Charm and Tradition in Annapolis

Riley & Jane

St. Mary’s Church & Annapolis Waterfront Hotel | Kate Fine Art Photography

Wedding Date: October 26, 2024 | Number of Guests: 220 | A Favorite Detail: Custom Toile Invitations

A Classic College Romance

After meeting in Riley’s Notre Dame dorm freshman year, Riley and Jane both thought the other was kind, smart, funny, and friendly. But the beginning of their love story didn’t start until the fall of their senior year after they went to dinner at a popular date spot for college kids in South Bend, Indiana. “Our first official ‘date’ was, honestly, a little awkward. We were definitely still figuring out the transition from best friends to dating.” It didn’t take long for them to fall back into the rhythm and conversations they previously established, truly embodying marrying your best friend.

It Was Always Annapolis

Jane, who grew up in Annapolis, always knew she wanted to get married there. “It is truly my favorite place in the world. I went to church and school [at St. Mary’s Church] for K-12 and wanted to add a wedding to the list of milestones I had celebrated in that church.” Jane had always dreamed of marrying at St. Mary’s and talked about it enough that the couple joked that Riley knew he’d be getting married there before they even started dating. Jane reflects, “I am very grateful that he was on board and excited about it!”

Venue Dreams Do Come True

Having their wedding reflect the charm of Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay was a top priority. “We wanted very dearly to be on the water and/or Downtown Annapolis, and were incredibly fortunate to be able to do both!” Jane says of their venues. The ceremony took place at St. Mary’s Church before guests walked to Annapolis Waterfront Hotel to enjoy cocktail hour on a balcony overlooking the Bay. But the couple wanted to incorporate other places that were significant to both of them, like Michigan, where Riley grew up; Notre Dame, where the couple met; and Denver, where they live now.

Charm is in the Details

The coastal charm came to life through the wedding details. The linens were an oyster pattern by Annapolis-based artist Kim Hovel. The escort board featured oyster shells. The invitations had a custom toile pattern with drawings of the Chesapeake Bay, the Notre Dame Golden Dome, Walloon Lake, and the Rocky Mountains, a few of their most beloved places.

First Dance to Remember

Having a live band was important to Riley. And that choice led to his favorite moment of the night: the first dance. “The band did an amazing rendition of Louis Armstrong’s version of ‘La Vie en Rose’ complete with horns, and it was absolutely incredible to be there dancing with my new wife, surrounded by the people most important to us in the world.” For the couple, having everyone on the dance floor signaled that all the hard work of wedding planning had come to fruition. The band ensured that everyone was having just as much fun as them.

Riley and Jane also included sustainable details in their wedding with save the dates sent through Paperless Post and a reception menu that excluded beef.

A Surprise Tradition

Their wedding day was made special with two family traditions. The first was expected since it was passed down from Riley’s parents. Each table of guests was asked to get together and serenade the couple with a part of a song that featured the word ‘love.’ “All of our guests completely committed and had a blast with it.” The singing and shouting led to both joyful and hilarious moments. The second tradition, however, was a surprise passed down from Jane’s grandparents, who tailgated before and after Notre Dame games. “If Notre Dame wins, they pass around a fifth of Gentleman Jack at the post-tailgate, and everyone is invited to partake as long as they say ‘To the Irish!’ before they drink,” says Jane. Her uncle and a college friend ensured the tradition continued at their wedding, celebrating a day that love won.

Details:

Band: Bachelor Boys Band Bouquet Preservation: Wren & Olivia Cake: Main & Market Ceremony Musicians: Faith Harless (Vocalist), Kregg Stovner (Violinist), Mary Ann Shoemaker (Pianist) Florist: York Flowers Annapolis Hair & Makeup: Blush Hair Salon Invitations / Ceremony Programs: Write Impressions Linen Rentals: Honeywood Rentals and Rentals to Remember Photographer: Kate Fine Art Photography Planning: 2hands Studios – Mollie Ryan Munafo Save the Dates: Paperless Post and The Knot Tuxedo Rentals: The Black Tux Videographer: Fordham Films Wedding Dress: a&bé bridal shop Wedding Dress Alterations: Donna Beth Creations