Manda Weaver Photography
Conrey Callahan + Jason Bustamante
Private Residence | Manda Weaver Photography
WEDDING DATE: October 22, 2022
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 150
HER PROCESSIONAL: “Remember the Mountain Bed” by Wilco & Billy Bragg
SON-BODY TO LOVE
Jason was friends with Conrey’s parents before he started dating their daughter. “They would always tell Jason (who they called “son Jay”) that he should consider meeting me, but he must have thought there was something terribly wrong with me because they were selling really hard,” Conrey jokes. When the couple finally met on a group trip to the Amalfi Coast in 2013, their chemistry was strong, but Conrey was seeing someone else and attributed any feelings to the magic of Italy. Two years later, however, when Conrey and Jason went to Isla Mujeres with mutual friends, it was impossible to explain away their attraction.
Manda Weaver Photography
Rather than using big floral arrangements for their ceremony backdrop, Conrey and Jason used native trees. They purchased the October glory maples from George’s Green Thumb in Easton and planted them on the property after the wedding.
HOME STATE STYLE
The couple chose to wed at Conrey’s family property in Neavitt, which has been a beloved family gathering place for years. The bride and groom’s roots in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and New Mexico were the theme of their celebration. “We drew from the colors of the water and sky, along with the adobe earthiness and red chile tones of New Mexico,” Conrey explains.
HAPPY HELPERS
Many hands made the wedding, from Conrey’s uncle who served as the couple’s officiant to Jason’s mother, who brought chile ristras all the way from New Mexico to adorn the tent. Conrey’s dad made the property event-ready, with bistro lights and lanterns. Other relatives assisted with extra plantings and provided mums, pumpkins, cornstalks, and crab baskets to beautify the reception. “These details were so personal,” Conrey says.
Manda Weaver Photography
Manda Weaver Photography
Splurging on a sail cloth tent was a must, Conrey says, because it set the tone for the entire wedding. “Many of Jason’s relatives had never been to the Eastern Shore and we wanted them to have a memorable experience.”
HER FAVORITE DRESS
Conrey found her dress at Lovely Bride’s Chicago outpost, during her very first bridal appointment. “Honestly, it wasn’t at all what I expected to like and was completely different from everything I had collected on my Pinterest boards,” she says of her gown, “but I fell in love after trying it on.” Conrey adored the buttons down the back and the long sleeves, which were a practical investment for her outdoor, October wedding.
THE DIY MENU
Finding a caterer was one of Conrey’s biggest wedding planning challenges. After receiving quotes from several caterers, Conrey decided to create her own food experience with a team of six vendors, including a self-serve wine truck, a seafood restaurant, and a paella chef. Coordinating all the separate pieces was tricky, Conrey says, but it paid off. “The paella and the raw bar were some of the stars of the show and the wine truck was a huge, huge hit,” she says. Her mom also played a pivotal role, preparing many of the appetizers, which saved on costs.
Manda Weaver Photography
THE DETAILS
Bride’s gown: Lovely Bride Bride’s hair + makeup: Infinity Artistry Bar service: Hair of the Dog Cake: Sunflour Bakery (now closed) Catering: Paella Deliciosa + Piazza Italian Market + Chesapeake Landing Entertainment: Infusion Band/Entertainment Exchange (band) Florist: Chesapeake Blooms Groom’s suit: Suit Supply Ice cream: Scottish Highland Creamery Invitations: Laser Letters + True You Brand Alchemy Paper goods: Minted Photography: Manda Weaver Planning: Katie Parks Events Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents + Events Restrooms: Pierson Comfort Group Transportation: First Student Charter Center + Dorchester Auto Wine truck: Punk & Boone
Manda Weaver Photography
