On April 29th Mike and Donna Anastasi Rand, Of Frederick, Maryland and Palm Beach County, Florida celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with 120 family members and friends at the Francis Scott Key Event Center.
Mike and Donna, have been blessed with three children and seven Grandchildren, all in attendance at the event.
“It was a cloudy day when we got married, but it did not rain until after the reception that night,” noted the bride, Michelle.
The bride’s son escorted her down the aisle during the outdoor ceremony. The wedding party consisted of longtime friends and Michelle’s children. 75 guests were in attendance.
“Our reception went so well. This was the second marriage for me and I wanted us to enjoy every part of the reception. I actually picked Ceresville Mansion because they do everything for you.”
The color palette of the evening reception included pops of marine. The bridal party wore navy dresses.
“My husband and I enjoyed every part of the reception with all of our friends and family. We enjoyed all of the pictures of our wedding, especially our kids with those crazy props.”
The bride is a Senior Engineer at the Department of Defense and the groom is semi-retired and a dealer at Maryland Live Casino. They currently reside in Clarksville.
First Dance: Color My World by Chicago
Honeymoon: Bermuda
How they met: “Being at the right place at the right time,” noted Michelle. “Marty was dropping by at a local bar after an internet date that went pretty well. I decided to go to that same bar to grab a bite to eat. I was minding my own business when he decided to sit next to me. We talked and we clicked.”
The proposal: “It was supposed to be at a restaurant, but unfortunately the restaurant did not have any of the information that Marty had provided, so he aborted the proposal there and proposed in the living room of his house.”
Vendors
:: Ceremony location: Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Community, Ijamsville MD
:: Reception location: Ceresville Mansion**
:: Photographer: Sarah Burns Photography**
:: Entertainment: Shew-sical Entertainment Services**
:: Videographer: Alex-Video Productions
:: Transportation: Touch of Class**
Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood was a perfect place for James and Stephanie to tie the knot. Stephanie, an arborist, found a wedding in the middle of a forest to be ideal. However, the weather had different plans.
“Months before our wedding day, we were concerned about the possibility of unseasonably warm weather in October and feared Stephanie wouldn’t have the opportunity to wear the shawl her grandmother knit. Instead, we nearly had to move our ceremony inside because of snow – flurries were coming down just an hour before our outdoor ceremony. Luckily, the clouds parted just long enough for us to hold the ceremony outside, but we’ll never forget that we had snow on our wedding day,” James said.
During the ceremony, the officiant, a local naturalist, paused at the sound of a woodpecker and pointed out two pileated woodpeckers as they flew overhead. “It was a great memory and the officiant said those woodpeckers, which are rarely seen in pairs, were a good sign for our marriage!”
James and Stephanie had four bridesmaids and and four groomsmen in their weddings party, as well as a ring bearer and a “leaf girl” who threw leaves instead of flower petals. The couple had 100 guests in attendance as they exchanged vows under a birch arbor. They also incorporated a tree planting into their wedding ceremony. The tree is now planted in their backyard.
The color palette of the wedding reflected the location- jewel tones with turquoise and magenta. The couple included many tree-themed items into their day as well.
Stephanie works for a nonprofit in Washington, DC and James works in human resources for a consulting firm in Montgomery County, Maryland. They currently live in Alexandria, Virginia.
First dance: “By the Way They Dance” Jump, Little Children
How they met: “We met via an online dating site, and had been dating for almost 3 years when we got married. Our first date was meeting for drinks at a restaurant right down the street from our current home.”
The proposal: James proposed during a family trip to Prince Edward Island – he planned a surprise sunset proposal at the Point Prim lighthouse, with family meeting up afterwards for a celebratory dinner and champagne toast.
A fun moment: The bride’s family handed out glow sticks for everyone without telling Stephanie or Jimmy. When “Shut Up and Dance” came on and the lights dimmed Stephanie and Jimmy got a glowing surprise!
Honeymoon: Argentina and Chile
Vendors
**FrederickWeddings.com members
The bride and groom began planning their late October wedding in July. “Family and wedding vendors jumped at the opportunity to help us make a last minute wedding work.”
The couple had two bridesmaids and two groomsmen in their wedding party. The bride’s uncle officiated the ceremony with 130 guests in attendance.
A color palette consisting of burgundy and rich fall colors set the tone for the Stone Manor wedding. A family friend created drink coozies and heart shaped sugar cookies for wedding favors.
Dani is a nurse at Georgetown Hospital and Donny is a wine sales representative. The couple currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia and plan on honeymooning this May in Mexico.
First dance: “End of the World” –Dirty Heads
How they met: “On a weekend out with friends in Arlington, I met Donny at Clarendon Ballroom at a bar. We exchanged numbers. And with persistence, I agreed to go on a first date with Donny to cosmic bowling.”
The proposal: “We were on the couch with our dog and we just had a conversation about it. We had a family emergency that opened our eyes so we decided we wanted get married and have the family together. A week or so after the conversation I woke up to Donny and the dog sitting next to me in bed with a ring box. And then it was official.”
Something funny that happened: “The power went out an hour into the reception. The DJ had back up batteries and the venue had generators to continue food service. We had candle lit tables. People drank more and danced more with the lights out. We had so much fun.”
Advice to other couples: “Don’t sweat details because in the end people just need alcohol, decent food, and great music.”
**FrederickWeddings.com members
Danielle “Doodles” Foster and Tarnell “Tubby” Miller announce their engagement. The bride to be is in customer service and the groom to be is a bricklayer. The couple were introduced through a mutual friend. They currently reside in Frederick. A Bonnie and Clyde style wedding is planned for April 2017.
Cassondra and John met in law school and currently live in Baltimore. The couple got engaged while in Vietnam on vacation. A New Year’s Eve wedding is planned.
130 guests were in attendance for Jason and Ashley’s big day in May 2016. Jason’s friend built a trellis for the couple to stand under during the ceremony, which had been planned to be outdoors. “It had been windy and raining all day, so just to be safe side we got married in the barn,” Ashley shared. The couple had four bridesmaids and six groomsmen.
After the ceremony the skies cleared and the couple ventured out around the estate for photos during the sunset.
The couple chose a “rustic casual” wedding, with pinks, grays and ivory for their color palette.
When asked why they chose Crown Rose Estate, Ashley said, “We were looking for a barn big enough to accommodate our guests and old rustic charm with a nice picturesque scene and Crown Rose was the perfect setting for our vision and it was close to home and allowed us to have the whole weekend to prepare for the big day.”
The bride is a sonographer and the groom is a mechanic. They currently live in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
How they Met: Through Ashley’s my sister and brother in law
The Proposal:
First Dance: “I Cross My Heart” George Strait
Honeymoon: Hawaii
Their Advice to Other Couples: “Take your time planning and don’t rush”
The family of Charles “Sam” Michael and Emogene Michael announce their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on April 12, 1947 at Calvary United Methodist Church. The couple has three children, Carole Ann and husband Greg, Gayle and husband Charles, and Susan and husband Shane. They are blessed with six grandchildren, Charlie (Jessie), Mike (June), Jamie (Ashley), Krystal, Jason (Cheryl), and Justin. They are also proud great grandparents to 12 great grandchildren. A family celebration was held at Red Lobster.
Carly Jean Wright, daughter of Charles & Jacqueline Weakley, Frederick, MD and Clifford Evan John,son of the late George & Deborah John, Rockville, MD, were united in marriage on December 17th. Theceremony, dinner and reception were held at the Mt. Washington Mill – Dye House in Baltimore, MD. Carly’s uncle, Wayne Crum officiated the ceremony. The Maid of Honor was Ms. Tiffiny Ford, friend of the Bride, and the Best Woman was Melissa Rogan, sister of the Groom.
Carly is a 2004 graduate of Gov. Thomas Johnson high school and a 2008 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC, where she studied English. She is currently employed as a Managing Editor at information and analytics provider IHS Inc., Gaithersburg, MD. Cliff is a 1996 graduate of Wootton high school and a 2000 graduate of Quinnipiac University, where he majored in Accounting. He is currently employed as a Senior Account Manager by on-line marketing company, Blue Corona, Gaithersburg, MD.
The bride and the groom honeymooned in Portugal in January following the holidays, and will reside at their new home in Frederick, MD.
Photo Credit: Brian Virts Photography
Catherine and Thomas met while Attending Linganore High School. “I remember meeting freshman year in English but he says we met junior year of high school. We were in the same class club, and he got my number from a mutual friend,” said Catherine. The two began dating in 2009. Thomas left Maryland to attend art school in Chicago, but the two continued to date long distance for five years.
Impending rain threatened their outdoor ceremony at Ceresville Mansion, but stopped right as the ceremony began. The couple had six bridesmaids and six groomsmen in their wedding party. 130 guests were in attendance.
“When the pastor said ‘you may kiss the bride’ my husband did not wait the two seconds we were instructed to the day prior so the pastor would be out of the pictures. Then we had to kiss again.”
The couple, having dated since they were 16, had many photographs to share of relationship. Photographs were sprinkled throughout the wedding reception of their seven year courtship.
The groom’s band, The Belvederes, drove from Chicago to Maryland to perform at the wedding reception. The band played the first dance, the father-daughter and mother-son dances. “They brought such joy and life to the day and made it even more special because they came all that way to support their friend.”
On each table the couple provided anniversary cards. Guests were asked write memories from the day or well wishes to the newlyweds to read on their future anniversary dates. The wedding favors were drumstick pencils, a homage to the couple’s vocations- Thomas is a drummer and Caroline is a teacher.
Thomas is originally from New Market, and Catherine from Mt.Airy. They currently live in Chicago. The couple honeymooned after the wedding in Ireland.
First dance: ‘Every Single Word’ Original song by groom’s band, The Belvederes
The Proposal: “We went for a walk by the lake near his house to a weeping willow tree. He explained how much he loved me and wanted to be with me forever. At first I asked if he was being serious, and then when he got the ring out I shook my head yes. I was so surprised I didn’t start crying until we started walking back to his house.”
Advice to other couples: “Enjoy the engagement as much as possible, and didn’t stress out over planning. The day goes by way too fast, and try to enjoy every minute of it.”
**FrederickWeddings.com members
WEBSITE: http://www.spencephoto.com
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We are a husband-and-wife-owned photo studio based in Downtown Frederick, specializing in telling the story about your family as it begins and grows. Using our many years of experience in photojournalism, we capture the moments that show couples and families as they are, focusing on special moments and shooting in natural, organic light.
“I cannot tell you the number of times I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to marry this girl.’” Ron shared in his interview. After working up the nerve to propose, Ron and Kirsten went for a hike to an overlook where he finally asked her to marry him. Gambrill Park was a natural choice for the couple’s October wedding. The bride is a native of Frederick and both are avid hikers.
“We were really looking for a spot that would bring nature to our ceremony and reception. After looking at a few traditional venues, we decided going with Gambrill State Park felt the most fitting.”
After a week of rain, the couple worried their outdoor wedding ceremony might have to be moved inside. “It poured during the rehearsal so we were walking up the overlook steps for the first time as a group at the ceremony,” Kirsten said.
The couple wrote their vows together in the months before the ceremony. “It felt so special standing in front of all of our friends and family to make those promises. I made a slip up when it came time to slip Ron’s wedding ring on. It was nice to laugh in the middle of the ceremony when we were so focused on saying everything correctly.”
Kirsten and Ron had four bridesmaids, five groomsmen and two flower girls. 55 guests were in attendance.
The couple described the theme and color palette of the wedding as “Outdoor Casual.” Kirsten said her favorite part of wedding planning was choosing the music. “We always remember our wedding day when any of the songs we chose come on because we spent so much time choosing songs that were meaningful to us.” Kirsten and Ron enjoyed a BBQ lunch at their wedding reception with their guests inside the Tea House.
Ron is a real estate agent and Kirsten is a mortgage loan originator. The couple honeymooned in Italy. They currently live in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
First Dance: “Just the Way you Are” Billy Joel
Advice to other couples: “Make decisions that will make you both happy and don’t forget to plan for life after the wedding together as a married couple.”
**FrederickWeddings.com member
“We wanted to incorporate elements of the distillery, like the beautiful metallic stills, into the shoot. A speak easy theme was the perfect fit, combining 1920s to a modern wedding. The copper and silver stills were a major inspiration that we carried through to the two toned engagement and wedding rings from Colonial Jewelers,” said Katie of Rose Gold Events & Styling.
Allison Dee Calligraphy fashioned quotes based on the modern speakeasy theme including “A little party never killed nobody” and “of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine”.
The couple had some fun posing on the bar with a vintage cocktail shaker while sampling the spirits from McClintock.
Even with many industrial elements at McClintock Distilling, like brick and metal, they wanted the inspiration photo session to be romantic. Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore constructed a ceremony arch using McClintock’s barrels, curly willow, and cherry blossom branches. The soft pinks and mauves in the bridal bouquet played off the bride’s untraditional Gatsby-inspired beaded dress complete with an perfectly undone updo and lush lashes by JKW Beauty. The icing on the cake (literally!) was the two layer dessert that included gold leaf and sugar flowers by Cakes to Die For.
Photography – Alicia & Frank of Happy Little Life Photography**
Event Planning & Styling – Katie of Rose Gold Events & Styling
Florist – Petals by the Shore
Hair/Make-up – JKW Beauty
Venue – McClintock Distillery
Jewelry – Colonial Jewelers**
Cake & Stand – Cakes to Die For
Invitations & Paper Goods – Mackensie Oberg
Cuff Links – Links Off the Cuff
Tuxedo – The Black Tux
Calligraphy – Allison Dee Calligraphy
Models – Audrey Stine & Kevin Spivery
Videography – Shane of Cork and Banner Films
**FrederickWeddings.com members
Melynda and John met in 2015 on a dating app. “It was an instant spark,” Melynda said.
150 guests were in attendance.
The couple chose a fall theme for their October wedding. “Our cake and table settings tied in the fall aspects with small pumpkins and silk leaves in oranges and reds. The cake had cascading gum paste leaves down the side. The bridesmaids were in red and the groomsmen were in all black with red ties.”
When the bride was asked what advice she would give other couples before their wedding, she mentioned making it your own. “It’s your day, do it your way. We are so fortunate to have family who didn’t pester us about every detail. They were very supportive and respectful of the fact that it was our day to celebrate us and they were there to celebrate with us.” She also suggested really planning ahead if a fall wedding is something a couple wants- “Book early for October weddings, it’s a very popular month!”
Melynda is the Assistant Education Director at Adventure Theatre & ATMTC Academy in Montgomery County. John works for the Jewish Foundation of Group Homes as a counselor for special needs adults. Melynda and John honeymooned on a cruise to Cozumel. The couple currently lives in Bethesda, Maryland.
First Dance: Perfect Day by Lou Reed
Favorite Part of wedding planning: “We planned every element of our wedding together. John insisted on being part of it all. We continued to learn new things about one another and make discoveries in our relationship. It really sums up our relationship. We are very much partners and a team.”
A sweet memory: “My sister and I had some very tender moments talking about our Dad. He passed from cancer in March of 2003 and on his last Christmas in 2002 he gave Amanda and I each a teddy bear made out of his clothing. I named mine Lansdale as that was my Dad’s middle name. Lansdale was with me on my wedding day-and so was my Dad.”
A funny moment: A week after the wedding I learned that there was a spider crawling on the cake and friends had to find a way to remove it without messing up the icing.
** FrederickWeddings.com members
Randy & Julie Nicklas of Buckeystown, MD and Cory & Debbie Crum of Thurmont, MD announce the engagement of their children, Tyler and Karen.
The couple met through mutual friends. Karen is a 2012 Hood College Graduate. Tyler is currently serving in the US Marine Corps.
“Our love has grown over 5 years of a long distance relationship with many letters, phone calls and visits back and forth. Tyler’s service ends in June and he will be returning to Frederick, MD. We are ready to start our together forever.”
A wedding is planned for October in Lewistown, MD.
WEBSITE: http://www.pearlykate.com
PHONE: (516) 729-4795
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EMAIL: info@pearlykate.com
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 6
Kate loves the whole picture. This is why the first part of her process starts with a phone chat or “Coffee with Kate,” where she can get to know each of her couples, and learn about their wedding vision and what makes them unique. She strives to capture the true spirit of each of her subjects while creating a personalized experience and truly stunning portraits.
Kate brings creative energy, confidence, and joy to the wedding process. Her excellent artist’s eye and dedication to knowing each of her client’s in a genuine way is the key to how she creates exactly the images you are looking for.
The Pearly Kate Photography team believes in assisting with the wedding process from start to finish. From your wedding day photography timeline to your heirloom wedding album—we can’t wait to share our experience and tips in how to plan in a way that works best for your needs. Kate is passionate about creating custom heirloom albums and artwork which will ensure preserving this meaningful time to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Ashley and Travis first met while attending Ballenger Creek middle school as children. They went to different high schools and lost touch for several years. Ashley and Travis both got involved volunteering in separate local fire departments and met again later in life through mutual friends and the fire department in 2010.
The couple is planning for a November wedding in Frederick.
Garrett proposed at the top of the Maryland Heights hiking trail where the couple enjoys hiking. An October wedding in Maryland is planned. The couple currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
How they met: While both were personal trainers at sport and health in Frederick
Matt and Janelle were wed in an outdoor ceremony at The Links of Gettysburg in June. 200 guests, including four bridesmaids and four groomsmen were in attendance. With storms predicted for the area, the couple was nervous that their ceremony may need to move indoors.
“Our ceremony started at 6 and a horrible storm was approaching right around that time. Luckily, the storm didn’t hit until our ceremony was over. We were very lucky to have the outdoor wedding we dreamed about.”
Matt and Janelle had just enough time left after the ceremony to hop in a golf cart and do some outdoor formal photos on the golf course before the rain began.
The couple went for a formal look, with black and white as their main color palette. Janelle carried a simple bouquet of blue hydrangeas as her something blue. A four layer white fondant cake with a black bow tied the look together.
A sparkler exit ended the formal wedding in style.
The couple began dating in 2005 as middle schoolers and have been together for over 10 years.
Janelle is a teacher and Matt is a Business Intelligence Developer. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Favorite part of our wedding: “Many family members traveled from Texas and Florida to be with us on our big day. Dancing and celebrating with friends and family was extra special.”
● Venue: The Links at Gettysburg
● Photographer: LoveFusion Photography **
● Dessert: Cakes by Susie
● Flowers/decor: On Angels Wings
● Hair/Makeup: Studio 16
● Music/entertainment: R Lawrence DJ & Event Lighting
● Videographer: Cody Wanner
● Lighting: R Lawrence DJ & Event Lighting
● Transportation: Diana’s Limousine
● Officiant: Timothy Kielley
**FrederickWeddings.com member
Lorraine & Ralph Ambrose recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. They were wed on January 26, 1957. They were married in Burkittsville, Md. in the Luthern parsonage by Reverend Martin Zirkle; Mrs. Zirkle being their witness. Also, best man, Lon Heath, and Maid of Honor, Shirley Marken.
They feel blessed to have been through 60 years together and living at their same residence in Brunswick, Maryland.
Carmen and Chris had a winter wedding to remember. After meeting online and dating for three years, the couple tied the knot in a outdoor ceremony at ThorpeWood in January of 2016.
“The wedding ceremony was outside in the woods. Being a winter wedding it was unconventional which was an intriguing aspect of it and my husband’s appeal to what others may consider my insanity. Having a traditional ceremony in an unconventional climate made it unforgettable.”
The couple provided hand warmers, hot apple cider, hot chocolate and blankets to the 40 guests upon arrival. Lit fires in barrels helped to warm up the ceremony area. The bride wore a cape as part of her wedding attire. “I loved the ability to wear a cape as part of my outfit and the smaller capes for my bridesmaids to match the theme.” Carmen and Chris had three bridesmaids and three groomsmen.
The color palette of the wedding included blue, white and silver to compliment the snow theme. The bride’s sister and sister in law helped with much of the decor, including the favors, flowers and stationery.
The groom works for Best Buy and the bride is a baker at GuateBakery. The couple honeymooned in DIsney World and currently reside in Clarksburg.
First dance song: Lifehouse – You and Me
Something funny that happened: “The best man dropped the rings as he was trying to hand them to the groom! Apparently his hands were freezing.”
The engagement: “A random day after a long day at work, Chris placed the ring in box in my curio alongside my glass figurines with that being only light that was turned on that evening. My only reaction was disbelief thinking it wouldn’t be until a few months later. All I kept saying was “oh my gosh oh my gosh are you serious?” After he affirmed me, he asked me to marry him and afterwards enjoyed a nice dinner he had prepared for us that evening.”
Advice to other couples: “Take full advantage of the scenery that Frederick had to offer in any season to compliment the theme.”
Venue: Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood**
Caterer/drinks: Renaissance Chef
Photographer: Kelly Hahn Photography**
Music/entertainment: Shew-sical Entertainment Services**
Wedding Dress: Cameo Bridal Salon
Dessert: GuateBakery (made by the bride!)
Bridesmaids dresses: Davids Bridal
Groom/Groomsman: Jos. A. Bank
Rings/jewelry: engagement ring Littman Jewelers
Hair/Makeup: Glam Bridal Beauty Bridal Hair & Makeup Services
Transportation: On the Town Limousines
Officiant: Pastor Mark Foucart
**FrederickWeddings.com Member
| Mr. and Mrs. Joe Strickland of Cameron, S.C., proudly announce the engagement of their daughter Maria Kathryn Strickland to James Graham Murphy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Graham Murphy of Frederick.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Leona Hutto Mack of Orangeburg, S.C. and the late Mr. Willie Allen Mack, Jr.; and the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lee Strickland of Denmark, S.C. The bridegroom-elect is the grandson of Carl David Walbeck and the late Mrs. Edith Rose Walbeck of Northeast, M.D. and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Millard Murphy of Frederick, M.D. Miss Strickland is a 2007 graduate of Edisto High School; a 2016 graduate of South Carolina State University with a B.A. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. She is currently a Speech Therapist at Lawrence Speech Services, LLC. Mr. Murphy is a 2007 graduate of Middletown High School; a 2011 graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. in Agriculture Mechanization and Business and a 2013 graduate of Clemson University with a Master of Science in Agricultural Education. He is currently a mechanical maintenance technician at International Paper of Eastover, S.C. The wedding is planned for June 24, 2017, at Interlaken Plantation in Cameron, S.C. |
Anne Elise Hart and Charles Augustus Bartholow III
Charles and Elise met in Worcester Massachusetts at a concert they were attending. Charles moved to New Hampshire for a short time to date Elise and they moved down to Virginia together to be closer to family and friends. Charles proposed to Elise at sunset on Christmas Day 2016 on Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida. A July wedding in Thurmont is planned.
Brittany and Robert’s wedding included all the people they love, including their dog Lyanna. 150 guests, including seven bridesmaids, a junior bridesmaid, and seven groomsmen, watched as the couple was married under a tree adorned with flowers, officiated by one of Brittany’s favorite teachers.
The bride, a kindergarten teacher in Baltimore County, and the groom, a Project Manager for Home Depot met in college. “Rob sat next to me in week two of a class at Towson University. The semester ended and Rob was very effective at liking every post I ever put on Facebook and the rest is history.”
According to the couple the theme of their wedding was, “Fun! Anything that was bright and happy and worked with the venue vibe was what we went with. I would call it an eclectic theme. Pieces of our families history were all around.” Warm yellows, oranges and reds rounded out the color palette.
The couple honeymooned in Rivera Maya after the wedding. Brittany and Robert currently live in Westminster.
The ceremony: “We had a friend playing an acoustic guitar in for the guests as they were sitting and I walked down the aisle with my maids to Rachel Platten’s “Better Place.” It felt like something out of a movie. Our daughter Ruby read a quote from her and Rob’s favorite movie, “Tangled.” My brother sang “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey which, yes, was very random, but so much fun and a perfect way to describe the relationship that Rob and I have. We wrote our own vows and exchanged rings while tears flowed and laughter echoed. It was the best day ever.”
The reception: “It was an incredible feeling to look around and see all of our ideas come to life and see everyone having a blast. We had the best time dancing the night away. We even had a pants splitting incident that was swiftly solved by tying a chair cushion around the victim’s waste.”
First Dance: Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker
The engagement: I was in Baltimore and headed to the harbor for lunch with a friend when all of a sudden she had me running up Federal Hill (which is not an easy task) where Rob was waiting for me on a bench. I knew right then that this was it. And of course I said yes!
Something funny that happened: We even had a pants splitting incident that was swiftly solved by tying a chair cushion around the victim’s waste.
The couple’s advice for planning a wedding: “Relax and have fun with it and most of all remember to be respectful to all of the hard-working vendors out there doing their job. Be understanding and open to new ideas! Involve everyone who wants to help with the wedding because you will need it and it is way more fun to be busy and wedding stressed with some wine and some friends rather than alone.”
** FrederickWeddings.com member
Dr. Robert Bruce Hodges and wife, Christine, of Walkersville, Maryland, are excited to announce the engagement of their daughter, Molly Erin Hodges to Curtis Patrick Kincaid, son of Clifford and Lisa Kincaid of Owings, Maryland.
Molly is a Walkersville High School graduate, who went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Mary Washington. She is currently the Events Marketing Manager at the Philanthropy Roundtable in Washington D.C. Curtis graduated high school from the Calverton School, and also graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He currently is the Strategic Communications Coordinator for the Consumer Technology Association in Washington D.C.
An October 28th wedding is planned at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Washington D.C., with reception to follow at the Willard InterContinental Hotel, Washington D.C.
The bride’s words during her toast sum up this wedding pretty well: “We feel like the luckiest old farts on the planet.” And if you were a witness to their wedding, you’d believe it.
Marj and Phil’s September wedding wasn’t an all day elaborate affair. What it was: elegant, full of meaningful details, and a union of two families.
Marj, a retired teacher and Phil a financial advisor, re-met in 2014. “We both had just come off very difficult summers. I had finished radiation for breast cancer, he had lost his wife. The perfect storm for two depressed people… we knew each other peripherally for quite a few years, coming from the same hometown, Hanover PA, and seeing each other at Frederick events. We realized we were very compatible instantly….and quickly became a couple.”
50 guests attended their ceremony at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ in downtown Frederick. The bride’s dear friend, Barbara Kershner Daniel, officiated the ceremony. The couple’s children made up the bridal party.
Guests made their way around the corner to the reception at Reina, and had drinks in the courtyard while the couple took family photographs.
The color palette of navy blue, orange and gold set the done for a vibrant and spirited reception at one of their favorite downtown restaurants.
The bride’s daughter, a professional singer, sang at the intimate reception before toasts and dessert.
Something funny that happened: “Phil wrote a lovely toast to me, but left it at home. Everyone knows that Phil was born to be a MC so it was funny, poignant, and perfect.”
What I loved most about our wedding: “The happiness that everyone shared. It’s rare for two people of our generation to find this love and joy and companionship, and I think our families and friends shared in our emotions.”
About planning the wedding: “The planning of the wedding and reception was especially meaningful since we both have so many connections in Frederick and we enjoyed using the local downtown vendors. Our ceremony was tailored for us but used the traditional matrimonial service of my church.”
** FrederickWeddings.com members
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Igo are excited to announce the engagement of their son Timothy Patrick to Miss Madeline Grace Smith. The happy couple met in Dallas, TX three years ago and currently reside in Atlanta, GA. Tim graduated from Elon University and works at State Farm as an underwriter; Madeline graduated from Southern Methodist University and works at 360i as a digital marketing conversion supervisor. Their wedding ceremony will be at the First United Methodist Church of Little Rock, AR this coming July.
Mary and Allen were married outside in late October at The Morningside Inn. Their color palette of oranges and browns mimicked the leaves on the trees behind their wedding venue. “The leaves were at their peak. It was perfect.”
100 guests, three bridesmaids and three groomsmen watched Mary and Allen exchange vows at their outdoor ceremony, officiated by Tom Larimore.
The groom is a mechanic and the bride is a sales administrator. Mary and Allen honeymooned in Cape Canaveral and currently live in Taneytown, Maryland.
First Dance: Home to You by John Michael Montgomery
How they met: at work in 2012
The engagement: Allen got up early on November 16, 2014 and made cinnamon pull apart bread for breakfast and hid the engagement ring under the bread. “We were eating breakfast and there it was, the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. And of course I said yes!”
The couple’s advice for planning a wedding: “The first decision you need to make is when and where, it really helps the rest of the details fall into place. I also found it really helpful to use a planning guide, it helped keep us on schedule.”
** FrederickWeddings.com members
WEBSITE: http://www.tlcboutique.com/
PHONE: 301-662-8874
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/tlcbridalboutique.com
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/tlcbridal
EMAIL: tlc@tlcboutique.com
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 14
TLC Bridal Boutique offers brides moderately-priced gowns in a high-end environment. Our boutique was founded on the concept of offering value without sacrificing quality and service, because we believe every bride deserves excellent customer service and attention to detail!
Tiffani Danielle Allen and Gregory Paul Esposito
about the wedding:
On May 14, 2016, Tiffani Danielle Allen and Gregory Paul Esposito were married at the PB Dye Golf Club, Ijamsville, Maryland. Their ceremony was officiated by Joan Nelson Phillips, and the reception was held there immediately afterwards.
The bride was given in marriage by her Mother, Mrs. Margie Jones Hodges Tiffani’s parents, Margie and Gary Hodges traveled to the wedding from Lexington, Kentucky. Tiffani’s brother Steven Allen, wife Cassie, and his family including Jade, Conner, and Jacob arrived from Ohio. Her niece Jade was the flower girl.
The groom is the son of Robert and Patricia Esposito, Adamstown, Maryland. His two brothers, Robert A. and James E. were there to show their love and support. His sister, Jennifer designed and created the KIWI Wedding Cake Topper. Extended family and friends traveled from Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Maryland to share the love and joy of the day.
about the couple:
Tiffani is the Store Manager of the Helzberg Diamonds Store in Clarksburg, Maryland. Gregory is the Director of Technology at Latcore, Frederick, Maryland. After a honeymoon to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, the happy couple reside in Urbana, Maryland.
how they met:
at a party hosted by friends
