Merritt & Christian

We were introduced through a referral, a connection that came about because one of her bridesmaids had been a previous bride of mine. Serendipitously, I had the chance to meet Merritt and Christian at a wedding where I was working. Instantly, I felt a strong connection and enthusiasm to collaborate with them when I discovered that their upcoming wedding was planned to take place on their ancestral property, Godlington Manor, nestled in the picturesque Chestertown, Maryland. This historic family estate, passed down through generations since the 1700s, exudes an undeniable charm and boasts breathtaking views of the tranquil Chester River.

When it came to the design of their day, color was the focus! The linens were purchased directly from a private vendor and were the start of creating their fun design. I loved how Merritt and Christian weren’t afraid to mix and match and didn’t have a universal design. From the bridesmaid’s dresses, linens, and to the personal collection of ginger jars at the head table, all were different and such monumental details of the overall vision. The florals arrangements designed by Jennifer were absolutely gorgeous. The peonies were in season and bloomed beautifully in every arrangement. They were certainly talked about throughout the evening. I loved how Merritt repurposed her bridesmaid’s bouquets to the head table. After the ceremony was complete, I took the girl’s bouquets and drove back to the property to quickly place the bouquets before the guests arrived. 

I have two favorite parts of the day. The first is when I saw Merritt in her dress. I just so happened to be checking in on her when Merritt did her reveal with her bridesmaids. She was a vision. Full of elegance and grace, I certainly got a bit emotional.

The second cherished memory was the ceremony itself, hosted at the Emmanual Church within the picturesque town. The charming town setting, complete with bell chimes and quaint shops surrounding the church, set a welcoming tone for the day’s festivities.

Following the ceremony, guests congregated at the family property for cocktail hour, while Merritt and Christian embarked on a boat from the church. The Bachelor Boys’ music resonated through the air as guests savored signature drinks such as the Honey Deuce and Aperol Spritz, kicking off the evening’s celebration. As anticipation mounted for the newlyweds’ arrival, guests meandered through a delightful garden of flowers to locate their seating assignments. Cheers erupted from the property as Merritt and Christian made their grand entrance, welcomed by their joyous friends and family.

The heart of their wedding design centered around color, creating an enchanting visual tapestry. A significant starting point for their vibrant design journey was the linens, sourced directly from a private vendor. Merritt and Christian fearlessly embraced a mix-and-match approach, eschewing a uniform design. The uniqueness flowed through various elements, from the bridesmaids’ dresses to the exquisite linens, and even extended to the captivating collection of ginger jars adorning the head table. Each element held its own significance, weaving together a tapestry of meaning and vision. The floral arrangements, masterfully crafted by Jennifer, showcased the sublime beauty of peonies, perfectly timed to be in full bloom. The peonies, a topic of conversation throughout the evening, lent an air of elegance and charm to every arrangement.

The dance floor remained alive throughout the night, and the flexible timeline ensured that Merritt and Christian could immerse themselves in what truly mattered to them: enjoying precious moments with their loved ones and embracing the sheer joy of the occasion. The evening concluded on a dazzling note as everyone gathered outside the tent for a breathtaking fireworks display. Despite the day’s challenging winds, luck was on their side, allowing the fireworks to grace the sky. A quick call to the fireworks coordinator initiated the spectacle right as the couple left the tent. This spectacular display illuminated the night sky, providing a fittingly awe-inspiring conclusion to their wedding day.

Throughout the weekend, Merritt and Christian fostered deeper connections with their cherished family and friends, basking in the glow of their newfound marital bond. Their choice to embrace their family property lent a profound authenticity to their celebration, a testament to their love’s enduring beauty. I feel deeply honored to have played a modest role in their extraordinary celebration, a memory etched in the tapestry of their shared journey.

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