Brooke Lynn Photography
Cory Keffer + Austin Todd
Governor Calvert House | Brooke Lynn Photography
WEDDING DATE: May 6, 2023
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 145
HER PROCESSIONAL: “Grow As We Go” by Ben Platt
SNOW WHAT
When Cory moved to Denver, her best friend persuaded her to download Hinge as a way to meet people and check out the city. Austin impressed her with his ability to make Cory laugh over text messages. Their first date was supposed to be dinner and drinks, but an impending snowstorm sent their plans awry so, instead, Cory found herself meeting Austin for the first time along with several members of his family!
Brooke Lynn Photography
Cory and Austin wrote a handwritten letter to every guest, to be read at their seats before dinner. “It was a labor of love but also such an amazing way for us to reflect on the special memories we share with each of our guests!” Cory says.
A CAPITAL SPOT
Cory and Austin focused their venue search on Baltimore and Annapolis before settling on the Governor Calvert House. “We loved that it was a historic hotel and that all of our friends and family from out of town had the opportunity to stay together,” Cory says. The hotel’s proximity to the Maryland State House was another advantage, as it afforded the couple an extra backdrop for their portrait session.
Brooke Lynn Photography
Before dinner, Austin, Cory, and their photographer snuck up to the rooftop of the Calvert House to capture golden hour photos. “These quick, stolen moments were some of our favorites of the day!” Cory says.
SOMETHING BLAUW
A family trip to the Netherlands left Cory with a lifelong appreciation for Delft China, so when it came time to plan her wedding, she knew she wanted to incorporate the blue (blauw in Dutch) and white ceramics into the decor. For their reception, the couple rented blue and white plates from Posh Plates Vintage and used chinoiserie vases as centerpieces, which Cory and her mom had collected over the previous year.
Brooke Lynn Photography
HER SISTER’S DRESS
Cory went dress shopping with another soon-to-be bride — her sister Jill, who got engaged just a few weeks before her. Both found their dresses at Love and Lace Bridal Boutique in Deale. “We just happened to be the only appointments that hour, so it felt very private and the sales associates were so attentive and encouraging,” Cory says. Coincidentally, each sister said yes to the other’s dress, which for Cory was an A-line gown by Justin Alexander. Her only hesitation was the long, flowy sleeves, which a seamstress later shortened.
Brooke Lynn Photography
BLOOM OR BUST
To save on costs, the couple decided to create their own floral arrangements. Beth Poggioli, a family friend who owns the boutique flower farm Celadon Hill, helped them source focal blooms, while the rest of the flowers and greenery came from Sam’s Club. The morning of the wedding, Cory, her bridesmaids, and her aunts arranged the bouquets and reception centerpieces. Cory’s godmother designed her bridal bouquet, which Cory accented with her grandmother’s Delft bracelet. “Carrying it with me that day made it feel like she was with me,” she says.
THE DETAILS
Bride’s gown: Love and Lace Bridal Boutique Bride’s hair + makeup: Weddings by Sage Desserts: Sam’s Club + Annapolis Amish Market DJ: Entertainment Excellence Florist: Celadon Hill Farm Photography: Brooke Lynn Photography Planning + coordination: Day of Duo Rentals: Posh Plates Vintage Venue: Governor Calvert House
