A Wylder Hotel Wedding Gets the Disney Treatment

Wedding date: September 15, 2019

Number of guests: 65

Guest book:  The coffee table book “Beaches” by Gray Malin

Favorite Menu Item: Ahi tuna

// How They Met

If you believe in fairytales, the least shocking part of Olivia Massari and Greg Priest’s story is where they met: Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, circa 2016. They were front desk managers in the most magical place on earth and—spoiler alert—they fell in love. “One day, walking back from lunch, we both looked at each other and penguin-waddled down the hall,” Olivia reminisces. “I called one of my friends that night and said, ‘This guy really gets me!’”

// Their First Date

For their first date, Greg planned an epic expedition across multiple Disney parks, beginning with canoeing at Fort Wilderness Resort, where the pair smuggled in drinks and got stuck in the rain. Next, was a food truck feast in Celebration, followed by mini golf and a magic moment at Universal Studios, when Greg asked Olivia to be his girlfriend while, nearby, a herd of cows was being abducted by aliens.

// Essential Planner

2017 was a wild year for Greg and Olivia: they got engaged in February, moved to Hawaii two weeks later, and began planning their wedding in July. “When we started looking into venues, we found it so hard to talk to people because of the six-hour time difference,” Olivia says. Frustrated, the couple swore off planning for a few months, until Greg’s mom suggested they explore options around the Eastern Shore, and Olivia, contrary to her own expectations, hired a wedding planner. “I was convinced it would be outside of our budget, but after our initial call with Sara [Reynolds], we were sold!” Olivia says. “Her genuine interest in who we were, her professionalism, and her excitement for our wedding day were unmatched.” Together, they selected the Wylder Hotel, which stood out because of its on-site accommodations and coastal location.

// The "Tangled" Cameo

Greg and Olivia’s bridal party pulled off the ultimate surprise by recreating a scene from Tangled, one of the couple’s favorite Disney movies. “Katherine, our photographer, and Sara sneakily took us outside for some night shots, when we looked up and saw lanterns floating in the sky,” Olivia says. “We went out back and found all our family and friends on the dock setting them off. There were no words to describe how incredible that was!”

// Import-ant Details

Greg and Olivia became fans of Maui Brewing Company while living in Hawaii. With help from the Wylder Hotel’s director of sales, who tracked down a Maryland distributor, they were able to share some of their favorite beers at their reception.

// Happy Endings

After the reception concluded, Olivia, Greg, and their wedding parties cozied up around the hotel fire pit, where staff had set up beer, wine, and leftover cookies. “We got changed and lounged out there while everyone shared stories about Greg and I,” Olivia says. “It was so sweet and the perfect way to end the evening!”

// The Details

Bride’s gown: Morilee by Madeline Gardner (designer), Juliette Bridals by Ivana (shop) Bride’s hair & makeup: Down the Aisle in Style Bride’s jewelry: Heide & O Bride’s shoes: No. 21 (heels), The Happiest Studio (hand-painted sneakers) Bridesmaid dresses: Virginia Dare Dress Co. Bridesmaid robes: Joyful Tidings Bridal Boutique & ModParty Desserts: Graul’s Market (cake), Bride’s family (cookie table) Florals: J. Starr’s Flower Barn Men’s attire: Bonobos, The Black Tux Music: Great Scott Productions Photography: Katherine Zell Photography Planning & styling: Sara Reynolds Events Rentals: Price Rentals Rings: Happy Laulea (his), Na Hoku (hers) Stationery: Adori Designs, Pretty Little Papers, and Primrose Paper Studio