Chesapeake Bay Wedding: Spring edition 2024

Chesapeake Bay

HIDDEN GEMS

Amazing vendors throughout the Chesapeake

MAKEUP

Spring into summer with a daring look

TRENDS

Get a head start on what’s hot this year

COUPLES

Stories of wedding days from couples in the region

Creating Magical Occasions

Photos by Cassidy MR Photography

Host your perfect event, large or small, at our award-winning marina resort and inn.

Two locations, endless possibilities.

HAVENHARBOUR.COM • 410.778.6697 C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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INSIDE On the cover:

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Our styled shoot

Our featured venues:

Stevensville Historic Post Office 12 Dock House 14 Hyatt Place 18 Mount Harmon 30 Pleasant Hill House 36

Photo submissions:

22

Fun superlatives

Bits of beauty:

42

Looks by Lina

Tr e n d s t o t r y :

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2024 Wedding trends

Flavors of the day:

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Humble Hearts Catering

Our couples:

10 60 64 68

Becca & John Jordan & Grant Meghan & Jesse Molly & Timothy

Picture perfect:

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Finding your perfect photo booth

52

10 4

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chesapeakebaywedding.com

PRESIDENT Jim Normandin jim.normandin@adamspg.com

PUBLISHER Betsy Griffin bgriffin@chespub.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus@chespub.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Quinn ADVERTISING Brook Ash bash@chespub.com

CIRCULATION Chad Campbell

I

hope you aren’t getting tired of reading about how impressed the Chesapeake Bay Wedding team is with our region. Yet here we are, twice a year, like clockwork, falling in love with the Chesapeake all over again.

But the gems just keep popping up and I believe they always will. Take the cover of this edition for example — it was taken in a beautiful area called the Kent Narrows, just across the Bay Bridge from Annapolis. It is one of the more picture-perfect locations for a wedding.

In a place where you can see a beautiful sunrise and a beautiful sunset… In a place where you can stay in elegant hotels… In a place where you can get breakfast, go shopping, get lunch, take great pictures, go on a walking trail by the shore and then go get dinner… This is the Kent Narrows.

(More on that inside!)

ccampbell@chespub.com

CONTRIBUTING CONTENT CREATORS Jenn Quinn, Arden Haley, Annie Hasselgren, Sydney Nauman, Jennifer Gable, James Young, Andi Costola, William Petruzzo, Amanda Martin, Kristi English, Meredith Moore, Eli Wohlenhaus

DISTRIBUTION:

Chesapeake Bay Wedding will help couples plan their special destination wedding around the Bay. Newark Cecil Harford Baltimore Kent Queen Anne’s

Nearby this very location where we held our styled shoot, just under 6 miles away, we will be hosting our second annual wedding trend reveal event, Under the Veil and Beyond the Bowtie. We hope you will join us.

We may continue to be enamored by the venues and vendors, but the best part of the Chesapeake region is without a doubt the people. You. The stories you share, the love you bring, the creative ideas you cultivate. That’s what makes this magazine thrive. We are so lucky to be a part of this community and look forward to being so evermore.

Eli Wohlenhaus Have ideas for what you want to see in Chesapeake Bay Wedding magazine? Email me at ewohlenhaus@chespub.com.

Caroline Talbot

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

Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake Weddings Request a Free Wedding Guide at garrettcountyweddings.com

Photo credit: Kirsten Getz

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You are Invited to Under theVeil & Beyond the Bowtie 2024 WEDDING TREND REVEAL EVENT Sunday, February 25th, 2024 - 1 to 4 pm Kent Island Resort 500 Kent Manor Drive, Stevensville, MD

Under the Veil is a Chesapeake Bay Wedding event highlighting 2024 trends in a new way. Held in the elegantly rustic Farmstead at Kent Island Resort, attendees will be able to connect with vendors across the entire Chesapeake Bay region to craft a wedding day of their dreams. This edition of our magazine will highlight the emerging trends, the event will further elaborate what’s in. Be part of our exclusive faux wedding set ups, showing off design ideas in an immersive and realistic way.

We hope to see you there!

Scan to

attend

or go to chesapeakebaywedding.com

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EVENT FOR MORE INFORMATION For advertising and event information, contact Kristi English at 410.673.2977 and kenglish@chespub.com

start your journey in

Kent County Maryland

Embrace true love's kiss as the sun melts into the horizon over the iconic Chesapeake Bay. PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE

KENTCOUNTY.COM/VISITORS C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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ABOUT THE COVER STYLED SHOOT STORY BY ANNIE HASSELGREN

LOCATIONS

Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina 3028 Kent Narrow Way S, Grasonville, MD 21638 Dock House 110 Piney Narrows Rd, Chester, MD 21619 Old Stevensville Post Office Stevensville, MD 21666

PHOTOGRAPHERS

FLORALS

JennQuinn Creative jennquinncreative.com

STATIONARY DESIGN & ART DIRECTOR

Arden Haley ahaleydesign.com

HAIR & MAKEUP #NoFilterGlam nofilterglam.com

DRESSES:

Champagne Taste Bridal champagnetastebridal.com

Bloomin’ Wild wearebloominwild.com

JennQuinn Creative jennquinncreative.com

RENTALS

Pretty Little Wedding prettylittleweddingco.com

THREE TRENDS:

ELEVATED WHIMSY, NATURAL NEUTRALS, & URBAN INSPIRED

S

tepping into the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows and Marina feels as though it may have its own zip code. Tucked just off of Route 50, the stunning view of the Chesapeake Bay, comfortable amenities, and cozy accommodations are ideal for those visiting the Eastern Shore for business, pleasure and yes — even to tie the knot.

Nearby attractions abound, including the historic Fisherman’s Village and the 6.5mile Cross Island Trail, perfect for walking, jogging or biking through the beautiful marshes splayed out across Grasonville.

Make a pit stop at Terrapin Park for a short hike to the beach to take in one of the best views of the Bay Bridge and the Bay itself.

With the majority of its rooms boating water views, the Hyatt Place offers harbor eateries and dockside bars just steps away.

Hyatt Place offers the ideal backdrop for one of life’s most special events and, as such, books up quickly during wedding season. Partners Becca Wales and John Marrah III helped bring to life all that this venue has to offer couples seeking to say their vows here on the Shore. Donning some of the most stylish bridal wear in vogue today, Becca brought structure and varied color palettes to life in this month’s shoot.

The couple highlighted three trends popular in bridal today, provided by Pretty Little Wedding Company. The beauty of natural neutrals drew pops of blue from the waters around the Dock House with fun florals full of texture. In a dress sleek but with flow and movement, white flowers with pops of blue and dotted with greenery from Bloomin’ Wild rounded out the look.

The sharp, structural lines of the Hyatt offered an urban-inspired feel, contrasted with a soft draping of greenery and a shorter dress from Pretty Little Wedding for the bridge looking for fun, volume and texture.

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ELEVATED WHIMSY: POPS OF TEXTURE, VIBRANT COLORS, & LIVELY

At the historic Stevensville Post Office, elevated whimsy was on full display with bright pops of playful color. Large format textures and untamed florals lent abstract shapes and high drama to the Alice-in-Wonderland look.

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One gets the impression when spending time with Becca and John that their combined energy levels could power a small city. Avid for anything active, the couple met a year ago and quickly bonded over a shared love of fitness, live music and especially their sons. Arguably the part of their lives requiring the most energy, Becca’s son Bronx, 7, and John’s son, J.J., almost 4, keep the couple busy as well.

Becca and John prioritize spending time together both as a blended family and as a couple.

Introduced by mutual friends in St. Michaels, they have traveled together, attended some killer concerts, and Becca has slowly but surely influenced John’s fitness endeavors.

“Am I active? Yes. Some might say hyperactive,” John said. “I train to stay in shape for surfing, snowboarding and motocross. My routines are focused on flexibility, coordination and lean muscle.

I never used to go to the gym, but Becca is slowly but surely turning me into a gym rat.”

And she knows what she’s doing. Voted Best Personal Trainer by APG Media’s Best of the Best — Chesapeake Community Choice Awards in 2022 and Best Personal Trainer by Coastal Style Magazine in 2023, Becca trains a devoted clientele at her in-home studio, in clients’ homes, virtually or at the gym.

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NATURAL NEUTRALS: DRAWS FROM NATURAL HUES, COLORS EXSITING AT VENUE 14

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“Most of my clients are women,” she said. “My phone is an open line of communication so they can reach out to me any time. We also do monthly challenges. A popular one is a plank challenge and the winner gets a free session. One of my clients in her fifties won with a time of 5.5 minutes.”

Becca’s preferred style of workout is strength training and bodybuilding, and she even worked with a bodybuilding coach last summer. Work and life eventually became too busy for her to pursue entering competitions, but it remains on her bucket list.

When she isn’t training herself or others in fitness, Becca loves to ride horses at Little Clovelly, travel and go to the beach. She is also becoming more involved with John’s family-owned business, Marasun Roofing, for which she does marketing and social media part time and will soon start training in production. Becca loves working within the company and learns a lot from John’s approach to owning a business.

“Watching him work, or build something, or problem solve is fascinating,” she said. “I love how his unique vision is showing me how to look at things from new angles.”

When they aren’t working, Becca and John love seeing live music together and are always on the lookout for the next great show. In the last year, the couple traveled to West Virginia to see Tyler Childers at Healing Appalachia, an event aimed at connecting and growing communities of recovery and healing; raising funds and awareness to combat opioid addiction; and promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness.

One of the couple’s favorite shows was at Roanoke Island Festival Park where they saw G. Love and Special Sauce.

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“They opened for Matisyahu and just blew us away,” Becca said.

The couple also loves adventuring with their boys.

Taking advantage of local happenings and participating in sports keep them on the move, with John coaching J.J.’s basketball team this past fall. Assateague is a favorite close-by destination for boat trips so everyone can take advantage of all the Shore has to offer — which Becca and John deeply value. Although John grew up in Florida, he feels comfort in raising his son in this community, and loves the people and beauty the Shore has to offer.

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Becca enjoys “the feeling of safety this small community has to offer,”’ she said. “It’s the slower pace, safety, and connection to my roots that I love the most, especially as a parent… The Shore will always be home.”

On that, the couple also agrees. Long-term plans include potentially buying and living on a farm, but wherever their path together takes them, they are committed to life on the Shore, and to raising their boys immersed in the natural beauty of it. They have blended their family to reflect a shared set of values and outlook on life and parenting.

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URBAN INSPIRED: PULLING FROM GEOMETRIC SHAPES, LOTS OF GREENERY

“We have similar parenting styles,” Becca said, “and we’ve been able to share new ideas with each other that have helped us both. John is much more relaxed; he’s shown me how to come from a place of peace and love.”

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“Becca is an amazing mother and a compassionate leader. She brings a great balance of strength and empathy to the world,” John said. ”I know that I can always count on her to do her best and that she will never back down from a challenge if she believes it is the right thing to do. I am most appreciative that she chooses me, every single day, to walk this journey of life with.”

Both Becca and John are aware of how fortunate they’ve been to have found each other and find inspiration in the strong relationships around them. Becca’s mother and stepfather married when she was 14 and have made an impression on Becca as an adult, navigating relationships of her own.

“I feel like it’s just easy [with them],” she said.

“Even when they’re arguing, they are good at coming back together and finding mutual respect and understanding for each other, and it’s clear that they care deeply for each other.”

John finds similar inspiration in his own parents.

“They have shown me how enduring, fearless, and rewarding love can be,” he said. “They are very

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different people who share the same values with complementary skills and strengths. They don’t always agree, but they always respect each other. When and where one is weak, the other is strong. Together, they are unstoppable.”

The couple finds common ground in what they need within their relationship as well.

“I most value communication, mutual respect, trust and the freedom to let each other be who you are and grow inside and outside of the relationship,” Becca said. “Dreaming together is also so important, even something like wanting to go to Montana in an RV.” For John, trust, communication, and humility are key ingredients to a successful life partnership. The ability to feel a sense of security and loyalty with your partner can only make them stronger, he says.

“The greatest showing of humility and communication is when we communicate our wrongdoings, apologize, and shift toward making things better. We all make mistakes, but very few admit to them,” he said.

“Becca and I have done a lot of personal development, independently and together, to get to a place where we know and love ourselves enough to know and love each other.”

Their adventures are far from over, too. There are many fun family times, concerts, and travel in the near future for John and Becca.

“I am making plans to sail around the world in 15 years,” John said. “I am just hoping that Becca still thinks I am cool and will want to join me.” CBW

This cover shoot took place at businesses and waterfront in the gem known as the Kent Narrows. Gigi Windley, the executive director of the Kent Narrows Foundation, gave Chesapeake Wedding Magazine the beautiful truth of what makes this area special.

“It is a very dense area where every hotel, restaurant is waterfront and they all have different views,” she said. “Kent Narrows is one of the few places where you can get both beautiful sunrises and sunsets.”

This area is very convenient.

“If you stay in a hotel here, you can walk from restaurant to restaurant and hotel to hotel,” Windley said. “Not every guest will stay in the same hotel. This gives your guest a variety of places to stay. Every venue is connected by trails.”

If you are the boating type, you have many places to dock, take photos and more. Even if your wedding or event is somewhere else, this area is a hub with awardwinning restaurants, hotels, shops and so much more.

If you are hosting a wedding in the Kent Narrows, every vendor you could possibly think of or need is “within a 5-10 minute drive” according to Windley.

Need any more reason to make the Kent Narrows your destination?

“The Hyatt Place now has fireworks,” Windley said.

Yep, that is the icing on the cake.

For more information on the Kent Narrows, check out its website kentnarrowsmd.com, which has a traveler’s guide that includes a list of all of the businesses in the area.

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WEDDING WALK THROUGH

Kent Narrows & Fisherman’s Village Properties

BRIDAL WEAR Brook & June, LLC

FAVORS & GIFTS Hope Boutique Ophiuroidea

BRUNCH Dessert First: A Dockside Coffee and Dessert Bar The Garden Grill at the Hilton Harris Crab House The Jetty Sugar Doodles

TIE THE KNOT Hyatt Place Kent Narrows The Narrows Restaurant Holiday Inn Express Bridges Restaurant Fisherman’s Inn Crab Deck The Jetty Kent Island Yacht Club

THE LOOK Swan Cove Spa & Salon

LET’S EAT The Big Owl Bridges Restaurant The Garden Grill at the Hilton Dock House Restaurant Fisherman’s Inn Harris Crab House The Jetty The Narrows

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PHOTO CONTEST S U P E R L AT I V E S Best Laugh

&

SHAZIA BRETT Planner: Island Creek Events Photographer: We Speak Fireworks

Sweetest Smiles

& Klein ASHLEY

JOSHUA

Location: Annapolis Wedding Chapel Photographer: Emily Hayes Photography 22

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CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR OTHER FAVORITE PHOTOS SUBMITTED TO THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WEDDING MAGAZINE PHOTO CONTEST. WE HOPE TO SEE YOURS NEXT ISSUE!

Most Unique Guest

& Eidsmore ASHLEY

ANDREW

Location: Cloisters Castle Photographer: Sarah Wockenfuss Photography

Beautiful Black Tie

&

REBECC A

Wilson SCOTT

Location: The Oaks Waterfront Inn Photographer: La Vie En Rose Photographers C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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Wedding transporta�on

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Bachelor�Bachelore�e Par�es

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Proms

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF TREATING YOU LIKE ROYALTY!

Say Yes! TO LIFE, LOVE + BEAUTIFUL IFUL JEWELRY

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WE EVEN HAVE A SLEIGH

The area’s most complete and trusted jeweler since 1950.

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19 S Main St. Smyrna, DE 302-653-9456

sayersjewelersandgemologists.com

PREFERRED TRANSPORTATION VENDOR

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Be the BEST VERSION of you on your wedding day.

Ask us about our GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Program with SEMAGLUTIDE

410-604-3860

443-372-8226 enjoy-wellness.com

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READ MORE ONLINE...

WWW.CHESAPEAKEBAYWEDDING.COM

TIPS

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

REGIONAL VENDORS

Looking for vendors in your area? Check out our regional pages to see who near you for any part of your wedding.

READ OUR PAST EDITIONS

Wish you could find a story from last year? Or can’t get enough of us? Check out all our past editions on our site.

ADVERTISE

We want you to partner with us! Contact us about advertising in at our events, online and in our upcoming editions.

CONTEST

About to be or just married?

Keep an eye out for our bi-annual wedding photo contest for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition.

EVENTS

Looking to be a guest at a Chesapeake Bay Wedding Magazine event?

See what we have going on and make sure to sign up.

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wedding

Chesapeake Bay

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

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JORDAN GRANT

Powley

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MEGHAN JESSE

Wilson

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MOLLY TIMOTHY

Herten C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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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

w w w. h u m m i n g b i r d i n n e a s t o n . c o m

Celebrate your dream wedding on Maryland’s Eastern Shore!

Enjoy gracious entertaining in a historic, nationally registered 18th century fully appointed waterfront estate with luxurious amenities and stunning riverside acreage and landscaping on the Chester river.

CHESTERTOWN, MD 21620 PH: 410-310-8273 E: INFO@PINEYGROVEEVENTS.COM PINEYGROVEEVENTS.COM

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Because a life well-celebrated is a life well-lived.

Celebrate your most cherished memories at Magnolia Manor.

Magnolia Manor offers a stunning water view from the nineteenth century manor house, located on the banks 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.

scan and visit!

Contact us today at 410-443-1444 • MagnoliaManorMD@gmail.com • 768 Port Street Easton, MD 21601 C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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MOUNT HARMON 30

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WEDDINGS through a time machine

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S TO RY BY JA M E S YOU N G PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOUNT HARMON

ount Harmon Plantation, located near Earleville in Cecil County, is a gorgeous wedding venue, filled to the brim with astonishing scenery and historical charm.

Its 200-acre estate is packed with unique features, from the historic manor house built in 1730, to its incredible views of the Sassafras River. Between the pastoral beauty of the site and the impeccably-preserved Georgian architecture, Mount Harmon is the perfect wedding location for those who enjoy stepping back in time and enjoying the peace and quiet of the scenic upper Chesapeake region.

Mount Harmon features a wide variety of locations to host a ceremony, including the pristinely-kept boxwood garden, the sweeping front lawn of the manor house and the phenomenal waterfront. With so many options to choose from, the venue provides ample opportunities to craft your dream wedding just as you envision it. Wedding Coordinator Kim Isaacson, who describes Mount Harmon as a “timeless, magical setting,” works with couples throughout the planning process; her expertise is invaluable, as can be seen from the dozens and dozens of stunning ceremonies she has assisted in planning.

As Paige Howard, Mount Harmon’s Executive Director, puts it, entering the grounds through the two-mile private driveway is like “stepping into a time machine.”

The setting celebrates America’s early history and guests are able to relax and set aside the stresses of modern life to soak in the idyllic atmosphere of simpler times. In addition to the calm environment, the preservation of the traditional architecture makes one feel as if they have truly stepped back in time.

Originally, the land of Mount Harmon was granted to Godfrey Harmon by Lord Baltimore in 1651. It then operated as a tobacco plantation, owned by the Louttit and George families, until the early 1800s. The plantation was staffed by a mixture of enslaved people, indentured servants and tenant farmers. The property was practically abandoned for over a hundred years before being acquired by Marguerite duPont de Villiers Boden, an heir of the Louttit and George families, who restored the manor house and other buildings to their former glory. After her passing, her daughter, Kip Kelso C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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Boden Crist, founded the nonprofit Friends of Mount Harmon to ensure the preservation of the site.

Mount Harmon is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Mount Harmon still own and operate the facilities, and their mission is to ensure “the preservation and interpretation of Mount Harmon, for the public’s education and enjoyment.” The educational programs at the site focus on both the colonial period and the role of the duPont family in renovating the property.

“Not only is it a beautiful manor house in the Georgian style, but it also supports the tradition of preservation,” Howard said.

Traditionally, the groomsmen prepare for the ceremony in the carriage house loft, while the bridal party gets ready in the bridal suite connected to the manor house. Both parties are sure to enjoy the unique character of these spaces. For the ceremony, not only are there a multitude of locations to choose from, but each of them can be organized and decorated in myriad ways to allow for couples to implement their own creative vision. Receptions are usually held adjacent to the manor house.

On average, Mount Harmon hosts 10-12 weddings per year; due to the outdoor location, their most popular seasons are spring and fall, although the venue is also available in the summer as well for those who prefer the warmer weather. They offer a “go-to” list of local vendors for catering, photography, floristry and tents to ensure that each aspect of the ceremony and reception are of the highest quality. Fresh local seafood is a focus of the catering companies that typically work with Mount Harmon.

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While Mount Harmon does not permit ceremonies or receptions inside its manor house, it does offer guided tours of the house during the cocktail hour. Many patrons have enjoyed this opportunity to learn the historical background of the venue through its threestory collection of artifacts of American, English, Irish and Scottish origins.

“We have clear expectations,” Howard said. “The manor house is a museum, not a party house, but it serves as a fantastic backdrop.”

Tours of the carriage house, colonial kitchen and smokehouse are also available.

The standard price for a ceremony, reception, and rehearsal is $4,500. The price includes the site rental, day-of coordination, an on-site engagement photoshoot, and more. Additional packages are available for vendor services and tented receptions.

Mount Harmon also offers a complimentary oneyear membership to the bride and groom, giving full access to the grounds for those who wish to revisit and reminisce about one of the most special days of their lives.

Aside from weddings, Mount Harmon is also available for private parties, corporate retreats and other events.

Numerous public events are also hosted throughout the year, such as point-to-point horse races, colonial festivals, a yuletide festival and holiday market, and even revolutionary war reenactments. Day passes and yearly memberships are also offered for those who would like to explore the natural beauty of the landscape or use the boat launch to enjoy the beautiful Sassafras River. With all these features, Mount Harmon is sure to be the perfect location for you and your loved ones to create fond memories. CBW

600 MOUNT HARMON ROAD EARLEVILLE , MD 21919

N O T O N LY I S I T A B E AU T I F U L M A N O R H O U S E IN THE GEORGIAN STYLE, BUT IT ALSO SUPPORTS T H E T R A D I T I O N O F P R E S E R VA T I O N

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Global Travel International Patricia (Pattie) Anne Henson Independent Travel Agent

28925 Island Creek Road #B Trappe, MD 21673 (Home): 443-439-2024 (Cell): 443-362-0043 pattieannehenson2014@gmail.com patsparadisepleasures.globaltravel.com

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BRIDAL | BRIDESMAIDS | TUXES WWW.CHAMPAGNETASTEBRIDAL.COM C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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PLEASANT HILL HOUSE

BRAND NEW WEDDING VENUE AIMS TO ADD A C H A P T E R O F LOV E STO R I E S TO I T S R I C H H I STO RY

Photo by Costola Photography

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION of love stories

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S T O RY BY S Y D N E Y NAU M A N

ust beyond a long, tree-lined drive in rural Charles County lies Pleasant Hill House, a brand new wedding venue that offers a “historic backdrop for modern events.” Its 18th century architecture is home to many stories, but in its latest chapter Pleasant Hill has been revitalized to tell the love stories of those who tie the knot on its grounds.

“We fell in love with old houses as we were falling in love,” Travis Wright said about meeting his wife, Tig. The couple first met in Cincinnati, Ohio, where, after serving as an Army pilot for 10 years, Travis landed a job as an airline pilot and Tig worked as a nurse. At the time, Tig owned a historic shotgun-style home that she was renovating. Travis recalls some of the couple’s earliest dates were spent fixing up the house together.

Now the duo are using their own love story to provide other couples a space to tell theirs.

In 2005, the Wrights moved to Southern Maryland for a job opportunity in Washington, D.C. Their intention was to eventually leave Maryland, but when Travis and Tig noticed Pleasant Hill House, it quickly became their reason to stay.

“Tig is a realtor now and she said, ‘guess what came back on the market’ and it was Pleasant Hill,” Travis said. “We had no intention of moving or anything like that but we fell in love with the house and we put an offer on it that day.”

Photo by Costola Photography

Pleasant Hill House was originally built in 1761. What started as a simple Tidewater-style farmhouse was transformed into a two and a half story home over the course of two centuries. The house was modernized in the 1990’s and became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The Wright family bought Pleasant Hill in July 2022 and, after just one year, transformed the grounds into a formal event space.

The nature forward venue and interior design of the home transports visitors to the French countryside.

Professionally landscaped gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies or photographs of the bride and groom on their special day.

Resting on five acres of land, Pleasant Hill offers a customizable wedding experience. For brides looking for a more traditional walk down the aisle, the plantlined promenade is a stunning location at the front of the property to meet your groom at the altar. A walk down this front lawn features Pleasant Hill House as a

Photo by Costola Photography

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picturesque backdrop for the nuptials as each new couple begins the foundation of their lives together.

The space also includes a wedding arbor which initiated the couple turning their property into a venue. According to Travis, one day after moving in he was looking out over the front lawn when he noticed the arched arbor.

“It just kind of sparked in my mind, I could see a bride standing there, getting married,” he said.

Brides seeking a more dramatic entrance can build anticipation with a long stroll through the English tea garden. This aisle opens into the lush hydrangea terrace, its vibrant colors offering a beautiful background for couples to say ‘I do.’

Photo by Costola Photography

Photo by Amanda Martin

The extensive property and modern amenities also serve to entertain wedding guests with activities throughout the day. As the bride and groom sneak away to take their wedding portraits, guests can enjoy yard games like giant Jenga, which are provided by the venue, in the front lawn.

Couples who want a more intimate cocktail hour can direct guests inside Pleasant Hill House where the parlor and formal dining room can be transformed into a charming space. Travis imagines that as guests walk through the historic home, pictures of the bride and groom throughout the many stages of their lives can be posted, the history of the house complimenting the history of the couple.

Travis and Tig are reliving their own love story at Pleasant Hill. Since renovating a 110 year old home together in Ohio, the couple has come full circle with the 263 year old Pleasant Hill House. The couple currently resides in the home with their 18-year-old daughter Brooke and their 16-year-old son Harrison. When it comes to preparing the property for events Travis said, “It’s definitely a family affair.”

On event days, Travis explained that the whole family works with the client’s event coordinators to ensure the guest’s vision is fully realized.

Tig tackles the design side of the venue and home interior while Travis handles the logistics of each event and makes sure the house and the grounds are in order for what the customers want.

Photo by Costola Photography

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“It’s stressful enough to do all the planning and family and friends, but what they should not have to worry about is anything relating to the venue,” Travis said.

The skills Travis learned during his time in the military still play a role in his life today, including his preparation of Pleasant Hill for an event.

“It takes probably an hour, maybe two hours, before I do a tour to get the house ready...so it is a lot like preparing for an inspection in the military,” he said.

One example of these skills in action is on the pool patio. No matter the occasion, Travis meticulously aligns the deck chairs and ensures that they are spaced appropriately in each of the sections of pavement.

According to Travis, Brooke isn’t as involved in helping with events as she works and attends college, whereas Harrison is able to participate more.

“He loves people and he’s an entertainer… We have a golf cart for our VIPs who might need a little extra help so he loves taking them around and getting them to the house from the parking lot.”

The couple plans to continue refurbishing other parts of the historic home, including the upstairs.

Currently, Pleasant Hill House offers a bridal parlor on the main floor for the bride and her bridal party to get ready. The groom and his groomsmen utilize the renovated cellar area just below to prepare for the ceremony. Travis and Tig are working to convert an old church pulpit into a bar area for the cellar space, a subtle but functional nod to matrimony.

It is becoming increasingly more popular for couples to book venues for multiple days during their wedding week, including staying overnight to keep their wedding party together. At Pleasant Hill, Travis and Tig ensure exclusivity by only booking one event per weekend. This way, couples have access to the entire property and can create a unique wedding experience.

The property is available for bookings from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Travis explained that overnight stays aren’t possible yet at Pleasant Hill as his family resides in the home. However, he stated that over the next few years they would like to begin refurbishing the upstairs to offer couples the amenity of staying overnight.

Despite being a new venue, people have already booked Pleasant Hill House for formal events, corporate parties and a celebration of life. However, the space has yet to see any weddings. The Wrights are eager to book their first ceremony and create a history of love stories at Pleasant Hill House. CBW

Photo by Costola Photography

9205 MARSHALL CORNER ROAD, POMFRET, MARYLAND 20675

Photo by Amanda Martin

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Welcome home TO KENT ISLAND RESORT

Our newly renovated, historic resort fuses country house charm and contemporary sophistiication offering 24 beautiful rooms and suites, four unique wedding and event venues including The Farmsteead, plus our all new 18TWENTY Bar & Restaurant.

Serene views, calm waters and a truly magnificent wedding experience awaits you at Kent Island Resort.

500 KENT MANOR DR. KENT ISLAND, MD • 410.643.5757 • EVENTS@KENTISLANDRESORT.COM Photo Credit: Karena Dixon Photography & Kemp Collective Photography

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PASSION PROSPERITY

From to

STORY BY JENNIFER GABLE ◊ PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINA WALKER

W

hen Lina Walker was a teenage girl in Syria, she began experimenting with makeup and beauty; today, Walker runs Looks by Lina, a successful luxury hair and makeup company based in Southern Maryland.

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I think everyone is beautiful in their own way, and I just like to enhance their beautiful features.

Looks By Lina services clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The company consists of Walker and her seven assistant stylists, with a clientele mainly consisting of brides and wedding parties.

“My love for beauty has been there for a long, long time,” said Walker. “I think everyone is beautiful in their own way, and I just like to enhance their beautiful features.”

Walker began doing her makeup in 10th grade to cover her teenage acne. She quickly became infatuated with all things beauty and eventually attended a cosmetology school for hair in Syria.

In the 1980s, Walker and her family fled Syria one by one to flee the dictatorship and find a better life.

“My dad was a writer, and the country is a dictatorship, so you can’t criticize the government or the president, so we were under scrutiny,” said Walker. “My dad actually got arrested several times and tortured, so we decided to flee.”

Upon coming to the U.S., Walker furthered her career in beauty. She started as an assistant to an “established makeup artist” in Southern Maryland.

Prompted by the demand for combined hair and makeup services, Walker branched off independently and merged her interests to open Looks by Lina, a company serving both needs, 10 years ago. She received her certificate in makeup artistry in 2015 and advanced makeup artistry in 2016.

“I really like the look of a client when I show them the final product; it makes me so happy, no matter how tired I am, if I see that look, I get endorphins,” Walker said.

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Walker’s makeup looks often focus on accentuating the eyes with natural glam. The team uses only “premium and professional products,” including Fenty Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Tarte and Armani.

Walker also offers one-on-one makeup classes that are available for booking online.

Regarding hair, Looks by Lina specializes in intricately styling the client’s hair instead of cutting and coloring.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of Walker’s job is connecting with brides on their special day while simultaneously making them feel beautiful.

“I have a wicked sense of humor — I try to make everybody laugh,” said Walker. “Weddings can be stressful, and I try my best to destress the bride.”

As a business owner, stress is not foreign to Walker. Maintaining a work-life balance continues to be a “work in progress” for her heading into the new year.

In 2022, with business booming, Walker often worked seven days a week, committing to multiple weddings a day on the weekends.

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Walker works full-time during the week as a data analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and owning a business while working full-time is no small feat.

“In 2022, I did not do any balancing; it was all work, work, work, and last year, I decided that I’m not going to do what I did in 2022,” said Walker. Walker decided to set healthy work-life boundaries, deciding she would no longer commit to styling for multiple weddings a day.

“Whenever anybody owns their own business, there are a lot of obstacles and hurdles you have to jump over while making sure that you’re not sacrificing one thing for another.”

Interested parties can read more about Walker and her growing business by visiting her newly revamped website, looksbylina.com. Customers can also read the website’s frequently asked questions for more information.

According to Walker, one of the best ways to learn about pricing and the Looks by Lina makeover process is to schedule a 30 minute “no obligation, best-fit phone call.” CBW

Weddings can be stressful, and I try my best to destress the bride.

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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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The Little Wedding Chapel CIRCA 1870

IN HISTORIC CHESAPEAKE CITY “World’s Smallest Wedding Chapel” Intimate Marriage & Renewal Ceremonies in a Unique “One-of-a-Kind” Setting

(667) 368-8004 1870WEDDINGCHAPEL.COM Book Your Valentine’s Day Ceremony

ahaleydesign.com • 410.924.7248

The Best Place to say

“I Do”

Visit us at www.BlackTieRestrooms.com

Capture your perfect day with the most breathtaking backgrounds, you can find only at the Tilghman Island Inn.

Call today for a proposal!

410-829-2270 Email us at sales@BlackTieRestrooms.com

21384 Coopertown Rd Tilghman Island, MD 21671 410.886.1170 tilghmanislandinn.com C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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2024 Wedding Trends UNIQUE WAYS TO PLAY Cocktail hour is great for talking and guest catching up.

But what about those who may not be social butterflies?

A perfect take home and way to fill some time is a unique infographic and puzzles about your relationship. Whether it be in the form of a newspaper featuring crosswords and photos of you two, or a fun scavenger hunt on the tables pointing to different places in the room filled with relationship memories, these ideas help to get your guests more involved in the day while getting to know your relationship better!

“MIDNIGHT” SNACKS While they may not come out at midnight, a late evening snack is a great way to keep the party going. People have had the chance to enjoy the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner, but once you are on to dancing, they may work up a bit of an appetite! A great way to keep people moving and grooving is to provide a snack that is more than just your sweet treats. Some catering classics are ChickFil-A or Taco Bell, or you can throw your own spin on it by ordering a pizza bar full of delicious toppings. This is a great part of the night to enjoy some of your favorite foods with your favorite people.

LEAVE A MESSAGE Everyone loves a good guest book with photos and messages, but you now have the option to take it up a notch. Renting a service that records messages from your guests is another great way to remember who was there and the best parts of the night. Another way to get creative is a video message, one you get it back form the video service, you will have a form of a wedding video unlike any other.

Photo by JennQuinn Creative

Brampton Inn is unique in its historic beauty and is sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Book your tour at weddings@bramptoninn.com and sign up for our special bridal events.

410-778-1860 BRAMPTONINN.COM

Member of

Custom Elegance, Your Love, Your Design, Our Craftsmanship

KENT ISLAND JEWELRY INC 204 ISLAND PLAZA COURT, STEVENSVILLE, MD 21666 KENTISLANDJEWELRY.COM

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ExpEriEncE ThE Ebb TidE diffErEncE prEmium QualiTy | dEdicaTEd SErvicE | locally ownEd | flawlESS prEciSion

v offEring TEnTS, TablES, chairS, lighTing and morE

QUEENSTOWN, MARYLAND 410.827.0333 | www.ebbtidetentrentals.com info@ebbtidetentrentals.com

Make Your Pet a Part of YourWedding with Dogwood Acres Wedding Pet Attendant Services

Our dedicated, passionate and professional Wedding Pet Attendants focus on caring for and chaperoning your pet so you can focus on your special day.

Pet dressing & styling , dressed for the special occasion Chauffeuring, get to the church on time Discounted lodging services Photo assistance and more!

Get This Un-fur-gettable Service Call 410.798.4776 or scan the QR code to discover everything we can do to help beloved pets become the cutest K9 of Honor.

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Maria’s Love Point

B E D & B R E A K FA S T

KENT ISLAND, MARYLAND MARIASLOVEPOINT.COM 410.643.5054 1710 LOVE POINT RD STEVENSVILLE, MD

Waterfront Weddings, Receptions & Events

Est 2007

• Full Service Catering • Statewide Liquor License • So Much More Than BBQ! From casual BBQ to plated filet mignon and Maryland crabcakes, we have an extensive menu to tempt your palate.

Statewide Liquor License

• Full Service Catering • Weddings • Rehearsal Dinners

Whatever your style, count on Smokehouse Grill to ensure your event runs smoothly and flawless with quality, integrity and professionalism

001 Butterworth Ct. • Stevensville, MD 21666 • 410-643-6851

Serving Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C. & Northern Virginia Since 1999

TheSmokeHouseGrill.com

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Filling

&

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with Humble

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your

STORY BY ANNIE HASSELGREN PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUMBLE HEARTS CATERING

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hef Alicia Boyd’s Humble Hearts catering business came alive on a napkin in 2014. Following an event she and a friend had done together, they knew they had something special. In the ten years since, Alicia has found that the act of coming together around food represents much more than just breaking bread.

Born into a family of women who prioritized family meals, Alicia learned from her grandmother, aunt, and mother how to prepare “soul-warming feasts.”

“I knew I wanted to be a chef…[which] came from being able to cook with my grandmother, aunt, and mother,” she said. “My grandmother’s home was open to everyone: different backgrounds, ethnicities – you were going to feel loved, and you were going to feel taken care of. That’s how my family has always celebrated…That was ingrained in me.”

A graduate of Baltimore International College’s culinary program, Alicia shared her gifts cooking in restaurants from 2014 to 2018, waiting for the right time to establish the Humble Hearts concept.

After a setback from breast cancer, from which she has recovered, doing events with her then-business partner became full-time in 2018. The catch? Both had other full-time jobs.

“In 2020, we decided, ‘Let’s do this full time,’” she said. “We left our jobs one month before the pandemic started. It was a huge leap of faith, but we had no choice but to move forward. We quickly pivoted the business [from events and catering] to meal deliveries for five Upper Shore counties, and Annapolis. People got to know us and our brand and spread the word.”

Humble Hearts was a thriving operation, which Alicia still finds to be rewarding but challenging. Her business partner took a different path at the end of 2022, at which point Alicia became the sole owner. She credits the success of her business with implementing sustainable policies and procedures, staying true to the company’s values, and

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not jumping on the bandwagon of every food trend that comes along.

“I’ve been trying to learn how to fail and know that it’s OK,” she said. “How you get back up after failing really determines the success of your business. There are so many things I don’t know and have to learn… You may know how to make great jam, but do you know how to run a jam business?”

Thankfully, she has a stellar support system within the family-owned business. Her sister, “mother-inlove” (law), “sister-in-love” (law), and daughter are all employees.

“Having the opportunity to offer [my family] employment and give them a sense of value and opportunity to bring their unique talents to the table is amazing,” she said. “We talk about what they would want in an employer and strive toward offering them that.”

Her 16-year-old daughter is especially invested in Humble Hearts.

“She thinks she’s the manager,” Alicia said, laughing. “I call her the manager-in-training. She is my baker, and she loves to bake. She also helps set up events.”

Alicia has received immense support not just from her family but from her community as well. Working with the small business development office, the department of commerce, and the economic development office

We talk about what they would want in an employer and strive toward offering them that.

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have provided helpful resources for getting Humble Hearts to take flight.

Alicia shares that, although she is the sole proprietor of the business, she is far from alone.

“I’ve had this community of people that have rallied around me,” she said. “Businesses go through seasons and changes, and the community has supported me as I’ve restructured and put things in place that we’ve needed to continue to grow.”

Even the location of Humble Hearts is community focused. After her family joined the Ruthsburg Community Center several years ago, they began attending meetings there and Alicia started cooking at its community breakfasts. After attendees realized that this was not your average food, it paved the way for Humble Hearts to begin operating out of the building.

“It was already food equipped,” Alicia said, “ and because we were able to access this commercial kitchen, we were able to take the business to the next level. I owe so much of what [Humble Hearts has] done to [the Community Center] and its Board.”

If it seems that Alicia has a deep interest and investment in her community, it’s because she does. A future project

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she intends to take on is establishing a shareduse commercial kitchen so that she can support other small businesses, just as the community supported hers.

“Real estate is so expensive,” she said.

“I would love to have a space where other local businesses can build and grow and do it in a smart way. Being able to help them scale — by trying R&D here first and trying it in an affordable environment — means that if you fail, you have a community space to fall back on. I want it to look like the United Nations of the culinary world! We all gotta eat…[let’s] close the gap on what ownership and running a business looks like.”

Alicia has also partnered with organizations that have a broader reach, including Cureate, a woman-owned and operated food-tech company and business development consulting firm in Washington, D.C., which specializes in building and enhancing local and regional food and beverage supply systems.

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“We hope to build strong lines of community in the hospitality industry,” Alicia said, “by bringing together community stakeholders, caterers, bakers, and anyone in hospitality to give them support, connection, resources – whatever you need, you can find it here.”

Alicia is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences to help those around her pursue their dreams and find success. Prior to the pandemic, Alicia taught a class titled “Food for Thought with Alicia” at the Queen Anne’s County Family Center in Sudlersville to primarily women and mothers, which entailed cooking, chatting, and providing attendees with doable recipes.

“Many of those attendees are Humble Hearts customers today,” she said. “They ordered our meals [during the pandemic] and posted [to social media] how incredible they were. They were so supportive of our business. Of course I want to make money, make a profit, pay bills, and support

my family, but can’t do that without my community and them being able to see the value in my business.”

Everything Humble Hearts does comes back to making the special moments in the lives of their clients memorable. Alicia particularly enjoys the smaller, intimate events and the ability to truly customize what they can offer.

“I love getting to know the client, their family, and their guests,” Alicia said.

“When we’re able to have the flexibility and creativity to do fun things with food to personalize the event, those are the events I love the most because you build a relationship and can see the care that they have for us and us for them.”

True to its name, Alicia and the Humble Hearts team continue to find deep fulfillment in crafting beautiful food and

events for their clients. Offering dishes that are seasonally inspired, fresh and local, Humble Hearts works with local farmers and bakeries to put together true culinary experiences for their clients. Client favorites range from cranberry jerk chicken salad to guava barbecue meatballs to the fan favorite Little Creek crab dip.

“Being able to take my years of experience at the various places I’ve worked and being able to be creative and put peoples’ personalities into the food all adds to the event,” Alicia said. “We tailor the experience to our clients and, because of that, we have built this family of people who value what we do. Not every client is going to be for you, and that’s OK. We have understood that about our business and have stayed true to never being transactional. We simply want you to think of us for every celebration that comes into your life.” CBW

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OPEN HOUSE

FEB 25TH 11 AM - 3 PM

The Barn of Nottingham is a rustic yet spacious, private Wedding and Special Event Venue, located just off of Route 1 in Nottingham, PA. Our newly renovated Barn is climate-controlled, so you can create the perfect atmosphere for your special day, any time of year. The 7000sqft upper level Barn boasts a VIP loft and dedicated Bar, a spacious caterer-prep area, and brand new multi-stall restrooms. The hidden Groom’s Den can be found downstairs, with access to the outdoor cocktail area.

Nestled on 36 acres of fields with a pond, there is plenty of outdoor space and paved parking to welcome your guests. We even have a Farmhouse on the property that has been newly furnished to accomondate your bridal parties or overnight guests.

The Barn of Nottingham is a must see so contact us today to schedule a tour!

Contact us: 484-832-9030 thebarnofnottingham@gmail.com  www.barnofnottingham.com 101 Ponds Edge Drive, Nottingham, PA 19362 58

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Weddings, Receptions, Showers & Private Events NOW BOOKING 2024 & 2025!

www.deepbluerestaurant.com (410) 648-5200 | @deepblueatkittyknight 14028 Augustine Herman Highway Galena, MD 21635

Looks by Lina

IG: looksbylina01

A Team of Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists Serving the DC Metro Area

301.266.7589 • looksbylina.com servicewithlooksbylina@gmail.com C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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Powley JORDAN & GRANT 09.30.23

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HOW THEY MET:

We dated 9 years before we got married- high school sweethearts from a small town! Cambridge MD

THE PROPOSAL:

Our favorite place to vacation is Exuma, Bahamas.

Grant proposed at Pretty Molly Beach- a secluded, breathtaking view with a luxury picnic. It was an absolute dream come TRUE!

BEST PART:

Best part was spending time with all of the most important people in our life. Seeing all the smiles and fun people had made us so happy. I personally loved seeing my vision come to life and all the details of the day were perfect. Both of us also enjoyed the morning with our best friends. The girls- brunch in our pjs getting ready with hair and makeup. The guys- hanging out, boating and riding jet skis.

HARDEST PART:

Being able to set back and actually soak in all the things. It is a busy day and it goes by so fast, feels like a blur! So thankful for the pictures and video I received to look back and enjoy the memories.

Outstanding Vendors:

Coordinator: Caitlin Krebs Events Photography: Brooke Michelle Photography Videography: Mid 80s Media Catering: Catering by Jamie Bartending: BayShore Bar Services Florals: My Flower Box Designs MUA: Pretty Weird Beauty & Blakew Beauty Hair: Sage Plus Stone Bridal- Ashley Galliher Cake & Desserts: The Baking Mariner & Black Water Bakery Tent & Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events Table/Chair Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co. Signage & Rentals: Lucky Kat Design & Sunnyside & Co. C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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WYLDERHOTELS.COM WYLDERHOTELS.COM

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CONGRATULATIONS TO RYAN & AMY HAYDEN,

WINNERS OF THE WHITE ROSE’S WEDDING GIVEAWAY IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY.

WHITEROSEHALL.COM

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Wilson MEGHAN & JESSE 11.04.23

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HOW THEY MET:

Jesse and I met at a tattoo shop. He’s a tattoo artist, and I had an appointment with him to get a tattoo covered up ten years ago on Valentine’s Day. We’ve been inseparable ever since.

THE PROPOSAL:

We live within walking distance of the Susquehanna River and love to hike. I’d picked out a custom ring a few months prior, so I knew it was coming but didn’t know when. Jesse asked me to go for a hike as soon as the ring was delivered. We walked onto a dock to enjoy the view, and he asked me to marry him there, just us and the river.

BEST PART:

My favorite part of our wedding day was absolutely our small ceremony by the creek in our backyard. Jesse and I really fell in love with each other and nature here, so it was a no brainer. We were so nervous it’d be cold or rainy at the beginning of November, but we were gifted the perfect weather to get married in our favorite place in the world, and it was magical.

HARDEST PART:

Our entire wedding day was almost perfect, except we caught a terrible cold just two days before the wedding.

We never get sick! We honestly had so much fun that it didn’t even matter.

Outstanding Vendors: Photographer: Elegant Exposures by Britt Venue: The Vineyards of Mary’s Meadows DJ & Photobooth: ACC DJ Productions Catering: Crossroads Bistro Dessert: Tender Loving Confections Makeup: Glam With Sam & Co Jewelry: Keeva by Kennedy

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MOUNT HARMON PLANTATION The Region's most Beautiful Waterfront Site for Weddings and Special Events

YOUR BEST STOP FOR EVERYTHING TO RENT

410-820-7450 www.eastongrandrental.com

A SCENIC & HISTORIC TREASURE

Special Events H Guided Tours & Day Passes H Weddings

www.MountHarmon.org | 410-275-8819 info@MountHarmon.org 66

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Tents • Tables • Chairs • Linens Dance Floors • Dishes and more

Monday-Friday 7:30-5:00 Saturday 8:00-12:30

Happily Ever After Begins Here!

Now here is something to smile about…

Zoom!® Teeth Whitening for

$399

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening

Upscale farm weddings with unique glam-rustic spaces & Waterfront views your perfect day.

Accepting New Patients Most Insurances Accepted

Ali Soulati, D.D.S. Hossein Razfar, D.M.D 508 A Cynwood Drive Easton, Maryland

Thousand Acre Farm

410.819.0060

Middletown, DE | 302-455-8880 thousandacrefarm.com

www.Alisoulatidds.com

andrew graham todes photography

LOOK BEAUTIFUL FROM HEAD-TO-TOE!

brittlandestates.com info@brittlandestates.com

443.282.0860

chestertown, maryland

andrew graham todes photography

weekend experience.

PICTURE-PERFECT HAIR, MAKEUP, & NAILS FOR YOUR BIG DAY

716 CAMBRIDGE PLZ. SUITE 716, CAMBRIDGE,MD (410) 901-9800 • EUROPASALONANDSPAS.COM

Every Style, Every Price With sizes up to 32

unique venues for your unforgettable wedding

BRIDAL SPA & SALON PACKAGES AVAILABLE

301 Tilghman Rd., Ste 107, Salisbury MD 21804 410-543-5332

downtownbridals.com

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Herten MOLLY & TIMOTHY 06.11.23

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HOW THEY MET:

Timmy and I were introduced at the Tiki Bar on Solomons Island by a family friend in May of 2019. I was home from college and kicking off the summer. Timmy bought me a Mai Tai, introduced me to all of his friends, and soon enough we were spending every waking moment of the summer together.

THE PROPOSAL:

Our proposal is such a perfect blend of Timmy and I’s personalities. Timmy planned the whole proposal to take place on a trip we had planned to Scottsdale, Arizona. On the second day of our trip, we planned to take a day trip and drive to the Grand Canyon (Timmy adores National Parks). We arrived, parked, and began walking. Timmy told me we would just be doing a light stroll, so he told me it would be appropriate to wear a cute sundress— he knew I’d need to wear something fun for the proposal. As we were walking, he pulled me over to the side and got down on one knee! He had photographers hiding to capture it all! We spent the rest of the day celebrating over lunch and drinks while taking in the views of the Grand Canyon.

Outstanding Vendors:

Planning: The Hitched Company Anna Wright Photography Venue: Solomons Island Yacht Club Michelles Cakes Bachelor Boys Band Justin Alexander Honeywood Rentals Kelsey Malie Design Bee Inspired Events G&H Jewelers Pretty Little Wedding Co BBJ LaTavola Kristen C Artistry

BEST PART:

Our favorite part of the wedding day was the hour or so before the ceremony. Timmy and I did our first look which included surprising him with our dogs, Tito and Wally, for some photos. Then, we arrived at the reception space, did our reveal, and had a drink and appetizers before walking down the aisle. It was such a sweet time to slow down, soak in our reception space dreams coming true, and spend time together.

Did I mention we served late-night Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and lemonade? That’s a close second to the best part of the day, though!

HARDEST PART:

The hardest part of the day was how quickly it went by.

Timmy and I feel like after we had our first look, the day went by in a flash. We even went into the wedding day knowing that we would need to take in each moment, but I think it’s just inevitable that it speeds by. We even extended the band an extra hour, but no amount of time would make such a fabulous day long enough!

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Holiday Inn Express Kent Narrows

Outstanding Views & Superior Service • Stunning Water Front Hotel • Outdoor Pool • Pier & Observation Deck • Guest Rooms with a View • Group Block Discounts • Catering Available • Free Wireless Internet • Free Hot Breakfast • Walk to Restaurant & Shops!

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Features waterfront rooms in a serene setting, with magnificent views of the Chesapeake Bay, conveniently located at Kent Narrows, and close to Eastern Shore’s premier wedding venues.

1020 Kent Narrows Road, Grasonville, MD 21638 410.827.4454 www.holidaykentisland.com

FINDING THE ONE

Photo booth edition

S

STORY BY ANDREA HOLLY PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ANDREA HOLLY

ome say photo booths themselves are a trend, but those in the industry know they are here to stay.

The first-ever working photo booth was made by a French inventor in 1889. It was presented later that same year at the World’s Fair in Paris and it has been a whirlwind from there.

Today, photo booths come in all different sizes and shapes.

What they can offer for your wedding day is only limited by your imagination and your budget. Photo booths are fun, engaging entertainment for your guests and appeal to every generation.

Finding a photo booth company that will embrace your vision for your big day is important. Glam Booth, made popular by the Kardashians and other celebrities, is known for their filtered flawless black and white prints. These booths take your black-tie affair to the next level.

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Have a special theme for your big day? Be sure to find the right photo booth company who will run with your theme and offer you and your guests specialty props, custom designs all within your special theme making your day extra special and providing a memorable entertaining event.

Photo booths are not just for photos any more — today’s evolving technologies now have this industry offering more than just photos. Boomerang Videos experiences, TikTok booths and the buzzword of 2023 and beyond, Artificial Intelligence are creating dream images and immersive experiences for your wedding day.

Finding the right booth for you When considering a photo booth for your big day be sure to choose a company who has a successful reputation. Referrals from friends or seeing them in action at a wedding event or expo is always a good resource.

• • • • • •

Check for online reviews.

When contacting, ask about all the booths and technologies they have to offer.

Understand the difference of each booth, in the photo quality between the booths, videos being offered.

If you can see a sample of the output before booking that is always a plus.

Be sure to understand the contract terms and conditions and what each package includes.

Know your budget, don’t be afraid to ask for any type of special pricing or discounts that may be offered and discuss any particular themes you are desiring.

Foto Berry is a Photo Booth Entertainment and Event Marketing Agency located in Easton, MD. Proudly Servicing Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Lower Delaware its owner, Andrea Holly, aka “Boothologist” has been creating fun, memorable, photographic events since 2019. Named APG Medias “Best Of” three years and counting, Foto Berry creates custom experiences using mainly Mirror Booth and Open-Air Booth technologies. Andrea offers all the latest concepts and trends such as the GIF, Boomerang Tik Tok video experiences, but mostly enjoys getting creative with the engaged couple to create their own, one-of-a-kind immersive photographic event and incorporating the newest in AR / AI technologies.

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215 LOG CANOE CIRCLE STEVENSVILLE, MD 21666 (443) 988-3095 PRETTYLITTLEWEDDINGCO.COM WE OFFER RENTALS & FLORALS!

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TYPES OF

Photo booths OPEN-AIR PHOTO BOOTH

An open-air photo booth is the type of booth most common with events.

It can accommodate larger groups of people (compared to an enclosed booth) and the other guests can see the excitement of the ones in front of the camera, building and sharing the fun. Guests can choose from props — silly sayings, hats, sunglasses — to enhance the experience.

Guests stand in front of the camera using bright lighting, behind them is a backdrop. Photos can be printed or sent via text to the guests.

ENCLOSED PHOTO BOOTH A classic enclosed photo booth takes inspiration from the traditional booths of the past. It’s a private, enclosed space that offers guests a cozy experience with photos that feed out at the end of their session.

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360 PHOTO BOOTH EXPERIENCES Guests either stand on a platform or designated area while a camera circles around or over their heads, generally complete 360 degrees. The media can be photos or video, using slow motion, speed-up or zoom effects to dramatize the results. Generally, the output of the experiences is sent via text to the user.

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GIF / BOOMERANG / SLOW MOTION VIDEO / TIK TOK BOOTHS Rising in popularity over the last few years, attendees can take GIFs in two ways, by taking multiple photos in row, combined into a short, fast video (GIF) or by taking a Boomerang (a short looping video, shown super-quick. Also popular, slow motion video or Tik Tok booths video technology, making every move, like a smile or wave look dramatic and appealing for your social media platforms.

MIRROR (MIRRORME, MAGIC MIRROR) PHOTO BOOTH The Mirror Booth aka MirrorMe, Magic Mirror is a photo booth machine disguised as a full-length mirror. Frames vary in styles and size, you might have a vintage or a sleek and modern look. Guests touch the mirror to take a selfie, the photo can be printed or sent via text.

AR / AI BOOTH The Augmented Reality or Artificial Intelligence photo booths are an up-and-coming experience, made popular by instant filters from apps like Snapchat and Instagram. Similar to a social media platform filter, you can choose between fun and interactive digital props, which will track your faces for hilarious outcomes. Get creative by mixing and matching different props to use, even branding it with your theme. CBW

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A wedding to remember...

located on the banks of the scenic Chester River!

C H E S T E R R I V E R Beautifully 7738 Quaker Neck Rd. Chestertown, MD

YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB

410-778-3818 ext. 102

T hee per erf rfec fect ct pla lac accee for your yoourr per erf rfec fect ct day daay! y 21030 Point Lookout Rd | Callaway, MD 20620 psparks428@aol.com | 301-373-3253 www.whiterosehall.com C H E S A P E A K E B AY W E D D I N G . CO M | S P R I N G 2 0 2 4

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YOUR DREAM WEDDING is closer than you think!

Start your life together in Calvert County

The county’s pastoral, waterfront charm creates the perfect backdrop for a joyous occasion where a lifetime of memories will begin.

For local venues, vendors and more visit

www.VisitCalvert.com/GetMarried