandi’s sister and cousin to create a version of the shoe game with dual moderators (one virtual, one physically present), who alternated asking the couple questions. Speeches were conducted by a friend of Anuj’s and Anandi’s father, but the couple also arranged for eight of their virtual guests to speak during the reception. Overall, more than 90 families joined in on the celebration — way more than Anandi and Anuj would have been able to host pre-covid. “It was extremely special!” Anandi says.

THE DETAILS B R I D E ’ S H A I R , M A K E U P, A N D O U T F I T D R A P I N G : E M P O W D E R ( A M O L A S U R YA ) BRIDE’S GOWN: MEGHA & JIGAR B R I D E ’ S J E W E L R Y: FA M I LY H E I R L O O M S B R I D E ’ S S H O E S : N I N A ‘N A N E L L E ’ P L AT F O R M S A N D A L ( D S W ) C AT E R E R : S P I C E X I N G ( R O C K V I L L E , M D ) DECOR & FLORALS: OM EVENT DECOR D E S S E R T: C H A R T W E L L G O L F & C O U N T R Y C L U B, S P I C E X I N G G R O O M’ S AT T I R E : M A N YAVA R H E N N A : B H AV N A’ S H E N N A & A R T S I N V I TAT I O N S : PA P E R L E S S P O S T MUSIC: DCVIBEZ O F F I C I A N T: V I N AY M E H R A ( B R I D E ’ S U N C L E ) PHOTOGRAPHER: JUSTIN KUNIMOTO RINGS: MUGHAL FINE JEWELS ( N E W D E L H I, I N D I A ) TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND V I D E O G R A P H Y: W E D F U LY See our Ultimate Wedding Guide on page 84 for more vendor information.

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REAL WEDDINGS

A S U M M E R S U P P E R F O R 13

Guienen Behrle + Edward Feduke WEDDING DATE: JULY 18, 2020

Herrington on the Bay | Urban Row Photography

NUMBER OF GUESTS: 13 CAKE ALTERNATIVE: STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

MR. BARE-BONES Guienen almost swiped left when she saw Edward’s profile on a dating app. “He only had two photos and nothing written about himself,” she explains, “but he had such a cute face!”

So instead of passing over the mystery man, she sent Ed a message about the unseasonably warm February weather they were having (remember, she had nothing to go on!), which led to their first date. Three years later, Ed proposed at home, with the assistance of the couple’s dog Sadie. “She came clanging down our twisty staircase with a chalkboard and a ring box tied around her neck,” Guienen recalls. The chalkboard read, “Say Yes,” and, of course, Guienen did.

COVID PIVOT Guienen and Ed started planning their July wedding in early March — a week before the coronavirus pandemic brought everything to a standstill. “It was important for us to still move forward with getting married this year,” Guienen says, “but for a while we didn’t know what that would look like.” As part of the shutdown, Herrington on the Bay closed, but its staff helped the couple navigate the evolving restrictions.

“It turned out that we were able to have the wedding we originally envisioned, just on a much smaller scale,” Guienen says. Instead of celebrating with 120 guests, Guienen and Ed celebrated with fourteen and postponed their larger reception to the summer of 2021.

Even before meeting Ed, Guienen knew she wanted her bridesmaids to carry single stem bouquets, each different from the others. Guienen’s bouquet was a combination of all three –lisianthus, ranunculus, and roses.

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THE AMAZING RACE Another challenge posed by covid was procuring Guienen’s dress. Although the designer, Enaura, is based in New York, the company’s production is located in Mumbai, India, an area which was hit especially hard by coronavirus. As a result, there were major delays; then, when the dress was finally ready to ship, there weren’t enough cargo planes leaving the country. “It really came down to the wire,” Guienen says. The gown, which was supposed to arrive in May, didn’t show up in Baltimore until July 9th — barely a week before the wedding. But Mia Antalics, the owner of Garnish Boutique, where Guienen bought the dress, was not going to let anything stop her bride from getting her delivery; in fact, she drove it that very night to the seamstress. It meant a lot to Guienen, who hopes to start a family soon. “Wearing my actual dress, as opposed to an elopement dress, was one of the most important things to me,” Guienen says. “I knew it might not fit me next July and I wanted my husband to see me in it!”

One of the upsides to having a microwedding is that it makes DIY projects way more manageable. “When I knew we were having a much smaller guest list, I wanted to make sure I did at least one DIY project that I might not have been able to do if we had 100+ guests,” Guienen says. She made calligraphy place cards using hosta leaves and says (surprisingly) it was just as easy as it looked!

COLOR ME NONE “I’ve said to several people that if someone asked them after the fact what the color scheme of my wedding was, I would want them to not have an immediate answer,” Guienen says. “It was surprisingly hard to find any type of floral options that I liked, but searching different combinations of ‘waterfall floral maxi dress’ led me to Jenny Yoo and the Inesse dress in Morning Mist Multi. I absolutely loved the blue/green colors of the dress and thought it would work perfectly for a summer wedding on the bay.”

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REAL WEDDINGS

BUDGET ADVICE Throwing two weddings is expensive — even if one of them is small. To manage the costs, Guienen and Ed avoided purchasing anything they wouldn’t use again. “I didn’t feel the need to have signs made that said ‘Welcome to Our Wedding,’” Guienen explains. Instead, the couple had MRC Wood Products create a simple keepsake with their last name and wedding date, since they can hang that in their house later. Guienen also gave Ed a framed print that had three small heart-maps depicting where the couple’s relationship began, the first place they lived together, and their wedding venue.

MUST LOVE DOGS When Guienen met Ed, she was scared of dogs, including Sadie, Ed’s 60-pound Great Dane/Boxer mix. But reluctant petting turned into solitary walks, and before she knew it, Guienen was a full-blown, crazy dog mom.“I truly could not have comprehended how much joy Sadie would bring to my life and I’m so thankful to Ed for being patient with me as I became more comfortable,” she says. Having Sadie participate in the couple’s wedding day photos was a highlight.

THE DETAILS BRIDE’S GOWN: ENAURA BRIDAL (DESIGNER), GARNISH BOUTIQUE (SHOP) BRIDE’S HAIR & MAKEUP: UPDOS FOR I DOS B R I D E ’ S S H O E S : N AT U R A L I Z E R BRIDESMAID DRESSES: JENNY YOO INESSE PRINT IN MORNING MIST B R I D E S M A I D J E W E L R Y: G R A C E A N D H U D S O N D O G H A N D L E R S : F U R E V E R A N D F U R A LWAY S FLORALS: LOVE & LUSTER M E N ’ S AT T I R E : T U X E D O H O U S E PA I N T E D O Y S T E R S H E L L S : S O U T H O F D E A R I N G R I N G B O X : S AV E T H E D AT E D E S I G N C O V I A E T S Y R I N G S : M E R I TA G E J E W E L E R S , S AV E See our Ultimate Wedding Guide on page 84 for more vendor information.

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REAL WEDDINGS

A WIZARDING WEDDING IN EASTON

WEDDING DATE: MAY 18, 2019 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 120 OCCUPATIONS: PROGRAM MANAGER AND TV HOST

Angela Mercier + Bruce Grove

PARTY FAVOR: BERTIE BOTT’S EVERY FLAVOUR BEANS

Tidewater Inn | Elizabeth Mae Photography

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Angela and Bruce met on a movie set, under the stars. She was 12 and playing a zombie. He was 16 and playing a dreamboat. Bruce was friends with Angela’s brothers and filming at her parents’ house. “Confident, charming, and funny — I was instantly smitten,” she says.

A PAINFUL FIRST DATE Many years later, the pair went on their first date, a double date, to Red Lobster. “Against doctor’s orders, Bruce drove two hours to visit me at college, right after getting out of surgery,” Angela says. “He was in pain and wearing a cast on his face, but it didn’t steal his confidence and he never complained!”

Although the blue and orange color scheme was allegedly Bruce’s idea, Angela liked that the unusual combination echoed the couple’s relationship: traditional elegance plus fun.

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ON LOCATION Angela and Bruce loved the idea of getting married in their hometown of Easton. When they toured venues, the Tidewater Inn stood out with its traditional beauty and impressive menu. But there was also a personal component to their decision: The Tidewater Inn marked the beginning of everything, as one of the settings for the independent film that brought them together.

A WIZARD WEDDING As dedicated Potterheads, Angela and Bruce have collected a lot of Hogwarts paraphernalia over the years. “Our favorite place to vacation is the Wizarding World at Universal Studios,” Angela explains, and “[The Harry Potter series] are our favorite books and movies.” So really, incorporating the Boy Who Lived into their wedding day decor was a no-brainer; they already had all the props for the themed wedding. The Sorting Hat directed guests to their table, the Marauder’s Map was their guestbook, and Hedwig collected cards and gifts.

Angela and Bruce even had a table with a deluminator where guests were prompted to supply advice and “help the newlyweds light the way to a happy marriage.”

Food was a huge priority for Angela and Bruce, and they had the tantalizing menu to prove it, from a wedged pear, brie, and almond salad to a petite filet mignon with wild mushrooms and caramelized onions.

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REAL WEDDINGS

TABLE TRIVIA One of Angela’s favorite details from her wedding was the custom table signs, which highlighted milestones in the couple’s relationship. For example, their “Poker Table” referred to how their friendship first formed as poker buddies. “Magic Table” hinted at the way Bruce first told Angela he loved her: through a magic trick.

THE DETAILS BRIDE’S GOWN: STELL A YORK BRIDE’S HAIR & MAKEUP: STUDIO TWO SALON DESSERTS: JULIE BAKES FLORALS: SEASONAL FLOWERS I N V I TAT I O N S : B A S I C I N V I T E M E N ’ S AT T I R E : J O S . A . B A N K (G R O O M S M E N ) M E N ’ S W E A R H O U S E (G R O O M ) MUSIC AND PHOTOBOOTH: HESSON E N T E R TA I N M E N T O F F I C I A N T: PA S T O R D A N Z O L L I N H O F E R PHOTOGRAPHER: ELIZABETH MAE PHOTOGRAPHY RINGS: JARED See our Ultimate Wedding Guide on page 84 for more vendor information.

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REAL WEDDINGS

AN AUTUMN SOIREE WITH DUAL CITIZENSHIP

WEDDING DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2019 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 75

Amanda Hurlbutt + Jesper Helin William Paca House & Gardens | Carly Fuller Photography

HIS & HER COCKTAILS: ELDERFLOWER GIN AND TONIC & APPLE CIDER BOURBON PUNCH DIY DETAIL: WOODEN PEG DOLL CAKE TOPPERS

TAKE A CHANCE ON ME During her junior year of college, Amanda studied abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. One evening, as the spring semester was drawing to a close, she went with some friends to an outdoor nightclub. On the dance floor, she noticed a handsome, bespectacled Swede, who was a good foot taller than her. Would the height difference be awkward for dancing, she wondered? Not a chance! A few songs later, Jesper grabbed her hand and the pair spent the rest of the evening strolling around the city.

GOING THE DISTANCE With Amanda due to return to the U.S. a mere two weeks after their first meeting, the couple couldn’t afford to waste any time getting to know one another.

The dating culture in Sweden is pretty unstructured, so for their first date, they met up for pizza and a romcom, the theme of which was, ironically, long-distance dating.

On finding their venue, Amanda says: “As soon as we stepped off the back porch and into the gardens, Jesper and I looked at each other and said, ‘Yep, this is it!’” The couple was instantly captivated by the William Paca House, its historic Annapolis charm, and its intimate, almost magical setting.

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DRESS HUNTING Amanda’s hunt for the perfect dress began at a bridal boutique in Stockholm. Although she didn’t purchase her gown at the time, she did leave with a valuable piece of advice from her saleslady: “Searching for a wedding dress is like searching for a man. Once you find the right one, stop looking!” A month later, Amanda found her gown at Bridals by Elena, sold on the elegant bodice, cinched waist, and voluminous tulle skirt: “I loved that it was timeless, but still had a little pizzazz,” she says.

PUMPKIN SPICE SEASON In homage to their multicultural marriage, Amanda and Jesper served a mix of American comfort food and classic Swedish dishes, from fried chicken and biscuits to gravlax toasts with mustard-dill sauce.

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To find inspiration for her November wedding, all Amanda had to do was look outside. Her navy blue and orange color palette was inspired by fall hues, and she added a rustic feel to her decor with touches of white birch and pumpkin. Of course, Bill Doepkens’ flowers stole the show. “I still can’t get over how stunning the white pumpkin table arrangements were and the flower ‘disco’ ball over our dance floor (rigged with LED lighting!) gave that extra bit of wow-factor to the space,” Amanda says.

REAL WEDDINGS

A ROOTED ROMANCE Amanda and Jesper’s wedding was filled with references to their Swedish and American roots, from a white birch cake stand to corn hole boards featuring both countries’ flags. The men in the wedding party wore bow ties by Swedish designer John Henric and Amanda carried rosehips, a Swedish plant, in her bouquet.

During the ceremony, Jesper’s brother also recited the iconic “love is patient, love is kind” passage in Swedish.

Nods to Amanda’s Maryland upbringing included oyster ornament favors from Quarkn-Bach pottery and ceremony music performed by her high school flute teacher’s trio. Even the flowers had memories associated with them: As a child, Amanda visited Bill Doepken’s farm each fall to pick out mums and pumpkins, so it was fitting that he designed her table arrangements in keeping with tradition.

THE DETAILS B R I D E ’ S H A I R : V I N TA G E V E I L S BRIDES GOWN: STELL A YORK (DESIGNER), BRIDALS BY ELENA (SHOP) B R I D E ’ S J E W E L R Y: K AT E S PA D E ( E A R R I N G S ) , L I T T L E S I LV E R S H O P ( B R A C E L E T ) B R I D E ’ S M A K E U P : V I N TA G E V E I L S B R I D E ’ S J A C K E T: B C B G M A X A Z R I A BRIDE’S SHOES: SAM EDELMAN MAID OF HONOR’S DRESS: ALFRED SUNG ( D E S I G N E R ), L O R D & TAY L O R ( S H O P ) C AT E R E R : C R E AT I V E C U I S I N E S D E S S E R T S : S W E E T H E A R T S PAT I S S E R I E FAV O R S : Q U I R K-N-B A C H P O T T E R Y FLORALS: UNDER THE WILLOW AT D O E P K E N ’ S FA R M I N V I TAT I O N S : PA P E R L E S S P O S T M U S I C : C R O S S W I N D S T R I O (C E R E M O N Y + C O C K TA I L H O U R ) / T R A I L E R G R A S S O R C H E S T R A (RECEPTION) M E N ’ S AT T I R E : B O G G I M I L A N O ( S U I T S ) , J O H N HENRIC (BOW TIES) O F F I C I A N T: R E V. PAT T I S A C H S , S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H A N N A P O L I S P H O T O G R A P H E R : C A R LY F U L L E R PHOTOGRAPHY PL ANNER: BRIDE’S MOTHER, TRICIA SANBORN RINGS: RIVOIR / ENGELBERT R E N TA L S : H O N E Y W O O D R E N TA L S See our Ultimate Wedding Guide on page 84 for more vendor information.

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REAL WEDDINGS

A R O M A N T I C VA C AY AT T H E B E A C H

WEDDING DATE: AUGUST 13, 2020 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 66

Shannon Carta + Hunter Cole Chesapeake Bay Beach Club | Sarah Aaron Photography

CENTERPIECES: ROPED GLASS GLOBES FILLED WITH A WHITE CANDLE AND SEASHELLS

THE INTERVIEW Shannon and Hunter met in 2015, when he interviewed her for a job at the cyber security firm where he worked. She made a dazzling impression (not just professionally!) and got the role, which meant the pair spent the next year yukking it up as cubicle buddies. When Shannon left the company, they met up for a happy hour and finally professed their burning love for one another after the help of a few drinks.

MUSTARD BE THE ONE For their first date, they went to the Fells Point Festival in Baltimore. Shannon was starving but nervous to eat around Hunter because she has a tendency to wear her food. As they sat down to eat— Shannon with a funnel cake, Hunter with a gyro— Shannon decided to warn him of her messy ways, only to look up and discover Hunter had mustard all over his mouth. “It was that moment when I knew he was the right guy for me,” Shannon says. “We laughed so hard because it was like something out of a comedy movie.”

One of the reasons Shannon and Hunter chose to have their wedding at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club was because the venue offered a destination experience with onsite accommodation.

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REAL WEDDINGS

The highlight of the couple’s menu was their tater tot bar with crab dip, although guests also raved about the dessert spread, which included donuts and ice cream sundaes.

CCCCHANGES Shannon and Hunter were supposed to have a May wedding, but two months before their date, the pandemic threw them a curveball.

“When we were told we had to postpone to a later date, it was heartbreaking,” Shannon says. “We had waited and built up excitement for that day to marry our best friend.” But with the help of their CBBC planner Teresa Hunter, they pushed their ceremony and reception to August and cut down their guest list, which turned out to be an unexpected blessing, Shannon says. “We had 50 percent capacity and it was truly a blessing because it made our guests feel better and our wedding feel so much more intimate,” Shannon says.

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MAN’S BEST PAPER DOG Since Hunter and Shannon’s dog Ted was unable to attend their wedding, they decided to invite his cutout likeness. “I actually saw a picture of one online and couldn’t believe how real it looked,” Shannon says. “It made us feel less guilty.” Ted made all sorts of cameos throughout the wedding, from the sweetheart table to the dance floor.

FOR COUPLES PL ANNING NOW “Our advice is to stay strong. Keep your composure, lean on your significant other, and don’t forget it’s about YOU. We had been told we were selfish for having our wedding, amongst other things. What matters is that you want to get married and whoever wants to be there, will be there!

PEARL HUNTING Greenery formed the foundation of Shannon’s romantic beach wedding vision, with pops of lavender in the flowers and bridesmaids dresses. After perusing the web, she fell for a timeless Stella York gown, which she purchased at Bridals by Elena. However, finding the right pair of shoes was not nearly as easy. “I always had this vision of pearls somehow incorporated on my heels for our wedding,” Shannon explains, “but I couldn’t find anything like it at any store and even had trouble online.” She finally turned to Etsy, where she discovered Magosisters, a Greek company that makes leather sandals. “They turned out better and more comfortable than I ever expected,” she says.

THE DETAILS BRIDE’S GOWN: STELL A YORK (DESIGNER), BRIDALS BY ELENA (SHOP) B R I D E ’ S H A I R : J O R D A N T H O M A S S A L O N A N D S PA (KRIST YN EVERSON) B R I D E ’ S M A K E U P : V I N TA G E V E I L S ( A M Y W I L D ) BRIDE’S SHOES: MAGOSISTERS VIA ETSY B R I D E S M A I D D R E S S E S : D AV I D ’ S B R I D A L DESSERTS: SANDY PONY DONUTS FLORALS: RHONDA KAPL AN FLORAL DESIGN G R O O M’ S S U I T: C H R I S T O P H E R S C H A F E R C L O T H I E R I N V I TAT I O N S : S H U T T E R F LY M E N ’ S AT T I R E : M E N ’ S WA R E H O U S E M U S I C : C A N D J E N T E R TA I N M E N T A G E N C Y PHOTOGRAPHER: SARAH AARON PHOTOGRAPHY RINGS: DIAMOND CUTTERS OF MARYL AND VIDEOGRAPHER: CORK & BANNER FILMS See our Ultimate Wedding Guide on page 84 for more vendor information.

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The Ultimate

WEDDING GUIDE

WEDDING GUIDE A comprehensive listing of area venues, and other vendors you need to know

Annapolis Admiral of the Bay Annapolis; 410-263-5196 Admiralofthebay.com Max Guest Count: 225 Annapolis Bay Charters Annapolis; 1-800-991-1776 Annapolisbaycharters.net Max Guest Count: 120 Annapolis Inn 144 Prince George Street 410-295-5200; Annapolisinn.com Max Guest Count: 20 Outdoor Location: Yes (garden) Water View: No Annapolis Maritime Museum 723 Second Street 410-295-0104; Amaritime.org/rent-our-venue Max Guest Count: 170 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Annapolis Waterfront 80 Compromise Street 888-773-0786; Annapoliswaterfront.com Max Guest Count: 600 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Annapolis Wedding Chapel 1625 Old Generals Highway 410-266-1440; Annapolisweddingchapel.com Max Guest Count: 24 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Annapolis Yacht Club 2 Compromise Street 410-263-9279; Annapolisyc.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

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Wedding Venues This information was recorded at the time of publication and is subject to change.

Please contact the venue directly for specific information. Due to space constraints, only venues that advertise are guaranteed a listing.

Banneker-Douglass Museum 84 Franklin Street 410-216-6180; Bdmuseum.com Max Guest Count: 125 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Best Western 2520 Riva Road 443-837-3602; Bestwestern.com Max Guest Count: Call for details Outdoor Location: Call for details Water View: No Blackwall Hitch 400 Sixth Street 410-263-3454; Theblackwallhitch.com Max Guest Count: 45 (Gathering Room); 25 (Deck) Outdoor Location: Yes (tent available) Water View: Yes (w/out tent) Boatyard Bar and Grill 400 4th Street 410-216-6206; Boatyardbarandgrill.com Max Guest Count: 90 standing or 40 seated Outdoor Location: Seasonal Water View: No The Byzantium Event Center 2747 Riva Road 240-204-1190; Thebyzantium.org Max Guest Count: 600 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Carrol’s Creek Cafe 410 Severn Avenue 410-263-8102; Carrolscreek.com Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Chart House 300 Second Street 410-268-7166; Chart-house.com Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor Location: No Water View: Yes

NAUTICAL CHARTERS ADVERTISERS ARE LISTED IN RED

Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Philip Merrill Environmental Center 6 Herndon Avenue 410-268-8816; Cbf.org Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Crowne Plaza Annapolis Hotel 173 Jennifer Road 410-266-3131; crowneplaza.com Max Guest Count: 150-350, depending on ballroom Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Doubletree Annapolis Hotel 210 Holiday Court 410-224-3150; Annapolismeetings.com Max Guest Count: 480-700 Outdoor location: No Water view: No Eastport Yacht Club 317 First Street 410-267-0549; Eastportyc.org Max Guest Count: Indoor/120, Outdoor/500 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Couples must be members or sponsored by a member.

Governor Calvert House 58 State Circle 410-216-6320; Historicinnsofannapolis.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Graduate Annapolis 126 West Street 410-263-777 thehotelannapolis.com Max Guest Count: 500 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No

Martins Bo Brooks at the Naval Academy N*Room at the Navy*Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 511 Taylor Avenue 443-221-4051; Bobrooks.com Max guest count: 530 Outdoor location: No Water view: No Podickory Point Yacht and Beach Club 2116 Bay Front Terrace 410-757-8000; Podickorypoint.com Max Guest Count: Indoor/100, Outdoor/ Varies with tent size Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Port Annapolis Marina 7074 Bembe Beach Road 410-269-1990; Portannapolis.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes Pusser’s Caribbean Grille 80 Compromise Street 410-626-0004; Pussersusa.com Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Quiet Waters Park 600 Quiet Waters Park Road 410-222-1777; Friendsofquietwaterspark.org Max Guest Count: 75 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Reynolds Tavern 7 Church Circle 410-295-9555; Reynoldstavern.org Max Guest Count: 60 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 301 Severn Avenue 410-990-0033; Ruthschris.com Max Guest Count: 160 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Schooner Liberte Annapolis; 410-263-8234 Theliberte.com Max Guest Count: 49 Schooner Woodwind Annapolis; 410-263-1981 Schoonerwoodwind.com Max Guest Count: 48 Severn Inn 993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.

410-349-4000; Severninn.com Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes

Soaring Timbers 610 North Bestgate Road 410-919-8393; soaringtimbers.org Max Guest Count: 300 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No SpringHill Suites by Marriott 189 Admiral Cochrane Drive 443-837-3602; Marriott.com Max Guest Count: 20 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No St. John's College 60 College Avenue 410-626-2547; Sjc.edu Max Guest Count: 130 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Stanton Community Center 92 West Washington Street 410-295-5519; Annapolis.gov Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Treaty of Paris 58 State Circle 410-216-6320; Historicinnsofannapolis.com Max Guest Count: 75-80 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No USNA Alumni House/Ogle Hall 247 King George Street 410-295-4000; Usna.com Max Guest Count: 300 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Watermark Charters/ Wedding on the Bay 410-268-7601, ext. 100; Watermarkjourney.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes The Westin Annapolis 100 Westgate Circle 410-972-4300; Westinannapolis.com/weddings Max Guest Count: 400 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No West River Cruises Shady Side; 410-867-6283 Westrivercruises.com Max Guest Count: 90 Whitehall 1915 Whitehall Road 443-906-3464; Whitehallmd.com Max Guest Count: Call for details Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes William Paca House & Gardens 186 Prince George Street 410-990-4538; Annapolis.org Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No

Anne Arundel County + Adjacent Anchor Inn 7617 Water Oak Point Road, Pasadena 301-572-7744; Anchorinnmd.com Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

WEDDING GUIDE

Maryland Inn 58 State Circle 410-216-6320; Historicinnsofannapolis.com Max Guest Count: 80 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No

Atlantic Marina and Resort 2010 Knollview Drive, Pasadena 410-437-6926 Atlanticmarinasmd.com Max Guest Count: 120 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes The Blackwall Barn & Lodge 329 Gambrills Road, Gambrills 410-891-2090; Barnandlodge.com Max Guest Count: Call for details Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Café Mezzanotte 760 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park 410-647-1100; Cafemezz.com Max Guest Count: 120 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: No The Cannon Club 699 Marlboro Road, Lothian 410-343-4700; Oldsouthcountryclub.org Max Guest Count: 350 Outdoor Location: Yes (Tented) Water View: No Captain Avery Museum 1418 East West Shady Side Road 410-867-4486 Captainaverymuseum.org Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor location: Yes Water View: Yes Celebrations at the Bay 2042 Knollview Avenue, Pasadena 410-437-5711; Celebrationsatthebay.com Max Guest Count: 140 indoors/ 240 tented Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes Chartwell Golf and Country Club 1 Chartwell Drive, Severna Park 410-987-0400; Chartwellgcc.com Max Guest Count: Call for details Outdoor location: Yes Water view: No Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa 4165 Mears Avenue, Chesapeake Beach 410-257-2735 CBResortSpa.com Max Guest Count: 225 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes The Country Club at Woodmore 12320 Pleasant Prospect, Mitchellville 301-249-6100 ccwoodmore.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

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Easy!

WEDDING GUIDE

We make planning your event

Bay Ridge & Spirits has been helping plan parties for over 25 years! We can help you with parties, dinners, graduations, fundraisers, weddings, wakes, boat and yacht outings, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate events, or just about any reason to have a good time!

Local Delivery Unmatched Product Knowledge Largest Selection in the Area Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits offers everything you need for your party... except the bartender!

To start planning your next event, schedule your complimentary consultation with our new catering specialist Brandy Lynne Valdez at brandy@bayridgewine.com.

410-268-1961 111 Hillsmere Drive Annapolis, MD 21403 www.bayridgewine.com

2010, 2012-2018, 2020

Crofton Country Club 1691 Crofton Parkway, Crofton 410-721-3111; Croftonclub.com Max Guest Count: 230 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: No The Golf Club at South River 3451 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater 410-798-5865; Golfclubsr.com Max Guest Count: 150 outside; 85 inside Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes Herrington on the Bay 7151 Lake Shore Drive, North Beach 410-741-5101; HerringtonontheBay.com Max Guest Count: 350 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Historic Baldwin Hall 1358 Millersville Road, Millersville 410-923-3438; Baldwinhall.org Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Historic London Town and Gardens 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater 410-222-1919; Historiclondontown.org Max Guest Count: 225 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes The Hotel at Arundel Preserve 7795 Arundel Mills Blvd., Hanover 410-796-9830; Thehotelarundel.com Max Guest Count: 500 Outdoor location: No Water view: No Kurtz’s Beach 2070 Kurtz Avenue, Pasadena 410-255-1280; Kurtzsbeach.com Max Guest Count: 220 Outdoor Location: Yes • Water View: Yes

ExpEriEncE ThE Ebb TidE diffErEncE

prEmium QualiTy | dEdicaTEd SErvicE | locally ownEd | flawlESS prEciSion

La Fontaine Bleue 7514 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie 410-760-4115; Lafontainebleue.com Max Guest Count: 1,100 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No Lake Presidential Golf Course 3151 Presidential Golf Drive, Upper Marlboro 301-627-8577; Lakepresidential.com Max Guest Count: 175 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes Maryland Sunrise Farms 100 Dairy Lane, Gambrills 410-739-6205; Mdsunrisefarm.com Max Guest Count: 125 Outdoor Location: No Water View: No

410.827.0333 • www.ebbtidetentrentals.com providing TEnTS, TablES, chairS, lighTing and morE Serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Beyond 86

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Maryland Yacht Club 1500 Fairview Beach Road, Pasadena 410-255-4444; Mdyc.org Max Guest Count: 180 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

WEDDING GUIDE

Michael’s Eighth Avenue 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie 410-768-7901; Michaels8th.com Max Guest Count: 1,000 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Michael’s on the South River/ Mike’s Crab House 3027 Riva Road, Riva 410-956-2784; Michaelsonthesouthriver.com Max Guest Count: 180 Outdoor Location: No Water View: Yes Mount Airy Mansion 9640 Rosaryville Road, Upper Marlboro 301-856-9656 Mountairymansion.org Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Newton White Mansion 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville 301-249-2004 PGParks.com Max Guest Count: 300 Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Renditions Golf Club 1380 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville 410-798-9798; Renditionsgolf.com Max Guest Count: 170 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Running Hare Vineyard 150 Adelina Road, Prince Frederick 410-414-8486; Runningharevineyard.com Max Guest Count: 260 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: No The Town of North Beach 8916 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach 301-855-6681 northbeachmd.org Max Guest Count: NA Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Turf Valley Resort 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City 410-465-1500; Turfvalley.com Max Guest Count: Call for details Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Walden Country Club 1500 Riedel Road, Crofton 410-721-8268 Waldencountryclub.com Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No YMCA Camp Letts 4003 Camp Letts Road, Edgewater 410-919-1410; Campletts.org Max Guest Count: 350 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

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EASTERN SHORE

WEDDING GUIDE

Cecil County Kent County Chestertown Vicinity ...Treat your guests to a suite stay... ...Courtesy room blocks ...Connect with our sales team for a quote: 443-321-2500

ESCAPE WHAT’S EXPECTED SPRINGHILLSUITESANNAPOLIS.COM

The Anchorage 5667 Augustine Herman Highway,Earleville 410-275-8700; theanchorageevents.com Max Guest Count: Unlimited Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Bohemia Overlook 88 Rivers Edge Road, North East 443-877-6313; bohemiaoverlook.com Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Brittland Estates 211 Brittland Farm Lane, Chestertown 410-810-7591; Brittlandestates.com Max Guest Count: 400 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Chester River Yacht & Country Club 7738 Quaker Neck Road, Chestertown 410-778-3818; Crycc.org Max Guest Count: 140 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Great Oak Manor 10568 Cliff Road, Chestertown 410-778-5943; Greatoakmd.com Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Kent Island Yacht Club 117 Yacht Club Drive, Chester 410-643-4101; kiyc.org Max Guest Count: Call for details Water View: Yes Outdoor Location: Yes The Imperial Hotel 208 High Street, Chestertown 410-778-5000; Imperialchestertown.com Max Guest Count: 100 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No

Photographer, Mike Busada, is the center of a creative team who will ensure your wedding photography experience is amazing! We have worked with over 500 couples and our rave reviews speak for themselves. During your wedding day, we will guide and coach you when needed to help create a stress free experience for you that will allow beautiful, honest, and candid moments to happen organically.

In this time, when everybody’s so occupied with the health and well-being of their families, we are offering “micro packages” to accommodate the needs of all.

Let’s set up a time to chat about your wedding day!

www.mikebphotography.com | 443-790-3490 | mike@mikebphotography.com

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mike_busada

The Inn at Huntingfield Creek 4928 Eastern Neck Road, Rock Hall 410-639-7779; Huntingfield.com Max Guest Count: 175 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes The Inn at Mitchell House 8796 Maryland Parkway, Chestertown 410-778-6500; Innatmitchellhouse.com Max Guest Count: 100 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

Maria’s Love Point

B E D & B R E A K FA S T

KENT ISLAND, MARYLAND

WEDDING GUIDE

Moonlight Bay Inn & Marina 6002 Lawton Avenue, Rock Hall 410-639-2660; Moonlightbayinn.com Max Guest Count: 120 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Osprey Point 20786 Rock Hall Avenue, Rock Hall 410-639-2194; Ospreypoint.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Worsell Manor 555 Worsell Manor Road, Warwick 410-656-4144; worsellmanor.com Max Guest Count: 190 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No

Waterfront Weddings, Receptions & Events

Queen Anne’s Centreville Kent Island Bay Bridge Marina Yacht Club 357 Pier One Road, Stevensville 410-643-3162; baybridgemarina.com Max Guest Count: 100 Outdoor location: yes Water view: yes Bridges on Kent Narrows 321 Wells Cove Road, Grasonville 410-827-0282; Bridgesrestaurant.net Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

WWW.MARIASLOVEPOINT.COM 410.643.5054 1710 LOVE POINT RD STEVENSVILLE, MARYLAND

Est. 2007

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club 500 Marina Club Road, Stevensville 410-604-1933; Baybeachclub.com Max Guest Count: 310 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes Fisherman’s Crab Deck 3032 Kent Narrow Way South, Grasonville 410-827-6666; Crabdeck.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes Harris Crab House 433 Kent Narrow Way North, Grasonville 410-827-9500; harriscrabhouse.com Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes

Looking for a place to have your rehearsal dinner, bridal/wedding shower, anniversary/ birthday party? We welcome all types of events from Social Gatherings to Corporate Events.

357 Pier One Road Stevensville, MD 21666 410.604.0999 www.hemingwaysbaybridge.com

Waterfront Banquet Room

Holiday Inn Express 1020 Kent Narrows Road, Grasonville 1-800-652-3705; Hiexpress.com Max Guest Count: 125 Outdoor Location: No Water View: Yes Kentmorr Restaurant 910 Kentmorr Road, Stevensville 410-643-2263; Kentmorr.com Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

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WEDDING GUIDE

Kent Manor Inn 500 Kent Manor Drive, Stevensville 410-643-4242; Kentmanor.com Max Guest Count: 300 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Maria’s Love Point B&B 1710 Love Point Road, Stevensville 410-643-5054; mariaslovepoint.com Max Guest Count: 275 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Prospect Bay Country Club 311A Prospect Bay Drive West, Grasonville 410-827-6950; Prospectbaycountryclub.com Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: Yes Silver Swan Bayside & Catering 412 Congressional Drive, Stevensville 443-249-0400; Silverswanbayside.com Max Guest Count: 300 Water View: Yes Outdoor Location: Yes The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club 180 Pier One Road, Stevensville, MD 21666 410-604-5900; Baybeachclub.com Max Guest Count: 70 Outdoor location: Yes Water view: No

Let Clearscape Travel design a dream destination wedding or honeymoon you will cherish forever. As countries around the world reopen to travelers, now more than ever, it’s important to rely on travel experts who can advise where to travel and specific protocols in place for each destination. We can create a full custom itinerary complete with air, accommodations, tours and transportation, keeping your safety in mind.

Our goal is to make your destination wedding or honeymoon seamless and worry-free!

The Wye River Estate 511 Pintail Point Farm Lane, Queenstown 443-333-9931 Max Guest Count: Call for details Water View: Yes Outdoor Location: Yes

Talbot County St. Michaels Easton Vicinity Black Walnut Point Inn Bed and Breakfast 4417 Black Walnut Point Road, Tilghman 410-886-2452; blackwalnutpointinn.com Max Guest Count: Call for details Water View: Yes Outdoor Location: Yes

t

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum 213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels 410-745-4944; Cbmm.org Max Guest Count: 350 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

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Chesapeake Bay Skipjack Rebecca T. Ruark Tilghman; 410-829-3976 Skipjack.org Max Guest Count: 49

WEDDING GUIDE

The Inn at Perry Cabin 308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels 410-745-2200; Perrycabin.com Max Guest Count: 100 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Kirkland Manor 300 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels 410-745-5255; Tidewaterwedding.com Max Guest Count: 400 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Knapp’s Narrows Marina & Inn 6176 Tilghman Island Road, Tilghman 410-886-2720; Knappsnarrowsmarina.com Max Guest Count: 100 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Lady Patty Sail Charters Tilghman; 1-888-250-3030 Ladypatty.com Max Guest Count: 16 Magnolia Manor 768 Port Street, Easton 410-443-1444; magnoliamanormd.com Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Miles River Yacht Club 24750 Yacht Club Road, St. Michaels 410-745-9511; Milesriveryc.org Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water Front: Yes The Milestone Event Center & Catering 9630 Technology Drive, Easton 410-822-0100; Themilestoneeventcenter.com Max Guest Count: 275 Outdoor Location: Yes (limited) Water View: No The Oaks Waterfront Inn 25876 Royal Oak Road, Royal Oak 410-745-5053; The-oaks.com Max Guest Count: 300 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Patriot Cruises St. Michaels; 410-745-3100 Patriotcruises.com Max Guest Count: 149 Robert Morris Inn 314 North Morris Street, Oxford 410-226-5111; Robertmorrisinn.com Max Guest Count: 80 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Skipjack H.M. Kretz St. Michaels; 410-745-6080 Oystercatcher.com St. Michaels Harbour Inn 101 N. Harbor Road, St. Michaels 410-745-9001; 800-955-9001 Harbourinn.com Max Guest Count: 115 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

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WEDDING GUIDE

Pamper yourself for your special day

Tidewater Inn 101 E. Dover Street, Easton 800-237-8775; Tidewaterinn.com Max Guest Count: 250 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: No Tilghman Island Inn 21384 Coopertown Road, Tilghman 410-886-2141; Tilghmanislandinn.com Max Guest Count: 150 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

FACIALS • MASSAGES • MANICURE/PEDICURE • FULL SERVICE SALON

Ask about our FREE Wedding Consultation and our “Day of the Wedding” packages.*

Wades Point Inn on the Bay 10090 Wades Point Road, St. Michaels 410-745-2500; Wadespoint.com Max Guest Count: 125 Outdoor Location: Yes (tented) Water View: Yes Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island 21551 Chesapeake House Drive, Tilghman 877-818-1922; wylderhoteltilghmanisland.com Max Guest Count: 200 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

Our goal is to help you relax, rejuvenate, and find a sense of health and well-being before your most important day . All of our services, from the latest cuts and styles to acupuncture, are intended to relieve stress and help you feel renewed.

(410) 604-1500 | www.swancovespa.com 102 E Main St. 104 | Stevensville, MD 21666

Dorchester County Cambridge Vicinity Choptank Riverboat Cruises Hurlock; 410-943-4689 Suicide-bridge-restaurant.com Max Guest Count: 149 Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay 100 Heron Blvd., Cambridge 410-901-1234; Chesapeakebay.hyatt.com Max Guest Count: 1,000 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes Nathan of Dorchester Cambridge, 410-228-7141 Skipjack-nathan.org Max Guest Count: 20 Selina II St. Michaels; 410-726-9400 Sailselina.com Max Guest Count: 6 Suicide Bridge 6304 Suicide Bridge Road, Hurlock 410-943-4689; Suicide-bridge-restaurant.com Max Guest Count: 300 Outdoor Location: Yes Water View: Yes

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Find all of your

with our help!

This information was recorded at the time of publication and is subject to change. Please contact the vendor directly for specific information.

For more vendors please visit whatsupmag.com/weddings/vendors.

Accommodations Black Walnut Point Inn Tilghman, 410-886-2452 blackwalnutpointinn.com Graduate Annapolis Annapolis, 410-263-777 thehotelannapolis.com Historic Annapolis/ William Paca House Annapolis, 410-990-4543 annapolis.org

Carrol’s Creek Annapolis, 410-263-8102 carrolscreek.com Chesapeake Chef Service 410-828-0307 kurt@chesapeakechefs.com Crave Catering Co. Crofton, 443-302-9169 info@cravecateringco.com

Libations Bay Ridge Wine and Spirits Annapolis, 410-268-1961 bayridgewine.com

Pet Services Dogwood Acres Stevensville, 410-604-9700 dogwoodacres.com

Photography

Historic Inns of Annapolis Annapolis, 410-216-6320 historicinnsaofannapolis.com

Main + Market Annapolis, 410-626-0388 mainandmarket.com

The Hotel at Arundel Preserve Hanover, 410-796-9830 thehotelarundel.com

Royal Oak Catering 410-490-5123 royaloakcateringcompany.com

Salons + Beauty

Dance Lessons

Jackie’s Design Annapolis, 410-263-0777 jackiesdesign.com

The Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Stevensville, 410-604-5900 baybeachclub.com Kent Island Beach House Kent Island, 410-984-7618 kibeachhouse.com

whatsupmag.com/weddings/vendor

Blackwall Barn & Lodge Gambrills, 410-317-2276 barnandlodge.com

Maria’s Love Point Stevensville, 410-643-5054 mariaslovepoint.com

Annapolis Dance Academy Arnold, 410-757-8860 annapolisdanceacademy.com Arthur Murray Dance Centers Edgewater, 410-216-2427 arthurmurrayedgewater.com

Dental Care

The Oaks Waterfront Inn Royal Oak, 410-745-5053 the-oaks.com

Eastern Shore Dental Care Chester, 410-643-5500 easternshoredentalcare.com

Osprey Point Inn Rock Hall, 410-639-2194 ospreypoint.com

Events + Party Rentals

SpringHill Suites Annapolis, 443-321-2500 marriott.com/hotels/travel/ bwisu-springhill-suitesannapolis/

Eastern Shore Tents and Events Chestertown, 410-810-0686 estentsandevents.com

Tidewater Inn Easton, 800-237-8775 tidewaterinn.com The Westin Annapolis Annapolis, 410-972-4300 starwoodhotels.com

Cakes + Desserts Angyono Custom Cakes Bowie, 240-544-7880 angyonocakes.com

Caterers Be My Guest Catering Millersville, 410-987-5262 bmgcatering.com

Ebb Tide Tent and Party Rentals Queenstown, 800-675-6053 ebbtidetentrentals.com

Florists + Event Design The Flower Shop Chester, 410-604-3860 mdeasternshoreflowers.com

Jewelry Smyth Jewelers Annapolis, 443-321-0300 smythjewelers.com Zachary’s Jewelers Annapolis, 410-266-5555 zacharysjewelers.com

Mike B Photography Annapolis, 443-790-3490 mikebphotography.com

The Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Stevensville, 410-604-5900 baybeachclub.com Image Creators Salon Severna Park, 410-544-8852 imagecreatorssalonandspa.com Sadona Salon + Spa Annapolis, 410-263-1515 mysadona.com Swan Cove Spa & Salon Stevensville, 410-604-1500 swancovespa.com

Stationery Paper in the Park Severna Park, 410-544-8830 mypaperinthepark.com

Transportation Towne Transport Annapolis, 410-266-3392 townetransport.com

Travel Agencies and Tourism Clearscape Travel Arnold, 703-409-0982 clearscapetravel.com Time for Travel Davidsonville, 301-627-8890 timefortravelltd.com

WEDDING GUIDE

Wedding Vendors

Vendors We Love

CRAVE CATERING CO.

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

Annapolis Dance Academy................... 38 Arthur Murray Dance Centers.............. 25 Bay Bridge Marina Yacht Club Hemingway's Restaurant...................... 89

Your event deserves great food.

Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits...................... 86

At Crave Catering Co, we are of the belief that food should speak for itself. With the proper accents it may even shout for itself. Our menus display high quality and familiar ingredients that are shown a little love to take them over the top.

Be My Guest Catering............................ 91 Black Walnut Point Inn Bed & Breakfast ................................................. 22

We offer approachable menus that, while executed at a high level, are not unfamiliar to your guests.

With a vast amount of experience with many cuisines, we can find the fit for you.

Blackwall Barn & Lodge........................ 39 Carrol's Creek Cafe................................. 91 Chartwell Golf and Country Club.......... 92 ............................................ 42-45, 64-67, 92

Ready to book or have a question?

Reach out to our team at info@cravecateringco.com to speak with us about your event needs!

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club................. 7 ..........................................................7, 80-83 Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum... 95 ........................................................60-63, 95 Chesapeake Chef Service..................... 23 Clearscape Travel................................... 90 Crave Catering Co................................... 94 Creating Sweet Memories - Angyono Cakes........................................................ 95 Dogwood Acres...................................... 18 Eastern Shore Dental Care.................... 87 Eastern Shore Tents And Events.......... 90

At Sandals®, your No-Worry Wedding includes all the special touches of a traditional wedding with all the exotic locales of a destination wedding. Then after the vows, there’s even more wows with the most romantic Luxury Included® honeymoon on earth!

Contact Sarah Kline CRC for FREE honeymoon planning

Ebb Tide Tent Rentals............................. 86 Herrington on the Bay.............................. 8 ..........................................................8, 68-71 Historic Inns of Annapolis....................... 3

Planning a vacation, honeymoon, destination wedding or group adventure? We will create a memorable and seamless experience of a lifetime.

Hotel Annapolis - The Graduate........... 39

1251 W Central Ave Suite G-2, Davidsonville, Maryland 21035 410.798.8305 | 866.259.2066 www.timefortravelltd.com | info@timefortravelltd.com

Kent Island Beach House...................... 24

Time For Travel LTD

Image Creators Salon.......................... IFC

Kent Island Yacht Club........................... 38

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Main & Market........................................ 25 ............................................................. 25, 56 Maria's Love Point B&B........................ 89 Mike B Photography............................... 88 Osprey Point............................................ 25 Paper In The Park................................... 87

Contact to schedule an appointment: 240.544.7880 • admin@angyonocakes.com

Prospect Bay Country Club..................... 1 Royal Oaks Catering............................... 17 Sadona Salon + Spa................................. 4 Smyth Jewelers / TBC.............................. 5 Soaring Timbers Event Venue............... 22 Swan Cove Spa & Salon........................ 92 TBC Hotels - Springfield Suites Annapolis................................................. 88



Open Monday - Saturday 9am to 6pm

Glenn Dale, MD 20769 •

angyonocustomcakes •



angyono_cakes

The Flower Shop..................................... 24 The Hotel At Arundel Preserve............. 12 The Oaks Waterfront Inn.....................IBC Tidewater Inn........................................... 58 ........................................................58, 72-75 Time For Travel LTD................................. 94 Towne Transport....................................... 9 Westin Annapolis/HEI Hotels Resorts ..................................................................BC What’s Up? Bridal Expo............................ 2 Whitehall.................................................. 18 Wylder Hotel Tylghman Island.............. 24 Zacharys Jewelers................................. 11

Numbers in bold represent when advertisers are mentioned in features What’s Up? Weddings

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Mad Libs Marriage advice from the mouths of babes

In need of a hilarious activity to occupy your littlest wedding guests? Try marriage mad libs. All the parents in the room will thank you for giving them five minutes of quiet bliss, plus you’ll get a memento from your day that’s better than the top layer of your wedding cake (which definitely tasted best the day it was made, not 12 months later.)

Credit for this ingenuity goes to Allie Lonchar, a fourth-grade teacher who tied the knot at the Graduate Hotel this past November. She invited her students to share their best marriage advice and, spoiler alert, they’re going to grow up to be relationship therapists. According to Hannah: Your spouse will like it when you play games and use manners. Mary says you should make sure you always watch movies. And Skylin is the next Dr. Phil. He says the most important thing to know about getting married is Never lie to your soulmate. Amen, kids!

Photos by Heather Ryan Photography

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What’s Up? Weddings