Tag

valerie michelle photography

Outdoor April Antrim Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Caroline + Alec

Caroline and Alex met in 2011while in high school at a Baltimore Orioles game. “We’ve been together since junior year. He went to Loyola Blakefield, and I went to Maryvale, so our friend groups quickly became one big friend group. We were lucky to be able to share those big high school events with each other.”

The couple got engaged in their first apartment in December of 2020. “We always celebrate Christmas together on the 23rd. We go to a nice dinner and give each other our presents before we make our way down to Baltimore to be with our families for the holiday. I knew we’d eventually get engaged but did not expect it that day. He proposed under the Christmas tree, and our pug Sandy was there, it was perfect.”

210 guests, including a 26-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their April wedding at Antrim 1844. “We got married in the garden, and it was a beautiful day. We knew from the moment we saw The Antrim that it was where we would get married. It is the most beautiful venue. We wanted a place to spend the weekend with our family and wedding party together.”

After the ceremony, Alex and Caroline hosted a cocktail hour under the tent covering the croquet lawn. They also had a cigar bar for guests to enjoy throughout the night. “The feel before dinner was more of a semi-formal garden party, but after dinner, the band took over, and the vibe definitely shifted to a dance party. We danced all night.”

Caroline is in Business Development at Visa, and Alec is a Project Manager for Whiting-Turner in their Delaware office, where the couple resides.

First dance: The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra

Honeymoon: Turks and Caicos

Vendors

Venue: Antrim 1844**

Photographer: Valerie Michelle Photo**

Flowers: Stacy Bowen Florals

Attire: Bijou Bridal

Dessert: Grauls Bakery

Hair & Makeup: LLuminaire Salon

Entertainment: Bachelor Boys Band

Stationery: MLC Design

**FrederickWeddings.com member

Real Weddings

March Antrim Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Emily + Jordan

Emily and Jordan met in a high school science class in 2015. “After graduation, we admitted our feelings to one another, but decided it wasn’t smart to get into a relationship before going to college in separate states. On our first night at our respective schools, Jordan called me and said, ‘I can’t believe I thought I could go to college and forget about you. I never want to forget about you.’”

The couple got engaged in November of 2020 on the dock in Old Town Alexandria. “Jordan took me out to our favorite restaurant and then lead me on a walk down by the water. We walked over to a bench to sit when a real-life bride and groom walked in front of us with their wedding photographer. Jordan decided that that was our moment, so he stood up, grabbed my hands, and started to ask me to marry him.”

175 guests, including a 28-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their March wedding at Antrim 1844, with Emily’s uncle serving as the officiant. “We had a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the Rose Garden. We had perfect weather and even though we had such a big bridal party, it still felt like a family affair.”

Personal touches during the day were important to the couple. Emily’s godmother made their wedding cake, Emily wore opal earrings that belonged to her great grandmother, and a family friend made their greenery backdrop. The highlight of family involvement was the Pittsburgh Cookie Table that Emily’s grandmother, Connie, organized and put together. “Family on both sides made dozens and dozens of cookies to make an amazing cookie table. We felt so loved, and it was of course, delicious.”

Emily is a pre-k teacher in Arlington, and Jordan is an auditor for the federal government. They currently reside in Alexandria, Virginia.

First dance: How Good It Is by Morningsiders

Honeymoon: St. Lucia

Vendors

Venue: Antrim 1844**

Photographer: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Dessert: CakeHero

Flowers: My Flower Box Designs

Hair & Makeup: Swept, LLC

Entertainment: AJ Productions

Videographer: A Golden Fox Productions

**FrederickWeddings.com member

Real Weddings

Dulaney’s Overlook October Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Kayla + Justin

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Justin and Kayla met in 2011 in Salisbury, where Kayla was attending college, at a favorite local bar. In 2018, the two got engaged during a hike.

The couple married just shortly after their ten-year anniversary at Dulany’s Overlook in Walkersville in October 2021. “It was the first and last venue we looked at. We fell in love with it and knew we wanted our dog involved so it had to be an outdoor wedding. We were supposed to get married in 2020 but had to postpone it due to Covid.”

150 guests, including an 11-person wedding party, helped them celebrate their fall nuptials. “We picked some of our favorite music to walk out to. We also incorporated our dog who is basically our child.”

Kayla and Justin leaned into the fall season and chose burnt orange and maroon colors for their laid-back wedding decor. “We served late-night pretzels and dips and also had a yummy interactive pasta station during cocktail hour.”

Kayla works for Humane Society International and Justin works at Volvo Silver Spring. They currently reside in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

First dance: Brett Young, In Case You Didn’t Know

Honeymoon: Aruba

Vendors

Venue: Dulany’s Overlook

Catering: Celebrations Catering

Photography: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Dessert: Starry Night Bakery

Flowers: Ory Florals**

Hair & Makeup: UpDos For I Dos

Entertainment: Shew-sical Entertainment **

Videography: Sam Stroud Photography

Officiant: Weddings By Norm

**FrederickWeddings.com

Real Weddings

Fall Magnolia Manor Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Jillian and William

Jillian and William met in 2013 through mutual friends. “I was out for a girl’s night and Bill was leaving the bar where he was working and the guy we were with saw him and invited him to come hang out with us. We ended up going on our first date the following week and the rest is history.”

Eighty guests, including a twelve-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their nuptials in October. “Our wedding ceremony was perfect. My brother walked me down the aisle. Our infant nephew was the ring bearer and was pulled down the aisle by my other brother. We especially loved that our daughter was able to be part of the wedding as the flower girl. She looked absolutely beautiful going down the aisle with my mother.”

The couple chose to lean into the fall season with their decor and color palette. “Most of our color palette was deep burnt orange, reds with splashes of all the wonderful colors we see throughout fall.”

“I think our favorite part of our wedding day was honestly just being able to finally have our wedding and celebrate with all those we love. Our wedding was originally supposed to be in 2020 but was rescheduled due to Covid.”

Jillian is a Surety Underwriting Partner and Bill is a Bar Manager. They currently reside in Taneytown, Maryland.

First dance: The Wind and The Wave, “Chasing Cars”

Honeymoon: Jamaica

Vendors

Venue: Seasons at Magnolia Manor**

Photography: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Dress: Love It! At Stella’s Bridal and Fashion**

Flowers: Flowers by Wendy Carol

Hair & Makeup: The Spa on West Main

Entertainment: DJ T

**FrederickWeddings.com member

Real Weddings

Summer Vineyard Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Jason + Morgan

Jason and Morgan grew up in the same neighborhood. “Whether it was swimming, sledding, or touch football, all the neighborhood kids would meet and play for hours on end. At that time we had no way of knowing our future spouse was standing right there, but when we reconnected in the summer of 2016 there was a spark and we had a lot of catching up to do.”

The couple got engaged on Labor Day weekend in 2019 at Black Ankle Vineyards. “I walked into the vines because Jason pointed out some delicious-looking grapes and then came out with fresh rock on my finger. I thought the excitement was over but when we got to the tasting room I was met by over twenty of our closest friends and family members.”

150 guests, including a twelve-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their wedding day in June. “We were nervous wrecks as the forecast predicted storms all evening. As fate would have it, we had nothing but blue skies and sunshine outside of a brief shower, which actually produced a double rainbow. Jason’s Aunt was our officiant and told our story to those in attendance. We exchanged our own vows and there were very few dry eyes in the crowd. Jason swept me off my feet and carried me out in front of everyone.”

Morgan and Jason chose a rustic wedding theme, using lots of greenery and vines for their semi-formal wedding at Black Ankle Vineyards. “Our family lives next to the vineyard so it has always been a special place for us. Unmatched scenery, rolling hills, and incredible wine. What else do you need?”

Jason is an Intelligence Analyst and Morgan is a high school health and physical education teacher. They currently reside in Sykesville, Maryland.

First dance: You Got What I Need, Joshua Radin

Honeymoon: Hawaii

Vendors

Venue: Black Ankle Vineyards

Photography: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Flowers: Blossom and Basket Boutique**

Catering: P.I.G.S

Dessert: Dandelion Bakery

Rentals: Elite Tents and Events

Hair & Makeup: Kait Jones

Entertainment: Andy Gotsch, Baltimore’s DJ

Real Weddings

Outdoor October Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Alexa + Matt

Matt and Alexa met in 2014 while both working at a bar. “He was the manager, I was a hostess and we were both in different relationships at that time. We quickly became good friends through work, but eventually went our separate ways. About a year later, Matt reached out to me for some help with marketing on his real estate business and I was so excited for the opportunity. We picked up right where we had left off and realized there was clearly more than just friendship between us.”

The couple got engaged at the end of 2019, when Alexa had just returned from a friend’s bridal shower. “While I was gone Matt went over to my dad’s house to ask for his blessing. Matt’s original plan was to propose the following day in Annapolis, but when I got home he just couldn’t help himself. He proposed to me in the middle of our kitchen. He got down on one knee and just said, ‘BOOM! Will you marry me?’ He then followed that with the beautiful speech he had planned, but our families joke that he was so nervous that he went completely blank and all he could think to say was a sound effect.”

Eighty guests, including a six-person wedding party, were in attendance for their October 2020 nuptials. “We held our ceremony overlooking the beautiful rolling hills at Linganore Winecellars. Along with greenery, roses, and blue thistle, my wedding bouquet also had sunflowers in memory of my mom. While we had our ceremony at Linganore Winecellars, we held our reception at a local farm.”

First dance: Can’t Help Falling In Love – Kina Grannis version

Honeymoon: Florida

Vendors

Ceremony: Linganore Winecellars**

Reception: Idlewild Farm

Catering: Fine Cuisine

Photography: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Dessert: Starry Night Bakery

Flowers: Blossom & Basket Boutique**

Rentals: Allied Party Rentals

Hair & Makeup: Glam Bridal Beauty

Entertainment: Everything Entertainment

**FrederickWeddings.com member

Real Weddings

September Ceresville Military Wedding :: Real Frederick Weddings :: Haley and Matt

Matt and Haley met on Tinder. “At first I didn’t believe that he was actually a real person because of some of the comments he would make. I would soon learn that he was just a naturally funny and sarcastic guy. We had our first date at a small bar in Westminster and talked non-stop all night.”

Matt proposed during a winter photoshoot that his mother had set up. “Matt didn’t tell anyone that he had planned to propose during the shoot, but was hoping his mom could capture my genuine reaction and the moment. When Matt got down on one knee, he said, ‘Are we getting married or what’ in true Matt fashion. His thoughtfulness to capture that in photos for us was the greatest gift. I’m so happy I can look back at the exact moment our lives changed forever.”

140 guests, including a 12-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their September nuptials at Ceresville Mansion. “Our wedding ceremony was very special because my grandfather was our officiant. From the music to my grandfather, to seeing my handsome Marine as I walked down the aisle, was truly the most beautiful thing.”

The couple chose a semi-formal theme for their wedding. “We wanted our guests to be comfortable in case it was a hot September day, but to also class it up some for the elegant vibe Ceresville Mansion gives off. We didn’t have a specific theme, but our colors were wine, champagne, and soft green. I enjoyed the small details of the wedding. The signs that were handmade, the donut stand Matt made, and the candles my mom and I made. The personal touches are some of my favorites.”

Matt is a Marine and a mason. Haley is an embryologist. They currently reside in Westminster, Maryland.

first dance: Chicago, You’re the inspiration

honeymoon: Hawaii

Vendors

Venue: Ceresville Mansion**

Photography: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Rigs: Littman Jewelers

Cake: Debbie Brown

Donuts: Fractured Prune

Flowers: Blossom and Basket Boutique**

Alterations: Precise Stitchery

Hair & Makeup: Bladerunner Hair Nail and Skin

Entertainment & lighting: DJ Tabasko

**FrederickWeddings.com member

Real Weddings

Fall-themed Glen Ellen Farm Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Crystal and Michael

Crystal met Michael through his sister at a college party. “We had been together for about eight years before getting engaged in 2019.”

Michael proposed on a helicopter ride above Baltimore. “Mike asked if I wanted to go on a helicopter ride that his friend from work had bought on Groupon and wasn’t able to use. I didn’t suspect anything. As we were flying over Baltimore city at night all lit up Mike turned to me and said ‘Crystal Marie Perry, will you marry me?’ It was beautiful, magical, and totally unexpected. He really surprised me which doesn’t happen often.”

125 guests, including a nine-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their October nuptials at Glen Ellen Farm. “We had a short outdoor ceremony with our family and friends. A family friend got ordained online to marry us and it made the day even more special.”

The couple chose a rustic fall theme for their wedding decor. “We wanted a laid-back feel but still elegant. We went with soft colors, sage with accents of cream and gold. Small touches of fall with little pumpkins for decorations, wood touches for the rustic feel, and the venue provided the outdoor vibe we wanted. We had a s’mores bar at the fire pit for our guests. We exited our wedding through a line of sparklers held by all our dearest family and friends.”

Crystal is an ICU nurse and mike is a project manager. They currently reside in Baltimore.

First dance: Yours by Russell Dickerson

Honeymoon: Asheville, North Carolina

Vendors

Venue: Glen Ellen Farm

Photographer: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Catering: Canapes**

Entertainment: Chris Styles Events**

Coordination: Chantilly Design & Events

Dress: Love it at Stellas

Makeup: Karli Burriss

Hair: Kelly Rouston

Real Weddings

October Linganore Winecellars Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Danielle and Mike

Danielle and Mike met ten years ago and were high school sweethearts. “I was a sophomore and Mike was a senior when we met and we’ve been together ever since.”

Mike’s proposal began when he surprised Danielle with a date to the Rusty Scupper in the Inner Harbor. “I had no idea what was coming. He reserved us the most beautiful table overlooking the water and then when dessert came, he fumbled in his coat pocket and he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Our server knew and took pictures as he got down on his knee. And then the whole restaurant started clapping for us. It was perfect.”

One-hundred and fifty guests, including a fourteen-person wedding party helped the couple celebrate their October 2019 nuptials at Linganore Winecellars. “It was an outside ceremony overlooking the vineyards. It was right before sunset in the most picture-perfect setting. The weather was perfect.”

Danielle and Mike chose a rustic barn theme to compliment the venue. “The color palette was burgundy with sunflowers and the groomsmen wore navy blue. “The day was filled with so much happiness and dancing. It was a big reunion of family and lifelong friends. We literally danced the entire night away with all of our closest friends and family. We had all of our guests waive glow sticks as we left the reception.”

Danielle is a contract administrator for a small government contractor and Mike is a low-voltage technician for Vintage Security. They currently reside in Eldersburg.

First dance: My Side of the Fence, Dan + Shay

Honeymoon: Hawaii

Vendors

Venue: Linagore Winecellars**

Catering: Fine Cuisine

Photography: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Dress: Love It! at Stella’s Bridal & Fashions

Dessert: Spirited Sweets by Laura

Flowers: Hutchinson’s Florist

Makeup: Isabelle Stewart

Hair: Lucja MD Bridal Hairstylist

Entertainment: DJ Daniel Thorpe

Videographer: Clay Estes Productions

Real Weddings

November Holiday Ceresville Mansion Wedding :: Real Frederick Wedding :: Samantha and Joseph

Samantha and Joseph met while working at a restaurant and both attending Frostburg State University. “We were good friends for two years before he decided to make his move in 2014.”

The couple dated for four years before Joseph proposed in 2019. “I knew I met the girl I was supposed to marry long before the actual proposal. We had only been dating for a few weeks and were driving from Frostburg to Silver Spring for me to meet her family and I just knew. Everything just felt right being with her.”

One hundred and fifty guests, including a twelve-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their November nuptials at Ceresville Mansion. “We asked a family friend to marry us. We loved having someone we knew to join us as husband and wife. Joe and I were in our world and felt like we were the only two in the room. After we had our first kiss, My uncle and cousin performed the ceremony music as we walked out holding hands with the biggest smiles.”

The couple went for a timeless semi-formal feel with a “splash of holiday magic” for their wedding theme. “The holidays are my favorite time of the year. The mansion had all the wood-burning fireplaces going, candles, a Christmas tree in the front entrance, twinkly light Christmas trees for the reception, and the pergola was decorated with greenery and garland.”

Joseph is a financial management analyst and Samantha is a data sustainment specialist. They currently reside in Walkersville.

First dance: Amazed – Lonestar

Honeymoon: Barbados

Vendors

Getting ready: Courtyard by Marriott**

Venue: Ceresville Mansion**

Photography: Valerie Michelle Photography**

Photobooth: Shiny Entertainment

Dress: The Bridal Boutique

Bouquets: The Little Bouquet

Entertainment: Shiny Entertainment

Transportation: A Touch of Class Limousine

**FrederickWeddings.com members