Today on the blog we are sharing Will and Vanessa’s stunning Brittland Manor wedding. September weddings are some of our favorites, and the weather on this day didn’t disappoint. It was a beautifully sunny day at a picturesque venue, which set the stage for a day filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments.
The day started inside the historic mansion – the bride got ready in an upstairs bedroom (also my dream bedroom with that canopy bed!) and the groom got ready in the River Lodge. We did a really sweet dad reveal and bridesmaids reveal, then headed down the iconic staircase to meet Will for their first look! Will and Vanessa did a first look in the rose garden – the moment was made even more romantic when Will turned around and was holding a bouquet of red roses. We were all swooning. They exchanged private vows and gifts afterwards – he got her a beautiful necklace and she got him a watch. The Estate was a beautiful backdrop for our newlyweds and wedding party photos, and then we headed down the hill for family photos prior to the ceremony.
The ceremony took place on the lawn overlooking the water, and was decorated with gorgeous florals generously gifted by a relative. Vanessa and Will chose to get married on the bride’s mom and stepdad’s wedding anniversary, and they were even married by the same priest! It was such a sentimental touch. After the ceremony, we finished family photos on the waterfront and headed up to cocktail hour near the pool with a gorgeous charcuterie display.
Reception took place inside the tent and the attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the celebration. Vanessa’s mom, MC, is an event planner, and Vanessa herself is super creative, so every detail was thoughtful and personalized to the couple. They had beautiful florals, unique table numbers, tastefully arranged tablescapes. I love the combination of farmhouse and round tables, and the way it fills the tent. Their cake was a Smith Island cake, which I didn’t even know was the official state cake of Maryland – and absolutely delicious.
My favorite detail of the day was their guest book – Will and Vanessa invited their guests to submit a favorite recipe with their RSVPs. Vanessa then compiled these recipes into a hardcover cookbook, adorned with engagement photos and space for guests to leave handwritten notes alongside the recipe they submitted. It was such a unique idea and I am sure it will turn into an heirloom for their family!
As guests were filling the tent after cocktail hour, preparing for reception intros, Vanessa + Will snuck away to practice their first dance in private. I was able to catch them through a kitchen window, without them seeing, and it ended up being one of my very favorite photos of the day! They entered reception with their wedding party, and shared a perfect choreographed first dance. Afterwards, Vanessa danced with her Dad and Will danced with his Mom. Their priest gave a blessing, and Vanessa + Will took the mic to thank their guests and all of their family + friends that contributed to their day. Will surprised Vanessa by singing a beautiful song, while her brother played guitar, and I think everyone cried. Such a sentimental moment. The night moved on with mingling, speeches, and a delicious dinner, then the party started! It was such a fun dance floor scene with a combo of classic wedding songs, Latin hits, KPOP for Vanessa, and EDM for Will. The dance floor was never empty. Vanessa snuck away and did an outfit change, then we went over to the pool with the wedding party to spray champagne and mark the end of the night. It was all together a beautiful day, a stunning venue, an incredibly fun couple – all surrounded by loving friends and family. I was honored to be part of their wedding day!
Venue: Brittland Manor
Bride’s Gown: I do I do Bridal
Hair & Makeup: MBM Beauty, Margo Adams
Grooms/Groomsmen Tux: The Black Tux
Caterer: Key Ingredients Catering
Flowers/Florist: Sieck Floral Group + Wildly Native Flower Farm
DJ: Shiny Entertainment, Kristin StockFurniture Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents and Events, Michele Beaudry
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