Megan Dix Photography
Mark and Amana
Mark and Amana first met towards the end of high school. As they entered the next stages of their lives, they remained close. Amana went to Philadelphia for college and Mark joined the Air Force. Even though they had spent five years apart, it felt like nothing had changed when Amana returned home to Maryland. And their close friendship naturally evolved into a romance.
Their late summer wedding took place on the water at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. Surrounded by family and friends, Mark and Amana hosted a warm and inviting evening in shades of soft whites, greens, and yellows. It was a sunny August afternoon with a romantic feel, perfect for celebrating their love story and beautifully captured with their hashtag #WhenLifeGivesYouSimmons.
Megan Dix Photography
Her Look
Amana was dedicated to the hunt of finding her wedding dress. She visited 12 different bridal shops with her mom across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. “I was still figuring out the style and silhouette I wanted. But once I came across Maggie Sottero’s designs, I knew that was the direction I wanted to go.” Though Amana fell in love with many of Maggie Sottero’s gowns, there was one she saw online that just couldn’t get out of her head.
My favorite details were the delicate floral appliqués and the structured fit. Once I added the draped sleeves, the whole look just came together beautifully."
On a trip to Brooke & June Bridal, Amana almost said ‘yes’ to a different dress. But she couldn’t stop thinking about the Maggie Sottero gown she first fell in love with. After showing a picture, her bridal stylist offered to have it shipped from Pennsylvania. Her dream dress arrived after three weeks. “Tasteful 3D florals, a corset-style bodice, and a touch of sparkle; it checked every box,” Amana says. Along with the long, dramatic train and veil and the addition of the draped, off-the-shoulder sleeves, it was truly Amana’s dream dress.
Megan Dix Photography
His Look
When they were considering Mark’s suit, they leaned towards either white, black, or a shade of green. He tried on a variety of styles and colors from SuitSupply, which helped focus their vision. They wanted Mark to stand out from the groomsmen. In the end, the pair chose a white suit jacket and black trousers. “We really loved the idea of both of us being the only ones in white. It felt cohesive, elevated, and made the moment feel even more special.”
The Accessories
Since she knew she’d be on her feet all day and walking in grass, comfortable chunky heels were a must for the ceremony. So, Amana opted for a pair of platform sandals from Kate Spade that hit all the requirements. Jewelry turned out to be the hardest bridal accessory to find. She wanted pieces that would complement the sparkle and details of her dress. Amana also wanted the pieces to be affordable without looking cheap. A pair of earrings and a hair comb from Dareth Colburn ended up being the right understated accessories for the day. For the reception, both Mark and Amana donned pairs of Louboutin shoes, their biggest style splurge. Amana changed into the Condora pumps and Mark wore a pair of the Dandy Chick.
Their Entourage
Yellow was always part of Mark and Amana’s style vision; it was just a matter of finding the right shade. After a search at Bella Bridesmaids, they settled on a soft shade of buttercup yellow. The bridesmaids were able to choose a silhouette they loved and felt confident in, creating a cohesive, yet mix and match look. The vision for the groomsmen was smooth and polished: classic black tuxedos paired with yellow bow ties to match the bridesmaids. Together, a soft and summery entourage that helped the couple shine.
Megan Dix Photography
Details
Bride Gown: Sottero and Midgley - Athlone Lane ($2,500), Maggie Sottero (designer), Brooke and June Bridal (dress shop) Veil: Maggie Sottero - Cathedral Length ($500) Bride’s jewelry: Dareth Colburn earrings ($50) and hair accessories ($75) Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade New York Women’s Lucie Platform Sandals ($100) Other accessories: Philadelphia Eagles thigh garter ($25) , Le Rose Iris Lace Trim Maxi ($240), and Slippers ($33) Reception dress: Rosie Etienne Bridal - Isabelle ($600) Reception shoes: Christian Louboutin Condora Strap 85MM Leather Pumps ($1,095.00) Groom Suit designer: Suit Supply (designer and shop), ($1,500) Groom’s jewelry: Watch, Orient Stretto Chronograph ($440) Groom’s shoes: Christian Louboutin Dandy Chick ($945.00) Other accessories: Cuff Links, Amazon Bridesmaids Bridesmaids’ dress designer: Various styles (Wren, Swayer), color Buttercup, Jenny Yoo (designer) ($300-350.00), Bella Bridesmaids DC (shop) Bridesmaids’ jewelry: Mari Set, Dareth Colburn (designer and shop) ($33) Bridemaids’ shoes: Tan shoes, LuLu’s (shop) ($45) Groomsmen Suit designer: Men’s Warehouse, designer and shop (rented) Groomsmen jewelry: Various watches Groomsmen shoes: Men’s Warehouse Other Style-Related Vendors: Photographer: Megan Dix Photography Hair and makeup: Jaya Bolden, Make Up By Jaya Florist: Savannah Midkiff, Bloomin’ Wild Florist
