While at each of our weddings we’re able to capture some amazing moments with our clients, if you throw in the kind of gorgeous light we had on Maryland’s Eastern Shore recently for Amy & Erik’s lighthearted celebration, then words just can’t describe it (see below). The Boston couple met while Amy was working at a restaurant run by their respective attendants, and where Eric was a frequent patron. One miscalculated bill started them talking, and they eventually ended up at her parents beautiful home overlooking the bay for their wedding. Her dad had created the huppah under which they stood for their vows from a birch tree on the property. Its rustic feel was further enhanced by long strings of greenery and bright, fall-themed colors.
Amy, glowing in a beautiful beaded Priscilla of Boston gown, was escorted by her dad from the house in which she grew up, down the steps toward the water and towards her husband to be, Erik. Amy’s aunt, an Episcopalian minister with a wonderfully free spirit, performed the ceremony, offering a personalized homily based on Song of Solomon as a fun surprise for Amy and Erik and their guests. Also, being on the water, a nice breeze came in and washed over the guests, making it amusingly difficult for their respective moms to light the candles in preparation for a unity candle lighting later in the ceremony.
After the ceremony, their guests picked up their place cards hung with miniature clothespins placed on ropes strung between two trees in their back yard by the pool. During cocktail hour, we went off with the two of them for some great portraits as the sun was setting. Amy’s dad had planted a large bed of cosmos flowers near the ceremony site, and we loved shooting around it and also on their boat dock, where the two were in a fun and playful mood. We had lots of company as well during the portraits. Erik’s engineering company makes 35mm lens mounts to the motion picture industry for use with movie cameras, so you can imagine how many additional colleague shutterbugs were around to help capture the great moments and fun portraits from the day.
Shortly after the sun set, these amazing yellows, reds, and blues appeared in the sky over the water, and it seemed half of the guests emerged from the tent to photograph it–it was one of the most spectacular sunsets we’ve seen at a wedding. Later in the evening, after thoughtful toasts and even an impromptu solo by another of Amy’s talented aunts, Amy decided in lieu of a bouquet toss, to offer her bouquet as a gift to her grandmother who served as inspiration for her own wedding and budding marriage. It’s something we’ve seen at a few weddings over the years and it’s always touching to witness. Their cake, by Julie Bakes (what a cool name for a baker!), was not only beautiful, but moist and delicious too. Further into the evening, the catering staff lit a bonfire in the fire pit in the backyard, and at this point nearly everyone took a pause from the dance floor festivities to warm themselves and chat among the burning embers. It was a great way to end the evening, full of love and happiness, and it was such a pleasure to be able to document it. Congratulations, you two, and thank you for having us out!
And of course, some fabulous Autumn-hued details:
Wow, amazing light. So beautiful! You guys are the best at what you do and I especially love how your sense of humor comes thru in your work!
Absolutely beautiful, radiant bride!
Hello! Beautiful chuppah! I am actually getting married on MD Eastern shore and am looking for a birch tree huppah? Do you still have your’s and would you be willing to sell it to me?
Thanks!!
Marina
Marina, if memory serves Amy’s father built that chuppah with trees from around their property. I do not know if they still have it but will pass your message on in case they do and are interested in its sale. Good luck!
The chuppa was made by my father’s landscaper Chris Johnson in St. Michaels. I’m sure you can look him up. We sacrificed our chuppa to a Thanksgiving bonfire:) Good Luck!