Stories of wedding days from couples in the region
You know what I love about spring? Everything feels possible. Warm weather has likely already given us a taste for what is to come and flowers begin to bloom.
This edition brings together some of my favorite parts of what we do here at Chesapeake Bay Wedding. Our vendor roundtable is back, featuring the people who make the magic happen and how it gets done in often challenging circumstances. We’re also celebrating our photo contest winners, real couples whose love stories and stunning images pop off the page. Their love stories deserve the spotlight and we’re thrilled to share them with you.
But beyond the features, it’s really about the people. The vendors who keep impressing us. The venues that somehow keep surprising us. And you, the readers who pick up this magazine and trust us to help inspire your big day.
We don’t take that lightly. Thank you for being here. Thank you for making us a part of your love story, whether it’s before, during or after your wedding.
PRESIDENT Orestes Baez obaez@chespub.com
PUBLISHER
Betsy Griffin bgriffin@chespub.com
EDITOR
Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus@chespub.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Quinn jennquinncreative@gmail.com
ADVERTISING
Jo Ann Geiger jgegier@chespub.com
Stacy Moreland smoreland@chespub.com
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Chad Campbell ccampbell@chespub.com
Have ideas for what you want to see in Chesapeake Bay Wedding magazine? Email me at ewohlenhaus@chespub.com.
CONTRIBUTING CONTENT CREATORS
Jennifer Quinn, Charlotte Zang, Stephanie Allen, Kasey Rae, Samantha Graessle, Demi Guillory, Heather Ryan
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ABOUT THE
COVER
Styled Shoot by JennQuinn Creative
Story by Charlotte Zang
Welcome home. That’s the warm, inviting feeling you experience the moment you cross the threshold of historic Bohemia Manor Farm. It’s easy to see why this spectacular mansion was selected for our spring cover shoot.
This very special property is as old as Maryland itself. Augustine Herman received a land grant in 1662 in exchange for drawing a map of the state. He selected what he described as the most beautiful 4,000 acres in the region, building his home on a hilltop with views of fields that stretch to the river’s edge.
Even though the original estate has been lost to the ages, the current venue has been standing tall since 1920. It’s a place where guests can revive their spirits, surrounded by scenery that feels tailor-made for their celebration.
Bohemia Manor Farm is more than a wedding venue — it’s a place where history, hospitality and heartfelt moments intertwine. With its sweeping waterfront views, luxurious accommodations and thoughtful attention to every detail, it offers couples a setting that feels both timeless and deeply personal. For those dreaming of a wedding that feels like coming home, Bohemia Manor Farm delivers an unforgettable beginning.
OUR HOSTS
Our hosts for the day, Sales Coordinator Lisa Guardipee and Events Manager Erika Reynolds, graciously opened the manor house and wowed us with the accommodations, where nothing was left to chance.
“We offer a destination wedding experience right here on the Shore,” Lisa said. “Our guests are ecstatic about this completely private upscale resort. We do whatever it takes to achieve their vision. This is where memories are made.”
Bohemia Manor is located on the outskirts of Chesapeake City, a lovely canal town steeped in history. Since being acquired by Vivamee Hospitality in 2024, Bohemia Manor Farm has been expanded and updated, and the manor house is now open to the public for the first time. In addition to its magnificent wedding venue with luxurious guest accommodations, the resort includes a winery and the prestigious Harvest & Tide restaurant.
Bridal parties can use the manor house for their vows or for an
even more immersive experience, reserve it for the entire weekend.
“Guests have the full use of the home during that time,” Erika said, “starting with the rehearsal dinner, through the wedding and reception, cocktails inside and out, and a lovely brunch the next day, all in this breathtaking waterfront setting.”
The couple’s parents and wedding party can join them for the entire weekend, as the expansive estate can accommodate up to 30 overnight guests.
THE PHOTO SHOOT
The weather on the day of our photo shoot was quite chilly, but inside the manor house, it was warm and teeming with activity. Vendors transformed the ample space into their vision of the “Crisp and Classic” theme, layering and texturing everything in white.
The bridal suite was the perfect choice for our bride, Callie German Riggs, to prepare for her photos. Owner of a bridal shop herself, she knows exactly what it takes to put on a wedding. Callie’s nuptials took place at Possum Point in Queen Anne’s County on Oct. 11, 2025. She was very pleased to share that the entire affair was a success, without any hiccups. As she chatted with us while having her hair and makeup done, it was easy to see that she enjoys every minute of the wedding preparations.
Callie and her husband, Trent Riggs, are a true Eastern Shore love story, an example of close community connections. They were born and raised in Centreville and met when they were very young because their fathers were best friends. According to Callie, they were destined to be together, and now, all grown up, they are both entrepreneurs, a real “power couple.” Trent is a mortgage officer, while she owns the bridal boutique Brooke & June in Stevensville.
THE BLUSHING BRIDE
Makeup artist Danielle of NVS Bridal in Bel Air applied foundation, rouge and eye shadow with an expert but delicate hand to give Callie a flawless look.
She offered this tip for brides: “Taking good care of your skin is essential. We recommend that brides have a HydraFacial one week before the wedding. It helps remove impurities and helps moisturize the skin to help you look your best.”
Danielle mentioned that while makeup is used to play up the bride’s features, she uses a neutral color palette that is subtle and timeless.
“There is elegance in simplicity,” she said.
Hair stylist Christine, also of NVS Bridal, absolutely loves styling hair for weddings.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the couple’s special day,” Christine said. “I love getting to know the bride and her attendants. It’s a thrill to make them even more gorgeous for the occasion.”
Christine said the biggest myth is that ladies should not wash their hair the day of the event.
“The idea that hair holds a style better that way is not true. We want you to come to the venue with freshly washed hair, and we’ll do the rest!”
THE DRESS
Callie, our bride of the day, glowed as she described the dress she would wear.
“It’s a fabulous Maggie Sottero strapless gown with a fit and flare design. It’s gorgeous — covered in lace, with a scalloped neckline and 3D floral and pearl embellishments.”
She added that the Basque waist flatters while the blush underlay accentuates the lace, highlighting the day’s “Crisp and Classic” theme. A matching lace embroidered cathedral-length veil completed the ensemble. And, keeping with the latest trend, Callie brought along a shorter version as her reception dress. This enables the bride to move comfortably throughout the party while looking effortlessly chic.
BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS
Bohemia Manor Farm was decorated throughout with a variety of white flowers courtesy of Twisted Vines of North East. From single white roses, floating candles and stunning centerpieces on the tables to the tall, gold frames bursting with shades of white boas to showcase where the vows take place, every blossom was selected to coordinate with the theme. Event florist Priscilla chose hydrangeas, roses, mums, delphiniums and baby’s breath to create stunning arrangements.
IT TAKES THE CAKE
At Bohemia Manor Farm, weddings are not simply celebrated; they are lived and fully experienced. With sweeping views, graceful refinement and a sense of place that is both storied and serene, the stately manor provides the perfect canvas for couples ready to begin their next chapter surrounded by beauty, intention and love.
No wedding is complete without a cake. In this case, Megan of Cakes by Megan supplied a simple yet elegantly smooth white two-tiered cake accented with a custom wafer design. She also delivered a smaller, single-tier cake topped with a flowing fondant bow.
“In keeping with the all-white theme, I created a simple vanilla cake with a sophisticated embellishment.”
A CELEBRATION OF FLAVOR
The ballroom was an impressive demonstration of the theme, with gold-backed chairs shimmering against the white tablecloths and fresh flowers, ready for guests to enjoy a delicious meal.
Award-winning Executive Chef Ron Milburn makes every wedding memorable by creating unique menus. Passionate about food, he enjoys adapting his dishes to each couple’s wedding theme.
“If you decide to serve chicken, let’s have fun with it,” he said. “If you choose to serve filet, let’s make it phenomenal.”
Chef Milburn’s menus bring the wow factor, elevating each dish to a work of art – right down to the plating – while estate-grown wines add the perfect finishing touch that guests won’t find anywhere else.
& GOLD
Glamour for the pair who see all that sparkle in the world. Find the beauty in mixing your metals, gold, silver, brass and more. Layer them together to create a tone of celebration and fun in every part of your wedding day.
Bright and exciting, the bold tones in sunsets and citrus allow you to have a wonderfully playful look. The colors create energy and spark conversation, the color combos lend themselves to many different aesthetics, from modern to vintage.
“Our go to photographer and we love her! She makes pictures look effortless and they always come back looking so good!”
Down on the farm
Rolling countryside offers new beginnings at Robin Hill
STORY BY KASEY RAE
Family-run since 1955, Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards has spent generations opening its gates to new beginnings. Set in the rolling countryside of Brandywine the working farm and vineyard blends rustic enchantment with modern contemporary ease. The barn that once held animals and stacked hay now holds brides tossing bouquets from the hayloft, and guests dancing on concrete floors under warm chandelier light that spills across the wooden beams.
Long before weddings came to the property, the farm served many purposes. One of the farm’s many incarnations being a plant nursery. Many of the stunning trees flowering across Robin Hill once began as saplings grown by the family, which are also scattered throughout the state of Maryland like natural signatures of their legacy. Today, growth continues on the property, now in the form of grape vines and good times.
Eleven years ago, owner Susan White, along with her niece, Shelby, and nephew, Wade, decided to take on the challenge of growing wine. Susan
expected it to be a romantic adventure. In the end, she was right. Romance bloomed right alongside the vines: both in her own marriage to nowbusiness-partner Bob White and in the marriages of couples from all over the world who have chosen Robin Hill as their beginning.
“I call myself ‘Mama behind the scenes,’” Susan said with a smile. “I’m making sure everything is going well for their special day. I greet the couple when they arrive, when they move into the suites. I’m checking on them all day. I greet all the vendors. If they need anything, they can ask me. So at the end of the day, if the couple is happy, then Mama behind the scenes is happy.”
A week after planting their first vines, the family hosted the very first barn wedding. The barn was gently updated with string lights, a dazzling golden chandelier, a space heater, comfortable seating, and indoor restrooms, all without ever losing its rare countryside character. Soft, elegant lighting fills the space, and large windows let natural sunlight wash across the ceremony and reception area. The barn door opens to a roof-
Photo by Madison Kavalick Photography The vineyard is a popular and picturesque spot for couples to capture memorable photos.
Robin Hill
Wrap up the evening with a bubble send-off in front of the venue.
Photo by Madison Kavalick Photography
Brandywine,MD
covered pavilion overlooking a rolling valley of tall trees, including a large walnut tree guarding a pristine pasture.
The pavilion bar is fully mobile, allowing couples and decorators to arrange the space however they like (photo booths remain a guest favorite). The bar typically features Robin Hill’s award-winning wines, grown just steps away in the vineyard.
Across the lawn, the bridal and groom suites offer private spaces to relax and prepare before the ceremony. Each suite includes mirrors, seating, refrigerators, personal touches and even its own outdoor pasture filled with friendly animals. Previous guests have said that the goats, ducks, horse and sheep are the perfect way to help ease any last-minute nerves.
Part of the venue’s charm is the fact that the wedding barn sits only a few feet from the homes of the family members who run the farm. That closeness occasionally leads to moments that become beloved stories.
“Twenty minutes before a ceremony, all of a sudden, there’s panic. The groom left his shirt at home!” Susan recalled. “I looked at him and said, ‘What size do you wear?’ I called my brothers, both of whom live here on the farm, and my brother Robert said, ‘I’ve got one!’ I ran over, grabbed it, came back, helped the groom button up, and he walked straight down the aisle.”
Her dedication doesn’t stop there. Susan is so dedicated to the easy flow of each wedding that she would give the shirt off her back, literally. She laughs as she recounts the day a groom’s shirt was ruined moments before the ceremony.
“When I work weddings, I wear a white long-sleeve shirt. He looked at me and started crying. So I took off my Robin Hill shirt, he took off his, and he went down the aisle in mine.”
The wedding barn is the heart of Robin Hill, the wine is the blood that flows through its veins and the land itself carries the strong pulse of its rich lore. Walking the
by
Photo
Herrera Photography
by
grounds feels less like touring a venue and more like visiting a family farm full of stories, pets and memories. After each ceremony, Susan invites the newlyweds on a celebratory golf-cart ride, a tradition she loves, guiding them through vineyards, pastures and the winding paths that have shaped the character of the farm for decades.
Robin Hill’s Wedding packages include a 6-hour time allotment (setup is allowed before the event starts), 43 tables of various sizes, 400 chairs, an outdoor ceremony area with an arch, a wooden bar, a golf cart escort, concrete floors, trash removal and two suites.
At Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, the legacy of the land, the devotion of the family and the joy of new beginnings all intertwine, creating a countryside celebration space where every wedding feels like it’s part of a much bigger story.
For more information, visit www.robinhillfarmandvineyards.com
Photos
Meeds Photography
The venue exudes a rustic charm with an elegant, romantic vibe.
Photo by Tom McCall
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.
Photo Credit: Karena Di xo
Wylder Hotel
A personal touch
Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island goes above and beyond
STORY BY SAMANTHA GRAESSLE PHOTOS COURTESY WYLDER HOTEL
Just south of the quaint, waterfront town
St. Michaels, known for its welcoming atmosphere, lies a charming wedding venue: Wylder Hotel on Tilghman Island.
The hotel, tucked on a private island on the Chesapeake Bay, sits on a 9 ½ acre historic property with 50 rooms, perfect for hosting family and friends.
On top of a scenic coastal property and a private beach, the hotel also boasts several amenities such as kayaks, a saltwater pool, bonfire pits, corn hole areas and more.
KD Dowi, director of sales for Wylder Hotels, said they often describe it as an adult summer camp that is also kid friendly.
“It’s a place where you can just sit in front of the water and take a deep breath and get away from everything in the world,” Dowi said. “It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, but the activities we provide really hit home.”
Dowi, alongside a close-knit team, provides personalized white-glove service for guests, helping create a stress free environment day of the wedding.
“They’re very detailed. We actually were assigned our own waiter for the wedding, so my husband and I had somebody that was taking care of just us, which I thought was a really nice touch,” Clare Incontrera said. “And they made sure that we always had our food and drinks and anything that we wanted throughout the reception.”
Clare and her husband Tom, who held their wedding at Wylder Hotel in November 2025, were able to execute a cozy fall wedding while still hosting around 200 guests including their dogs, Ruby and Coco.
Alongside being pet and family friendly, Wylder offers a variety of packages including a full buyout where the property closes completely to the public for a full weekend, making a convenient and intimate stay for the wedding party and out of town friends and family.
Kristin Bram, Wylder Hotel’s general manager, describes it as “relaxed.”
“We have a lot of rehearsal dinners that’ll be crab feasts and family feasts,” Bram said.
She said that they often have people play corn hole before they get married, or hit golf balls in the water. She described a scene where grooms visit the sauna and in the cold plunge with their buddies the day of the wedding.
“It just makes it more of a whole weekend experience where you get to see all of your favorite people, instead of just a five hour experience where people are being bused in and bused out to another hotel,” Bram said.
Not every guest experience is the same. Wylder offers full and partial buyouts, with bookings based on food and beverage minimums rather than fixed packages. Full buyouts include exclusive weekend use of the property, with minimums that vary by season, while partial buyouts apply minimums to the wedding day only.
The venue hosts about 26 weddings each year, ranging from 17 to 200 guests, with a dedicated staff bringing each couple’s vision to life.
“We pride ourselves on everybody getting their unique vision for their wedding,” Dowi said. “We try to include personal touches each time too.”
Dow gave an example of a bride whose mom is from Trinidad and Tobago who wanted Jamaican patties. Wylder was able to source those for her so that the family could specifically have it.
“We just try to make sure that each couple has their own personal touch to their wedding weekend so they can do everything from rehearsal dinner all the way through farewell brunch the following day after the wedding,” Dowi said.
For more information visit: wylderhotels.com/tilghman-island.
Island MD
Smaller weddings, bigger meaning
STORY BY DEMI GUILLORY PHOTOS BY VENUS QUEEN PHOTOGRAPHY
The year 2020 is ingrained in the memories of many in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but for Jennifer Quinn and her husband, Ryan Roche, it also holds great personal significance, marking the very beginning of their love story and journey to becoming wife and husband.
“My husband and I met in college, funny enough, in an English class,” Jennifer shared. “We became close friends and after college, we started dating and ever since then, it’s just been lovely.” They began dating in early 2020 and were engaged four-and-a-half years into their relationship before marrying last fall.
Traditional wedding planning was initially not part of the plan at all.
“We actually considered eloping,” she said, revealing that a traditional ceremony was not something they were exploring. Jennifer and Ryan knew they wanted to scale their experience to be more intimate and sacred and thought a small reception would suffice. Reality turned out to exceed their expectations.
“We decided to do the whole thing and have a wedding where we had the ceremony and reception all together,” Jennifer explained. Deciding on the venue was easy because one thing had not changed: they knew they wanted the space to have sentimental value and a personal connection for both of them – ”somewhere that meant something to us.”
Jennifer grew up on the Eastern Shore, living on the same farm her parents still are today. When Ryan, who is from Baltimore, moved to the area, the farm is where he spent time not only getting to know Jennifer and her family better but the place he now calls home as well. For them, it made sense to integrate Jennifer’s childhood home into the special day, choosing “a special place to continue to make more special memories.”
It also made the wedding planning process less daunting because of logistics. Being wellacquainted with the venue, “there was never any stress of ‘oh, I don’t know where I’m going,” Jennifer said. They had access to the property that allowed them to be uniquely involved in the entire process, like getting to put decorations up a week ahead of the wedding and being able to assess for planning as much as they needed.
“There were no restrictions — we were able to go there whenever we wanted to and take a look at the spaces where the ceremony and reception were going to be, make plans and take measurements.”
With a vision already in mind, Jennifer and Ryan enlisted the help of Hannah Belle Events to help bring it to life — Caralisa worked with them throughout the process, including on the big day to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. Her passion as one of the lead planners ensured that they hired all of the vendors they needed and they had all of the accounts they needed, “She really helped us coordinate our rehearsal
dinner and made sure that our day-of timeline was great and that we had good communication between all of our vendors,” Jennifer said.
A creative visionary herself, Jennifer took charge of the decorations adorning the spaces that held 98 of their close friends and family, only outsourcing a florist to complete the missing details.
Small weddings on private properties are popular for many reasons, but one of the most common misconceptions is that they cost substantially less than larger weddings.
“You still spend a lot of money, you just spend it on different things,” she explained. Except for the tables and chairs that were rented and the plates, “we bought everything else.”
There were additional costs to convert the previous space into a modern barn for their reception, installing electricity and lights and replacing a dirt floor. The final reveal right before the reception was a special moment for everyone.
“The barn has these huge sliding doors, so both my husband and I grabbed a door and revealed the
Sweet Tooth
space to our entire guests.”
What Jennifer calls these temporary “logistical challenges” are now accommodations that not only aided in creating their ideal reception but also provided her father the space to conduct his business on the farm. Despite the hard work, Jennifer and Ryan could not imagine their wedding day having gone any better.
“It comes down to: know your budget and make sure that you’re fitting your vision,” Jennifer said. “That includes inviting the people who you see being able to celebrate you and your spouse,” which she also believes is a part of why more people
are starting to gravitate towards smaller, more personalized weddings.
The personal connections extended beyond the venue and created an even more cherished experience for both her and Ryan.
“We had people there who we enjoyed seeing and that we were excited to have,” Jennifer added, who even had the family’s beloved farm dog take part in the events.
“It’s your day,” she said. “You want to have a good day–your spouse, you–you should be able to relax, smile and just have a great time without feeling the stress of the extra budget or extra people that you don’t really want.”
When direction isn’t clearly defined, we take a proactive but respectful approach. We ask a few targeted clarifying questions to understand the couple’s vision, priorities, and any boundaries, while also leaning on our experience to make thoughtful, informed decisions in the moment. Clear communication, flexibility, and professionalism are key for us . We’re comfortable guiding the process while remaining adaptable so everything runs smoothly and aligns with the overall event atmosphere.
Communicating is key! Luckily, I have lots of opportunities built into my process to help me get a full understanding of what my clients are dreaming of well before their actual wedding day. Through my initial wedding questionnaire, follow up conversations, design meetings and digital mock ups my clients and I both know what to expect when their big day arrives.
Abby Usilton
Abigail Hollis Photography
@abigailhollisphoto
Southern Maryland Flower Farm and Floral Design @southernmarylandflower
With experience in this happening only in the beginning of my career, I decided to lean towards the timeline and other vendors. If it’s during the ceremony, I usually work with the DJ. If it’s at the start of the day I’ll just pick up on the vibe and go from there. I’m a very go with the flow type of person so I try to flow with the couple and the environment that’s created. Never lean into the stress, it always works out amazing.
Photos courtesy Hannah Walker
Photo by Abigail Hollis Photography
Karrie Schou
Photos courtesy Karrie Schou
What do you do when you’re not getting clear direction from the couple or planner?
Jenna and Elizabeth
Little Bit Heart @littlebitheart
Great question! We find visuals most helpful for this step. It’s great when the couple has a Pinterest board for example, because seeing what they’re thinking for tablescapes, florals and the overall look they’re going for is tremendously helpful. We also love going over our portfolio at a meeting or mailing out samples so that they can see (and feel!) invitation designs and let us know what colors, style and typefaces they’re drawn to most.
Elizabeth always says that even when you aren’t exactly sure what you like, you do know what you don’t like, so taking a look at designs or inspiration images can bring a lot of clarity. We try to get a really clear idea of the couple’s style and what they’re picturing for their paper before we send over preliminary designs, but getting into that — seeing their names in an actual layout, seeing how we’ve translated their inspiration — usually really gets it moving towards a final design they love.
Let us h the deta that you enjoy y
An award-w w wedding an event plann company wh our focus is We offer plan services, da of-coordin and everythi between.
Photo courtesy Little Bit Heart
Photo by Brooke Michelle Photography
Fur-ever yours
MODERN WEDDINGS INCLUDING MAN’S BEST FRIEND
Story by Stephanie Allen
It’s a beautiful day for a wedding in Annapolis! Inside the beautiful Governor Calvert House, wedding guests sit and watch as one by one, the bridesmaids saunter down the aisle in their coordinating black gowns, the groomsmen close behind. The groom, Dillon McDonald, is at the altar, ready and waiting for his high school sweetheart’s big entrance.
Cue the music! Here come the… dogs?
Yes, before the bride, Aleah, arrives, wedding guests witness two more important members of the wedding party make their debut – Bubbs and Polly Pocket, Aleah’s beloved dogs.
Including pets in wedding ceremonies might just be the latest wedding trend to hit the Chesapeake Bay. This rising trend of having pets front-and-center on the wedding day might be for reasons sentimental, comical or performative. But for many couples, it is simply a way to honor the best friend they’ve shared throughout their
courting journey.
According to survey findings by Rover.com, titled the Pet-Friendly Wedding Report, 81% of soonto-be married couples across the U.S. intend to include their pets in their wedding day, compared to just 44% of married couples who have already done so.
Aleah knew she’d want her pups to be part of her most important day after her sister had done the same for her own wedding. After all, her goldendoodle Bubbs had been beside her for every big moment, so having him as her dog-of-honor (along with her Maltese-mix Polly Pocket) just made sense.
“We picked [Bubbs] up together back in high school and got to train him and experience all those puppy moments together,” Aleah said. After adopting Polly Pocket in later years, she said, “They definitely rule our world. They have us wrapped around their finger — or their paw.”
Photos by Heather Ryan Photography
Jill Schellenschlager — photo by Taylor Hettenhouser
Photo by Asya Photography
After discovering that she could hire an attendant from Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat to take care of her dogs during the wedding, the decision to do so was a no-brainer. Only just a few years ago, Dogwood Acres decided to offer wedding services after noticing more clients requesting assistance with their weddings. General Manager Jill Schellenschlager, who has been with the company for nearly 22 years, admits that they’d never even thought of this kind of service before customers began asking.
“[Couples] want their pets with them, that’s all it boils down to,” Jill said. “Your pet is your baby, or your best friend, and they’re with you through every part of every day of your life. So owners want them on one of the more special days also.”
In the beginning, Jill said weddings were case-by-case, offering assistance with any aspects of pet care during the wedding that couples may have needed. Over time, the service evolved into full wedding packages and a menu of services. Since then, Dogwood Acres has helped with hundreds of weddings across the region, even working with wedding planners and other vendors to ensure a seamless experience for the newlyweds.
Services, which begin at $375, include two hours of event time with a designated pet attendant, up to 60 miles round-trip travel to and from the venue, a discounted bath and prep session, along with discounted lodging options if needed. This ensures that couples have a stress-free experience without having to worry about taking care of their pet, while knowing that their guests can fully enjoy the day as well.
“I got to enjoy my dogs being there, but I don’t have to worry about any of their needs,” Aleah said. “It definitely gave me the peace of mind that I didn’t have to attend to their needs, I could just enjoy them as a visitor.”
Of course, having any pet in a crowded venue may come with a few surprises, Jill explained.
“You never quite know what to expect, which is the added element you have to be ready for,” she said. “But the owners know their pet really well, so they’ll know if they’re going to be nervous.”
Even Polly Pocket experienced a bit of anxiety during Aleah and Dillon’s wedding, but her Dogwood Acres handler knew exactly how to keep her calm with extra treats and water.
Aleah joked, “There was a point where I looked at my husband and said, ‘Polly’s really liking this person. We might not get Polly back!’ Which was a good feeling.”
Expertly navigating potential hiccups is just another reason that hiring a professional to manage the pets during and after the ceremony helps to take stress off of couples. Services like those provided by Dogwood Acres are perfect for making sure pets are primped, ready and comfortable throughout the big day.
“Having the dogs there helped remind us to take a moment and appreciate what’s going on,” Aleah said. “It’s a really great way to show guests how important these pets are in your life.”
Whetherenjoyingthe dark wood andstone features of ourLodge area,the high-vaultceilings andrusticdécor of ourBarn, theoasis that is ouradaptablepatio,orthe privacyofour outdoor ceremonyspace,our guests will feel envelopedinthe luxury of sophisticatedcateringexemplifiedbyour food,our décorand ourstaff.
SELTZER Danielle & Mark
THE PROPOSAL
He proposed where everything began, on Sugarloaf Mountain. We hiked to the top of the mountain where we took our first photograph. I made things easier on him and told him we should recreate it. As I was waiting for him to set up the camera looking over the mountaintop, I remember thinking “wow this would be a perfect set up for a proposal.” I was shocked when he tapped me and I saw him down on one knee. So shocked, I fell and scraped my knee and got blood everywhere! Thankfully, my clumsiness was one of his favorite parts of me and the ring ended up where it belonged, on my finger. I love hearing the story from his perspective as he hid the ring from me for over a year. Even going so far to tell me the insurance he purchased was for his “legos.” Every woman with a lego-loving husband will agree that I fully believed him and didn’t even think it could be for a ring!
Outstanding Vendors:
Venue: Historic Londontown Gardens
Photography: LifeGalleryStudios
HOW THEY MET
My husband and I met in college. He was serving in the Marine Corps, and I was at the University of Maryland in College Park. Our individual roommates set us up on a double date on a hike on Sugarloaf Mountain and we have been inseparable ever since. Although it was difficult being long distance for four years while he was in the Marines, it was worth it to find our forever. Immediately I knew in the way we laughed together and the care and commitment we shared together that it was meant to be.
THE HARDEST PART
The hardest part of our wedding day was the time apart during the morning. We spend so much time together and are each other’s support system. With the nerves of the day the only one we wanted to see was each other. We are so grateful we chose to do a first look. That moment shook all of the pre-wedding jitters out and was such a calming moment during a hectic (but amazing) day. It was beautiful to take a breath and share time together before the big ceremony. I think something else that is difficult is trying to spend time with everyone you love. The day goes by so quickly and it is easy to feel like you only get a couple minutes (if that!) with everyone individually. I think its so important to give yourself grace at that moment and know everyone is there because they love you!
THE BEST PART
The best part of our wedding day was the final dance. We had everyone wait outside while we had our final moments together before exiting. I will always remember the dim lights, empty room, and the feeling of my head on his chest. It was so meaningful after an evening of dancing and fun with our families to have a blissful, private moment together before we said our goodbyes. It was the best way to start our marriage as a strong unit.
Catering: Eleven Courses
Florals: Scentsational Florals
Hair and Makeup: Something Blu Beauty
Dessert: Dessert and Company (Nusi)
Day of Coordinator: Amy Lindsey at Just Breathe Events
Claudette & GregoryWEBB
HOW THEY MET
I knew my husband’s sister, we were friends on social media Facebook and I accepted his friend request years ago due to knowing his sister. Few years ago unfortunately, I lost my then late fiance’ in a tragic fatal car accident in 2019. My husband Gregory reached out to me on Facebook to express his deepest condolences. He was very supportive, sent me flowers to my job at that time, and he never left my side since. We gradually became more than friends after my grieving process.
THE PROPOSAL
We talked about marriage and our future and had plans to marry one day soon. I wanted to do a winter photo shoot that turned out to be a very foggy and cloudy afternoon. As we were walking and taking pictures, that is when my husband got on her knee and proposed to me in the picture shown in one of the areas. We used the board that I had on the side to use for something else to use in our photos as well. We decided to use these pictures for our engagement announcement and Savethe-Dates for our wedding guest.
THE HARDEST PART
Not being able to eat and have alone time for just a short period of time by ourselves. Our family and friends were excited and wanted pictures, talking to us to congratulate us, but it was a bit overwhelming at times. It was nonstop, but it was very well worth it all!
THE BEST PART
The announcement of our marriage, Our First Kiss, and Our First Dance.
Outstanding Vendors:
Venue: American Legion Post 91
Catering: Charles Webb - O Taste & See Divine Catering, LLC
Desserts: Jessica Sampson - Groove City Cakes
Photography/Videography: Austin - YRN Photography
DJ/Music: DJ Eddie J
HOW THEY MET
We met by pure chance on New Year’s Eve 2023 in Bali, at a music festival filled with thousands of people. Somehow, in all that chaos, we found each other. What started as an unexpected connection that night turned into something deeper than either of us imagined. That moment became the beginning of a two-year long-distance love story that has shaped who we are today.
JOSEPH Zara & Sunil
Outstanding Vendor:
Photographer: Josh Anderson
THE PROPOSAL
It happened the night before his 39th birthday, a night I’ll carry in my heart forever. I had just arrived in Kuala Lumpur after a long day of travel. I had only recently started a new job and couldn’t take leave, so I took unpaid time— because being with him mattered more than anything.
When we met, he said, “Let’s go for a walk—wear something nice.” I almost slipped on my flip flops, but he gently insisted, “At least wear shoes.” I didn’t realize it then, but he was preparing for one of the most meaningful moments of our lives.
He had a backpack with him, which felt a little unusual, but I didn’t question it. We walked around KLCC, the city lights glowing around us. The evening felt peaceful and perfect, like something special was in the air.
After years of distance, airport goodbyes, time zones, and countless conversations, this moment was simple, heartfelt, and deeply us. We never needed grand gestures—just each other.
Then he said, “Let’s take some photos— stand over there.” I turned to pose… and then he said softly, “Turn back.”
When I turned around, I saw him on one knee, holding the ring.
My whole world stopped.
I was lost for words—my heart racing, emotions flooding in from all the years we had spent loving each other from afar. His proposal was intimate, emotional, and sincere: a promise that our long-distance chapter was ending, and a new life together was finally beginning.
And of course, I said yes.
In that moment, we became fiancé and fiancée—no longer separated by miles, but finally stepping into our future side by side.
THE BEST PART
For me, it was seeing him waiting for me at the aisle and just starting our married life together.
THE HARDEST PART
It was snowing. I was worried people would cancel on me. I didn’t have a plan B. My hair and makeup person didn’t pick up her phone. I waited 30 mins and then decided to just go ahead to her salon either way.
Our officiant was also late and did not pick up her phone. We did not know if she was going to show up.
Chesapeake Bay Wedding Directory
Attire
Brooke & June Bridal (410) 739-7050 brookeandjunebridal.com
