July 25, 2015 // Loews Annapolis Hotel // Amanda McMahon Photography
The Couple
Courtney, a veterinarian, and Nicholas, a systems engineer, met through an online dating site and were engaged exactly one year after their first date. Nick even proposed in the same restaurant where they had their first date.
The Venue
The Loews Annapolis Hotel was always the couple’s first choice hotel when traveling to Annapolis. “The hotel has charming, nautical themed decor and they were able to accommodate all of our wedding weekend activities within our budget,” Courtney shares. “The hotel’s pet-friendly policy even allowed our dogs to join the wedding festivities.”
The Wedding Weekend
Courtney and Nick kept their guests entertained throughout the weekend by using Annapolis as a home base. Their rehearsal dinner was held around the corner from the hotel at Chart House Annapolis. Guests came back to the hotel for a post-rehearsal dinner cocktail hour at BAROAK at Loews Annapolis Hotel. Then, Sunday morning after the wedding, they invited guests to join them for a post-wedding unch at the hotel.
The Ceremony Location
“I really wanted a picturesque, outdoor garden ceremony,” Courtney recalls. “But even with perfect warm sunny weather that day, I am glad we chose an indoor venue to keep our guests comfortable. It was a relief to not fret about the weather.”
The Unity Candle
During their ceremony, Courtney and Nicholas chose to light a unity candle together, although it didn’t go as smoothly as originally planned. The lighter was difficult to start and they both were mildly burned by the hot candle wax. For those considering the unity candle tradition, their story is a good one to keep in the back of your minds!
The Best Decision
The couple was so happy they chose to have a first look. It enabled them to bond with the idal party before the ceremony and spend more time with their guests immediately after the ceremony.
The Honeymoon
A trip to France was just what the doctor ordered after their wedding. They stayed in an Airbnb, which they recommend as it gave them more space for less money than a hotel. They also were able to leave Paris and experience the French countryside, which they enjoyed doing while on their vacation.
Their Advice
“Overall, it’s stressful and time consuming to plan a wedding,” they admit. “But stay organized, make lists, join wedding websites for ideas, and remember that spending time with friends and family on your special day is the best part.”
The Details
Planner/ Designer:
Holly Greve at the Loews Annapolis Hotel
Décor and Styling:
Bayside Event Lighting, Event Dynamics
Florist:
Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm
DJ:
Kirkabee DJs
Caterer:
Loews Annapolis Hotel
Cake/ Baker:
Caroline’s Cakes
Bridal gown store:
White Swan Bridal Boutique
Gown designer:
Anjolique
Bride's hair and makeup:
Varuna Aveda Salon Spa
Engagement & Wedding ring store:
Ketterman’s Jewelers
Engagement ring designer:
Beverley K
Wedding bands store:
Ketterman’s Jewelers
Bride's other jewelry store:
Wedding Shoppe, Inc.
Bride's shoes:
Touch Ups
Bridesmaid dresses store:
Wedding Shoppe, Inc.
Bridesmaid dress designer:
Bill Levkoff
Men's attire:
Men’s Wearhouse
Stationer:
Love vs. Design
Registry:
Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond
Officiant:
Rovan Wernsdorfer
String Quartet:
Bay Strings
