Pretty in Pink at Turf Valley Resort

by Jessica Greensmith

Feb. 04, 2020

midnight

Zachary Glenn

Couple: Alex Kordenbrock & Michael Branthover

Occupations: Third-grade teacher and financial advisor

Wedding date: July 7, 2018

Number of guests: 150

Reception music: Everything from Justin Timberlake to John Denver, Fetty Wap to The Who

Bow Tie Photo

Zachary Glenn

Zachary Glenn

Zachary Glenn

Zachary Glenn

// That Football Notoriety

When Alex Kordenbrock met Michael Branthover at a Halloween party in 2008, she initially discounted him as a typical high school jock. “He was an amazing kicker that was super dedicated and there were constantly articles being written about him in the paper,” she explains. “Because of his football notoriety, I assumed he would act a certain way.” But in the weeks following the party, Michael’s sweet, reserved personality won Alex over. “I saw the way he treated his family, especially his younger sister, and knew he was a keeper!” she says.

Zachary Glenn

// Dinner For Three

Alex was suspicious when Michael asked her if she would join him for dinner with one of his business partners in January 2017. The proposed restaurant, Baltimore’s Rusty Scupper, had been the site of their first anniversary date al-most a decade before. But Michael played it so cool that Alex was blindsided when her beau dropped to his knees just past the Maryland Science Center. “Finally was all I could think!” she says, before they made their way to dinner with no colleagues but lots of champagne.

Bow Tie Photo

Bow Tie Photo

Bow Tie Photo

Bow Tie Photo

// Golf & Good Service

The couple knew they wanted a Maryland wedding, since most of their family is local, and they were immediately impressed with the customer service at Turf Valley Resort. “We received answers via email or phone within hours of contacting anyone,” Alex says, “which made a very anxious/type A bride feel completely at ease.” As an avid golfer, Michael was excited to fit in some rounds of golf throughout the course of the weekend, and both bride and groom liked the convenience of having their reception and hotel in the same place.

Bow Tie Photo

Bow Tie Photo

// Just Stop Shopping

When Alex was a little girl, all she wanted to be was Cinderella. “I had several dress-up wedding gowns that my mom could not get me out of, even to go to school or the grocery store,” she says. But despite knowing she wanted a big, twirly dress, she found the dress shopping experience stressful. “I did not ex-pect to be so indecisive,” she says. After visiting several stores, she ended up circling back to Garnish, where she bought one of the first dresses she tried on. “If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to stop shopping after you find the one!” Alex says.

Bow Tie Photo

Bow Tie Photo

Zachary Glenn

"Mmm" For Maryland

When it comes to wedding planning, every groom has his priorities. For Michael, it was the food. “Although that may have just been because he wanted to go back for more tastings!” Alex reveals. “It was one of the most fun parts of planning.” In homage to their home state, the pair served crab dip, with filet mignon starring as one of several entrees.