January 1, 2016 // First Baptist Church of Crofton and Crofton Country Club // Carly Fuller Photography
The Couple
Johnathan, owner of Baily and Shipp Electric, came over to do electric work for an addition to Rachael’s home. Rachael, owner and pastry chef of Honey Hive Bakery and Cakes by Rachael, was charmed by how sweet he was and found him so handsome. Later, Johnathon invited Rachael on his boat and even taught her how to wakeboard. It was love at first boat ride!
The Proposal
On their second anniversary, January 1, 2015, Johnathon took Rachael to Israel for a vacation. He proposed at the Dead Sea. “It was so romantic,” Rachael remembers. “I was so excited [to plan our wedding] that I thought I was going to explode. I just loved Johnathan.”
The Location
Rachael and Johnathon wanted to find a venue close to their church, First Baptist Church of Crofton. “Crofton Country Club was right across the street and allowed us and our guests to just stroll over after our ceremony. We didn’t want people to drive too far since we were worried about possible ice and snow. It turned out to be a sunny, beautiful winter day!”
The Bridesmaids
Rachael’s maid of honor wore a special dress covered in pearls and crystals. The rest of her idesmaids wore alternating blush and champagne colored dresses with white faux fur wraps that she gave them as a wedding gift to stay warm. Rachael loved how the different dresses looked together as a unit.
Just Breathe
Rachael and Johnathon had always heard people say that something small will always go unexpectedly at the wedding. During their ceremony, right in the middle of the ring exchange, one of Johnathon’s groomsmen fainted. “He fell like a tree, knocked over our little ring bearer onto Johnathan, and then onto me like dominos,” Rachael recalls. Fortunately, he woke up after a few moments and was okay. “It was pretty scary at the time, but now we laugh about it with him. I’m just glad he was ok! So remember not to lock your legs because you can pass out!”
The Sweets
Rachael’s bakery made a nine tiered wedding cake covered with gold and blush sugar flowers. Johnathan loves orange chocolate so Rachael made a dark chocolate cake with orange cream buttercream, orange marmalade torte, and chocolate ganache. “We also had a own sugar spice cake with pastry cream and cream cheese icing. We designed a dessert bar with French macaroons, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, cake pops, old bay chocolate crabs and a Washington Capitals themed grooms cake.”
The Glitter
The couple kept the wedding theme very traditional and classic. However, Rachael loves glitter and incorporated it where she could. Glitter sprinkled throughout the decorations in the cake, escort cards, invitations, her dress, and the table runners.
The Honeymoon
The happy couple traveled to Costa Rica for their honeymoon. They went scuba diving with sharks, zip lining, surfing, and even climbed a volcano. “The food was so good and the people where so friendly,” they remember.
Their Advice
“There is usually a little glitch in everyone’s wedding day. It’s natural for big events. Just relax, be happy, and be in love. You are about to marry the love of your life!”
The Details
Décor and Styling:
2 hands Studio
Florist:
The Honey Hive
DJ:
TJ Gamen
Caterer:
The Crofton Country Club
Cake/ Baker:
Cakes by Rachael
Bridal gown store:
Mary Bridal Boutique
Gown designer:
Maggie Sottero
Bride's makeup:
Kelly Upthank
Bride's hair:
Aine Rico
Engagement ring designer:
Helzberg Diamond
Wedding bands store:
Helzberg Diamond
Wedding bands designer:
Helzberg Diamond
Bride's shoes:
Marshalls
Bridesmaid dress designer:
David’s Bridal
Men's attire designer:
Jos. A. Bank
Stationer:
David’s Bridal
Favors/ Gifts:
Cakes by Rachael
Photobooth:
Booth Love
Registry:
Target
Wedding Chairs:
Rentals to Remember
