Erik and Emily first met at a meeting for newly hired high school teachers in Camden, South Carolina in the summer of 2012. “The principal was the one who introduced us and joked about marriage and being a ‘matchmaker’ which we laughed off. However, what started as a friendship eventually turned into a relationship in 2016.”
Erik and Emily relocated to Maryland in 2017 after deciding to move closer to family and friends. Erik used Palmetto, their yellow lab, as a part of the proposal. Erik took Palmetto out for a walk, and cleverly tied the engagement ring around her neck to surprise Emily. Erik then sent Palmetto into the room where Emily was, and at first, Emily was very confused as to what was going on and didn’t realize the ring was there until Palmetto almost scratched it off. Down on one knee, Erik finally popped the question and Emily said yes immediately.
140 guests were in attendance for their June nuptials at Ostertag Vistas, including five bridesmaids and eight groomsmen. “During our ceremony, we had some unique interruptions that would only happen on a farm. Both interruptions happened during our vows. The first was from a resident donkey who conveniently “hee-hawed” and the second was from three tractors driving by making it hard to hear the vows.”
The couple chose a color palette of blush pink and bright blue suits for their “Rustic, romantic country wedding” decor. “My centerpieces for the dinner and reception tables were DIY. My mom, sisters and I spray-painted vases from antique stores. My dad made all of our wooden centerpieces. And a family friend bought our flowers from a wholesale market and put them together.”
Emily is a high school social studies teacher and Erik is a high school math teacher. They currently reside in Parkville, Maryland.
First dance: Thomas Rhett-Grave
Honeymoon: Negril, Jamaica
Vendors
Venue: Ostertag Vistas
Getting Ready: Courtyard by Marriott Frederick**
Catering: P.I.G.S. BBQ
Alcohol: Gateway Liquors
Photographer: Jessi Vaughn Photography
Photo Booth: Double E Entertainment
Dessert: Piece O’ Cake
Hair & Makeup: Roula’s Salon
Entertainment: Double E Entertainment
Videographer: Halsey Hayes
Transportation: Testerman Bus Service
