Emily, an interior designer from Maryland, and Michael, a real estate finance professional from New York, attended the University of Alabama at the same time, but didn’t meet until a mutual friend introduced them in Dallas later. It was love at first sight, and two and a half years after their first date at the restaurant Hudson House, aptly located on Lovers Lane, they got engaged on a sunset cruise while celebrating Emily’s birthday with 30 of their closest friends and family.
For their June wedding on Gibson Island north of Annapolis, the couple chose an “elegant coastal Nantucket wedding” theme full of hydrangeas and a blue-and-white color scheme. Emily’s favorite details included the monogrammed dance floor, the sailcloth tent, and the flowers, which she said came together like a dreamy Hallmark movie. Michael’s favorite detail was the custom watercolor painting of their black lab Cam, which was featured on the cocktail napkins, welcome sign, and other areas throughout the day.
Other highlights of the design included the monogrammed cocktail stirrers and mints; the sailboat-centric specialty cocktail menu for the outdoor bar; painted Annapolis-themed oyster shells for guests to take home; a hydrangea chandelier; a surf-and-turf dinner that included Maryland jumbo lump crabcakes; a five-tier wedding cake; a groom’s cake in the shape of the Texas state flag; and a coffee and gelato bar on the patio. Following the wedding day, the newlyweds honeymooned for 10 nights at the Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa in St. Barts. See the photos of their big day below.
See the photos from the wedding below.
Wedding Details
Photographer: Vness Photography
Venue and caterer: Gibson Island Club
Planning and design: Michele Hodges Events
Florals, bar, seating chart, and calligraphy: Edge Floral Event Designers
Stationery, watercolor: Paper in the Park
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
Hairstylist: Natalya Anderson, Alya Salon
Makeup artist: Shenoa Nicole
Bride’s attire: Sophia Tolli from Sage Bridal (dress); Martina Liana from Elegance by Roya (veil)
Groom’s attire: Culwell & Son in Dallas
Bridesmaids attire: Kennedy Blue
Music: Gentleman & Their Lady Band
Rentals: DC Rental and Select Event Group
Transportation: Blanchard Limo (buses); VintageLimos.Biz (vintage Rolls Royce)
Videographer: SVC Films (watch the film, here)
Lighting: Digital Lightning
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
