4 minute read
Samantha Scruggs Bart Quinton Smith
WEDDING DATE: JUNE 3, 2022
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 90
FAVE BITES:
POPCORN + BOOZY SLUSHIES ABOARD THE HARBOR QUEEN PARADING DOWN PRINCE GEORGE STREET
William Paca House | Britney Clause Photography
LONDON CALLING
Although Sam hails from Maryland, she was living in London when she met Bart the modern way, on Bumble. Their chemistry was instant; holed up in a cozy Chelsea pub, they chatted for hours, sharing gin and tonics and a kiss(!) before the night was done.
THE MARYLAND PIECE OF THE PUZZLE
Sam and Bart were thrilled to show their friends and family from the UK the part of the world where Sam grew up. “We both loved the classic, colonial look of the William Paca House & Gardens (and didn’t want the party to end too early!), so we looked at where we could extend the celebration,” they said. A sunset cruise aboard the Harbor Queen was an easy decision. “It’s a true Annapolis icon! We loved the charm of the Harbor Queen, lined with life jackets along the ceiling on the bottom deck and an open top deck to enjoy the Maryland views.”
Sam and Bart thought up a savvy way of selecting their first dance song, “Itty Bitty Pretty One” by Thurston Harris. “No matter if we are in good spirits or bad moods, we often dance to this song in the kitchen!” Bart says.
ACROSS THE POND PLANNING
Planning a Maryland wedding from the UK had its challenges; Sam and Bart did many late-night calls with vendors and committed to both of their venues with only a FaceTime tour. They credit Sam’s parents for doing the physical labor of visiting venues when they could not. Their best advice? “Take each item day by day! It is all worthwhile.”
THERE’S A SQUASH IN THOSE FLOWERS
Sam favored bold colors and unconventional accents, like the fruits and vegetables she asked her godfather, Domingo Vega, to incorporate into the table arrangements. Her bridesmaids all chose vivid, patterned dresses and for party favors, the couple doled out citrus-shaped candles from Esh, a British designer that Sam loves. “It was important to us to have elements at the wedding represent our style and what we would have in our home,” Sam says. Other favorite brands that made cameos at the wedding were Matilda Goad (a giant clam shell, to hold cards), Sarah Goodwin Design (‘Q’ and ’S’ prints), and Bridie Hall (alphabet pen holder).
NO ROOM FOR THAT TRAIN
Sam tried on many dresses, but none of them had the “wow factor” she was after until she slipped on a mermaid gown from Vera Wang’s Iconic line. “It was nothing to the simple dress I had envisioned,” she says. Her second gown, the Stella gown by Bronx and Banco, was a matter of necessity when she realized her ceremony gown wouldn’t fit on the boat!
WEDDING KREWE
Sam and Bart agree that the most spectacular part of their day was the walk from the William Paca House to the Harbor Queen. Unbeknownst to their guests, they hired the Naptown Brass Band to provide a musical accompaniment as they paraded down the streets of Annapolis. “It was truly pure joy,” Sam says. “We received waves from people outside of their homes, cheers from people dining outside, and congratulations from the many boats parked along the harbor. To top it all off, it was the most perfect Annapolis sunset. The parade by Naptown Brass Band turned into an unexpected street party with all our guests involved! It was an experience to remember.”
THE DETAILS
BRIDE’S GOWN: VERA WANG (CEREMONY) + BRONX AND BANCO (RECEPTION) BRIDE’S HAIR + MAKEUP: RUMORS SALON CATERER: CREATIVE CUISINE CAKE: PATTI KAKE BAKERY ENTERTAINMENT: NAPTOWN BRASS BAND (PARADE) + TIMMIE METZ BAND/WATERSHED ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) FAVORS: ESH CANDLE FLORIST: THE BRIDE’S GODFATHER, DOMINGO VEGA GUEST BOOK: SLOANE STATIONERY OFFICIANT: VIBRANT CEREMONIES PHOTOGRAPHY: BRITNEY CLAUSE PHOTOGRAPHY RENTALS: RENTALS TO REMEMBER STATIONERY: PAPIER VENUE: WILLIAM PACA HOUSE & GARDEN (CEREMONY + DINNER) + WATERMARK JOURNEYS (RECEPTION)
