TRENDS
2022 trends to add to your wedding
AFTER THE DAY
How to use your wedding dress again and have fun doing it
VOW RENEWAL
Showcasing your love for a second time
A look at some of the area’s finest wedding venues
wedding Chesapeake Bay
PRESIDENT
chesapeakebaywedding.com
Somany wedding venues are chosen because they are scenic. An ideal place on the mountain, by the water, or in a fancy country club. How many more venues are selected because of the historical significance? George and Martha Washington got married there. Magellan landed here. You get the drift. It could also be a place of historical value to you personally. Your parents got married there or you grew up going to church there.
Jim Normandin
jim.normandin@adamspg.com
PUBLISHER
Betsy Griffin
bgriffin@chespub.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Eli Wohlenhaus
ewohlenhaus@chespub.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Quinn jquinn@chespub.com
ADVERTISING
William Cotter wcotter@chespub.com
Brook Ash bash@chespub.com
Michelle Wagner mwagner@chespub.com
CIRCULATION
Chad Campbell
ccampbell@chespub.com
Scalped Salon and spa is a premier salon and spa located in Prince Frederick, Maryland. With atalented team of hairstylists and make-up artists, Scalped Salon and Spa offers the most up to date hairstyles and make-up applications for Brides, Bridesmaids and Mothers. From glamorous to natural –looking, Scalped Salon and Spa achieves alook for your unique style. The accomplished team from Scalped Salon will travel to you for your big day.Just let them know and they will pack up everything and bring it to you. Go to www.scalpedsalonandspa to check out their website. Youcan also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.
No matter the reason for your selection of the venue, it probably carries one of those two traits.
But what if you could have both?
As we have continued our journey across the Chesapeake landscape, what we’ve discovered is our wedding venues are packed with historical significance and are indescribably beautiful. When our team toured Oxon Hill Manor before the cover shoot, the wonderful people at the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation captivated us with the story of its past, then our jaws dropped when we went to the backyard and saw the Potomac River and the outline of Alexandria, Va.
It is a common thread in the Delmarva region — a building or parcel of land holds that special place in our nation’s history but also is surrounded by lush greenery and waterways. Guess that’s why we are the Chesapeake Bay Wedding magazine, huh?
Perhaps the other best part of our quest across the Chesapeake wedding scene has been the magic we get to see in the couples who model for us. The genuine feel our venues and vendors bring to these shoots magnify the love that’s in the air.
And what else can we say other than we love the love!
Enjoy this edition and please feel free to share your feedback — and wedding dreams! — with us.
CONTRIBUTING CONTENT CREATORS
Caroline Shively Sucher, Jennifer Quinn, Laura Olson, Manning Lee, Denise Lew
DISTRIBUTION:
Chesapeake Bay Wedding will help couples plan their special destination wedding around the Bay.
13,000
Target dropped in high traffic locations.
3,100 home delivery inserted in the Cecil Whig.
chesapeakebaywedding.com
Queen Annes
Talbot
Caroline
Dorchester Kent Cecil
Newark
Baltimore
Charles
Prince George’s
Anne Arundel
St. Mary’s
Calvert
52,000 emails sent to couples and bride’s mothers residing in the Washington DC and Baltimore area who have asked for information on Chesapeake Bay weddings
Full list can be viewed at
Eli Wohlenhaus
Harford
About the Cover
BY ELI WOHLENHAUS
STYLED SHOOT | PHOTOS BY IN HIS GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
LOCATION: OXON HILL MANOR | OXON HILL, MD
Perhaps better than any state, Maryland cannot be rivaled when it comes to having beautiful gems nestled quietly between all the hustle and bustle. In Oxon Hill — less than 2.5 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and across the street from a premier outlet mall — stands Oxon Hill Manor.
Since 1711, a mansion has stood on these grounds that neighbor the Potomac River. A fire in 1895 burned the original mansion and ownership has changed hands many times, but in 1976 the Manor came under control of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
LOCATION
Oxon Hill Manor
6901 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
PLANNER & DESIGNER
Christina D. Maddox
Heaven Sent Weddings heavensentweddings.com 267-334-0301
PHOTOGRAPHER
Laura Olson In His Grace Photography inhisgracephotography.com laura@inhisgracephotography.com
HAIR
Amber Gray OHH My Hair 215-554-1806
MAKEUP
Tanya Robinson TDR Makeup 267-861-8823
DRESS
Betsy Robinson robinsonsbridal.com 410-484-4600
TUX
Matthew’s Formal Wear - Tailors matthewsformalwear.com
RENTALS
Honeywood Rentals honeywoodrentals.com 443-906-3994
FLORALS
Potomac Floral Studio potomacfloraldesign.com 301-934-1000
CAKE
Sweet Bobby Cake Creations sweetbobbies.business.site 301-793-4874
STATIONARY
Turnage and Watts turnageandwatts.com
FOOD
Harborside Hotel harboursidehotel.net 301-749-9400
By 1978, it became listed under the National Register of Historic Places. Shortly thereafter, the Oxon Hill Manor Foundation was leased 15 acres and the site of the house where it stands now. Restoration immediately began and it has been open to the public since 1982.
The beautiful landscaping is an open invitation to springtime, with the English gardens, rose bushes, reflecting pool and stunning view of the river.
Oxon Hill Manor balances its history and beauty with a modern appeal for soonto-be-weds. For models Jason and Amy Brown of Easton, Md., it was the idyllic place to revisit their love story.
In 2007, Amy went to the Talbot Country Club for a traditional gathering with other teachers, which she was at the time. As luck would have it, a friend of a friend in the group would show up and the relationship “teed off.” That man was Jason.
Golf would become a regular part of their life together. For Amy it was a continuation of something she started while at McDaniel College, where she was a member of the school’s team. For Jason, it became a necessary respite from his job as a Certified Public Accountant where he is a “workaholic” as described by Amy.
The Talbot Country Club wasn’t done playing a part in the lives of the two lovebirds, however, as it played host to the Browns’ wedding reception.
Despite the parents of 3 having never done any kind of modeling before, Amy felt right at home in the English gardens. Now an entrepreneur, Amy owns and runs Garden Treasures in Easton — “The Eastern Shore’s Boutique Garden Center & Gift Shop.”
She also was able to feel right at home in her dress as it was the same one she wore back in 2010 when Jason and her officially said “I do.”
Despite the Browns not being used to any kind of modeling, the stage was set by Christina Maddox of Heaven Sent Weddings. For Maddox and her team, Amber Gray of OHH My Hair and Tanya Robinson of TDR Makeup knew just what to do to match the style of the historic mansion and grounds.
To further match the aesthetic of Oxon Hill Manor, stationery was done by Cari Colclough of Turnage and Watts in Kent Island. To tie it all together was the aptly-designed golf cake by Sweet Bobbies Cake Creations out of Cheverly.
With spring in the air and a spring in his step, Jason donned a tuxedo from Matthews Formal Wear of Wilmington, Del.
With hair and makeup done and the grounds prepped thanks to Sharon Williams, the facility director of Oxon Hill Manor, Laura Olson of In His Grace Photography got to work bringing our magazine to life once again.
Photo Contest Superlatives
Check out
WinterLindsey & Ben
OCTOBER
A Chat with
DJ Jimmy T
WHAT GOT YOU INTO THIS BUSINESS?
QI began DJing around the age of 16, because music has always been a passion of mine. In 2014, I rediscovered music and bought my first computer DJ program. I wanted to learn the ins and outs of new style of DJing, since I had originally learned with turntables. I became passionate about the industry, so much that I wanted to pursue it professionally! Since then, I hand-selected my team, and won The Knot Best of Weddings for 4 years in a row (less than 3% of DJs are nominated for this distinguished accolade each year). In addition, we were inducted into The Knot’s Best of Weddings Hall of Fame in 2021, and received the Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice for 6 Years in a Row!! We’re the top award winners of both planning sites used by newly engaged couples.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC?
My favorite type of music is freestyle and old school rap.
TOP 5 SONGS for specialyour dances
WHAT AREAS OR REGIONS DO YOU SERVE?
Our Northern Office serves Washington, D.C., to New York, NY and our southern office serves Sarasota and the Gulf Coast of Florida.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR TEAM AND WHAT DO THEY DO THAT IS SPECIAL?
We have eight DJs and five photo booth attendants. Our team are real crowd pleasers, and their personalities, along with their music selections really get the audiences and guests moving! Hence our slogan, DJ Jimmy T Entertainment will have you “Dancing Like No One is Watching.”
WHAT IS A GOAL YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
Eventually, I would like to take more of a management role. I would love to have the capacity to mentor our up and coming talent, while mixing in an additional focus to our production side of the house.
MOTHER SON DANCE
RASCAL FLATTS - MY WISH
LYNYRD SKYNYRD/SHINEDOWN - SIMPLE MAN
TIM MCGRAW - HUMBLE AND KIND
LOUIS ARMSTRONG - WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
PHIL COLLINS - YOU’LL BE IN MY HEART FATHER DAUGHTER
HEARTLAND - I LOVED HER FIRST
TIM MCGRAW - MY LITTLE GIRL
BOB CARLISLE - BUTTERFLY KISSES
TEMPTATIONS - MY GIRL
RASCAL FLATTS - MY WISH
SLOW DANCES
ALAN JACKSON - REMEMBER WHEN ELVIS PRESLEY - CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE
FRANK SINATRA - THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT
SHANIA TWAIN - YOU’RE STILL THE ONE
ED SHEERAN - THINKING OUT LOUD FAST
DANCES
WALK THE MOON - SHUT UP AND DANCE
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!
BLACK EYED PEAS - I GOTTA FEELING
MARK RONSON FEATURING BRUNO MARSUPTOWN FUNK
WHITNEY HOUSTON - I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (WHO LOVES ME)
Check out the playlist on Spotify
BY MANNING LEE
The wedding was beautiful, yet simple. The bride and groom exchanged nuptials as planned. The guests delighted at the elegance of the night, but now the wedding is over. The question is age-old, “What do I want to do with my dress?”
Traditionally, wedding dresses are considered keepsakes and taken to dry cleaners specializing in dress storage for perfect preservation. Brides often wish to save dresses for future daughters to walk down the aisle. Brides who do not want to go through the hassle of preserving their dresses donate or consign them for reuse.
A different option for brides is a concept called “Trash that Dress.” At first glance, this idea seems wasteful, and perhaps even at a second glance, it does as well. Why would any bride dare to trash her wedding dress? Wedding dresses are supposed to be a keepsake from the best day of her life. Ruining a wedding dress exacts emotional responses from women of any generation.
“Trash that Dress” offers a unique opportunity for brides to wear their gowns again, but this time in a less restrictive atmosphere. Since the pre-wedding and day of photo sessions are about posed shots taken in pristine environments, “Trash that Dress” is a freeing experience, allowing the couples to let their hair down and flex some creative muscle. It can be whimsical, fun, and dirty. The type of photos from this shoot is limited only by their limited imagination.
Yun and her husband, Jeff Matson, chose Laura Olson from In His Grace Photography to shoot their wedding. Olson understood that Yun was looking for beautiful wedding photos, but she also understood that Yun wanted more.
“My dress was for me just for the moment”
“I wanted something more than just the photos that everyone else had. I found it difficult to describe what it was that I did want,” said Yun. Olson knew that Yun and her husband would love the iconic images she captured at additional photo shoots after weddings. “I was the first one of my friends to do a ‘Trash that Dress’ photo shoot,” said Yun.
Even though the name depicts the destruction of the dress, the photoshoot objective is not to ruin the gowns. To assume that is the goal is missing the point. The idea behind ‘Trash that Dress’, is to extract just a little more from the whole affair, a once-in-a-lifetime event. It is a time for the bride to exert a little Carpe Diem Swag simply by going out and creating the most epic artwork that other brides will not go the extra mile to achieve. Each shoot mirrors the personality of the bride. It just so happens that while seeking these shots, the dress ends up paying the ultimate price.
Olson’s “Trash that Dress” photoshoot brought Yun and her husband Jeff from Laurel to Easton two months after the wedding. Yun put on the dress, and off they went. They were in search of the perfect pictures. Yun was not concerned about the fate of her dress, “Who is going to wear a dress twenty years old unless you drastically alter it. They get outdated from one generation to the next. Once I was in Monaco. I saw Princess Grace’s wedding dress in a museum. I would have loved to have worn that wedding dress as a handme-down dress. It was gorgeous, but my dress was from a trendy designer. Why would I worry about passing it down to my children? At the time, I did not even know if I would even have children, much less a daughter. I decided that my dress was for me just for the moment,” said Yun.
Top Spots for Trash the Dress Photo Shoots:
DANCE ON THE BEACH JOINING WILDLIFE GO UNDERWATER
EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH PAINTS CLIMB A FAVORITE TREE IN THE FOREST GO SWIMMING IN A POOL DIP YOUR FEET ON THE LAKE OFF A PIER WALK ON THE RAILROAD
PHOTOS BY IN HIS GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
“On the day of the shoot, Olson took us to an abandoned railroad track used as an exercise path. Then we found an old, abandoned railroad bridge. I remember Laura climbed up and every which way to get all the right shots. My favorite spot was at a pond in town,” she described.
Olson said of Yun, “What is interesting about So is that she was such a girly girl. She has a natural aversion to touching dirt and bacteria. The water and the slime in the pond disgusted her, but Yun stayed focused on getting the perfect shots. She was heroic as she stayed in that water for about an hour,” said Olson. Yun added, “My favorite shots were as I was stepping into the water. Olson got a few shots of my face. The water was greener, slimier, and murkier than I thought it should have been. It was so gross, but those candid shots of my face were hilarious and still remind me of how disgusting it was.” She added, “I think that the shots on the tree are beautiful, but the ones in the water are my favorite. They make it look like I was in the jungle of the South Pacific even though we were just in town. I threw that dress away because it was ‘trashed’. I would do it again just to get the photos. I love them.”
John and Tina Parks did the ‘Trash that Dress’ photoshoot on their first wedding anniversary. “Somehow, I ended up with two wedding dresses. Olson suggested that we do a ‘Trash that Dress’ shoot with the dress that I did not use for my ceremony,” said Parks. “We did a shoot at a barn on the Eastern Shore where I keep my horses. John and I thought it was a great idea to incorporate a horse and our dogs into the photoshoot. Everyone thought it was a great idea, but perhaps it was because I had the two dresses. I was not worried about trashing my second dress,” she added.
“My ‘Trash that Dress’ shoot was a lot of fun. Olson’s style of photography is so creative. She captured so many great shots. There is a great series of photos with John and me and our dogs in the barn that I loved. I also loved the more artistic shots where I was on my horse. The only things in that photo are the tulle of my dress and my paddock boots,” Parks remarked. Olson said of the Park’s photoshoot, “I thought the photoshoot turned out great,
but I remember how I was not sure the horse would let Tina on its back with that big wedding dress on, but he warmed up to it.”
Maybe a “Trash that Dress” photoshoot is not for everyone, but if the conditions are right, why not? It is the perfect way to illustrate the tale of how brides live ‘happily ever after’ for generations.
Today, So Yun is pregnant with her second baby. She returned with photographer Laura Olson to the original location of her “Trash that Dress” photoshoot to celebrate her ever-growing belly. For her second pregnancy, she intends to return for the third time.
“I hope to take my son with me for the second pregnancy shoot and get a few pictures of us together,” Yun described. “As my children grow, these images will tell the story of how happy we were at this time in our lives.” CBW
THE CANNERY at Blackwater
2524 KEY WALLACE DRIVE, CAMBRIDGE, MD 211613
“THE CANNERY - EMBRACING NATURE AND HISTORY” BY DENISE LEW
Nestled in the beautiful Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County, the Cannery is a new wedding venue for nature loving enthusiasts. Nicknamed the “Everglades of the North,” the Refuge is a popular destination for tourists. Kayaking, biking and exploring the vast landscape of wetlands, forests, and wildlife are just some of many possible outdoor activities. The Refuge is the largest breeding ground for American bald eagles on the East Coast, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Cannery was born out of Blackwater Paddle and Pedal Adventures (Blackwater Adventures), a popular outfitting business founded in 2002 by husband and wife team Jay and Susan Meredith. In nearby Bucktown, Jay’s ancestors had owned farmland, a schooner and a general store since the 19th century.
“Jay and I rode by the Cannery for years dreaming of our first location on the Little Blackwater River and envisioning family, friends and lovers exploring these quiet and peaceful rivers and roads, being captivated by the serine animal calls and beauty of the marshes,” said Susan. “This is a place where wildlife is abundant, humans are few and adventure is waiting, whether it is a guided or self-guided bike, kayak tour or a guided fishing excursion.”
In 2002, Jay and Susan finally embarked on their lifelong dream of re-establishing their roots in Bucktown.
“They rented bikes and kayaks out of an old general store in Dorchester County that was owned by my great, great,
grandparents and now, generations later, my parents,” said Matt Meredith, their son and the operations manager. “Over the years our commitment to the area has blossomed into several other business opportunities, including The Cannery. The old general store happened to be a historic site, where female abolitionist Harriet Tubman was severely injured while defending another slave from an overseer. The Merediths restored the store into a museum, which will be open to visitors daily this spring.
Eventually, The Cannery emerged out of Blackwater Adventure’s flagship location on the Blackwater River. The distinct, white building had begun as a tomato cannery in the 1930s. Today, it consists of two large adjoined warehouses and offers couples the flexibility to host small to large weddings both inside and outside.
“With the building’s location on the waterfront, west facing views of the sunset, and open space industrial architecture, the use as a wedding venue just came naturally,” said Matt.
“Our realization of The Cannery being an event venue started with my daughter Kacey’s wedding. Seeing the beauty of the surroundings — the river, fields and forests made for a very beautiful backdrop and did not require all of the expenses of trying to create a theme for the day,” Susan explained.
A few adventurous couples have already wedded at The Cannery with great success. For Ginni Wingate, it was
love at first sight. While driving by the location one evening, she was awestruck by the large rustic hall.
“Located on the Blackwater River, with a small pond that cuts into the property, beautiful trees and the building is rustic with a commercial feel with a giant covered porch area… it is absolutely gorgeous. The greatest thing was the exposed wood rafters of the ceiling,” said Ginni.
Impressed by the simple yet picturesque location, Ginni and her husband Matt tied the knot at the Cannery last October.
“My favorite memory was the few spare minutes I had prior to getting ready and swinging (on the swing) under the tree right by the pond,” Ginni said. “The water was sparkling, the wind was blowing my hair, and I had just those few minutes to stop and just enjoy my time there.”
Even though Mother Nature did not cooperate, the couple was able to hold their ceremony and reception at the main hall.
“Any bride would be lucky to get married at this venue. There are a lot of ‘barn’ style wedding venues around the area nowadays, but we wanted something with more history, more personalization, a family feel, and that’s exactly what we got,” said Ginni. “We received so many compliments.”
In November, Hannah and Elijah Bethel also wed at The Cannery. The venue embraced their East Coast roots with its rich history and naturesque setting.
“Our favorite spot is the small beach,” Hannah recalled. “We both said our forever vows with the sunset and river as the perfect backdrop.”
The Cannery is versatile in providing guests with a variety of options. Bridal parties can use the building’s rooms to get ready prior to the ceremony. Decked with magnificent exposed wood rafters, the main hall affords ample space for a ceremony, reception and dance floor. A large awning covers an expansive patio with a full-sized vintage sailboat.
Down by the waterfront, couples can also exchange vows or take photos.
“The location has a small duck pond that cuts into the property and comes to a point, which makes for beautiful sunset photos,” Ginni described.
This year, Blackwater Adventures celebrates its 20th anniversary over Memorial Day weekend. The Cannery is available for bookings through 2023.
As life comes full circle, co-founder Susan and her daughter Kacey Meredith are excited about what lies in store for The Cannery.
“Our family sees great value in life in making memories with family and friends,” she said. “We are committed to providing a beautiful landscape for couples and their loved ones to start their new lives together.”
“My hopes for the future of The Cannery is that it will be a place where cherished memories are continued to be made and visions become reality for every bride that chooses this one of a kind, breathtaking venue,” Kacey said.
For more information on booking a wedding reservation or visiting The Cannery, visit https://blackwateradventuresmd.com/
21 Years Planning perfect events & vacations
21 Years of experience as a full service wedding, destination and event consulting company has afforded Heaven Sent Wedding Consultants & Travel Agency a comprehensive understanding into just what it takes to make a special day truly spectacular. At the head of the team is Christina D. Maddox, the company’s founder, owner, licensed and certified destination wedding planner, as well as a licensed and insured international travel advisor.
Maddox is a Temple University Alumni, certified interior designer and Delaware State Director of the National Association of Bridal Consultants and co-host of the talk show ‘Reality Takes 2.’ She was also inducted into the International Society of Female Professional September of 2020.
Maddox’s prestigious background vision and passion for creating fantastic matrimonial events is reflected in her team of creative professionals each with a unique background that allows them to offer unique services to each client.
As founder and head of the company, Maddox sets the tone for exactly what each couple can expect when enlisting their services: An exceptional mix of expertise, precedent, creativity, and dedication. These are crucial ingredients that she uses in turning dream weddings into a reality.
Making dreams a reality, Heaven Sent Wedding Consultants & Travel Agency is a holistic provider of destination wedding and event management services in the tri-state and DMV area. The sense of personalized care is upheld by each member of Team Heaven Sent. The team touts several masters degrees and ordained reverends, too.
Featured over many years in local press as well as on Lifetime TV, Heaven Sent Wedding Consultants & Travel Agency has earned a reputation for excellence underpinned by a sense of personal investment in each event they curate. Able to cater to everything from destination wedding planning, honeymoon planning, bridal showers, RSVP’s tracking and more, they ensure the special day and every day leading up to it offers a sense of romantic perfection.
TOP 7 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS From Christina
1. START WEDDING PLANNING EARLY
2. NAIL DOWN THE BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING
3. FIND AN EXPERIENCED & TRUSTED WEDDING PLANNER
4. BE SELECTIVE WITH THE GUEST LIST
5. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PLAN B
6. PICK YOUR BRIDAL PARTY THAT HAS YOUR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND
7. CHOOSE THE BEST VENDORS YOUR WEDDING PLANNER HAS THE RELATIONSHIP WITH. IT WILL SAVE YOU $$$ IN THE LONG RUN
To connect with Christina:
Call 267-334-0301
Email info@heavensentweddings.com Or go to www.heavensetnweddings.com
THE WELLWOOD Charlestown, MD
523 WATER STREET, CHARLESTOWN, MD 21914 WELLWOODWEDDING.COM
The Wellwood is a “beautiful waterview venue” and “delivers elegant dining for weeknights, weekends, special occasions and more.”
It is located in historic downtown Charlestown, located in Cecil County. It promises to “enhance the experience of your vows’’ with its “private estate Eagle Point featuring an intimate waterfront ceremony site with a beautifully staged seating arrangement on the bank of the North East River.”
“‘Customized’ is a word we use to describe events at the Wellwood, but it isn’t just a word to us: It’s an attitude,” the Wellwood has written on its Facebook page.
In the Late 1800’s, The Wellwood Club was originally a private Hunting and Fishing Club that was established as “An organization of optimists and humanitarians in the broadest sense. Its purpose is to promote the ‘happy’ habit; to reduce the friction of life to a minimum and increase the pleasure of existence to the maximum; to discourage strife and promote good fellowship.”
Later, The Wellwood became a private Country & Yacht Club, which included a 9-hole golf course, a duck pond, gardens, swimming pool and a 3-story dormitory building. Past members and visitors to The Wellwood included many past politicians and businessmen (local and national) that included Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Joseph Cannon. The wooden eagle featured in the restaurant was part of a hand carved bar that was said to have been donated to The Wellwood by President Roosevelt.
Many distinguished personages such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and the great American artist Charles Willson Peale frequented the Town. Washington recorded at least two occasions in which he dined and stayed in Charlestown. Other distinguished Charlestown residents included John Paca, the brother of William Paca and George Read, the father of Charles Read. Both men were signers of the Declaration of Independence.
eagle point
Showcase your Love Story
A vow renewal
By Caroline Shively Sucher
Photos by Jillian McQuerrey
When Skye Williams married Corey Banaszak at the courthouse in a two-minute ceremony in 2010, she promised herself they would do it up right with a vow renewal on their first anniversary.
A year later, life got in the way in the form of a very large baby bump, so they rescheduled it for their five-year anniversary.
But by 2015, another baby was about to arrive.
Skye just laughed and pushed it off again until their ten-year anniversary. In the Spring of 2020, everything was in place – venue, dress, 100+ guest list.
Then she got the phone call from her doctor. No laughing this time.
It was cancer. Then chemotherapy.
Skye remembers those dark days. “Most of my breast cancer treatment was in the hospital. I had to stay overnight because your body is shutting down because of the chemo. Treatment makes you feel groggy and takes a lot out of you and I didn’t want to have my ceremony and feel crappy.”
So, her dreams got put off. Again.
By then, the Covid pandemic was growing, and they couldn’t just put it off by a few months, they had to push it out a full year.
Finally, they set a new date – May 21, 2021.
Skye planned everything herself, from the table decorations to the flowers. She learned so much from the experience, she now wants to be a wedding and vow renewal planner. The two ceremonies are very similar, but they have some subtle differences.
“celebrate your love and to showcase your love story.”
“It’s usually at least 30 minutes for a wedding ceremony. We were done in 10 to 15 minutes and there was no ring exchange. We thought, ‘Hey we’re here to celebrate our love and what we’ve overcome and that we’re still hanging in strong.’ You don’t have to have an officiant. You can create it to be whatever you want. You can do it big, or you can do it small.”
Terry Kaye, owner, and lead planner of Terry Kaye Events, says all couples can apply that lesson. “Try to make the event a reflection of both you and your partner. Enjoy creating new memories and new traditions,” she advises. “Vow renewals are a beautiful way to recommit to your partner. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate your love and to showcase your love story.”
That was exactly what Skye had planned, while still making room for surprises. The morning of the big day, she woke up to her seven-year-old daughter Aurora yelling, “I have a loose tooth!”
Eleven years ago, Skye might have worried about a tooth gap in the official photos, but not in 2021. Not after
everything they’d gone through to get to this moment. They yanked the tooth out together.
Aurora was delighted. “This is going to be an awesome day!” she said. “I’m going to get money from the tooth fairy and cake!”
She and her sisters, Luna, 10, and Nova, 5, were all flower girls.
“They were wonderful. They were really good. My youngest was very upset at the altar because to get her up there, I told her there was candy and gum at the end of the aisle.”
There wasn’t.
After everyone walked up the aisle, the couple recited the vows they had written themselves at Herrington on the Bay in North Beach, MD. At the last minute, Skye decided to wing her vows while Corey went all in.
“My husband is very poetic,” Skye explains. “He had everyone crying during our vows. Usually, he hardly shows any emotions, then he let this out. I thought, ‘We’re already married, dude. We’re 12 years in and you have all this emotion pent up inside?’ Every one of his words was so deep. People gave it a ten out of ten.”
They had a friend as an officiant at the outdoor affair and then had one heck of a party with family and friends. Skye had done all the planning and the decorating herself based off of Pinterest and YouTube videos, while Corey had built a photo booth the night before.
Skye had always planned to have her first dance with her mother, but she had passed away in 2020, so Skye danced with her grandmother while images of her mom played on a screen behind them. As the music played, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
“I was kind of whimpering myself,” Skye admits.
From there, the couple had everything they’d missed with that courthouse wedding, a bouquet toss, food, and dancing, surrounded by a hundred friends.
Eleven years, three kids, and a full life later, Skye says this vow renewal meant so much more to her than a wedding would have.
“You go through so much. you’re recommitting yourself to your partner. Nothing else matters.”
Q&A Vow Renewal with Terry
HOW IS A VOW RENEWAL CEREMONY DIFFERENT FROM A WEDDING?
The biggest difference is that you are already legally married. You don’t have to purchase a marriage license or hire a legal officiant (all states vary with officiant requirements). It takes the legalities out of it which leaves more room for fun!
WHAT ARE SOME SWEET TOUCHES THAT YOU CAN PUT IN A VOW RENEWAL CEREMONY?
Kaye of Terry Kaye Events
Gift registries may feel a bit taboo but offering options to guests not only benefits the couple, but also the gift giver. Finding the perfect gift can be stressful so I really appreciate a gift registry- it takes the guessing out of gifting.
Some couples truly do not want gifts. Rather than saying “no gifts please,” offer up your favorite charity. Again, most guests will want to bring a gift even if you say, “no gifts.” For destination renewals, the couple may share that traveling on their behalf is a gift enough.
THE BLACKWALL BARN & LODGE
Vow renewals are so personalized. It is a celebration of your life together which means you have a lot of personal touches to share. They can also become a celebration of the family you created together. Many couples include their children in their vow renewal ceremonies. Other sweet touches to incorporate are past weddings photos, repurposing your original cake topper/champagne flutes, including your pets, inviting your original wedding party to attend, video montage of your life together, wearing your original veil or dress and recreating your original bouquet.
Some renewals are an opportunity for a total wedding do over. Tastes have changed, styles have changed, etc…
WHAT IS INAPPROPRIATE? CAN YOU ASK FOR GIFTS? IS A DESTINATION VOW RENEWAL APPROPRIATE?
Etiquette has changed over the years with weddings and events. It is no longer taboo to expect/asks for gifts especially if you are spoiling your guests with an epic party and delightful dinner. I personally love the art of gift giving as it doesn’t have to be expensive- but it should be thoughtful and personal.
I would think most guests would want to express their gratitude for being included and giving a gift would be a natural gesture. I think the difficult question is what do you get from the couple who has everything?
Vow renewals can be quite simple to quite extravagant and it is up to the couple to communicate their expectations to their guests. For destination events, a full itinerary of activities, out of pocket costs, and expectations on attire should be shared with all guests prior to traveling. Many destination renewals include much more than the “wedding day” so communication is key to a successful renewal.
WHAT ABOUT AN OFFICIANT? IT’S NOT LEGALLY BINDING SO CAN YOU JUST GET ANYONE?
A legal officiant is not required for a vow renewal but choosing the right person to “officiate” your renewal is critical. I have many clients share with me that their “friends” are going to perform their ceremony because they “speak in front of crowds all the time.” Public speaking skills are helpful, but it doesn’t mean they can deliver a personalized vow renewal that reflects your life together. It can take time to perfect your renewal script so ensure you choose the right person to deliver your love story.
SHOULD YOU HIRE A PLANNER FOR YOUR VOW RENEWAL CEREMONY?
Just like planning a wedding, planning your vow renewal can become stressful and overwhelmingthere are a lot of moving parts. Always hire qualified vendors and if your budget allows, consider hiring a wedding planner. Planners will likely save you time, money and will keep the planning on track. On the day of, they will ensure your renewal goes off without a hitch.
The Proposal
We got engaged in Solomons Island, Maryland outside of a place that was very special to my dad and to me. It was supposed to be a casual night out for dinner, so I was completely surprised when Craig popped the question! The surprise didn’t stop there … when we returned to my mom’s house a big group of family was there to celebrate us (including my sister who flew in from Arizona!).
How We Met:
Craig is from Manchester, England and I’m from a little town in Southern Maryland. We both ended up working for a Fortune 500 company. We bumped into each other a few times, in New York and Paris, but it was never more than a passing hello. In late 2017, I was living in Arizona helping take care of my dad who had cancer. A couple weeks after he died, I took a trip to San Francisco to clear my head and visit one of my best friends. Funny enough, that was the same weekend that Craig was moving from Manchester to San Francisco to take a new job in the states. We all hung out that weekend and the rest was history! I like to think that Craig was placed in my life at the perfect time and that my dad had something to do with it.
The Hardest Part:
Celebrating without loved ones who were unable to travel internationally.
The Best Part:
Our first look! It was very special and private. The second part would be the number of people who came up to us and said “we needed this” – it was a time for some normalcy, happiness, and fun amidst a crazy couple of years.
Videography: RIMAS
The Proposal
In 2019, celebrating their three year dating anniversary, Charlie pulled off an incredible day of DC museum touring, electric scootering, an early-bird dinner in Georgetown, followed by a walk along the waterfront where he totally surprised Jen when he got down on one knee and proposed. He picked a particular tree, “an old but healthy one”, near Thompson’s Boat House (where Jen rowed in high school), to stop at and mark the spot. The surprises kept coming with a photographer to capture the moment and an engagement party full with family and friends waiting for them at Jennifer’s parents house. It was the perfect proposal!
How We Met:
Like many, we met through a dating app! For our first date we went to a happy hour in Arlington, VA. The conversation flowed for hours and hours until the bar closed!
The Hardest Part:
Hardest part of the wedding day was trying to say hi and spend time with everyone! It’s the most amazing feeling being surrounded by all you loved ones, but you also don’t feel like you have enough time to hang with everyone!
The Best Part:
Best part of our wedding day was dancing on the dance floor with all our family and friends (and our AMAZING band)! We postponed our reception a year due to Covid, so a celebration with everyone was long awaited. We had such a blast!
JENNIFER CHARLESGregorski &
Location: HYATT CHESAPEAKE - CAMBRIDGE, MD Photographer: BRAD BARNWELL PHOTOGRAPHY Florals: CARRIED AWAY FLORALS & EVENTS
Band: NATION WITH ELAN ARTISTS
DJ: DJ SQUIRRREL Hair & Makeup: BEHIND THE VEIL
The Proposal
Brandon proposed on February 9, 2019, at Osprey Point in Rock Hall, MD. He told me that he wanted to take me out to an early Valentine’s Day dinner. Upon arriving, I noticed that the gazebo on the water was lit up, and there was a pathway of candles leading up to it. Honestly, I still had no idea that he was about to propose. He walked me down the path to the gazebo, which he had decorated with market lights and florals. It was truly beautiful. It was then when I realized what was about to happen. We talked for a few moments, and then Brandon began telling me why he fell in love with me. He then got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. I, of course, said yes! My favorite part was that my best friend was also there, hiding in the bushes to take pictures. It was so special to me that she was also a part of such an important life event.
How We Met:
Brandon and I met as children. My close family friends were neighbors with Brandon’s grandparents, and we would often play outside together with our other friends. In 2016, I reached out to Brandon to catch up with him, we decided to go out to dinner, and realized quickly that we both had feelings for each other. We spent our evening laughing and reminiscing. On our third date, Brandon officially asked me to be his girlfriend, and we have been together ever since.
The Hardest Part:
The hardest part of our wedding day was the nerves. I was so worried about something going wrong or forgetting a small detail that I was very anxious for the time before the ceremony. Other than that, the only other thing was when our sparklers for our sendoff ceremony had a little mishap. They were heart shaped, which we thought would be nice for the pictures, however, most of them did not light, and we were not able to take any good photos.
The Best Part:
The best part of our wedding day was walking back down the aisle as a married couple. I chose the song Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, and it was a very intimate moment. When walking down the aisle, I was so focused on not tripping that I did not pay attention to our guests’ reactions. However, when we walked down the aisle together, I made sure to take a moment to look at everyone, it was something that I will never forget. To see all our hard work come together, and to see a huge smile on everyone’s faces was truly magical.
Location: HYATT CHESAPEAKE - CAMBRIDGE, MD
Photographer: CARMEN ISABELLA PHOTOGRAPHY & ABIGAIL HOLLIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Florals: SARA’S GARDEN
Simply Cakelicious Simply Cakelicious
Wedding
FOR 2022 Unique Wedding Venues:
The Chesapeake Bay area is the perfect place to seek out a unique venue that will fit your wedding. Hotels and country clubs are right for some weddings but the possibilities are endless. Consider a boat, a barn, flower fields or somewhere extra special to you.
Private Vows:
The first look or first touch is a trend many have taken in stride. Private vows are another way to add extra time and love to the beginning of your wedding festivities. There is extra pressure to say your vows in front of friends and family, so taking a moment before the ceremony to share private vows with your partner can help to calm those nerves and give you a chance to say things you might not be comfortable saying in front of a larger group. Just make sure to have tissues nearby!
Nanomoons:
Times of traveling to far away places for extravagant honeymoons will return, but for now nanomoons are the thing to do. The Chesapeake region is host to so many wonderful local inns, clubs, hotels, and experiences that are perfect for staying close to home while feeling like you are at your own luxury destination. Take this chance to plan your honeymoon with the best local stays and attractions.
Living Room Comforts:
Guests at your wedding will enjoy this trend. Most seating at a traditional wedding reception is exclusive to the seats at the guests’ assigned table. Bringing in stylish living room furniture and putting a few arrangements around the reception area provides a comfortable place for guests to mingle and relax during the cocktail hour and after a meal is served and the party has started. Beautiful furniture is also a great way to set up photo opportunities for you and your guests.
PHOTO BY: JENN QUINN CREATIVE
INN AT PERRY CABIN
