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There are plenty of reasons to smile when putting the finishing touches on a magazine, but this one in particular makes me feel excited. Why? For starters, it means I’ve been a part of this wonderful publication for five years now. It also is a life full circle moment in a way I could not have predicted prior to December 2023.
You see, life before becoming an editor with APG Media of Chesapeake was wrapped up in the world of sports. One such job was with the Washington (at the time) Redskins as a fan team liaison. That meant a lot of things, but the best part of the job was on the sidelines getting the crowd hyped and running with those huge flags pre-game and after the team scored. Although I was on a separate team than the cheerleading squad, we occupied similar areas in the corners and shared a goal: keep the energy up.
Well, years later, our company would host an event in St. Mary’s County where we recognized the winners of a reader’s choice awards contest. Our speaker? Kennedy Taylor, who was Miss Maryland. When she arrived and we “met,” there was a moment of “do I know you?”
Turns out we did know each other because she was a First Lady of Football during my sideline days. It was neat to connect in a very different part of life, but we wouldn’t be done there. A few months later I happened to see that Kennedy was proposed to by her boyfriend, William Tibbetts, and immediately knew we had to get them in as our cover models.
It was a fun reunion and Will was glad the Commanders game was on in the hair and makeup room before the shoot. “Crab cakes and football” as the saying goes in a famous wedding movie that we referenced in our previous edition.
So, here’s a personal toast to Kennedy and Will and to connections that come back around in ways you could never have imagined.
Eli Wohlenhaus
Have ideas for what you want to see in Chesapeake Bay Wedding magazine? Email me at ewohlenhaus@chespub.com.
REGIONAL PRESIDENT
Orestes Baez obaez@chespub.com
PUBLISHER
Betsy Griffin bgriffin@chespub.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus@chespub.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Quinn jennquinncreative@gmail.com
ADVERTISING
Jo Ann Geiger jgeiger@chespub.com
Stacy Moreland smoreland@chespub.com
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Chad Campbell ccampbell@chespub.com
CONTRIBUTING CONTENT CREATORS
Jennifer Quinn, Cecelia Shilling, Madison Bateman, Elizabeth Polo, Lara Reisman, Alexis Walls, Lauren Barrett, Ashlee Emerson, Shelby Horton, Kimberly F. Dunn, Brookelynn Photography,Meredith Moore
DISTRIBUTION:
Chesapeake Bay Wedding will help couples plan their special destination wedding around the Bay.
10,000
Target dropped in high traffic locations.
list can be viewed at chesapeakebaywedding.com
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
Queen Anne’s
Talbot
Caroline Dorchester
Kent
Cecil
Newark
Baltimore
Charles
Prince George’s
Anne Arundel
St. Mary’s
Calvert
Harford
Venue: The Pavilion at Weatherly @weatherly.waterfront thepavilionatweatherly.com
Stationary: Lilly Lu Designs @lilly_lu_designs lillyludesigns.com
Models, Kennedy Taylor and William Tibbetts cheer to an exciting cover shoot. Right photos show details from the three trends curated for the cover shoot.
Excitement was in the air as engaged couple Kennedy Taylor and William Tibbetts sat in the dressing room at the Pavilion at Weatherly, a waterfront wedding venue in Newburg, Maryland. As they patiently waited for makeup artist Lina Walker to finish Taylor’s look, from the balcony they could see flower farmer Brittany Doyle arranging blue hydrangeas on an archway with the Potomac River flowing gently behind her.
A stretched pathway lined with sugar maple trees and lush green grasses leads to the manor house next to the pavilion. The couple and makeup artist waited in a room on the home’s second floor that was pristine, bright and full of chatter as people carried supplies in and out, discussing decor,
Styled Shoot by JennQuinn Creative Story by Cecelia Shilling
lighting and making small talk.
Though it wasn’t Taylor and Tibbetts’ big day quite yet, it was a day that took careful orchestration. The group was preparing for the Chesapeake Bay Wedding Magazine photo shoot.
As the team put the final touches on the set-ups, Walker entertained the couple. Based in St. Charles, the makeup artist does bridal makeup and teaches classes for brides who plan to do their own makeup. Making conversation with the bridal party is a big part of Walker’s role, she said.
“I’m like a joker, I make everybody laugh,” Walker said. “If a bride is stressing, I rub her shoulders.”
After discussing how Taylor typically applies her makeup, Walker settled on a natural look with hints of brown and bronze.
“It’s our fake wedding day!” Taylor joked as the pair prepared for the first shoot of the day.
Taylor, a cyber security consultant and former Miss Maryland, and Tibbetts, a senior manager for a software company, got engaged in March and are preparing for the real thing in May. After meeting on a dating app in 2021, the couple bonded over exploring Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, trying new restaurants and seeing their dogs, Remy and Bill Murray, become best friends.
“We had a couple of dates up in D.C., then I had to go down to Charleston, South Carolina, for a couple of weeks for work, which could be a long time if you just have a couple of dates, it could be hard to keep things moving there,” Tibbets said. “But she happened to be in Charleston as well. It was totally random, she had never been there before.”
The pair met up in Charleston and explored the city together. Taylor now calls Charleston the city where they fell in love.
In March 2024, the couple returned to Charleston and Tibbets asked Taylor to marry him. Taylor remembers suspecting a proposal when their dinner
Photos showcase the Bold Black Tie trend, mixing textures with classic designs. Models dance around the room enjoying the bar and dance floor.
BOLD BLACK TIE
OUR SOMETHING BLUE
plans were suddenly changed.
“He was freaking out, all day he was being really weird,” she remembered. “We were supposed to go to dinner late at night, and he tried to get us a horse and carriage ride but I guess in Charleston they stop at 5:30 so he had to do it before then.”
Her suspicions were right — Tibbetts proposed in Philadelphia Alley, a cobblestone walkway lined with archways and trees, as a group of tourists shamelessly watched them celebrate. Now, they’re planning their wedding in Annapolis.
Photographer and creative director Jennifer Quinn had been looking forward to this photoshoot for months.
For the shoot, Quinn focused on three wedding trends that she had seen on social media. “Sweet Romance,” a monochromatic, flirty and playful color scheme made up of saturated reds and pinks; “Something Blue,” a dainty and elegant play on the “something borrowed, something blue,” tradition, tying in Maryland’s waterfront views; and “Bold Black Tie.”
Bold Black Tie is an extra-glamorous take on the upscale dress code, showcasing the drama and excitement people have to be able to celebrate milestones following the pandemic.
“Now that we’re pretty far out from COVID, I think people are trying to give an excuse to dress up,” Quinn said. “I mean, we’re going to movies dressed in costume, we’re buying tickets to balls. So a wedding is a great time to get dressed up. And I think people are really embracing that.”
Bold Black Tie was the last scene to be shot. The enclosed pavilion on the property was decorated with beautiful white and green florals with black accents. Taylor, in a glitzy champagne-colored gown, and Tibbets in a classic black suit, posed in front of a stone fireplace framed with floral statement pieces.
Doyle, a physician’s assistant turned full-time grower, provided the flowers for the shoot. Doyle bought her Prince Frederick farm, now called Dahlia & Vine Flower Farm, in 2016 when she was
Photos highlight different shades of blue to create a nautical look out on the lawn of the venue. Models enjoy the day under the decorated arch and private dock.
planning her own wedding.
“I told my husband, ‘Why don’t we just buy a farm and get married on it?” she said. “He always goes along with my crazy ideas.”
The couple bought a two-acre llama farm and started growing dahlias to be in the background of their wedding, but Doyle quickly fell in love with flower growing. Now, she works full-time as a grower specializing in dahlias and offers a variety of floral services like workshops, bouquet subscriptions and custom-grown wedding florals. Doyle was excited to provide the flowers for the shoot when she learned about the color schemes.
“I haven’t done a pink and red wedding before,” Doyle said. “I was putting them together yesterday and I was like, this actually works — it’s super cute!”
As the preparation finished and the photoshoot began, Denise Edelen, owner and venue manager of the pavilion, and Doyle stood just out of the frame and watched Quinn get to work. Edelen could be seen constantly poised to lend a helping hand, something she is more than used to doing as owner and venue manager at the Pavilion at Weatherly.
The pavilion and home sit on a 25-acre farm with a breathtaking 20-mile view of the Potomac River. Fit with a stretched 130-foot pier, the pavilion is perfect for couples looking for an exclusive getaway feel for their event. Couples may use two ready rooms inside the home and have the option to add fireworks and “splash golf,” or biodegradable golf perfect for a waterfront course, to their event.
Though Edelen never intended for her and her husband’s property to become a wedding venue, they were flooded with event inquiries after their niece got married at the home in 2012. Now, they’ve taken on remodels, licenses and staff to serve as a getaway wedding venue in Southern Maryland.
“For the first five years, we were (doing) tented events,” Edelen said. “Then in 2014 the barn weddings became popular, and we had an old tobacco barn on the property and clients were asking about it.”
MONOCHROMATIC MUSINGS
THE PAVILION AT WEATHERLY VENUE
Instead of leaving the barn as is, the Edelens updated the space for safety and built an open-air waterfront pavilion within the same footprint as the original barn. The pavilion was finished and ready to host events in 2018 but was enclosed and updated once again in 2023, this time with the addition of heat, air conditioning, a catering-prep kitchen, new bathrooms and a full-service bar.
Edelen’s goal is always to make weddings a relaxing day for her couples and takes care of tasks like managing vendor arrivals, setting up and breaking down decor, providing staff to help with parking and even having an in-house day-of coordinator.
After 12 years of hosting weddings, Edelen found it hard to pick a favorite event hosted on the property.
“The couples themselves and all their wonderful family and friends that come and help them celebrate make for such a joyous occasion,” she said. “It’s the whole atmosphere itself, they’re all unique, and that’s what I love.”
Top left: Draping and lighting inside of the enclosed pavilion.
Middle: Exterior of the property, main house.
Left bottom two images: Inside the bridal suite.
Below: View of the water, front of the pavilion building.
Getting ready station inside bridal suite.
• We offer luxurious limousine services for all occasions.
• From weddings, bachelor(ette) parties, corporate events, prom, homecoming, or anight on the town.
“Our go to photographer and we love her! She makes pictures look effortless and they always come back looking so good!”
A waterfront wonder
The Oaks is a ‘blank canvas’ for couples
STORY BY ELIZABETH POLO
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE OAKS
Nestled along the serene shores of the Chesapeake Bay, The Oaks Waterfront Hotel is an intimate wedding venue offering an escape to the charming Eastern Shore of Maryland. The quiet atmosphere in St. Michaels gives couples the dream waterfront wedding experience. Imagine professing your vows as the sounds of waves lap the shore, leaves rustling in the wind. Whether grand or small-scale celebrations, The Oaks paints the perfect picture of natural beauty and love.
Resting on 10 acres of land, The Oaks offers a wide variety of locations to tie the knot. From the grand lawn overlooking the water to a spacious waterfront ballroom and even an enclosed dock, the property can fit any size wedding to make your dreams come true.
The biggest spaces on the property are the grand lawn, which can hold about 350 guests, and the waterfront ballroom, which can hold around 200. The dock, which can accommodate around 80 people, is perfect for smaller weddings.
A central value The Oaks maintains for its guests is ensuring the space is exclusively yours on your big day, providing an intimate, undivided destination. This means having the entire property to yourself. Ashton Yates, the hotel’s wedding venue and banquet manager, shared that this touch ensures that this is your home for the weekend.
“With most wedding venues today, there could be one or more than one wedding going on at the same time as your wedding, and it does make a big difference because of how the staff interacts with all these weddings,” she said. “So, here, just
The Oaks boasts a beautiful view of the Miles River. Page 22 photos by Kimberly F. Dunn Photography.
The Oaks
The Oaks is located in Easton of Royal Oak Road. Photo by Shelby Horton Photography.
Easton, MD
being the only wedding that weekend, you don’t have to worry about random people coming in.”
During your weekend stay, you and your guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, canoeing and a chartered Hinckley Yacht.
According to The Oaks, the property was historically included in a land grant given by Lord Baltimore to the Benson family around 1680. Over the centuries, the property evolved to house guests. In 1884, the land was made into a farm, and in 1902, the owners built a boarding house for people traveling to the area by steamboat or railroad. In the 70s, The Oaks was purchased to be transformed into a hotel resort, and in 2022, Scott and Tracy Wagner added their magical touches to turn The Oaks into the beautiful getaway it is today.
“The owners, Scott and Tracy, are wonderful people,” Yates said. “They are really involved in the community, and they take a lot of pride and joy in keeping this place going. A lot of the parents of these couples have even mentioned that they can tell it’s a family-owned business.”
With the emphasis on “family,” The Oaks make sure every single couple is guaranteed free-reign to make the place their own.
“It’s really a blank canvas,” Yates chuckled. “A lot of couples want to have their personality or something that excites them added to the property. No two weddings are ever going to be the same here.”
In preparation for the ceremony, The Oaks offers both a bridal cottage, which includes a luxury kitchen and bathroom, a waterfront view, a vanity, a king bedroom, and a porch and a groom’s suite with a wet bar, a waterfront view, two decks and a luxury bathroom.
For the standard rental fee, The Oaks provides ceremonial chairs, electricity, lounge furniture, and bars for cocktail hour, as well as all tables, chairs, linens, and tableware for the reception. A wedding at The Oaks also includes a full kitchen, staff, servers and bartenders. Thus, no sourcing from temp agencies is required.
The Oaks has 11 hotel rooms and four cottages. Tours are available throughout the property upon request.
The hotel can also be used for various private events, such as work parties, birthdays, or even a simple getaway. St. Michaels offers many activities outside the hotel, including sailing, museums, shopping and dining at restaurants.
Photo by Shelby Horton Photography
Photo by Shelby Horton Photography
Photo by Kimberly F. Dunn Photography
Photo by Shelby Horton Photography
Photos above and to the side showcase previous weddings held at The Oaks.
Bethlehem Farms
Put your feet up at The Gardens at Bethlehem Farms. Photo taken at a previous wedding at TGBF.
Rustic charm and wedding dreams
The Gardens at Bethlehem Farm
STORY BY ELIZABETH POLO
PHOTOS BY BROOKELYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
Nestled amid the country in Cecil County is the Gardens at Bethlehem Farm. With a history as a working farm since the 1800s, the property is now home to event spaces, stunning gardens and a barn infused with the special memories of countless couples.
Owners Linda and Tim Pierce have turned this historic property into an idyllic wedding venue. As they learned the ins and outs of the wedding industry, they discovered what it took to turn a bride and groom’s vision into a reality that they could share with their guests.
CREATING YOUR DREAM WEDDING
The majority of wedding planning happens early in the timeline leading up to the big day. Linda recommends starting by finding someone who can help guide you through the process. Establishing
a budget is also helpful in the early stages of wedding planning and a coordinator can provide realistic ideas of what you can expect to pay to make your vision a reality.
Linda knows how important this step is, which is why packages at the Gardens at Bethlehem Farm include a coordinator. This person is there to make sure every detail goes according to plan and to take those minute tasks off your plate, freeing you up to enjoy the day.
When ready to book your wedding location, it helps to look early, especially if you have a specific date in mind. But keeping an open mind might help you make the most of your budget and have more choices.
“If you are flexible with your date you will have more options,” Linda said. “But if you have a very
Photos showcase various scenes and offerings unique to this countryside venue in Rising Sun.
specific date that you will not budge on then you will need to choose a venue early in your planning to secure your favorite venue.”
It’s equally important to find a venue that fits not just your style but one that keeps you comfortable.
“Having a venue to yourselves brings a calmness and will ensure you have a private event making it that much more special,” she says.
CREATING AN EXPERIENCE
Whether you’re planning a large wedding or a more intimate gathering, a memorable wedding is all about creating an experience for guests that celebrates the love of the bride and groom. Look for ways to let your personal style shine through, but don’t underestimate the power of an amazing story.
“We’re a 7th generation family farm,” Linda said. “During the events, I can envision all the memories within these walls. It makes me happy to be able to share our little slice of heaven with each couple and their loved ones.”
When they opened as an event space in 2016, the Pierces wanted to bring the same sense of family
A large banquet area for the reception coupled with a separate area for the ceremony helps a specific vision come to life. It also reduces the transitions to plan for, since everything can be set-up ahead of time. Guests are free to flow from one area to the next as the day unfolds, focusing on celebrating rather than moving tables and chairs.
“We are equipped to hold your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all under one roof in three separate spaces,” Linda said.
Each one is unique, with details like lighting, elegant draping, and, in the case of the banquet hall, a stunning chandelier hanging in the middle. The barn doors also open, displaying the vibrant landscape beyond.
Linda shares that most couples opt for the classic wedding, which includes bridal suites, a ceremony space complete with lights and draping, as well as a dedicated cocktail reception area and the grand banquet space. But just like each couple is unique, the needs for each wedding is unique, so the Gardens at Bethlehem Farm also has options for more intimate events.
“It’s so idyllic. I love the rustic and cozy feel,” Linda said. “I love the sense of family and closeness during each event. They have to come and experience it to know if it’s going to fit their dream.”
You can learn more about the Gardens at Bethlehem Farm, including wedding packages and how to book your date, by visiting their website at https://thegardensatbf.com.
Rising Sun, MD
BRIDGERTON A bit of
Photographer Alexis Walls brought the magic of Bridgerton to the Eastern Shore this past year with a stylized photo shoot which featured local people and businesses.
Walls. 25, has been taking photos professionally and running her faith-based business, Salt and
Light Photography, for three years now, mostly doing work with portraits and weddings.
Although she loves helping bring her client’s vision to life, Walls recently decided she wanted to step out of her comfort zone and create something of her own.
Story by Madison Bateman
Photos by Salt and Light Photography
“I was beginning to feel burnt out doing the same things over and over again and it started to feel more like work rather than something I love,” she said.“I wanted to try a themed shoot and was deciding between Bridgerton and Game of Thrones for a while.”
Bridgerton is an American historical romance television show created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, the series is set in early 1800s London. The show’s costumes, set design and aesthetic are rooted in the early 19th century Regency period, but with a modern twist.
“I had a vision so I designed the set from there,” Walls said. “Then I posted online to find vendors who were interested in participating and having their products featured.”
Sweet Hearts Patisserie, a bakery in Annapolis, volunteered to provide pastries for the shoot.
Owner and Executive Pastry Chef Kristen Rowell said she saw Walls’ post on social media seeking interested local businesses to participate in the project.
“We worked at the bakery to design and prepare some desserts that matched the theme – which wasn’t hard, as our pastries tend to fit [Bridgerton’s] aesthetic pretty naturally,” she said. “We included a vintage style 2-tier wedding cake, along with some French macarons, mini tarts and petit fours.”
The bakery specializes in French macarons, petit fours and cakes for all occasions, including weddings, showers and birthdays. They also offer set up and displays for dessert tables.
Walls said she gave vendors creative freedom and allowed them to use her finished photos from the shoot for advertising purposes.
SHOOT VENDORS
Photography: Salt and Light Photography
Pastries: Sweet Hearts Patisserie
Location: All Saints House
Attire: Factory Project
The location of the Bridgerton-themed shoot was an old Espicapillian Church in Talbot County. The Gothic Revival style building, known as the All Saints House, is owned and occupied by Anastasiia du Hoffmann, a model in the shoot and a friend of Walls’. Hoffmann said she is a fan of Bridgerton’s interior design, music, costumes and hairstyles.
“I was happy to assist [Walls] with the shoot,” she said. “The whole process took a couple hours, plus time for hair and makeup. It was a lighthearted experience, more like a girlfriend get-together, than a formal shoot. We laughed, ate delicious pastries and drank tea from pretty china.”
The costume Hoffmann wore in the photos
was a rental from an Easton nonprofit called the Factory Project, which has an entire costume shop with a variety of time period wear and accessories.
Walls said she felt energized after planning, designing and executing her first solo creative project.
“Lexi’s kindness and creativity go hand in hand in her work,” Hoffmann said. “She is a wonderful human being and a professional dedicated to creating beautiful memories for her clients.”
Other models featured in the Bridgerton shoot include Emily Hock, Corryn Nagel and Macy Morris.
Celebrate your most cherished memories at Magnolia Manor. Magnolia Manor offers a stunning water view from the nineteenth centur y manor house, located on the bank s of the Tred Avon River. The venue brings life to the past, present, and future with each celebration.
We encourage our couples to engage their beloved vendors, creating an experience that is as uniquely well-celebrated as possible.
Who photographs a wedding photographer’s wedding?
Planning a wedding as a wedding vendor
The first question I get whenever I mention I am planning my wedding is “who is photographing a photographer’s wedding?”
Luckily, that’s an easy one. The best part about learning photography and working weddings is that I have met so many amazing vendors. Building relationships with these people is what is going to make any event, especially a wedding, stand out.
Once my fiance and I were ready to start planning the wedding, we sat down and started a list. The list included people we wanted to invite, ideas we had for decorations, vendors we knew we wanted, down to the ideas for colors. We nailed down our location so we could start the rentals, and then the research began. Finding the best place to get tables,
CREATIVE
chairs, to tent or not to tent, creating extensive pinterest boards and everything else a wedding could need.
Knowing so many vendors helps to speed up the process of hiring the perfect people for each part of the day. I also knew I didn’t have to stress about my vision being exact when I spoke with them. Having an idea, date and location is enough to get the process started and the trust I have with my vendors helps me to know they will do a great job. They have offered up ideas that
STORY & PHOTOS BY JENNIFER QUINN OF JENNQUINN
I have fallen in love with and I have been able to follow their work through the years, making it easy for me to point out things I am interested in.
Our vision for the day is coming together quickly, knowing that the big parts are nailed down. We are planning to have our wedding on the family farm and that opens up a lot of opportunities but is a different challenge to picking a wedding venue. We can use the outdoor space for the ceremony, but it means we need to rent chairs and find ways to decorate. The reception will be in a large equipment barn, presenting another unique challenge. This type of wedding will be extra special to me and my fiance but it certainly isn’t easier than picking a designated wedding venue. In order to have a lot of the same things a wedding venue would provide, we had to have a reasonable budget. This isn’t your stereotypical backyard wedding.
I am able to use my artistic eye to put fun colors together and imagine the decorations in the ceremony space and reception space. Being a wedding vendor myself has exposed me to so many wedding trends, making it even more fun to create something that feels unique and will stand out. I also have the opportunity to see what things can often go wrong or don’t pan
Photo by Casey Cichocki
out the way people expect them too. Like how getting ready never sticks to the schedule. Always build in some buffer time.
Having a hand in the wedding industry makes it harder for me to let go of control of the day. I will want to hang every light, place each napkin and light all of the candles. In order to combat that, we found that having a day of coordinator has already erased some of that stress. I trust her to handle any questions that pop up and direct people when setting up so my family and I can enjoy the getting ready process. I have chosen a florist that has always done amazing work and uses their eye to place each piece
with artistic flair. Another thing to mark off the stress list. We have met with our cake baker and catering, tasted the mains for the day and have no concerns about the food tasting good.
All in all, doing research, working with good people, and not over-thinking decisions has been the key to planning this wedding without too much stress. I am having a good time putting this day together and I hope Chesapeake Bay Wedding readers get that chance as well.
Oh, and to answer the original question, her name is Faith, of Venus Queen Photography in New Jersey.
Expert wedding advice
A few words of advice from a wedding professional:
BUDGET:
Your budget will change, but know your cap. It’s important to create the day you want but make it the day you want without compromising the days ahead.
VENDORS:
Know where to make concessions and what matters to you. There will be vendors you will work more closely with than others, make sure they are people you enjoy working with. They will be more invested in your day going smoothly and you will feel more at ease on the day of.
FOOD:
Match the food to who you are as a couple! Know there are options for every budget, catering companies, catering from your favorite restaurants, buffet style,
family style, plated dinners. Personally I like buffets because you save a bit of money and everyone gets to decide what they want to eat that day.
DAY OF COORDINATING:
Have a person who can be dedicated to helping the day go smoothly. I have hired a day-of-coordinator, knowing I want to be able to fully relax on the day of and allow our family and friends to as well.
OUTFIT:
Depending on what you want, you don’t have to spend a fortune! Make sure you pick something that makes you feel good in the body you are in. Don’t focus on what you think you want to look like in the future, enjoy your outfit on the day you go looking. Something you feel amazing in now, will feel amazing later. And if you want to stay in your ceremony outfit the entire time, do it! That’s the outfit you got married in, enjoy it for as long as possible.
Beating the Heat
Caleigh Era
Caleigh Era Hairstylist
Hurlock, MD
@caleigherahairstylist
I’ve been a wedding hair stylist now for almost 15 years and I’m honored to share my experience on how to “beat the heat” for bridal hair.
My advice for every bride is to schedule a bridal hair preview prior to her wedding day. During the consultation, we can discuss style options and really understand what her hair might do in hot/humid conditions. I always recommend that a bride chooses a style that works with her natural hair. If a bride knows her hair will frizz up with any style that she chooses and wants to eliminate frizz, I recommend doing a Keratin treatment prior to her hair preview.
Updos, ponytails, whimsical braid styles and half up half down styles are my go to for these conditions. A consultation and the right products are key to success! I prefer brides to wash their hair the night before the wedding. Clean hair is the best canvas to allow product saturation and longevity. Once your hair is styled, try to avoid lying down, sitting back, strenuous activities, or collared clothing. I always stay for touch-ups to ensure that the bride absolutely loves her hair, and it stays secure for her special day.
My favorite products to use are:
Angie Smythe
Eventfully Yours Wedding Planning
Salisbury, MD
@eventfullyyoursmd
1. Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray
2. Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray
3. Color WOW Pop & Lock Frizz Control & Glossing Serum
4. Shield Anti-Humity Spray by Amika
5. Sexy Hair Volumizing & Texturizing Powder
6. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish
Our team strongly recommends scheduling summer celebrations for the evening to avoid the intensity of the midday heat. Starting later ensures your guests can enjoy the day comfortably, free from harsh sunlight — and without the need for the bridal party wearing sunglasses.
Evening ceremonies not only provide cooler temperatures but also benefit from flattering light. It’s a simple yet impactful way to beat the summer heat.
Photo of Caleigh by @abbyscameralens in Seattle, Washington.
Photo of couple by Amanda Korell. Photo taken of bride whose hair was done by Caleigh.
Photo of Angie Smythe handing out programs and inviting guests to enjoy a cold beverage prior to the start of the beach ceremony.
Photographer: Christine Greene Photography Venue: Indian River Life Saving Station Planning: Eventfully Yours
Tips from wedding professionals on how to get the best during a summer wedding.
Florals are a big investment on your wedding day, and like any good investment, planning is key. It’s crucial to prepare for how the heat can affect your flowers, especially if you plan to use any florals outside. An experienced floral designer will guide you in selecting heat-tolerant blooms and plan to design any installation pieces with hidden water sources to keep flowers hydrated if temperatures soar.
Ease any potential worries by having a plan in place for your floral designer to stay through the ceremony to mist and refresh the florals, ensuring they remain vibrant throughout the day. This is especially important if you plan to transition any floral pieces from the ceremony to the reception space. From the initial consultation to the big day, your floral designer will manage all the details, so you can relax knowing your flowers will stay fresh and beautiful no matter the weather!
Brittany Doyle
Dahlia & Vine Flower Farm
Prince Frederick, MD
@dahliavineflowerfarm
Battling high heat and humidity can be a challenge when it comes to summer weddings but here are a couple of things you can do to help keep your makeup looking its best.
I always recommend keeping up with your skin care at home. Getting regular facials and dermaplane facials will help your makeup last much longer for a long day. Use a sweat proof or waterproof primer and setting spray. One size sweat proof primer and one size mattifying waterproof setting spray are my go to’s for summer weddings.
Some things you can keep on hand throughout the day is a hand held fan to keep you a little cooler and a compact pressed powder for any touch up you may need as well.
Megan Trees
Revelry Hair Studio
Bel Air, MD
@hairbymegantrees
Photo taken during the Chesapeake Bay Wedding cover shoot for the fall 2024 magazine. Photo by JennQuinn Creative.
Brittany poses while hard at work on her home farm in Prince Frederick.
Welcome home
Our newly renovated, historic resort fuses countr y ouse charm and contemporar y sop isticationo ering 24 beautiful rooms and suites, four unique wedding and event venues including e Farmstead, plus our all new 18 Bar & Restaurant.
Serene views, calm waters and a truly magnificent wedding experience awaits you at ent Island Resort.
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Where forever begins
Bohemia Manor Farm is not just a winery; it is a picturesque venue overlooking the Bohemia River, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. With a state-of-the-art production facility, a spacious tasting room with a ballroom, and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for entertainment, the estate promises an unforgettable experience for any occasion.
Skipjack Nathan offers many ways to By land or
STORY BY MADISON BATEMAN
PHOTOS FROM THE DORCHESTER SKIPJACK
COMMITTEE
Skipjack Nathan has become a staple of Dorchester County over the past three decades, offering the public a fun way to learn about local maritime history and an intimate place to connect with others.
A skipjack is a commercial wooden sailing vessel which was used for over 100 years to dredge oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Launched in 1994, the Nathan of Dorchester is likely the last skipjack to ever be built as a sailing dredge boat.
Pat Johnson, President of the Dorchester Skipjack Committee, has been sailing the Nathan for about 11 years now. She said the nonprofit’s primary goal is sharing the heritage of watermen in the region and educating the public on the significant role of oysters in the ecology of the Bay.
The Dorchester Skipjack Committee owns, preserves and operates the historically maintained boat.
The Nathan is popular among locals as a place to connect with each other, as well as the water, according to Johnson.
“We do all kinds of things with [the boat],” she said. “We’ve had everything from family reunions to bachelorette parties and weddings.
The skipjack sees about 10 weddings or weddingrelated events every year.
Couples have the choice whether to perform their ceremony on the dock or on the boat in the river. Most often, the bride and groom get married on the dock and then go for a sail afterward.
The Nathan is perfect for a smaller group and a more casual experience, Johnson said. Guests can arrange to have food and liquor on the boat, as well as laid back musical performances.
Photos showcase Skipjack Nathan sailing with a bachelorette party and newlyweds.
celebrate Chesapeake style by sea
The boat is docked at Long Wharf, located at the end of High Street in Cambridge near the Choptank River Lighthouse.
“People like hosting their events on the Nathan because it provides a more intimate environment. It gets you out in nature and keeps people off their phones,” Johnson said. “When we have beautiful weather, the scene on the river is picturesque.”
Ann Robinson, a volunteer with the committee and Dorchester County native, often works on the Nathan. Her father, Robert Ruark, was commissioned by the Nathan Skipjack Committee to build the vessel 30 years ago.
“I have a personal connection with the boat,” she said. “Working on it has been a very unique experience … We have hosted people from all over the world.”
Robinson said she has a lot of fun helping out with the wedding ceremonies on the Nathan and enjoys watching guests have a good time while also having an opportunity to share information about the skipjack.
“It’s a great little place to get married,” she said. “One of our crew members is ordained and the lighthouse nearby makes for great photos.”
Outside of weddings and special events, the Nathan offers public sails almost every Saturday during sailing season, April through October, which can be booked online.
Each sail is two hours long and filled with storytelling and oyster dredging by the boat’s crew.
“The boat is run authentically,” Johnson said. ‘Everything is done by hand, just how it was in the 1800s. We have four crew members and a captain like a typical oyster boat.“
The boat does, although, have an engine, unlike it would have centuries ago.
“The Nathan is loved by all. It’s a real joy to have people come and experience a sail,” Johnson said. “There is so much maritime history to explore in this area.”
The public can book sails, volunteer and learn more about the Nathan at www.skipkack-nathan.org.
St.
2025 Trends
Late Night Flat Lays
Late night flat lays are a great way to show off the atmosphere of the reception. Capturing little details often forgotten about once the wedding day is over. Having these images will allow you to feel like you are celebrating once again.
Maximalism
We have seen simple but layering textures, colors, prints all together is making a splash in the wedding world. Maximalism allows weddings to feel more fun and playful, while remaining luxurious.
Hand-drawnHandwritten/Elements
Using maps, custom fonts designed to mimic handwriting, even handwriting thank you notes to each guest. These ideas add an element of personalization that is unbeatable and sets you apart from every other wedding. Some completely unique to your and your soon-to-be spouse.
CAPTURING LOVE
THE STORY OF THE DYNAMIC MARRIED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM
BY LAUREN BARRETT
As a 5-year-old girl, Ashlee Emerson always had a camera in her hand and her answer to what she wanted to be when she grew up was consistently a photographer. Years later she made her dreams come true.
For the past seven years, Ashlee has transformed her love of photography into a career and passion as a wedding and portrait photographer based out of Delaware with her company, Ashlee Emerson Photography (AEP).
“I love love and capturing memories. Both of those fall hand in hand with weddings,” Ashlee said when asked what inspires her to shoot weddings.
For a while, Ashlee embarked on this journey solo until her then-fiancé, Matt, came into the picture. At first, Matt tagged along to the weddings, helped carry the camera bags, and provided extra support. This arrangement allowed for the couple to be able to spend more time together as their respective jobs kept them busy.
Matt and Ashlee are no strangers to each other.
“We technically met when we were younger as I was friends with his sister, but we didn’t connect until we were in our 20s thanks to social media,” Ashlee said.
Their first date was a carnival, and they have made it a tradition to go back every year.
“Her ability to make people feel so comfortable around her and at ease is one of the things that initially drew me to her,” Matt reflected on Ashlee. “Conversations were effortless and flowed very easily.”
After years of Ashlee capturing love with her camera and Matt right by her side, the pair got their own love story. They were married in October of 2021 in a beautiful, romantic garden wedding at Mount Harmon Plantation.
“One of our favorite parts of our wedding was our first look. It was truly such a special private moment spent together away from the hustle and bustle of the day,” Ashlee recalled.
When asked for his advice for those who are
looking to get married, Matt said, “Fall in love with your best friend (I know it sounds cliche), but your best friend is someone who you know is going to have your back and cheers for you on your great days. And picks you up on your bad days. One of my favorite pieces of advice I ever heard was: Understanding that marriage isn’t necessarily a “50/50 relationship.” Some days your partner may only be able to give you 25% and it’s up to you to give the other 75%. That’s just the way life works.”
They fell stride and stride with one another as a married couple. Ashlee continued to shoot weddings and Matt continued to follow her. Eventually, his curiosity energized Ashlee to teach him how to photograph, and one thing led to another.
A year and a half ago, they officially became a wife and husband team.
“It works out great so that he’s with the groom and groomsmen and I’m with the bride and her girls,” Ashlee said. “Our favorite part of shooting weddings is seeing the bride and groom surrounded by the love and joy of their friends and family. There is nothing more magical.”
The duo relish in the extra time they get to spend together since both of their schedules can be crazy. Matt travels with Ashlee only on wedding days. Otherwise, Matt is a full-time fitness coach who has a passion for helping others achieve their goals.
In addition, Matt loves video games and the outdoors. Ashlee prefers reading to the TV. Together, however, the two have many shared interests. They have three pups that they love spending time with, and they both love to travel. Shooting weddings has taken them to many different places, and they always leap at the opportunity to travel to a new location. In fact, their website states, “If it’s a place we’ve never been before, we might even shoot your wedding for free!”
When asked what their favorite destination is, Ashlee empathetically answered, “Hawaii.”
“And Matt would definitely say Disney,” she laughed. “We went for our honeymoon, and he’s been hooked ever since.”
The couple has many exciting travel dates coming up for weddings. That’s one of the reasons why
Ashlee finds so much joy in shooting them.
“They are always different in some aspect,” she said. “Each wedding is magical in its own way.”
They advised couples getting married to do the things you want to do and not let other people’s opinions influence you. After all, it is your special day.
As for finding the “perfect” photographer, Ashlee recommends doing your research not only on the photographers you’re looking into but wedding photography itself.
“Find what style suits you best, what investment you’re willing to make, and what you value most from your wedding day, and then start reaching out to photographers,” she said. “Find out their photography shooting style and see if you guys will be a good fit. I also always recommend calling them and having your engagement session with who you’re going to hire. It’s super important you like your wedding photographer as not only a photographer but a person as well since they spend
the most time with you on your wedding day.”
It’s not every day people get to share their careers with their partners, but Ashlee and Matt made their dreams a reality. The couple are opposites and balance each other out.
“Matt is easygoing and a great people person,” Ashlee said. “They easily gravitate toward him.”
As for Ashlee, Matt’s favorite things about her are that she is driven and strong, and she inspires him to be the greatest version of himself.
“Her ability to go above and beyond for people who come to her in virtually all aspects of life: personal and professional is inspiring.”
For more information on Ashlee Emerson Photography, please visit https://www. ashleeemersonphotography.com/
Pictured left to right, with paw-rents Ashlee and Matt, Archibald (Archie), Winifred (Winnie) and Oliver.
Discountedlodging
Photoassistance
FROM THEATER TO florals
Event florist Ian Tresselt discusses a big career change and the importance of locally sourced flowers
BY CECELIA SHILLING
Design was really where I felt I fit most, what I loved the most,” event florist Ian Tresselt said. “But I also loved working with the growers directly, learning about flowers, learning about how they grow and what is available locally.
While studying design leadership at a unique master’s program with the Maryland Institute College of Arts and Johns Hopkins University, instructor Jonathan Erwin challenged Tresselt to admit what he was most passionate about. Nervous, Tresselt thought of his lifelong love of nature, first inspired by his grandparents who grew, painted and photographed flowers.
“I’m a little embarrassed to tell you, but I’m passionate about flowers,” Ian Tresselt confessed.
Tresselt spent more than 20 years working as an arts and theater administrator with performing arts organizations in Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New York and Baltimore. In 2015, he left his role to go back to school and explore design. Now, he runs a floral design studio, called Ian Tresselt Design, from his Port Republic home.
“I started the business in January of 2023 and word of mouth spread quickly,” Tresselt said. “I threw a bunch of spaghetti on the wall, trying different things, and the business model that worked for me is events.”
After deciding to pivot his career from theater to floral event design, Tresselt took time to learn about the industry he was diving into. Noting the environmental impact associated with the flower industry, he wanted to take a more sustainable route and work exclusively with local, seasonal plants.
“I really want someone who understands that we’re sourcing locally,” Tresselt said. “That we’re supporting local growers and we are living in the season that way. So if you want peonies in December, I am not your person.”
According to the department of horticultural science at the University of Minnesota, over 80% of cut flowers sold in the United States are imported. The process of importing flowers
Photo by Jessica Underwood
Photo was taken at Ian Tresselt’s home in Port Republic, where he puts together a majority of his floral arrangements.
Photo by Lara Reisman.
requires large chemical and water inputs and leaves behind a hefty carbon footprint. Tresselt works with growers mostly local to Southern Maryland as well as on the Eastern Shore, Baltimore and Virginia. Many of his vendors incorporate sustainable practices in their farms, with farms like Red Tree Farmstead and Dahlia & Vine Flower Farm opting to use no-till methods to reduce emissions and maintain soil health.
Though Tresselt avoids importing flowers, there are no limits to his creativity. While designing floral pieces for a recent wedding at Running Hare Vineyard, he encouraged his clients to experiment with seasonal fruits and veggies in their decor.
“The color palette was primarily autumnal; deep purples, deep burgundies with touches of whites and creams,” Tresselt said. “It was really beautiful, but we’re at a vineyard, and we’re in harvest. Might we explore things like vegetables and fruit amongst the flowers? And we did it.”
Small artichokes and grapes were featured in two floral statement pieces used during the ceremony.
“The importance of incorporating seasonality into design, the beauty that comes from really
celebrating what is being grown around you at a particular point in time…It adds movement and beauty and whimsy to designs that you just can’t find without incorporating those things,” Tresselt said.
Juliana Venegas, who got married this past spring, said Tresselt helped stay within their budget and thought out of the box with their arrangements.
“I really wanted a Christmas wedding, but that wasn’t in the cards for us,” Venegas said. “I wanted to figure out how to incorporate Christmas trees. He worked his magic and got us some evergreen trees in May and brought them all the way to the inner harbor in Fells Point, put them on the pier for us and decorated them with flowers. It was amazing.”
Tresselt prefers working with clients who are open-minded and willing to substitute classic wedding florals with something growing within the region. Replacing baby’s breath with a white lace flower called “Orlaya” is a great example, he said.
“Orlaya does exactly what baby’s breath does, but better,” Tresselt said. “It’s more beautiful. The flowers are more full. It has more movement to it.
Photo by Jessica Underwood
Photo by Dave McIntosh
Photo by Lara Reisman.
It doesn’t have that rigidity, but it still has that wonderful softness that adds a sort of bitsand-bobsy moment to a design.”
2022 bride Kim Dade was thrilled with the turnout of her florals after working with Tresselt for her wedding, she said.
“I think he loved me because I gave him complete creative freedom,” Dade said. “We had a backyard wedding right here in our home. I told him, ‘I’m going to have clean white tablecloths and my florals are going to serve as decoration. I want all the color in the world.’ He took my ideas and ran with it.”
Tresselt used fishing line to hang individual stems from the ceiling in the place of string lights, created vibrant bouquets and decorative table arrangements, and a hair piece for Dade. She remembers Tresselt gifting her some flowers during their planning meetings and throwing in
an extra arrangement for their sweetheart table, she said.
Tresselt hopes his work can communicate the importance of sourcing locally, but also hopes to help expand the “floral vocabulary” of his clients to better understand what grows around them. He wants his work to help shift their perspective on how often we interact with flowers day-today, too. He believes flowers are capable of bringing more joy to our lives and lifting our spirit, he said.
“I find that we, as a nation, we know roses, we know daffodils, we know certain flowers, but we don’t live with flowers like our friends in Western Europe or South Asia,” Tresselt said. “They need to see them. We don’t do that. It’s ‘I’m going to treat myself.’ I would love for us to think a little bit differently about that.”
To learn more about Tresselt’s work, visit iantresselt.com.
Photo by Jessica Underwood
Photo by Dave McIntosh
Photos showcase arrangements handmade by Ian Tresselt.
Marissa & Brandon
DAVIDSON
THE PROPOSAL:
We both share a mutual love for cooking and food, and Julie and Julia is one of our favorite movies. Around the time Brandon was going to propose, Julia Child’s former home in Georgetown “The Jewel on Olive” was for sale. Brandon was able to get in contact with the owner Rory to organize a tour just for fun, but little did Marissa know, he was planning on proposing in the kitchen of where Julia Child tested recipes for Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
THE HARDEST PART:
The hardest part was leading up to the wedding and the uncertainty of the weather! Rain was in the forecast, and it ended up being way hotter than anticipated. We really appreciated Christine being prepared with parasols for the guests to avoid the sun, and thankfully, it didn’t start to rain until everyone had left!
THE BEST PART:
The best part of our wedding day was our moment alone after the ceremony. Our amazing wedding planner Christine McFarlane organized a private picnic at the end of the dock at Herrington on the Bay for us to exchange gifts, enjoy our cocktail hour appetizers, and take in the moment together before we partied with our friends and family.
Outstanding Vendors:
Planning: Christine
McFarlane Events
Photography: Alice Tran
Photography
Venue and Catering:
Herrington on the Bay
Video: Positive Vibe Media
DJ: DJ Mova
Hair: Nicole from The Salon on Main
Makeup: Vintage Veils
Florist: Wanton Poppies
Cake: Cakes by Abby Robson
Transportation: Chesapeake Charter
Photo booth: Indy the Photo Camper
HOW THEY MET:
We met on the dating app Hinge! Marissa was a travel nurse who took an assignment in Baltimore, and it turned out she was moving just a few blocks from Brandon. We started dating and she decided to stay permanently!
HOW THEY MET:
I met my husband at the gym during COVID. I had just started to go to the gym, Hearthstone in Easton, and I kept noticing this good looking guy that was at the gym every time I was there. The gym had moved all of their equipment around and they also designated a room for people who wanted to stretch before their workout. One day we were in the room at the same time and we just struck up a conversation. That same weekend I was going on a bachelorette party to OC Maryland and we were going down with a bunch of his friends. I forced the bachelorette girls to go to this bar in OC so I could go and meet him!
THE PROPOSAL:
At the time my husband was renting a 500 sq ft apartment in Downton Easton. We had made dinner, sat down to eat and he didn’t finish his meal which is not like him at all and went to go shower right after. He had called me into the bedroom and when I opened the door he was down on one knee. He apparently had got the ring the same day and planned on proposing another day but he could not wait and did it the same day.
Allison & Wesley
SAMPSON
09.28.24
THE BEST PART:
Everything was the best part of the wedding day for us was but one specific part was the first look. You know what your partner looks like, but the feeling of when you’re approaching him and him smiling/crying is like no other feeling. When we finally were together for the first look, I felt like we were the only two there and nothing else around us mattered. What a special feeling.
Outstanding Vendors:
Planning: Christine
McFarlane Event
Venue: Magnolia Manor
Photography: Arden Haley
Photography and Design
Florist: Monteray Farms
Food: Lechonera DMV Band: Carnivále
Dress: Elegance by Roya Suit: Berrier
Tent rental: Eastern Shore
Tents and Events
Bathrooms: Bathrooms On A Roll
Catered breakfast: Hambleton House
Ice cream: Highland
Creamery
Makeup: Jaime Coston
Hair: Shapers Hair Salon
DOYLE Gianna & Brendan
THE PROPOSAL:
We were getting our first dog together. We had picked him out a few weeks before the proposal. When we went to go pick them up, the ring was around Barley‘s collar. He’s a golden retriever. He was able to make it to our wedding day and greet our guests during cocktail hour.
HOW THEY MET:
In college, at Mount St. Mary’s University. He played lacrosse there and I played soccer.
THE BEST PART:
My favorite part of our wedding day was our first look. I also really enjoyed our choreographed first dance. We loved just soaking in every moment with our family and friends!
THE HARDEST PART:
Not having enough time in the day! We didn’t want our day to end.
Outstanding Vendors:
Photography: Elegant
Exposures by Britt
Venue: Rosewood Farms
Planner: Planned Perfection
Videography: Brian Shaub
Wedding Films
Officiant: Maura Belden
Catering: Rouge Fine
Catering
Band: FM band
Flowers: Go Eden Events
Dress: Jennifer’s bridal
Hair and makeup: Nikki Lynn Ciminale
CHESAPEAKE BAY WEDDING DIRECTORY
Attire
Brooke & June Bridal •••••••• 20 (410) 739‑7050 brookeandjunebridal.com
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Ocean City Bridefest 410 289 7699 marylandbridalshows.com
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