September 9th, 2014 // William Paca House & The Chart House, Annapolis // David Hartcorn Photography
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The Couple. Krista, a 29-year old registered dental hygienist, and Drew, a 30-year-old in the United States Army, met through mutual friends while living in their current city of Nashville, Tennessee. On a trip to Chattanooga, Drew popped the question, and the two decided to marry in Annapolis.
The Planning. Krista and Drew chose the William Paca House & Gardens—a venue just around the corner from Drew’s parents’ house—for their ceremony after Drew’s mother suggested checking out the website and photos. On the same website, Krista found photographer David Hartcorn. “He was my first phone call,” she says. “He and Jody were amazing. Between the two, I didn’t need a wedding planner. They took care of everything, and the gardens were absolutely perfect!” Following the ceremony, the newlyweds planned a reception at the Chart House, where the events coordinator set them up in the foyer overlooking the water. “It was perfect,” Krista says. “They planned everything so well, and the food was great. Everyone was raving about the view and the crab cakes!”
The Venues. “If you’ve seen the William Paca Gardens, you’ll understand why I chose this as a wedding venue,” Krista says. “The gardens were immaculately groomed. It’s eathtaking!” As for the Chart House, Krista says it too was a no ainer. “I’d had their food before,” she says. “I’m a Tennessee girl, so I wanted to introduce my wedding party to Maryland crab cakes.” Once she learned they could book the foyer overlooking the water, she jumped at the opportunity.
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The Bridal Party. There were nine people in the wedding party, including the ide and groom. The idesmaids wore floor-length emerald Badgley Mischka gowns, and the groomsmen all wore their Army dress blue. “Proud moment:” says Krista, “Every man in attendance at our wedding has served our country! Marines, Army, and Navy...sorry Air Force!”
The Dress. While Drew opted for his Army uniform, Krista had to do a little shopping. After trying on only two dresses, Krista selected Maggie Sottero’s Brandy. “I knew that I wanted something with beaded sleeve detail and a low back,” Krista says. “And since Drew was wearing his Army uniform, I wanted something that would be tailored and elegant enough to match.”
The Ceremony. Krista and Drew opted not to do a first look, which Krista says made her nervous, “I’m a crier….an ugly crier!” But Drew walked her down the aisle, so his was the first face she saw as the ceremony began.
The Reception. Following the ceremony, guests were transported to the Chart House via Annapolis Trolley Tours. “The bar was open and waiting for them when they arrived,” Krista says. The couple kept the decor simple, with centerpieces constructed of flowers they’d purchased at Whole Foods and placed in white vases. The overall color scheme was green, white, and yellow.
The Food. For dinner, guests started with a Caesar salad, followed by chicken Romano, Maryland crab cakes, and penne pasta with tomato basil sauce. On the side, creamed spinach and oven roasted Yukon potatoes.
The Sweetest Memory. Krista says that her favorite moment was watching her grandmother ask Drew’s mom if she could cut in on a dance with Drew’s dad. Krista’s grandmother later told Krista, “I wanted to dance and they were the only two on the dance floor. I saw someone do that in a movie once, so I figured I’d try it. It worked!”
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The After Party. The newlyweds opted for an early wedding, which meant plenty of time after the festivities to go home, take a nap, and then head out on the town for some dancing. Most of the wedding guests were able to join them for drinks and dancing, and everyone had a blast. “They’ve decided to join us in Annapolis once a year for a wedding reunion party.”
The Best Decision. Krista and Andrew say that the best decision they made in wedding planning was to keep it small—about 35 of their closest friends and family members. “We didn’t have to worry about impressing anyone because the only people attending weren’t there to judge or compare, but were there to wish us the best of luck in our new life together,” Krista says. “It relieved all the pressure of a big day!”
The Happily Ever After. Andrew and Krista decided to postpone the honeymoon. “Sadly, my new husband had to prepare to serve and protect our country,” Krista says. “We’ll be doing a late honeymoon, hopefully to Europe, after he’s fulfilled his obligation.” As for married life, they say they’re both still feeling like they’re living ‘a real life fairytale.’ “We’re still undecided about our future plans,” Krista says. “We’re taking everything one day at a time and trying to enjoy this stage of our life.”
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Florist:
Whole Foods
DJ/Band:
Tender Polman
Caterer:
The Chart House, Annapolis
Cake/desserts:
Main Ingredient, Annapolis
Dress:
Maggie Sottero's Brandy,
Glitz Bridal, Nashville
Bride's Shoes:
Nine West
Bridesmaid dresses:
Rent the Runway, Badgley Mischka
Men's attire:
Army Dress Blues
Engagement Ring (jeweler):
Genesis Diamond, Nashville
Wedding Bands (jeweler):
Genesis Diamond, Nashville
Photographer:
David Hartcorn
Transportation:
Annapolis Trolley Tours
Other applicable vendors:
William Paca Gardens, Chart House
