Madeline Serio Photography
Adam started working at the same company as Allison just a couple months after she did. After being tasked with training him and spending time together, Allison convinced Adam to have a joint birthday party since they were born a day apart. The two shared their first kiss the night of their joint celebration.
During their search for a wedding venue, the couple realized they preferred locations on the water. They considered options on the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York and the Chesapeake Bay. Ultimately, the two decided on the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club for their timeless and elegant July nuptials.
Madeline Serio Photography
“I loved the fitted corset bodice and how it balanced so perfectly with the big ballgown skirt and train,” Allison says of her dress. “I couldn’t get over the detailing on the front of the skirt with a slit and the buttons trailing all the way down the train. It brought the drama while also being classic and elegant.”
The Gown
Like most brides, when Allison began looking at dresses, she turned to Pinterest. She saved a variety of styles to her board and initially felt it would be impossible to narrow down to just one. However, by the time of her first appointment, she knew she wanted “an A-line, dress with mostly plain fabric, [but was] open to different necklines.” Initially, her stylist showed her dresses that fit that exact description until he took a risk and showed her something completely different. Rather than an A-line dress, he picked a ball gown that had some similar qualities, yet different from the inspiration photos. The risk paid off because she absolutely loved it; it was her dress.
The Shoes
On her hunt for bridal shoes, Allison was looking for a shorter heel and a pointy toe. She ended up purchasing five pairs before deciding on the Badgley Mishka stilettos, a pair of plain pointed toes with a silk ribbon tied around the ankle.
Madeline Serio Photography
The Accessories
Allison incorporated family pieces into her bridal look as her “somethings” for the day. Since family is so important to her, it meant a lot to have the accessories of loved ones with her as she married Adam. Her “something old” was her paternal grandmother’s pearl bracelet. “Something new” was, of course, her wedding dress. “Something borrowed” was the hanky her maternal grandmother carried on her wedding day. And “something blue” was her paternal great-grandmother’s ring.
Madeline Serio Photography
“I was raised by so many strong women who had beautiful, lasting marriages. It was so special to be able to physically carry pieces from them with me.”
The Second Look
The second look was Allison’s biggest style splurge, but well worth it. She chose a dress with a more fitted silhouette to wear during the reception so it would be easier to move around and dance in. Allison found a fitted lace dress second-hand. “I fell in love with a dress worn by another bride [who was] the same height as me and looked to have a similar body type. It ended up fitting like a glove with no alterations needed!” A dress that was meant to be to dance the night away in.
Style Details Gown: Abella Collection by Allure Bridal ‘Nova’ (designer)| Stella’s Bridal (shop, Pittsford, New York) Veil: Marionat pearl-edge Ceremony Shoes: Blaze Satin Bow Stilettos by Badgley Mishka, $200 Reception Dress: Galleria della Sposa (purchased via Stillwhite) Reception Shoes: Nike Air Force 1 ’07, $115 Accessories: Freshwater Pearl Bracelet by Pavoi, $14 | family heirloom jewelry Credits Hair: Lucja Ryzner Makeup: Emily Seeley Flowers: Arrow Bella
