Romance in Spring

Real Weddings

Kara & Andy

May 16, 2015 | The Tidewater Inn, Easton | Natalie Franke Photography

THE COUPLE

Andy, a civil engineer, and Kara, an accountant, met through mutual friends while in college at the University of Maryland, College Park.

THE PROPOSAL

Andy planned a picnic lunch by the South River in Annapolis. After they had finished lunch, he told Kara he wanted to ask her something that he had been meaning to ask for a while. He pulled out the ring, and she said “yes” before he could say anything else! 

THE LOCATION

“The Tidewater Inn was the perfect venue for our wedding,” the couple shares. “We both love the Eastern Shore, and the Inn had the classic look and feel that we wanted! We knew that rain or shine, we would be able to have a beautiful event.”

THE DRESS

Kara fell in love with a Maggie Sottero gown with a low back and three-quarter sleeves. She loved the beautiful detailing on the dress.

THE CEREMONY

Their wedding ceremony took place in the courtyard behind the Inn. They were married under a white birch arch that was covered in vines and flowers. 

THE MEMORIES

Kara’s favorite memory was when she finally saw Andy as she was walking down the aisle. Since they didn’t have a first look, it was a very moving moment for her. “I felt like the luckiest girl in the world!” As for Andy, his favorite memory was from the same moment. “The moment Kara first stepped into the courtyard was my first glimpse of her that day. She was stunning! I also loved the moment I was finally able to kiss my bride.”

THE RECEPTION

Their reception was held in the Crystal Room at the Tidewater Inn. “The ballroom has a simple, classic, elegant feel, with lots of natural light from the courtyard,” Kara shares. The menu featured a seasonal mixed greens salad, chilled grilled vegetable display, grilled marinated London broil, grilled chicken with roasted wild mushrooms, tomatoes, asparagus tips, and sweet peas, sautéed green beans with an exotic mushroom medley, and garlic mashed potatoes. The vibe the couple was going for was a classic, romantic, spring wedding. Their decorations featured a mix of light pastel colors, signs with simple floral patterns, and a few rustic wooden pieces.

THE PERSONAL TOUCHES

“We personalized our wedding by incorporating family heirlooms,” explains Kara. “The handkerchief tied around my bouquet is the same my great-aunt carried with her on her wedding day, the pin on my bouquet was from my grandmother. We also made sure the music we played during the ceremony and reception was a reflection of our tastes.”

THE FIRST DANCE

Andy remembers their first dance as the favorite part of the day. “Every moment before that dance was either hectic activity, surreal ceremony, or a crazy combination thereof,” he explains. “Although we were surrounded by almost one hundred people, the first dance felt like my first chance to slow down and share a private moment with my beautiful new wife. I was finally able to hold her close and simply enjoy our newlywed status.”

THE GUEST LIST

We loved that we were able to interact with all of our guests, and still have plenty of time to enjoy the day with just one another. Having just our closest friends and family present helped make the day feel more intimate.

THE HONEYMOON

Kara and Andy stayed at a resort in Jamaica for their honeymoon. They found it to be the perfect way to relax and enjoy one another after a busy wedding weekend.

THE DETAILS

Décor: BHLDN

Florist: Seaberry Farms

DJ: My Deejay

Caterer: The Tidewater Inn

Cake: Julie Bakes

Bride’s Gown: Maggie Sottero from Columbia Bridal Boutique

Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade

Bridesmaid dresses: The Juliette Dress from BHLDN

Men’s attire:  Men’s Warehouse

Bride’s jewelry: Kavitha Murthi, Etsy

Engagement Ring: Littman Jewelers

Wedding Bands: Littman Jewelers

Stationer: Wedding Paper Divas

Calligrapher: Bride’s sister

Favors: Personalized Crab Mallets from J.O. Spice Company

Photographer: Natalie Franke Photography

Hair and makeup: Behind the Veil