A Dock Wedding in Easton With the Prettiest Magnolia Garland

From plaid ties to fall foliage, everything about Kathleen and Patrick's Oaks Waterfront Inn wedding was perfect.

The couple: Kathleen Leahy + Patrick Nowell

Wedding date: November 13, 2021

Number of guests: 125

Fave decoration: Mineral glass candleholders from Pottery Barn

// A Familiar Face

Kathleen and Patrick met at a birthday party in 2019. But, technically, their history goes back a decade earlier, when Kathleen visited Virginia Tech with friends and stayed at Patrick's apartment. Neither of them remember interacting then, but it might have been why Patrick looked familiar when the pair struck up a conversation in Baltimore 10 years later.

// Pizza + Beer

Patrick didn't waste his chance when he met Kathleen the second time; he asked for her number the same night and locked in a first date for the following Friday. He drove an hour from Rockville to Annapolis, where Kathleen gave him the choice of pizza and beer or pizza and wine. Settling on the former, the pair started at Fox's Den before moseying to Middleton Tavern to listen to Loose Ties, a band that, two years later, would provide the entertainment at their wedding.

// The Only Venue

A five-hour reception simply did not seem like enough time to celebrate with friends and family, so Kathleen and Patrick decided to rent a bed and breakfast venue for the entire weekend. The Oaks Waterfront Inn was the only venue they toured. "It was an ideal setting to stay, get ready, take pictures, and have both the ceremony and reception," Kathleen says. "Having our wedding there made our planning so much easier, and everyone still raves about the food and the impeccable service."

// A Flower Alternative

"Since the sun set around 5 p.m. on our wedding day, we were going for warm and romantic vibes," Kathleen says. "I found these mineral glass candle holders from Pottery Barn and became a little obsessed. I loved how the candle light illuminated the color of the holders which came in violet, smoke, amber, and melon." Instead of traditional floral arrangements, Kathleen and Patrick used magnolia leaves and different candle groupings as their centerpieces. "Our florist also made a beautiful magnolia garland and wreath that hung over the entrance to the covered dock where we had the ceremony."

// Surprise Solos

"It’s hard to pick a favorite detail from the day, but watching our best man perform with the band was up there," Kathleen says. The couple's best man, Matt Faszewski, is a talented saxophonist. "When Patrick mentioned this to the Loose Ties' band leader, he was excited and open to the idea of Matt jumping up for a song with them... Even the band had to pick up their jaws from the floor once the song was done." The couple's photographer also made a musical cameo that evening, a rendition of Amy Winehouse's "Valerie." "Seeing not only our friends, but our vendors get into the spirit was an absolute joy," Kathleen adds.

// From Burgundy to Blush

"For our colors, I knew that I didn’t want a two color scheme but rather a palette ranging from burgundy to blush," Kathleen says. The bridesmaids wore the same dress in four different colors and the couple picked a plaid tie for the groomsmen.  "I love the idea that the interest is in the imperfection, so I wanted everything compliment each other without matching too much," Kathleen says.

// Credits

Bride’s gown: Wtoo by Watters (designer) + Betsy Robinson Bridal (shop) / Bride’s hair: Sally Erber / Bride’s makeup: Naomi Prosser / Music: The Loose Ties / Florals: Velvet Moss / Photography: Jenna Leigh Photography / Venue: The Oaks Waterfront Inn & Events