Church Pews and an Outsize Garland Add an Elegant Touch to This Eastern Shore Farm Wedding

Let's count the ways this Hurlock barn wedding is good for the soul. (You're going to run out of fingers.)

The couple: Meredith Blades, a 26-year-old pediatric transplant social worker, and Quinn Griffith, a 28-year-old lawyer

Their wedding date: September 6, 2020

Favorite detail: The ice cream truck!

// How They Met

Quinn and Meredith met in high school. “We were both very shy,” Meredith says. “I remember thinking how tall and attractive he was. Quinn was laid back and had this ‘cool’ vibe to him.” The pair was introduced by mutual friends, and swiftly started hanging out at each others houses, watching movies and playing with Meredith’s younger siblings. For their first official date, they attended the Caroline County Summerfest in Denton. Quinn was smitten from day one: “I knew I had found someone special,” he says, of meeting Meredith. “Her smile and personality were both natural and effortless. Our conversations flowed naturally like we had already been dating for years.”

// An Idyllic Country Setting

Fast forward 11 years later, when they tied the knot at Cohee Farm in Hurlock, which is owned by Meredith’s aunt. “We wanted to have our wedding somewhere familiar and close to home,” Meredith says. They chose a natural aesthetic, with earthy colors and lots of greenery. “We are both simple people and didn’t want anything bright or flashy,” Meredith adds. Quinn’s sister Meredith was the officiant, since she’s had a front seat to the couple’s relationship. “We wanted her to marry us because she has witnessed our truly knows us as individuals and as a couple,” Meredith explains.

// Family First

Meredith and Quinn were always planning on having a small wedding, but when COVID hit, they had to make their guest list even smaller. “We were transparent with our family and friends that their comfort level was our priority,” Meredith says. “Quinn and I are both laid back and knew our day was going to be social whether it was in front of 100 people or 20!” In fact, they limited their ceremony, which took place on the front lawn, to immediate family only. This was the plan pre-COVID, too, as Meredith and Quinn wanted to relish the moment and leave plenty of time for family photos. Additional guests got an invitation to the barn reception, which started two hours later.

// Their Attire

Quinn wore a custom suit designed by Suitsupply and Meredith’s dress came from Wren Bridal (now closed) in Annapolis. “I wanted something form-fitting but not too revealing,” Meredith says. “I loved that it was simple yet elegant with the lacy back.”

// Their Best Advice

"Make it about you!" says Meredith. "Think about what you both want and what encompasses you as a couple. It’s truly YOUR day so make it what you want!"

// Credits

Alcohol: Bargain Beverage

Bride’s dress: Wren Bridal

Caterer: Mission BBQ

Day of coordinator: Becky Manship

Dessert: Bay Country Bakery (donuts), Vanderwende Farm Creamery (ice cream)

Florals: Seaberry Farm, bride's family (centerpieces)

Groom’s tux: Suitsupply

Hair + makeup: Pretty Weird Beauty

Music: DJ Alchemist

Rentals: 4 Shore Rentals (linens, tents, and chairs), Clean Spot Rentals (bathroom trailer), East Vintage Charm (Audrey couch + Kate and William chairs)

Photographer: xoxo, Molly Jane

Venue: Cohee Barn

Videographer: Shore Films