As a Washington DC wedding photographer, I welcome the opportunity to photograph a wedding at the Kent Island Resort and was so excited to have the honor of photographing Ariel and Elliott’s wedding there.
Planning their Kent Island Resort Wedding
Ariel wanted her Kent Island Resort wedding to showcase her home state of Maryland and the beautiful Eastern Shore to her family and friends traveling from across the country and around the world. She made sure that every element from top to bottom had unique Maryland touches by going with a blue-and-white Chesapeake Bay theme that was carried throughout the whole wedding weekend.
To announce their wedding, friends and family received crab magnet save the dates and then arriving guests were treated to Maryland-themed bushel welcome baskets and a Bay-inspired dinner complete with crab cakes and orange crushes.
She fell in love with the work of local Annapolis artist Jenny Woodruff (at Local By Design) and had her create custom pottery for her wedding reception. Woodruff hand-painted custom, blue-and-white Chesapeake Bay-themed pottery, floral vases, chargers, bread and butter plates, salt and pepper shakers, wine coolers, and coffee mugs. These custom pottery pieces are now treasured keepsakes for their home and also made the perfect gifts for family and friends to remember their wedding.
Ariel’s vision for coastal watercolor blue, white, lavender, and pink florals was brought to fruition by Bay Blossoms who used hydrangeas, delphiniums, and roses in her arrangements.
Getting Ready
The day started with Ariel and her bridesmaids getting ready in the upstairs bridal suite inside the Farmstead. Elliott and his groomsmen got ready close by at the Inn and enjoyed a champagne toast on a friend’s boat at the dock.
Saying I Do
Ariel and Elliott’s ceremony took place under a pergola that was dressed with a gorgeous gradient of hydrangeas. As the guests took their seats, they were serenaded with live classical music by a musical trio.
Ariel looked stunning in her sparkling, floral lace ball gown, designed by “Essence of Australia” from Ellie’s Bridal Boutique. She wore a pearl-edge veil and headpiece that complemented her Hollywood wave wedding day look. Her platinum pleated bow heels by Loeffler Randall finished off her look. Bridesmaids wore light blue dresses from Bella Bridesmaids. Elliott, the groomsmen, and even their young ring bearer, wore midnight blue tuxedos from Generation Tux.
Perhaps the most outstanding element however was having their sweet English Springer Spaniel, Moose as their “Best Dog.” Moose’s trainer, walked him down the aisle wearing a cute tux and pup boutonniere that wowed their guests. Then he was met at the altar by hugs and kisses from Dad.
Sunset Wedding Portraits at Kent Island Resort
One of my favorite features of Kent Island Resort weddings is the opportunity to use the wide open field that is next to the Farmstead at sunset. When golden hour arrives, it’s always a magical place for portraits.
The Reception
Guests were directed to their tables by cute crab escort cards and had personalized menus adorned with crab wax seals. In addition to the custom pottery, the tables were adorned with DIY sailboat table numbers using wooden toy sailboats and pearl number brooches. There were three signature wedding drinks; one was named after their best dog Moose.
A signature “Tunnel of Love” mini lighting design in the cocktail area was created by On Your Mark Lighting. They also created elegant backdrops for the band, head table, and grand balcony, and hung romantic cafe lights under each ceiling beam, complementing the Farmstead’s beautiful chandeliers. Above the dance floor, more hydrangeas and greenery were also used on the chandeliers.
After the wedding toasts, they paid tribute to the father of the bride’s Jewish heritage by having a traditional hora dance which really got their guests off their feet.
The Chesapeake Bay theme was also carried over to a matched design on their blue and white watercolor cake.
A live reception painting by Artist Brittany Branson provided Ariel and Elliott with a live painting rendering their first dance and also featured their beloved Moose.
Special guests included former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and his wife and U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina and his wife.
A Fairytale Ending
Having custom gift bottles of Prosecco with “Moose” printed labels was the cutest way to send their gifts off with something special to remember the day. After their sparkler send-off, Ariel and Elliott then took a horse-drawn carriage ride around the resort which was the perfect fairytale ending to their beautiful Kent Island Resort wedding.
Vendors:
- Florist @Bay Blossoms
- Transportration @americanlimousines
- Lighting @onyourmarklighting
- Entertainment @bachelorboysband
- HMUA @btvbeauty
- Bar Cart @tinybubbles_barcart
- Marquee Sign @alphalitannapolis
- Rentals @honeywoodrentals and @easternshoretents
- Live Painter @bybrittanybranson
- Pottery @jbwoodruff @localbydesignatthegallery
- Invitations @justinkonpaper
- Dress @elliesbridal
- Second shooter Yvette Saddler
