Issuu

Chesapeake Bay

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VENUES

ENGAGED

DANCE

STYLE

Rural Maryland sets the scene

The magical moment from a bended knee

Cut up a rug with the perfect choreography

Choosing your look that will set the tone

Happily Ever After begins in Talbot County

Photo by Laura’s Focused Photography.

With Chesapeake charm and sophisticated style, Talbot County is one of the East Coast’s most sought-after wedding destinations. Exchange vows on a waterfront lawn, in a historic inn, or beneath wide coastal skies, then celebrate with fresh seafood, boutique lodging, and unforgettable Eastern Shore experiences for you and your guests. From ceremony to send-off, our team will connect you with venues, services, and wellness options to ensure your day feels uniquely yours.

Say“yes”here!

410-770-8000 | TourTalbot.org EASTON • OXFORD • ST. MICHAELS • TILGHMAN ISLAND • TRAPPE C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | FA L L 2 0 2 6

INSIDE ON THE COVER

Our styled shoot

F E AT U R E D V E N U E S

The Amara Retreat 8 Eastern Yacht Club 20 Kylan Barn 24

B E P R E PA R E D

17 36 44

Your soundtrack Perfect your moves Vendor directory

S E N T I M E N TA L

37 41

Combining cultures Proposal on the shore

OUR COUPLES

8 31 41

Alexis & Byron Erin & Charles Makenzie & Noah

8 4

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Where Every Moment Matters.

Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath the open sky, celebrating in our rustic Barn, or dancing the night away in our inviting Lodge, every wedding at The Barn & Lodge is designed to be unforgettable. With a private outdoor ceremony space, versatile patio, soaring vaulted ceilings, natural wood and stone accents, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service, we create the perfect setting for you to relax, celebrate, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover how we can make your next event truly unforgettable! 3 2 9 G A M B R I L L S ROA D, G A M B R I L L S , M D 2 1 0 5 4 ( 4 4 3 ) 6 4 5 - 3 0 3 5 · BA R NA N DL OD G E . C OM / G A M B R I L L S / W E DDI N G S

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PRESIDENT Orestes Baez chesapeakebaywedding.com

obaez@chespub.com

PUBLISHER Betsy Griffin

bgriffin@chespub.com

EDITORS Eli Wohlenhaus

ewohlenhaus@chespub.com

Hannah Combs

hcombs@chespub.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Quinn

jennquinncreative@gmail.com

ADVERTISING Stacy Moreland

smoreland@chespub.com

Donna Baez

dbaez@chespub.com

his is one of the best times of the year! Why? Well because another edition of Chesapeake Bay Wedding magazine is now in your hands (or digitally on your device).

Since we only do two a year we have to savor it, so allow me to set the stage. Even though there are only two editions, this is an entire-year effort. For my part in that, it looks like contacting vendors and discussing cover shoots, setting up feature stories and more.

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Chad Campbell ccampbell@chespub.com

CONTRIBUTING CONTENT CREATORS Jennifer Quinn, Kasey Rae, Cecelia Shilling, Miranda Mahmud, Autumn Woodard, Lisa J. Gotto, Elizabeth Wojciechowski, Makenzie Smith, Tom McCall, Jim Johnson

DISTRIBUTION:

Chesapeake Bay Wedding will help couples plan their special destination wedding around the Bay. Newark

Without a doubt, one of the best parts of my job is talking to vendors about joining us for a styled cover shoot. I lead with the expected date and venue and then we usually go right into the fun stage of bouncing ideas off one another for what things can look like.

Cecil Harford Baltimore Kent Queen Anne’s

Then, the day of, we all work together to bring things to life. And it truly is a team effort. Whether it is our dress provider helping me set the tables or our writer helping adjust a floral arrangement, everyone gets in the mix to make the magic come to life and then leap off the page.

Talbot

As you enjoy this edition and get set for the new trends, popping colors, we are setting our sites for next spring and beyond. In fact, now is the time I have to be intentional about content. So, I call upon you, our esteemed audience, to let me know what you want to see inside this magazine? What kinds of stories are your favorite to read? What do you want to know about vendors in this area and about the industry? Send me an email with your favorites and possible ideas: ewohlenhaus@chespub.com.

Eli Wohlenhaus

Caroline Anne Arundel Prince George’s Charles

Dorchester

Calvert St. Mary’s

10,000

Target dropped in high traffic locations. Full list can be viewed at chesapeakebaywedding.com

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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

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Cover

ABOUT THE

Styled shoot by JennQuinn Creative Story by Kasey Rae

he peaceful river winding through the property feels deceptive. I’ve come to expect photo shoots to carry a certain intensity. Restless movement and a low hum of urgency. Yet, only a few feet away from the set, there’s no shouting. Only the soft cluck of chickens in a coop right after the stream veers off into the wilderness that blankets Amara Farm. It’s quieter than I expected. It won’t stay that way. The main house is filled with laughter and music emanating from a large, luminous bathroom, where makeup artist Jennifer Le is “beating” a luxurious look onto the face of today’s model-bride. As Le applies another stroke of shadow, we talk about the inherent similarities between photoshoots and weddings.

Venue The Amara Retreat @theamararetreat theamararetreat.com

Photography & Creative Direction JennQuinn Creative @jquinnport jennquinncreative.com

“There’s a lot of moving parts, a lot of personalities,” she says. “A lot of different people all in the same room.”

Florals

Model-bride Alexis Pineda agrees, having been on many sets herself. The biggest change between her previous shoots and this one? She isn’t nervous since she has learned that imperfection makes better photographs.

Rentals

Dahlia & Vine @dahliavineflowerfarm dahliavineflowerfarm.com

“I used to stress over making sure I looked perfect,” Alexis says. “It’s actually funny, because those imperfect shots when you’re not too focused on your pose make the best photos.”

Rentals to Remember @rentalstoremember rentalstoremember.com

Her real-world fiancé, Byron Campbell, is equally at ease today. As he poses as a groom, he imagines what their wedding will be like, claiming that these photos make great “practice” for their upcoming wedding day.

Cake & Cupcakes

Music fades behind me as I head outside into a scene that is equal parts serenity and high-energy. The peaceful green valley is being transformed, with each vendor perfecting the final touches. Maia Ryans of Charles Street Bakery swaps out silverware for different colored utensils. Florists Brittany Doyle and Kelly Ooten place their flowers meticulously along the banquet table, speckling plums and grapes around them. Photographer Jennifer Quinn continuously glances towards the sky, watching for the things no one on set can control: the changing light and warning signs of rain. After Maia finishes rearranging utensils, telling me “they match the cake better”, we walk into the barn to see the third star of the show, the cake. Walking into the barn feels like entering a meditation. I skim my hand over the walls just to feel the ridges of real wood scratch my fingers, curious about the sound it would make. The smell is even better; warm and earthy. The barn is quiet, with subtle vibrations from the lamps against the wall. Saplings grow beneath them, blooming here before they are planted into the ground outside. Maia’s wedding cake has blooms of its own: various wine-colored blossoms cascading down five tiers dusted with gold flakes.

Charles Street Bakery @thecharlesstreetbakery www.charlesstreetbakery.com

Hair & Makeup Jennifer Le Makeup @jlemakeup jlemakeup.com

Attire Champagne Taste Bridal @champagnetastebridal champagnetastebridal.com

Stationery Printing Press Inc. @printingpressinc printingpressinc.com

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Maia was an artist and baker before she was a fluent English speaker, having migrated from the country of Georgia to be with her husband, who was stationed in California at the time. Her cake designs tend to haunt her at night, keeping her up until 3 a.m to create careful details; the shine in a fondant eye, or, in this case, creating variant textures on each layer of a uniquely stacked cake. “I like something crazy, some kind of accent,” she says, pointing out each tier’s texture and size, with the tallest being on top. Throughout our conversation, she apologizes for her English, which is perfect. Too perfect, as she tells me something I’d rather not hear. “This cake isn’t edible,” she tells me, explaining that she had to make it ultra-weather resistant to last the duration of the shoot.

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Before I can contemplate if non-edible here means fatality or extreme discomfort, I head back outside to see the photographer weighing down cloth backdrops with forks and knives pulled from the florist’s emergency bag. Now that the thick fabric is weighed down by silverware, it billows instead of slapping the models. Brittany is used to negotiating with the forces of nature. As the owner of Daliah & Vine Flower Farm, she has an intimate understanding of nature’s capabilities for both creation and destruction. “It’s a little stressful,” she admits, “and a little scary.” Crops rely on pleasant weather as much as a shoot does, especially because of the farm’s unique process. Instead of flowers being sold to them, flowers are grown for brides at the farm. “We specifically grow them for brides in their color palettes,” Brittany continues. “We’re working with Mother Nature, so they might not know exactly what their flowers are going to be, but they know they’re going to be gorgeous in their colors, and they’re grown for them on the farm.” Brittany’s deep burgundy hellebores and Butterfly Ranunculus are sprinkled along the banquet table

and bundled in a gorgeous bouquet in Alexis’s hands. She is in full bridal attire now, a silky yet structured dress with a slit up the side. “There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that the brides never know about,” Brittany says of real-world brides, explaining the bag of random props she and her cousin and teammate Kelly bring to weddings. Fishing wire, zipties, silverware; all things great for aesthetics and, apparently, in attempts to battle the wind. Even now, the dress Alexis wears is secured by clips constantly being rearranged by dress wrangler and owner of Champagne Taste Bridal, Sarah McGuinn, who keeps her eyes locked on every wrinkle in the silk.

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When McGuinn talks about the dress, she doesn’t talk about beauty; she talks about the strength and durability that people underestimate. “Dresses are a lot more durable than people think,” she says. “As long as you treat them right.” As the evening deepens, the careful coordination of the shoot begins to loosen. Laughter mixes with the sound of crickets and frogs awakening in the forest just beyond. Quinn moves around the field quickly, always keeping an eye on the mood behind the positioning to avoid awkward shots. She notices when posture is too stiff as clearly as when the light isn’t hitting just right. She isn’t the only one calling out directions. Everyone joins in, calling out poses to the models who can’t help but laugh. The more the sun sinks into the horizon, the more delirious the pose suggestions become. Alexis and Byron giggle over the sound of the camera snaps, creating the most magnetic moments to capture, beyond anything that careful curation could devise. When Jennifer finally sits for the first time that day to rest and drink water, I sit beside her to reflect on the shoot. We chat about finding the ‘perfect shot,’ something that cannot be forcibly constructed. Instead of controlling every element that can affect the capture, Quinn relies on her gut just as much as her gaze. “The best way for me to know I’ve got a great shot is to just feel it,” she says. “It makes me very excited.”

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The moments captured by Quinn rely on the creative collaboration between all of the day’s vendors. “That’s kind of the fun of working with vendors and letting them have their own creative control,” Jennifer says between sips, “I never know exactly what’s going to come out of it. I’m always blown away.” The pulse of excitement is palpable from everyone who crafted this shoot, all within the landscape of complete tranquility. In all of my conversations today, even between frantic readjustments, the word “calm” was a constant in describing the atmosphere at the farm. The creators and stewards of Almara Farm created this space to be exactly that: a place that is stubbornly serene no matter how many people gather between its forested farmland and chic barns. Latasha Briscoe and Nevery Berry, coowners of the retreat, align with the group consensus. When asked to summarize the farm in one word, Nevery responds, “I think for me, I like ‘peaceful’. ‘Peaceful’ is my word.” When asked what makes the property so peaceful, Briscoe and Berry do not talk about the carefully curated barns or the gardens they are working so hard to perfect. They talk about the wildflowers and the impossibly bright stars in the sky. Our conversation ends with full arms; deconstructing the set and packing equipment back into cars. As props were packed away, carefully staged cupcakes disappeared one by one into the hands of a very hungry crew. Journalistic integrity demands I take one, too. It’s obvious that they were made to enjoy while moving, such as dancing with friends during the reception, or in this case, hauling C-stands and crates into cars. Only in the wake of exhaustion and satisfaction does the quiet finally return.

blown away ALWAYS

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HUMMINGBIRD INN

WEDDING DESTINATION

Victorian Styled Venue with lush landscape and private gardens in the heart of Easton, Maryland.

Custom wedding packages available and on-site ordained minister. Accommodate up to 150 wedding guests, with 6 beautiful en suite rooms available. The Inn can accommodate up to 18 overnight guests. A variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to host your perfect day.

14 N. Aurora St. | Easton, MD 410-822-0605

www.hummingbirdinneaston.com

Right Where

UPTO TO UP

50 %

We Belong

OFF STORE-WIDE STORE-WIDE 9/21 - 9/26

Made for the Shore. Meant for Forever.

L SALE EVENT ment Rings, Wedding Bands, Me Diamond Anniversary Bands, Upgrade Your Diamond Ring or Band

TNTJEWELERS.NET/BRIDAL

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TNT

Jewelers

28529 Marlboro Ave Easton, MD 21601

(410) 822-5398

500 Abruzzi Drive Chester, MD 21619

(410) 643-7655

The soundtrack to your love story

Meet Stephanie Strings

Story by Miranda Mahmud

he key to a perfect wedding isn’t about color schemes or florals; it’s the memories you make with the people you love. Dancing, singing and walking down the aisle to a song that brings you back to the day you met your person. These are the moments that are savored for a lifetime. Meet Stephanie Mathias, a local violinist who helps couples bring the soundtrack of their love stories to life.

‘All You Need is Love’ Mathias, known as Stephanie Strings, knew that when she played “All You Need is Love” at her aunt’s wedding, her music not only entertained, it ignited precious memories. Mathias realized she could build a career that combined two of her greatest joys, making music and celebrating love. Mathias began her musical journey as a child, singing, playing piano and viola. She earned her bachelor’s in classical music from the University of Michigan, has performed in professional orchestras and alongside Lindsey Stirling. Mathias transitioned to electric violin in 2017 and began playing at weddings in 2019. Her favorite part about performing is seeing how music moves an audience, whether it’s transporting them to another moment in time or creating a new core memory. “If they’re crying, or if they’re just touched, there is something really special about bringing that kind of joy to someone in a way that only I can do,” she said.

Across the DMV and beyond Bollywood songs to Afrobeats and everything in between, Mathias can cover any song after hearing the tune a few times. She works closely with couples to help them curate the personalized set list of their dreams. “I like to learn new music; if they request songs that I don’t know, I will usually say yes,” she said. Whether she is greeting guests at the reception with her electric violin melodies or dueting with the DJ, Mathias’ immersive performance sets the stage for a night full of unforgettable moments. She suggests that couples reach out as soon as possible during their wedding planning. The ideal time to have a customized song list is about two months before the wedding. Mathias is available to travel and enjoys experiencing diverse wedding traditions. Having traveled coast to coast, she says some of the most beautiful venues are right here in the DMV. Some of her favorite Maryland venues include Celebrations at the Bay, the Winslow and Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. No matter where she plays, after the final note fades, the music remains in the memory of a first dance, the walk down the aisle and the moment two people begin a new chapter together. Through every song, Stephanie Strings gives couples memories they will carry with them for a lifetime.

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Here it’s all about you!

The Eastern Shore’s newest bridal boutique!

Get to know Stephanie Strings First dance song you will never get tired of? “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Favorite Composer? Beethoven.

410-739-705

bridal@brookeandjune.com

Favorite modern artist to cover on the violin? Lindsey Stirling, of course.

Indoor or outdoor ceremonies? If the weather is good, outdoors; otherwise, indoors.

What do you hope couples remember the most after you perform? I don’t want them to think about me. I want them to feel like they’re in a fairy tale.

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bridal@brookeandjune.com 100 Piney Narrows Rd. Chester, MD

branding

design

photography

jennquinncreative.com

“Our go to photographer and we love her! She makes pictures look effortless and they always come back looking so good!”

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Photos by Sharon Winterling

Oh so quaint

Eastern Yacht Club ready to welcome you to Essex

S T O RY B Y AU T U M N WO O DA R D

hirty minutes outside Baltimore in Essex lies the quaint Eastern Yacht Club. Established in 1956, the club provides a private waterfront wedding experience, hosting ceremonies at the water’s edge overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Its 20-acre property can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers on-site catering and wheelchair accessibility. Couples also have access to a private bridal suite beginning at 9 a.m. on their wedding day. Eastern Yacht Club is available to host weddings year-round, averaging 40 to 50 weddings each year. According to Sharon Winterling, the booking agent at the yacht club, no season is off limits. “We’re basically spring, summer and fall because of the water,” she said. “You are able to host outside. … With Baltimore, you know, we could have nice days in April and May. So our sweet spot is April through October.”

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The ecosystem surrounding the property is the quiet backbone of its appeal. The sounds of the waves and the wildlife that inhabit the grounds provide calming white noise for anxious newlyweds-to-be and their guests. One of Winterling’s most memorable ceremonies featured a pair of bald eagles swooping down in front of the bride and groom, creating what she described as a wedding photographer’s dream shot. Eastern Yacht Club originally began hosting weddings after club members requested to hold their ceremonies on the property. Today, the venue continues to grow largely through word of mouth, creating a sense of community and what Winterling describes as a personal touch. “My favorite part of the planning process is getting to know the couples,” she said. “I become like an aunt. They text me all the time asking questions. You’re not dealing with a big conglomerate or a big hotel.”

Eastern Yacht Club Photo by Sharon Winterling

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Winterling said it is just her and a caterer named Mike.

Essex,MD

“We only do one wedding a day, and you pick your own time frame,” she said. “Most places host two weddings a day, and they tell you what time you can get married. I think that’s what makes us stand out, that personal touch.” One of Winterling’s most memorable couples was Megan and Charles, who became members of the yacht club after their wedding. They now regularly bring their two children back there. Eastern Yacht Club prides itself on being prepared for any challenge that may arise during a ceremony. “The guest who didn’t RSVP and showed up anyway, we’re really good at getting an extra place setting and finding them a chair,” Winterling said. “Or if a guest arrives late, we

try to hold them over in a corner so the couple doesn’t notice. Overall, we’re very fortunate here that not too many things go wrong.” As a mostly outdoor wedding venue, Winterling said “rain is never our friend,” but they work around it. “We have a nice facility inside, and we still make it beautiful if something happens and they can’t get married outside,” she said. Winterling said the first thing she wants prospective couples to feel when they step onto the property is that they have found their home. “That they can feel the love wrapped around them and know this is their place,” she said. “I had a couple, and we were their third venue. By the time I was finished showing them around, they said, ‘What dates do you have?’”

Photos by Autumn Woodard

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DISCOVER

MORE ONLINE YOUR WEDDING RESOURCE

Chesapeake Bay Wedding Magazine covers our beautiful and distinct region, offering options for venues, vendors and inspiration for your wedding day. Explore our blog posts, read past issues, visit our vendors' pages, find old and new traditions and ways to make your wedding unique!

EVENTS

LOCAL VENDORS

PAST EDITIONS

TIPS

CONTEST

ADVERTISE

We put on a wedding trends expo every February.

Find helpful posts about avoiding the jitters, creative invitations & fun favors.

Looking for vendors in your area? We have you covered.

Just married? Keep an eye out for our bi-annual wedding photo contest.

Wish you could find a story from last year?

We want you to partner with you! Contact Betsy Griffin at 443-239-0307

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Kylan Barn 24

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Customizing your celebration at Kylan Barn

STO RY BY L I SA J. G OT TO P H OTOS COU RT E SY K Y L A N BA R N

“

very wedding is set apart by the unique set of details and moments it creates. For Kylan Barn owner Kyle Hughes, there’s a moment in every ceremony that still resonates with him even after witnessing hundreds of weddings in his career. “I love the minute before they are about to walk down the aisle,” Hughes said. “That was always my favorite shot…the bride standing with whoever was about to walk her down the aisle.” It’s in those moments where whispered words take on greater meaning, the bride’s dress receives its last flourishes, and everyone gets a moment to breathe and focus. “They get a minute and I think it hits them, like ‘boom!’” Hughes added. Helping engaged couples reach this pivotal moment—and beyond—is what Hughes has set out to do with his classic farmhouse property, drawing on 20 years of wedding photography experience.

SHIFTING PRIORITIES Since opening in 2017, Hughes has noticed meaningful changes in what today’s couples value. “The trends are changing,” Hughes said. Couples have moved away from the postpandemic party-era mindset and are now choosing more intentional gatherings that prioritize experience over everything else. While Kylan Barn accommodates weddings up to 250 guests, the average wedding today skews smaller. “Right now, most of our 2028 bookings are in the 50- to 70-guest range.” This generation, having made many associations virtually, prefers inviting a tighter circle of people they genuinely relate to in their non-virtual world. Another notable shift: couples increasingly opt for dry weddings, with alcohol becoming less important to the celebration—a trend Hughes expects will continue growing toward 2030.

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SETTING Set on 30 bucolic acres in scenic Delmar, Kylan Barn features a climate-controlled barn with dramatic tall ceilings, a covered patio for cocktails, and three distinctive outdoor ceremony sites: a grand staircase carved through the landscape leading to an extended patio, a woodland canopy with natural forest backdrop, and an enchanting land-bridge option. The property’s proximity to Salisbury’s business district and nearby lodging makes it a tuckedaway destination with convenient access. BEST KNOWN FOR Its flexible event spaces include the climate-controlled barn, the covered patio for cocktail hour, and the same three outdoor ceremony sites described above—the grand staircase, the woodland canopy, and the land-bridge option. All are optimized to provide the ultimate in photographic backgrounds. WHAT THEY PROVIDE A key feature of the Kylan Barn wedding experience is access to the Kylan Creative Studio, an in-house floral and wedding planning studio specializing in full-service floral design, rentals, planning tools and the expertise in coordination that leads to a thoughtful, memorable and well-executed event. Kylan Barn works closely with each couple to determine how much assistance each will require. According to Hughes, couples who are unsure which caterer or photographer to choose can pick from a menu of reputable, suggested providers. If the couple has a vendor in mind that isn’t on the list, Kylan Barn will work with the couple to incorporate their suggestion.

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“They try to do too much,” he said, as it relates to photo ops and all the traditions associated with the day. With its business model rooted in photography, the team at Kylan can offer advice as to how the couple can manage their photography to take advantage of the scenery and lighting aspects throughout the day, taking the guesswork out of one of the most critical components of any wedding. WHAT’S NEW Never one to rest on his laurels, Hughes firmly believes a robust business model means continuously looking at ways to tweak and enhance what they offer couples. Nearly every year since opening, Hughes said, he has made enhancements to the amenities and character of the property. “Every year there’s something new that comes into play.” One signature upgrade involved the addition of a tricked-out vintage Airstream with a courtyard to the property to serve as headquarters for the groom and his men to chill and get ready in an elevated man-cave fashion. This, he said, was something that he had made a note of during his time as a photographer assessing that the groom’s quarters always seemed to be an afterthought that could use some enhancement. Along with adding a fourth ceremony site over the course of the next year, according to Hughes the Airstream area is now due for an upgrade, although he remained tight-lipped on exactly how the new accommodations were going to look. “So, they’re getting something bigger, newer and fancier.” To the grooms-to-be who have already booked packages for next year and were curious as to how he would top an Airstream, he simply replied: “It’s going to be even better than you even imagine.” Customized wedding package prices at Kylan Barn range from $5,000 to $8,500. For more information visit kylanbarn.com.

Tilghman Island MD

If Hughes could offer one bit of advice to couples planning their big day, he said it would have to do with the event timeline. The mistake he often sees couples making is over-scheduling the day.

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Looks by Lina

IG: looksbylina01

A Team of Luxury Hair Sty t lists and Makeup Artists Serving DC, MD, VA and parts of DE and PA

BED & BREAKFAST

301.266.7589 • looksbylina.com servicewithlooksbylina@gmail.com

(TOP Photo Courtesy of Mike B. Photography-Annapolis)

Receptions & Events Waterfront Weddings,

Your Local Florist for Life’s Special Moments

410-604-3860

101 Dundee Ave., Suite 100 Chester, MD 21619 www.flowers4youtoday.com

1710 Love Point Rd | Stevensville, MD mariaslovepoint.com | 410.643.5054

Est. 2007 28

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5 T H A N N UA L

2027 WEDDING TREND REVE AL EVENT

Saturday

FEB. 7, 2026 KENT ISLAND RESORT

500 Kent Manor Dr, Stevemsville, MD

DOORS OPEN 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

BECOME A 2027 VENDOR Put your brand in front of engaged couples

Share your products and services with attendees planning their wedding at the elegant Kent Island Resort. The event features our popular runway show, with local models revealing 2027 wedding trends, plus inspiring tablescapes throughout the venue. Your business will be featured in the spring/summer issue of Chesapeake Bay Wedding magazine - and you’ll get to consult directly with couples planning thier big day. Contact Donna Baez at dbaez@chespub.com or 954-914-9673 C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | FA L L 2 0 2 6

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 Joy Haschen at 410-827-6950 or jhaschen@prospectbaycc.com

| GRASONVILLE, W W W.WWW.PROSPECTBAYCC.COM P R O S P ECT B AYC C . C O M | 3 1 |1 A301 P RProspect O S P ECT Bay B AYDrD West. R . W EST | G R AS O N V I LMD L E , 21638 MD 21638

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Steel drums, crab cakes and community Photo Courtesy Erin Patrice

STO RY BY C EC E L I A S H I L L I NG

How one couple combined Caribbean traditions and Maryland culture for their big day When Erin and Charles King blended their families at their May 29th wedding on the water at Havre De Grace’s La Banque de Fleuve, joy was in the air as guests shuffled in. Peaking out from the get-ready-room, Erin watched her and her fiances’ families mingle and dance to the sound of a steel drum band, a staple of all Grenadian weddings. Erin’s family comes from Grenada, a small West Indian country in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. “We had our first date at Olive Garden and we talked like we had known each other for years,” Erin said. ”It was just kind of crazy talking to somebody for the first time and feeling like they instantly knew who I was. We

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Photos Courtesy Erin Patrice

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had a date at my house so he could meet my sister the week after and we just never left each other’s side ever since.” Charles, a teacher born and raised in Bel Air, and Erin, a first generation Grenadian born in Carroll County, got engaged in Ocean City over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in 2025.

The couple wanted to make sure both sides of their cultures were represented as they planned their wedding. For Erin and Charles, that meant an emphasis on music and food. As a thank you to their guests, the couple gave out squares of rum soaked fruit cake, or Black Cake, a traditional and meaningful Grenadian dessert.

a show of goodwill and friendship and love

After a long day at work, Erin came home less-thanenthusiastic about driving three hours for their trip, Charles recounted. He and Erin’s friends pushed her to go anyway, knowing he planned to propose at sunrise on the beach the next morning.

“I literally dragged her out of bed,” Charles said. “And we all start walking to the beach, and I had our dog with us as well. We walked ahead, our friends straggled along behind us. I had the dog sit; so I was digging my pocket for a treat. That’s when I pulled out the ring on the beach.”

“It’s typically served at celebrations in West Indian culture,” Erin said. “So christenings, weddings, things like that. It’s really like a show of goodwill and friendship and love.” From getting married on the water near Charles’ hometown, serving crabcakes and dancing former Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis’s famous dance, to hosting their rehearsal dinner at nearby Jamaican restaurant “Island Spice” and having their reception

Photo by Zagga Digital

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full of the rhythmic groove of Soca music, line dances and steel drums, Grenadian and Maryland culture were on full display. Venue Manager Kim Barth noted how considerate of each other and aligned the pair seemed.

Togetherness is a hallmark of West Indian culture, Erin said, and the spirit of unity was apparent throughout the evening. Guests remarked at how seamless the crowd felt, noting that they’ve never felt more comfortable and loved by people they met so recently.

“To see two couples introducing their cultures to each other’s families I think is really fun,” Barth said. “Seeing two families, regardless of culture, coming together to see people they love get married and watching those interactions, especially here because I just felt like there was so much love in their family on all sides, was truly remarkable.”

“I was so nervous in the beginning,” Erin said. “But I think ultimately the people are what represented both cultures so well, and represented us so well, because that’s how Charles and I are. We don’t care what walk of life you come from. When you come around us, you’re our family and the people really, really echoed that in the way they showed up for each other.”

Photo Courtesy Erin Patrice

Photo by Zagga Digital

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D Photo by Tom McCall Photography

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ancing

on the Shore

A look into an Eastern Shore dance company’s wedding dance lessons Story by Elizabeth Wojciechowski

astern Shore resident and ballroom dancer Amanda Showell began dancing when she was only nine years old. Showell danced competitively for 14 years at both the amateur and professional levels, and was ranked within the top six ballroom dancing couples in the United States at one point.

lessons, Dancing on the Shore offers specialized private classes in preparation for weddings.

In addition to competing in ballroom dancing, Showell has also been a dance teacher since she was 17 years old. While there are many aspects of teaching that she enjoys, her favorite part of being a dance teacher is the positivity that she gets to bring to her students.

“We teach couples preparing for their wedding,” Showell said. “We’ve taught father and bride, mother and groom, and bridal parties. We offer the full gamut of services for weddings and wedding parties.”

“As a dance instructor, we truly get to bring something into people’s lives every day that brings people joy,” Showell said. In 2001, Showell chose to stop competing and moved from Wilmington, Delaware, back to the Eastern Shore where she began to dedicate her time to teaching ballroom dance lessons. Later that year, she officially started her company, Dancing on the Shore. Dancing on the Shore offers both group and private lessons in a variety of popular ballroom styles, and now boasts seven instructors at eight different locations across the Delmarva Peninsula. In addition to traditional private and one-on-one

Showell has been a longtime instructor of wedding dance lessons. Prior to starting her business in 2001, Showell used to teach classes for engaged couples when she was competing and teaching in Wilmington.

If a couple wants to receive dance lessons prior to their wedding, they typically sign up for a five lesson package. The couple will provide the song they have chosen for their first dance to Showell and Dancing on the Shore’s other instructors. The couple’s instructor will then choose a dance style that best suits their chosen song and the couple then learns that dance throughout their five lessons. While the five lesson package is the most popular, Dancing on the Shore offers wedding dance lessons in other packages as well, with couples choosing how many lessons they would like to receive and how advanced they want their dance to be. “Sometimes we have couples that only come in for one or two lessons, you know, a couple days before

Photo by Jim Johnson

Amanda Showell, center, instructs a class.

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their wedding. And, you know, we teach them something simple,” Showell said. “We have had couples that have come and taken lessons for almost a year before their wedding, and we have done routines with lifts and all sorts of things.”

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While there are different routines taught depending on how many lessons a customer chooses to do and how difficult they want their routine to be, there are certain aspects that Showell and the other instructors make sure happen in every single first dance they teach. “We always make sure we end the dance with some sort of dip and a little kiss for the couple so they get a good photo opportunity,” Showell said. In addition to teaching the couple the basics of their first dance, there are other details that Showell and Dancing on the Shore’s instructors make sure to be aware of during the lessons. These include the logistics of the first dance, such as when during the reception the couple will be having their first dance. “We go through all the details that they might not be thinking about, like, when are they going to have their first dance?” Showell said. “I ask the brides without giving away too much to the groom, some details of the dress, because if the dress is super, super tight, it might limit the motion as well if it’s really, really big.” While Dancing on the Shore is widely known for their group and private ballroom dancing lessons, their wedding lessons are truly what sets them apart from other dance lesson companies. Over the years, Showell and the company’s other instructors have helped numerous couples prepare for their wedding, and have had a lasting impact on those that they have taught. “I’ve probably taught well over 400 couples,” Showell said. “I’ve had the privilege of actually teaching couples for their wedding and then teaching their kids when they get to be about 10 or 11 years old. So, it’s been pretty cool over the years to see that.”

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Photos by Jim Johnson

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The perfect

PROPOSAL Story by Makenzie Smith

Noah and I got engaged on Dec. 13, 2022, at one of our favorite local places, Ferry Point Park. What started as a simple Christmas card photo session quickly turned into one of the most memorable days of our lives.

Photo by Virginia Lewis

The secret planning had actually started weeks before. Noah and his dad, the self-proclaimed gemologist of the family, spent hours searching for the perfect diamonds. Around Thanksgiving, Noah also spent a suspicious amount of time talking with his parents, whom we were living with at the time, and shopping online for what I assumed was Christmas-related planning. I remember being frustrated that everyone seemed to be keeping secrets on a day that was supposed to be about spending time together with family and friends. Little did I know, they were all helping Noah plan the biggest surprise of my life. Between Thanksgiving and my birthday on Dec. 10, Noah called my family to tell them his plan to propose. Somehow, despite all of the planning and coordination happening around me, I remained completely unaware.

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Photo by Virginia Lewis

The proposal itself was planned as a Christmas card photo session at Ferry Point. Our dogs were an especially important part of the day. At the time, Noah’s family bred Samoyeds, and his childhood dog, Mason, was actually the father of my dog, Willow. Willow had been just six weeks old when Noah and I started dating, so, as Noah likes to joke, the adorable fluffy puppies may have been the hook, line and sinker to us dating! That afternoon, I was busy getting myself and the dogs ready while Noah was buzzing around in the background. I thought we were simply getting ready for our photos. What I didn’t know was that Noah had secretly coordinated with our family photographer, Virginia Lewis, to capture the proposal. A few friends came along to help with the dogs, which I also thought was completely normal. While we were taking photos, I remember seeing one of them pull out their phone and start taking pictures. I didn’t think anything of it. Meanwhile, Noah was getting down on one knee behind me. When I finally turned around and saw him, I was completely stunned. It took a moment for me to realize what was happening, and then I was immediately overwhelmed with excitement. It was one of those moments where everything around you seems to disappear, and suddenly it was just the two of us.

Photo by Virginia Lewis

After we had some time to celebrate together, we left the beach — only to discover that my mom had been hiding in the seagrass the entire time so she could secretly watch the proposal! Looking back, all of the little pieces of the day make it even more special: our dogs, our friends, our photographer, our families and our favorite place all became part of the story.

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Not long after we returned, we saw each other one night, and about a month later, we started dating. It was only after we became a couple that we realized just how much of each other’s lives we had already been a part of for years. We had shared so many friends, memories and little moments without ever realizing that one day we would be building a life together. Almost two years after our engagement, we got married on Oct. 19, 2024, at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville with Georgia Alexandria Photography capturing the day.

Photo by Georgia Alexandria Photography

Our relationship had actually started long before we ever started dating. Noah and I met in middle school when he was the new kid. I was a social extrovert who was always looking to help, so we quickly ended up in the same friend groups. We stayed friends and crossed paths throughout middle and high school before eventually both leaving for college — me at Towson and Noah at Wesley College. Neither of us ended up feeling that our respective schools were the right fit, so we both came home.

Photo by Georgia Alexandria Photography

Now, whenever we return, those places carry even more meaning. They remind us not only of the day we got engaged and the day we got married, but of all the years, memories, and little moments that brought us there in the first place.

Photo by Georgia Alexandria Photography

It feels especially fitting that both our engagement and wedding venues were places that have become such an important part of our lives. Ferry Point Park and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center have always been places where we love spending time together — whether we’re at the beach, kayaking, boating, fishing or simply walking our dogs.

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Chesapeake Bay Wedding Directory Attire

Drinks

Hair & Makeup

Photographers

Brooke & June Bridal (410) 739‑7050 brookeandjunebridal.com

The Winery (410) 643-9466 thewineryki.com

Jennifer Le Makeup @jlemakeup jlemakeup.com

JennQuinn Creative @jquinnport jennquinncreative.com

Champagne Taste Bridal @champagnetastebridal champagnetastebridal.com

Florals

Looks by Lina (301) 266-7589 looksbylina.com

Tom McCall Photography tommccallphotography.com

Bathrooms Bathroom Recovery LLC (410) 924-7703 Regal Restrooms (800) 654-8533 Regalrestrooms.com

Desserts Charles Street Bakery @thecharlesstreetbakery www.charlesstreetbakery.com

Dahlia & Vine @dahliavineflowerfarm dahliavineflowerfarm.com The Flower Shop @theflowershopki mdeasternshoreflowers.com

Food The Narrows Restaurant (410) 827-8113 thenarrowsrestaurant.com Suicide Bridge Restaurant (410) 943-4689 suicidebridge.com

Music Stephanie Strings stephaniestrings.com

Jewelry TNT Jewelers (410) 822-5398 tntjewelers.net

Pet Dogwood Acres (410) 798-4776 dogwoodacres.com

Georgia Alexandria Photography georgiaalexzandriaphoto. mypixieset.com Virginia Lewis virginialewisphotography.com Zagga Digital zagga.digital

Preservation Everlasting Floral Preservation (443)324-4488 everlastingfloralpreservation.com

iscover the historic Brampton 1860 inn and wedding venue on 35 acres of landscaped gardens, meadows, and forest on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Our boutique inn is a stone’s throw from the quaint town of Chestertown. More than ever do we need places of beauty, serenity and peace to escape to. The Brampton 1860 has always been that magical oasis with beautiful gardens, porch swings and good food where every detail is crafted to offer a warm welcome, simple elegance, and unparalleled hospitality. The guest rooms and secluded cottages offer consummate privacy with luxurious amenities. The menu of our freshly prepared à-la carte breakfast changes daily. At Brampton 1860, you’ll find a place you’ll never want to leave!

25227 CHESTERTOWN RD, CHESTERTOWN, MD 21620 | 410-778-1860 | WWW.BRAMPTONINN.COM 44

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Rentals

Venues

Grand Rental Station (410)820-7450 eastongrandrental.com

The Blackwall Barn & Lodge (443) 319-5566 barnandlodge.com

Rentals to Remember @rentalstoremember rentalstoremember.com

Brampton Inn (410 778-1860 bramptoninn.com

EBB Tide (410) 827-0333 ebbtidetentrentals.com

Brittland Estates (443) 282-0860 brittlandestates.com

Stationary

Chesapeake Hill Golf Course (410) 778-3818 ChesapeakeHills.org

Printing Press Inc. @printingpressinc printingpressinc.com

Shopping Bay Country Shop (410) 221-0700 baycountryshop.com/

Chester River Yacht & Country Club (410) 778-3818 crycc.org Eastern Yacht Club (410) 686-3555 easternyachtclub.com

Hummingbird Inn (410) 822-0605 hummingbirdinneaston.com

Silver Swan Bayside (443) 249-0400 silverswanbayside.com

Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina (443) 446-6000 hyatt.com

Prospect Bay Country Club (410) 827-6950 prospectbay.com Wydler Hotel Tilghman Island (410) 886-2121 wylderhotels.com/tilghman-island

Kent Island Resort (410) 643-5757 kentislandresort.com Kylan Barn (41010 251-5914 kylanbarn.com

Counties Talbot County (410) 770-8000 TourTalbot.org

Maria’s Love Point (410) 643-5054 mariaslovepoint.com

Kent County kentcounty.com/weddings

Mount Harmon (410) 275-8819 mountharmon.org

Timeless Elegance Magical Memories

BEAUTIFUL EVENT VENUES IN CHESTERTOWN, MARYLAND 443.282.0860 • BRITTLANDESTATES.COM • INFO@BRITTLANDESTATES.COM

Photo by Asya Photography

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Begin Forever in Kent County, Maryland

Where loves meets the Chesapeake Bay

Tie the knot in a place where historic charm, waterfront views and natural beauty create unforgettable moments. PLAN YOUR FUTURE

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Chesapeake Hills Golf Course

EVERYTHING YOU NEED! • Picturesque setting • Indoor and outdoor event options • Outdoor wedding ceremony locations • Free parking • Full-service bar

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