Kir Tuben Photography
Eastern Shore Americana
Though both Gage and Clare lived in New York City, their initial meeting was delayed by the pandemic in 2020. For the first three months, they got to know each other over the phone. And when Clare had to go back to New York, Gage took the train from D.C. for their first dinner date. It went so well that the next weekend, she took the drain to D.C. for their second date. By then, it was clear they were both smitten.
After spending weekends in St. Michaels during their relationship, the waterfront town became an obvious choice for the setting of their May wedding. The couple married at the Historic Christ Church and held their reception at the Oaks Waterfront, perfectly encapsulating Clare’s timeless, elegant, and classic Americana vision.
“When they opened the doors, and I stepped into the church, the sunlight shone through behind me, illuminating the overskirt and veil. It was completely magical.”
Her Look
It was third one’s the charm for Clare finding her dress. The owner of the boutique who helped her pick her wedding dress noticed an instant change in Clare when she put it on. “Look how flushed your cheeks just got,” said Luvi, the owner. “That is the one.” Elegant, sleek, and breathtaking, the dress was exactly what Clare wanted. Clare’s look also featured an overskirt and a long-sleeve lace topper, which felt like she had three dresses in one.
His Look
When it came to choosing a suit, Gage wanted something classic and timeless, so he chose a traditional black tuxedo. They both wanted to look back at their photos in 30 years and think his ensemble “still looked sharp”.
The Accessories
Clare used a variety of family jewelry pieces to complete her wedding day look. She wore a bracelet that belonged to her grandmother, which also served as her “something old.” “It was really special to feel like I had a piece of my late grandmother there with me.” For “something new,” she had a handkerchief with her new monogram, gifted by one of her best friends. An antique square of Irish linen loaned from her godmother with her bouquet was “something borrowed.” And an antique dime from 1892 that her great-grandmother collected in her shoe was meant to bring luck and prosperity.
Kir Tuben Photography
Their Entourage
For bridesmaid’s dresses, Clare loved the idea of supporting a local designer. At the time they got engaged, Clare was living in Charleston, South Carolina. She found local designer LulaKate at Bella Bridesmaids for the floral blue bridesmaids’ dresses. As for the groomsmen, they wore black tuxedos, but the couple weren’t picky about having the men wear the same exact style. “This way, guys who owned their own tuxes could wear [them], be comfortable, and have the best fit.” Groomsmen who didn’t already have their own tux rented through Berrier.
THE BRIDE Gown: Romona Keveza (designer, gown, overskirt, custom lace jacket), Casa de Novia (shop, Houston, Texas) Veil: Romona Keveza Bride’s jewelry: diamond studs (gift from the groom for first dating anniversary) and vintage pearl bracelet with sapphire clasp that belonged to the bride’s grandmother and was worn by her mother at her mother’s wedding Shoes: Manolo Blahnik light blue satin Hangisi pumps, $1,350 Reception dress: Galvan London, Sienna halterneck mini dress THE GROOM Suit: Paul Stewart (designer and shop) Groom’s jewelry: wedding ring from de Boulle jewelers in Houston, Texas Groom’s shoes: Ralph Lauren Purple Label Men’s Alonzo Velvet Loafers, $695 THE BRIDESMAIDS Bridesmaids' dresses: LulaKate (designer), Bella Bridesmaids (shop) THE GROOMSMEN Groomsmen suits: various designers, personally owned or Berrier (rental shop) OTHER STYLE-RELATED VENDORS Hair and makeup: Amie Decker Beauty Florist: Floral and Bloom
