Molly Etkind & Eric Braese

August 26, 2017    
brChesapeake Bay Maritime Museum  //  Michael & Carina Photography

The Proposal

On a vacation in Nantucket with their parents, Eric proposed to Molly. After the proposal, they celebrated with their parents and spent the rest of the week exploring the island and continuing the celebrations.

 

 The Venue

Having a love for St. Michaels, the couple toured Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to consider it as a potential venue. During the tour, they took a ride on a 1920 oyster buy boat. That boat ride sealed the deal as they realized it was the perfect location for their wedding. The boat ended up playing an important role in their wedding as they took their wedding party out on a cruise following their rehearsal. “We were able to relax with our best friends and have some refreshments while cruising the Miles River,” the couple shares. “We then headed to our rehearsal dinner and party.”

The Wedding Bracelet

Eric had a bracelet made out of gold jewelry that both of their fathers had given their mothers throughout the years. He then had four diamonds set into the gold to represent the years they had been together. Molly  wore the bracelet along with diamond earrings her late grandmother had given her for her wedding day jewelry.

The Theme

Their wedding theme was simply to make the wedding as personal and fun as possible. “We really just wanted to throw a great party,” they recall. “We wanted our guests to have a great time, enjoy great food and a lot of drink, and really cut loose.”

The Barbeque

One of the ways they personalized their wedding was through their favor. They gave out barbeque rubs that also served as place  cards. “We own two Big Green Eggs and we use them all the time,” Molly explains. “Eric has also competed in several barbeque competitions and he has won several times. One of our teammates from the 2016 Eggtoberfest competition is the owner of Lane’s BBQ in Georgia, and he agreed to make the BBQ rub for us. He helped us design the label to match our invitation suite, and the rubs were a big hit. It is a lot of fun when friends send us pictures and let us know they are enjoying the barbeque rub!”

The Honeymoon

Molly and Eric honeymooned in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “We had an incredible trip, filled with hiking, fly fishing, white water rafting, and a lot of eating and drinking. We also spent a day at Yellowstone National Park. Our tip is to honeymoon in the off season—we went at the end of September, and it was beautiful and not quite as  crowded.”

Their Best Advice

Molly and Eric recommend hiring a wedding planner and getting married outside. “You really can’t beat the scenery and the tranquility of the Chesapeake Bay region!”

The Details:

brPlanner: Kari Rider Events | Florist: Monteray Farms  | DJ: Travis Skinner, http://www.strayfromthechorus.com/ | Caterer: Stewart’s Catering  | Cake/ Baker: Milk Bar,
brThe Scottish Highland Creamery  | Bridal gown store: Curvaceous Couture | Bride’s hair and makeup: Dorsey Beauty | Rings: Custom designed by Quinn’s Goldsmith and groom | Bride’s shoes: Rothy’s | Bridesmaid dresses store: Weddington Way | Men’s attire store: Groom: Georgetown Custom Clothiers | Groomsmen: Indochino
Stationer: Susan Wilson Designs | Favors/ Gifts: “I DO BBQ” spice rub by Lane’s BBQ  | Wedding hashtag: #OhHappyBraese | Registry: Zola
Alcohol: Hair O’ The Dog Wine & Spirits