When a young couple starts their new life together in a setting rich with tradition and history, beautiful things happen. Candace and Steve said “I Do” in one of the most amazing historic churches I’ve ever seen. Next, they celebrated their marriage with a joyous afternoon reception at a classic Georgian mansion. Gorgeous flowers, stylish bridesmaids’ dresses and Candace’s elegant gown helped to marry tradition with modern style. Congratulations to this charming couple!
Candace + Steve | August 21, 2010 | Baltimore, Maryland
The ceremony
We fell in love with the Baltimore Basilica as soon as we saw it, and we’re so glad we were able to have our marriage ceremony there. The building is beautiful and has a lot of history – it is “America’s First Cathedral” and the architect, Henry Latrobe, used the U.S. Capital for inspiration. My favorite part was exchanging vows as well as sitting next to Steve at the altar, looking out at all of our family and friends and feeling so lucky that they were all there to witness our wedding.
The reception
Our reception was held nearby at The Mansion at Valley Country Club. It was built in 1858, and I loved the historic Georgian style. What really sold us on the location was the little bar off of the ballroom, which was decorated with sports memorabilia (my husband is a huge sports fan). Our reception was in the afternoon and we met some of our friends out in Baltimore later that night, so we were able to spend more time with them. It made us feel like our wedding lasted all day!
How Candace felt in her wedding dress
Elegant, beautiful, classic
Why she decided to sell her wedding dress
I thought about selling my dress for a while, in part because we could use the extra space and money. In the end, I decided to sell it because I like the idea of the dress getting more use – it seems like a shame for it to only be worn once when it was so good to me! So I’m hoping that it brings another bride the same luck it brought me on my wedding day:)
Candace’s dress: Pronovias, Malaga
Photography: Rich Dutchman
Can you imagine a more beautiful backdrop for a wedding than Wyoming’s majestic Teton mountains? Just looking at these gorgeous pictures, I can almost breathe in the fresh mountain air. Amanda and Ryan’s wedding celebration was everything an intimate wedding should be…an amazing setting, a personal and touching ceremony (Ryan’s brother married them), and quality time spent with close friends and family. Truly, I cannot envision a more romantic way to say “I Do!”
Amanda + Ryan | September 17, 2010 | Jackson Hole, Wyoming
How they met
Short answer: Match.com Long answer: I had no desire to try on-line dating, but, my roommate was eager to set up a profile for herself. A few weeks later she confessed that she had put up a profile for me on Match without my knowledge. I was shocked. I told her I was going to take down my posting, but she urged me to at least check out the guys that had been writing to me. When I went on the site to take down my profile, I clicked on one guy’s profile (Ryan!). He seemed like a great guy so I figured I would send him a quick email saying that I was going off of match – but he was welcome to contact me. And as the saying goes, the rest is history.
The ceremony
After we got engaged, we took a vacation to Jackson Hole. As we were drinking wine on the porch of the hotel, we decided to get married in Jackson Hole, exactly one year from that date. We rented a beautiful log cabin for each family next door to one another. Ryan’s brother got ordained for the day and married us on the lawn of one of the homes overlooking the Tetons. Our wedding date was on the 60th wedding anniversary of my grandparents. It was such an honor to have my grandma there to share in ceremony.
The reception
After the ceremony, we hired a chef to come to one of the homes and cook an unbelievable meal. The only way I can think to describe the night is perfect joy. The love and laughter of everyone sharing a meal together late into the night was unforgettable. After the meal, we all put on our comfy clothes and walked outside to watch shooting stars.
How Amanda knew her wedding dress was “The One”
I’m actually not a woman that enjoys shopping, so I really wanted to choose a dress right away. I went with my sister-in-law and we tried on dresses together (she was getting married a few months before me). I tried on probably ten dresses before I put on the one that I ultimately chose. I felt beautiful in it. It was classic, sophisticated, and timeless.
Why Amanda decided to sell her wedding dress
I knew from the beginning that I would sell my dress. I didn’t want it hanging in my closet. I have all of my pictures to remind me of it. In my opinion, the dress is stunning and I can’t think of any reason why someone else shouldn’t feel just as beautiful as I did on my wedding day.
Amanda’s Dress: Pronovias, San Patrick Belgica
Photography: Bumatay Studio
Purple lovers rejoice! Christina and James’ wedding is a perfect example of how to incorporate this beautiful color into your wedding. From her shoes, to the flowers, to paper suite detail and the table linens, purple abounds at this pretty wedding.
Christina & James | April 10, 1010 West Palm Beach, Florida
How he proposed
Our proposal took place at the Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. We were in a gazebo on a cliff overlooking the caribbean sea, I had no idea I thought we were just going on a vacation. It was just the two of us and it was perfect.
The moment Christina will never forget
My husband and I did not do a first look. I was in a separate area in the Church when the priest asked me if I was ready. He showed me his Iphone and there was a picture of my husband in his tux pointing to his watch. He was telling me “It’s time!”. I didn’t see him the night before or that day at all so I teared up immediately. I will never forget it. Our photographer was able to capture that moment as well it was fantastic.
The ceremony
We had a very traditional Nuptial Mass at the Catholic Church we both attended as children. We got married the Saturday after Easter and the Church was still beautiful decorated with white lilies and dramatic drapings for the holiday.
The reception
Our reception was at Breakers West Country Club. We had the entire second floor which included a lounge, wrap around outdoor veranda and a beautiful all windowed ballroom that overlooked the lake.
Splurges & Savings
We definitely splurged on our beautiful photography, Joseph Keith Photography. We saved by having out invites design by Etsy’s the Rstudio but printing them at home. I printed, assembled, and fauxligraphyed all our invitations and the rest of our paper goods which included; table numbers, escort cards, programs, and additional little signs.
How she knew her wedding dress was “The One”
I tried on a lot of dresses probably over 100. Most of this was because my sister got married 6 months before me so I did a lot of shopping with her. I knew my dress was the one when all the ladies in the store starting showing me around to the other customers. I love my dress because of its classic look. I know in 20 years I will look back and still think that is one stunning dress!
Her advice for other brides
The day before the wedding take some time for yourself to relax. We had our rehearsal on a Thursday so if I wanted to hang out all Friday I could have. Instead, I had a nice lunch and got my nails done with my bridesmaids! Also, the wedding will go by like a blur so take a moment a just take the scene in.
Christina’s Wedding Dress: Pronovias Fanal
Photography: Joseph Keith Photography