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Jenna and Michael sought after “a non-traditional wedding venue that reflected our love for the outdoors and the water.” They found the perfect place in Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum—with it’s elegant beauty overlooking the Miles River. Susan Wilson Designs introduced the day with a custom watercolor illustrated invitation suite.  A palette of neutrals and dusty blush florals by Seaberry Farms perfectly complimented the bright blue sky and patterned blue tablecloths in the white tent reception while the bride was a vision of restrained elegance in a Modern Trousseau gown. See all the details—and gorgeous scenery—in these images captured by Ashley Cox Photography.

What made the wedding special and unique? 

The venue! My husband and I were looking for a non-traditional wedding venue that reflected our love for the outdoors and the water. Several of Mike’s and my first dates were out sailing; so finding a venue that honored the tradition of sailing seemed like a great fit. When we first visited the quaint waterfront town of St. Michaels, Maryland, we knew immediately that it was a perfect town for our intimate wedding. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum set the tone for our picturesque celebration with its natural yet elegant beauty overlooking the Miles River. Our outdoor ceremony, officiated by my brother, preceded a sunset cocktail hour in a barn filled with antique sailboats illuminated by string lights and lanterns. Following the cocktail hour, celebrations continued just a few steps away under a tent set up on Navy Point. Our friends and family danced the night away as boats sailed from the harbor. We will forever treasure our special day with family and friends and could not imagine a more fitting place to say our vows.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Shopping for my wedding dress was a very special experience for me. Two sisters from my hometown opened the most charming and unique boutique bridal shop called Harbor Bridal. Hoping I would find my dress there, my mom and sister and I made an appointment. I tried on several dresses but kept going back to one of the first dresses I tried on. A low-back Modern Trousseau gown. It was simple and elegant.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

Early on in the planning phase my husband and I discussed incorporating our immediate family in special ways. We decided to ask my brother to officiate the wedding, and I asked my sister to be my maid of honor. We asked both of our moms to read a “Hands” poem during the ceremony. We also embraced the “blessing of the rings” tradition. We tied our wedding bands together and they were passed to each and every guest throughout the ceremony. Before passing the rings to the next person, they were infused with best wishes. During the cocktail hour, we had a table set up with pictures of our parents and grandparents on their wedding days! It was a nice way to celebrate our history and the strong marriages in our families.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

It’s impossible to pick just one moment. I would have to say the moment I heard the acoustic guitar start to play “Claire de Lune” and my mom and dad grabbed each arm and slowly walked me down the aisle. I remember so vividly locking eyes with my husband-to-be and feeling overcome with love and excitement. It was an incredible feeling to stand in front of our closest friends and family, with my sister by my side, as my brother officiated a heartfelt ceremony that would officially start our marriage.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Michael and I met in March 2014 through a mutual friend who was in town visiting from Ohio. Mike proposed on March 24, 2017 in the most romantic, private, thoughtful way, with a ring that has been in his family for over 160 years. After he popped the question in our apartment and we took a few minutes to celebrate the moment just the two of us, we hopped in a cab and to my surprise my whole family, his family, and my closest two girlfriends were waiting at a restaurant downtown ready to celebrate! He organized a surprise brunch the next day so both of our families could spend some quality time getting to know one another. It was a truly amazing weekend! The one minor detail that is worth noting is that when he got down on one knee, I was so emotionally overcome that I got a bloody nose (for the first time in my life), Putting a special twist on the most romantic moment of my life.

 

Jenna & Michael from Cecile Storm on Vimeo.

Photography: Ashley Cox Photography // Florals: Seaberry Farms // Custom Wedding Suite and Paper Goods: Susan Wilson Designs // Venue: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum // Videographer: Cecile Storm Pictures // Wedding Gown: Modern Trousseau // Bridal Boutique: Harbor Bridal // Catering: Gourmet By The Bay // Ceremony: Swoon Union Ceremonies // Band: Men or Myth // Groom’s Suit: Diplomat Outfitters // Groom’s Shoes: Baudoin and Lange