Karis Marie Photography
"I am one of those people who love living in this area specifically because we have all four seasons. I love the image of a snowy wedding with lots of greens, a spring wedding with beautiful pastels and pale wood tones, a sunny summer wedding with wildflowers and white linens, and a rich fall wedding with dark woods and moody florals equally! Guess I am in the right business!” —Michele Beaudry, Eastern Shore Tents & Events
How do couples choose the perfect wedding date? Some know in their souls they are October people. (They generally wear long sweaters and have an addiction to pumpkin spice lattes.) Others max out on sentimentality by celebrating the anniversary of their first date or a parent’s wedding. A different couple falls in love with each other and then a photographer, so they plan the whole thing according to the photographer’s availability. And then there’s the fourth category, which dabbles in all the above. Regardless of how they get to the end date, most couples pick summer or fall weddings. But Maryland has charm and beauty 365 days a year!
Spring
is for birdwatching, sailing, and smelling flowers.
Every April, Annapolis’ Spring Sailboat Show draws thousands of visitors for the unofficial launch of the sailing season. While this exact weekend is not ideal for a wedding (too much competition for hotel blocks, plus crowds), boats stud the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay whenever the weather is balmy, making a scenic backdrop.
At the Black Walnut Point Inn in Tilghman Island, birds and blooms abound in spring. “In May and June, we have birds everywhere, not only because we're in a bird sanctuary. We have installed multiple purple martin houses on the dock next to our osprey nest. We have barn swallow houses. We also have tree swallow and bluebird houses along the marsh, and our eagles have begun to enjoy watching the festivities. Spring and summer are also busy with daffodils, irises, roses, summer flowers, and fresh figs to pick off our many trees.” —Bob Zuber and Tracy Staples, Black Walnut Point Inn
Kevin Devine, the chef behind Crave Catering, loves the natural anticipation that comes with the changing spring weather. “People are going outside and getting excited to celebrate,” he says. “Plants coming into bloom help paint the backdrop of an awesome event.” His favorite dish to serve during this time of year is short-smoked salmon with pesto and asparagus au citron.
Summer
is for fireworks and float parties, longer days, and all the colors.
In the summer months, Brittland Estates couples and their guests love to swim and boat in the Chester River. A venue partner, Splash City Golf, will set up waterfront driving ranges with biodegradable golf balls and floating targets. The large property is also prime for hosting fireworks displays (4th of July, anyone?) and recreational games like softball and kickball that the whole wedding party can take part in.
More daylight means more time to party! Summertime nuptials offer couples greater flexibility with their schedules since an event can start later without sacrificing time outside. Guests are way more likely to enjoy the ambiance of an alfresco wedding when they feel comfortable instead of cold. Color palettes are more flexible than they used to be, but there’s still a time of year when teal feels right and rust feels wrong. Bold, airy, and neutral hues are all a natural fit in the summer months—which, aesthetically, makes it the most versatile season.
Fall
is for s’mores, fire pits, and picture-perfect foliage.
On a crisp fall evening, everyone wants to sit around a fire. At the Wylder Hotel, guests can enjoy a waterfront, wood-fired sauna as well as late-night bonfires. “Between the cooler weather perfect for our amenities and the boat traffic slowing to mostly waterman, it’s just so relaxing and intimate around here.” —Alyssa Gunderson
Fall flavors are ripe for customization, from a DIY candy apple bar to custom marshmallows and gourmet s’mores (we’re pro-Reese’s instead of Hershey’s chocolate). This time of year, entrees lean heartier, too, with less seafood and more comfort classics.
For a photographer, autumn’s best attribute is its leaves. “Nothing beats the fair air after a summer of sweating in the sun, or before a long winter of cold and gray. Gold, orange, and yellow foliage make for more magical backdrops compared to simple summer-green, and add warmth to a bridal portrait or the background of an outdoor ceremony. Golden hour often arrives at the end of the ceremony this time of year, which means that we can capture more dramatic natural lighting conditions for family photos rather than directly beneath a high sun. Photographing weddings this time of year rarely feels like work at all!” —Michael Busada and Nick Woodall
Winter
is for snow falling, cozy details, and holiday decor.
Snowfall is never a guarantee but when it coincides with an event, it is magical (provided everyone arrives safely on time!). Even without a white blanket, winter’s bareness can offer a striking backdrop for photos. If you dream in plaid or velvet, winter is your spirit season. Cozy details like blankets, candles, and lanterns make the most sense in colder months and up the romance.
The holiday season adds extra sparkle to everything. “There’s no doubt that getting married in Annapolis (particularly at the Naval Academy Chapel) in December, is special. Two beautiful Christmas trees with thousands of glittering lights flank the altar, and dozens of crimson poinsettias add to the grandeur of the Chapel. Additional wreaths, swaths of magnolia branches throughout the center of the Academy, and the decorated Zimmerman Bandstand give the couple's photographer endless locations to capture both the happy couple and the joy of the season.” —Shelley O’Neill, Annapolis Events
