They Partied Like It Was 1739 in a Former Governor's Mansion

Clearly, inviting a raucous band to perform in a colonial ballroom is one of the coolest things you can do for your wedding.

// How They Met

Josh Brugman had been living in New York City all of three weeks when he met his dream girl via Tinder. Erica Super was an established Brooklyn denizen — going 3 months strong — who appreciated her match’s chivalry when he selected a restaurant for their first date proximate to the M train and her route home. Aside from bonding over their fresh-off-the-boat status, Erica remembers Josh being really shy and Josh remembers watching Erica’s skinny little legs cross the street.

// The Proposal

During their two-and-a-half year relationship, the pair often escaped to Prospect Park for evening runs and solace from the urban buzz. One night in October 2018, Josh announced that they were going to have a “fall” day in the park (whatever that means). He walked really fast and bypassed their regular Farmers Market breakfast stop, which puzzled Erica to no end. But deep in the woods, they stumbled upon a plaque called “Rick’s Place” and Josh’s objective was made clear. He couldn’t ask Erica’s dad Rick, who passed away from cancer in 2011, for permission to marry his daughter, but he could incorporate the memory of the man into this most important milestone.

// The Venue

Erica knew she wanted to have her wedding in Annapolis, where she grew up, and one visit to Historic Ogle Hall was all it took to secure the venue. “We loved the classic colonial building and the greenery of the courtyard and side lawn,” she says. As history buffs, Erica and Josh were also excited to be wed in such a historical place. Still, on the day of, the couple’s expectations were completely blown away by the beauty of the grounds and especially the reception space: “The clear tent with the chandelier and lights was so beautiful,” Erica says. “Neither of us have ever seen anything like it. At one point, we looked around and saw that all our guests were just talking and laughing and having a good time, and it was such a good feeling knowing that this was because of us.”

// The Vision

Erica sought to create a “moody garden party” ambience with lush greenery and dark colors. Key to this vision was Pomona Floral. “I really liked how her arrangements weren’t contrived or traditional, but more wild and artistic,” Erica says. One of the couple’s favorite details from their wedding was the afternoon sun, which set through the trees during their ceremony. “The tree itself was so beautiful on its own, but with the golden hour light shining through, it was just one of those moments where we knew we were exactly where we were meant to be,” Erica says.

// The Important Decisions

Josh and Erica didn’t care about certain traditions like cake cutting and the bouquet toss. What did matter to them was crafting a ceremony that was special, having a seated reception, and entertaining their guests with “killer music.” Finding the right band was simple enough: Erica has known The Loose Ties, best friends of her brother, her entire life. “It was really special having them play on our wedding day,” she says. “They totally brought down the house and made the dance floor THE place to be.”

// Credits

BRIDE'S GOWN: BHLDN // HAIR & MAKEUP: Brushed Beauty // BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Nordstrom // CATERING: Ken's Creative Kitchen // DESSERT: Blue Crab Cupcakes // FLORALS: Pomona Floral // INVITATIONS: Minted // MEN'S ATTIRE: The Black Tux // MUSIC: The Loose Ties // PHOTOGRAPHY: Urban Row Photography // RINGS: Greenwich Street Jewelers, Brilliant Earth // VENUE: Historic Ogle Hall