Shannon Moffit Photography
Shannon Moffit Photography
Hailey’s favorite detail from her day was the florals. “I clearly remember Emma from Steelcut bringing the bouquets into the getting ready suite and my jaw dropping,” Hailey says. “They brought so much brightness to an overcast, rainy day.”
Hailey Thometz + Connor Bass
Kent Island Resort | Shannon Moffit Photography
WEDDING DATE: May 13, 2023
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 180
MOST BELOVED GUEST: Panda, the couple’s Bernese mountain dog who appeared on cuff links, drink stirrers, and (briefly) in the flesh
DATE OR FRIENDLY DINNER?
Connor’s college buddy is the one who introduced him to his future wife. Neither can remember the first time they met, but it was “sometime in the spring of 2017, with a group of friends in D.C.,” Hailey recalls. Their first date, two years later, involved a lot of ambiguity. Connor, working nearby, invited Hailey out for dinner, implying that another friend and co-worker of Hailey’s would be joining. But it soon became apparent that the meetup was for a party of two. “Even with the confusion, I remember having butterflies afterwards,” Hailey says. “We got along so well, and I felt like I never wanted to stop talking to him.”
Shannon Moffit Photography
Hailey had a surprise up her sleeve for Connor, too: late night Arby’s delivered as they exited the reception. “Connor is Arby’s number one fan, and it’s been our tradition every year to have an Arby’s date night for our anniversary,” Hailey explains. “He was in true heaven and it was the best way to end the night.”
A COASTAL GAL AND A COUNTRY BOY
Growing up, Hailey often stopped on the Eastern Shore with her family, whereas Connor, from Mississippi, was a “country boy” more at home in cowboy boots and overalls. The couple appreciated that Kent Island Resort, with its waterfront appointment and reception barn, captured both of their styles. “It seemed like it was meant for us,” Hailey says. “A little bit country and a little bit coastal.”
Shannon Moffit Photography
SHORE MAGIC
To achieve their coastal garden look, the couple contrasted pale blue accents with pastel florals, gold, and lots of greenery. Other design elements included taper candles, rattan chandeliers, and oyster salt and pepper shells painted by Hailey and her mother. “We really wanted to create a space that showed the laid-back magic of the Eastern Shore,” the bride says.
SHA LA LA
One of the first things Connor and Hailey connected over was their love of music, so splurging on a live band for their wedding reception was an easy ‘yes.’ They discovered Attraction at a friend’s wedding and fell in love with the Motown group’s high energy and fun take on modern hits. “They never once stopped playing the whole night and even stayed to play an encore begged by all the guests,” Hailey says. The couple also booked a local bluegrass band, Flatland Drive, to perform during their ceremony and cocktail hour. “They kicked the party off on a high note, even with the pouring rain right outside.”
Shannon Moffit Photography
THE CUTEST HOME VID
Just before the father-daughter dance, Hailey shared a 28-year-old video clip of her and her dad dancing to “Come Monday” by Jimmy Buffett. “It was one of my favorite moments,” Hailey says. “[My dad’s] the most selfless, caring person I know, so it was really awesome to be able to surprise him with that special memory,” Hailey says. The pair finished the song out on the dance floor and guests carried on the Jimmy Buffett vibes the rest of the evening with crab hats, sunglasses, and lots of leis.
HAILEY’S “WEDDING WHISPERER”
The biggest planning challenge, Hailey discovered, was her own indecisiveness. “At first, since I had a longer engagement, I spent my time looking at tons of different options for each decision, but I soon realized that you can make yourself go crazy looking too much into every detail,” she says. “Our wedding planner Sara Reynolds was amazing at keeping me on track and sane, and calling me out when I was overthinking a detail.”
Shannon Moffit Photography
THE DETAILS
Bride’s gown: Carolina Herrera (designer), Carine’s Bridal Atelier (shop) Bride’s hair + makeup: Bardot Bridal (Hair) + Kelley Unthank (Makeup) Bride’s shoes: Loeffler Randall Bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo (Bella Bridesmaids), Reformation Cake: Blue Crab Cupcakes Design + planning: Sara Reynolds Events Entertainment: Flatland Drive Bluegrass Band (ceremony + cocktail hour), Attraction Band (reception) Florist: Steelcut Flower Co. Invitations: Just Ink On Paper Linens: BBJ LA TAVOLA Pet Care: Furever & Fur Always Photography: Shannon Moffit Photography Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co. Transportation: Thoroughbred Sedan, Van & Bus LLC Venue: Kent Island Resort Videographer: Well Spun Weddings
