This is a tough one to put a preface on. I met Charlie and Mandy at a bridal show at Elk Manor Winery in North East MD and within seconds of us meeting, I felt like I had known them for years. So needless to say I was so insanely excited when they called me and asked me to photograph their beautiful wedding. As the months passed and I found out the beautiful theme that they were planning, one couldn’t become more excited.

Mandy was a stunning rose gold bride, I have dubbed her, with the help of the most amazing hair and makeup artist I know, Caitlyn Meyer. She looked like something right out of a classic Hollywood Film. The opted to do a first look, a favorite of mine, and I tell you the sheer look of happiness in their eyes was enough to make anyone tear up.

I want to take a minute and give a quick shout out to the amazing people at Elk Manor Winery, they literally have the most beautiful set up for a wedding I have ever seen, which you will realize going through these photos. We had so many beautiful locations to shoot portraits, from a beautiful wheat filled field, to a reflection pool and a bluff over looking the Bohemia River, it’s not a place to disappoint.

Back to the wedding… this was such a cool set up. They had TWO cocktail hours, one before the reception with hors d’oeuvres and lawn games with an unbelievably talented live music by the Riverside Carnival Band. I couldn’t have been more excited to get to know this couple, learn their story and have the honor to be able capture their day.

I reached out to Mandy for a little feedback about her big day and this is what she said:

“With very little stress and much anticipation, our wedding day was finally here!  The day was a whirlwind of excitement and merriment, and as each new friend, family member, and vendor arrived, each tiny piece of the puzzle, that we had been carefully been collaborating on for over a year, began to seamlessly fit together, and watching our dream unfold in its upmost glory, was absolutely magical.  With hair and makeup just polished, I ascended the stairs for the moment all the girls had been waiting for…the unveiling of the wedding gown.  I had the most picturesque view, as I stood in front of the window, overlooking the Manor House lawn, while my sister and niece joined in to assist me.  I felt like a movie star, all glammed up, and the clicks of the cameras resounded in an orchestra of bridal fanfare.  Down below, the band began playing, guests were arriving, mingling and playing charming lawn games, while decadent hors d’oeuvres and refreshing summer libations were presented in high fashion – and in that very moment, I could see every thought, every detail, every dollar spent had lead us all here.  In the grand splendor of this rapturous occasion of supreme perfection, I realized…the best was still yet to come…the moment I was waiting for…was waiting for me…the first sight of my future…my love…my groom.”

Hair and Makeup: Caitlyn Meyer
Location: Elk Manor Winery
Flowers: Gamble’s Florist
Cake: Bing’s Bakery
Catering: Rouge Fine Catering