October 7, 2017
The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club // Alysia & Jayson Photography
The Beginning
Maria & Aleks both attended the University of Maryland, and first met in early 2008 while studying a oad in London, England. The two remained distant friends for the next five years while Maria went on to law school in North Carolina and Aleks moved to New York after graduation. In 2013, on a whim, Maria reached out to Aleks and wished him a happy birthday. Aleks responded a few days later on Maria's birthday by Facebook message, and the rest is history.
The Proposal
In the spring of 2016 the couple took a trip back to England and Aleks proposed while on the grounds of Windsor Castle. “Aleks even set up a tripod so that he could film the whole thing,” Maria remembers.
The Venue
After only visiting three venues, it became clear right away that the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club was the right venue. “The views of the bay were eathtaking, it could accommodate all of the guests we were expecting, and the staff was friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this venue to other couples; apart from being in a beautiful location, the venue is a well-oiled machine and can keep a wedding running smoothly.”
The Interfaith Wedding
“Because we had a Jewish/Catholic
interfaith wedding, Aleks got to eak the glass and we drank wine,” Maria explains. They also danced the Hora and, because Maria’s family is from Uruguay, when the band took a eak, they put on some Latin music and everyone put on different costumes while dancing, as is tradition in Uruguay.
The Best Memory
“My favorite memory of the wedding was looking out to the crowd and seeing all my loved ones smiling at me, as well hearing Aleks’ heart-felt vows for the first time. I was born in Uruguay and Aleks was born in Russia, so finally seeing the mixture of our international families all together for the first time was a surreal experience.”
Their Best Decision
Maria and Aleks are thrilled they chose to hire a wedding videographer. “I have a tendency to forget the details of huge, magical moments and I knew I would not remember a thing without a video,” Maria explained. “It’s so great to have the speeches filmed and to watch our friends and family on the dance floor, and we love to share the video with our family and friends.”
Their Best Advice
“There are many beautiful spots out there, so take your time when you look. Definitely go in person to see the venue or send someone to do so, if you can, because sometimes the reality is different than what it looks like online.”
The Details:
Planner/ Designer: Lauren Niles, Lauren Niles Events | Décor and Styling: Something Vintage (rentals), Event Pro | Florist: Crimson & Clover Designs | Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Strings: Chesapeake Strings Caterer: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club | Cake/ Baker: Sugar Bakers Cakes | Bridal gown store: Bridals by Elena | Gown designer: Justin Alexander | Bride's hair & makeup: Alison Harper & Co.
Engagement ring store: Fink's Jewelers | Engagement ring designer: Ritani
Wedding bands store: Diamond Cutters of Maryland | Bride's shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid dresses store: Vow to be Chic | Bridesmaid dress designer: Monique Lhuillier
Men's attire store: The Black Tux | Men's attire designer: The Black Tux | Stationer: Cink Art
Favors/ Gifts: Old Bay Chocolate Crabs from Honey Hive Bakery | Videographer: Just Hitched Wedding Films | Photobooth: Prop Stop Photo Booth | Wedding hashtag: #TheChesapeakeBaes
Registry: Crate & Barrel, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Anthropologie
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