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n May 1, photographer Alex McCormick hung a floral wedding dress from an airy, arched window in what looks like an Italian cottage and snapped photos of a white rose bouquet near a marble statue. With glistening waterfront views and extensive gardens in the background, anyone might mistake the setting for a European getaway. Actually, the European-inspired wedding shoot took place at Huntingtown’s “Villamour,” a Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera, style home along the Patuxent River. “I was looking for a venue that was unique and would cater to people looking for more of an intimate, small wedding — the type of place that’s off the beaten path,” McCormick said. When McCormick, a former teacher turned full-time photographer, started her new career journey after moving to Virginia in 2022, she kept an eye out for a unique space to showcase her work. She stumbled upon Villamour on an Airbnb-like platform called “Peerspace” while planning her father-in-law’s 60th birthday party, she said. “I loved the architecture, the water views, the French-inspired decor,” McCormick said. “I’m building my business out here (and was) hoping for some beautiful photos.”
Planning: @ lauraelizabethweddings Photography: @alexmccormick. photo Venue: @villamour_ Stationery: @pressedfigpaperie Hair: @kanikastyles Makeup: @rcd.artistry
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Inside Villamour, the home is designed with art deco stained glass, greek-like statues and cathedral ceilings, not to mention an indoor heated pool and jacuzzi. Outside the home, however, is the showstopper. The grounds are covered in masterful stonework and impeccable greenery. As the greenery ends, a long pier stretches into the river. “It’s kind of like an arboretum here,” said Will Johnston, whose family owns the house. “It’s an informal garden and the terrain is really beautiful with all the stonework and the landscaping. I’ve had quite a few people come and they were just shocked that there was something like this here in the county.” The home was built in 1977 by Johnston’s parents, Bill and Cristina, who took inspiration from their travels around Germany, France and Mediterranean Europe. “My dad was from D.C., but his family had a cabin in Scientists Cliffs,” Johnston said. “So my parents knew that they wanted to buy a house and build something unique down here in the county.” The home became a labor of love with renovations and projects added over thirty-some years, Johnston said. “They bought the land and had an architect design the house,” he said. “There’s lots of antiques and
Content Creator: @ inthemomentcontentcreators Florals: @drivebyflowers Ceremony Gown: @ zakaacoutureflagship Reception Dress: @ taylarmaderentals Suit: @classictuxedos
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 4
Cake: @heritage_bakeryandcafe Musicians: @kennedyquartet Models: @alexisspinedaa @byron.campbell_ Rentals & Decor: @prettylittleweddingco @tophatpartydesign