
Karena Dixon Photography
Jenny Catherine + Tyler John
Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island | Karena Dixon Photography
WEDDING DATE: September 23, 2023
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 170
WELCOME PARTY TWIST: A “come as you are, come when you can” dinner with fried chicken and crabs
GOTCHA
Jenny and Tyler beat the apps, meeting on their first and last ever Bumble date in 2016. Although Jenny was impressed by Tyler’s witty messages, she had misgivings about going out with a stranger. Fortunately, Tyler quickly passed the “most likely not a serial killer” test. Drinks led to two cross-country moves, law school, and quarantining together in a 700-square foot apartment before Tyler’s proposal on April Fool’s Day 2022.

Karena Dixon Photography
Tyler and Jenny wrote their vows together. “They were short and sweet, but I liked going into [our wedding] knowing exactly what we were going to say and how we defined a marriage commitment,” Jenny says.
THE “LAKEHOUSE” VACAY
Tilghman Island fit Jenny’s laid-back lakehouse vision, an upscale but non-stuffy setting where guests could unwind, rent boats, and enjoy a mini-vacation with a wedding almost tucked in. “We spent a lot of time making sure that the whole thing felt unique and thoughtful – from moving the tent from its typical placement on the property to have a better water view, to customizing the wines we served to make sure we actually enjoyed each one,” Jenny explains.
TRY, TRY IT ON, AGAIN
Before purchasing her Monique Lhuillier gown, Jenny tried on more than 60 dresses. “I wanted a dress that I hadn’t seen anywhere else, and [Monique Lhuillier] is known for using beautiful, delicate lace detailing on many of her bridal gowns,” Jenny explains. For the afterparty, Jenny changed into a two-piece set made from the silk gown her mom wore to her own wedding 40 years earlier. “It felt so special to wear something sentimental,” she says.

Karena Dixon Photography
“Make sure you have a rain plan, that all of your vendors know the rain plan, and then stick to it,” Jenny says. “Inevitably, there was a lot of last-minute pressure to change up the rain plan. Ultimately, I am so glad that I stuck to my gut and with the original plan I had made months before with a clear head.”
AN INDOOR GLOW-UP
Tropical Storm Ophelia dashed the couple’s hopes for an outdoor wedding weekend, but their guests took the tempestuous weather in stride “and brought the best attitudes and energy to our day,” Jenny says. The bride says Days of May Florals also played a pivotal role in rescuing the wedding vibe. “Michaela has this gorgeous, whimsical aesthetic that incorporates color while still feeling neutral. Because we didn’t have the water views and outdoor space to help with the aesthetic, having perfectly executed florals really allowed our vision to come through.”

Karena Dixon Photography
ISN’T IT IRONIC?
When Jenny and Tyler did a pre-call with Nation, their reception band, they were impressed that the band was willing to learn so many of their favorite songs. “They were extremely thoughtful and really wanted to [understand] our energy and style,” Jenny says. As the weather outside worsened, Nation played “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette, which has a line about having rain on your wedding day. “The whole tent went wild,” Jenny says. “[The band] knew exactly how to read the room and decide what to play next.”
THE DETAILS
Bride’s gown: Monique Lhuillier Bride’s hair + makeup: Amie Decker Beauty Dessert: Scottish Highland Creamery + Smith Island Cakes Entertainment: Eastern Shore Strings (ceremony) + Nation Band/Elan Artists (reception) Florist: Days of May Florals Invitations: Cink Art Linens: BBJ La Tavola Photography: Karena Dixon PLANNER: Anne Book Event Design Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents + Pretty Little Wedding Co. (bar)