This Maryland Wedding Melded East and West Coast Style

The Engagement Ring

Not only was Lauren's proposal a surprise, but her engagement ring was, too. "The only ring direction I ever gave Alex was [to get a] simple and skinny band," Lauren says, "and he nailed it." The ring featured a round-cut diamond and a delicate band encrusted with pavé-style stones.

The Invitations

The couple's invitations—created by Aerialist Press—were tied with ribbon and mailed with floral stamps that matched their color palette of soft green, peach, and cream.

The Location

"Kirkland Manor was just the epitome of Eastern shore living," says Lauren of the couple's decision to host their wedding at the private estate, which boasts views of the Miles River. Lauren also loved the venue's large green lawn, where "I could just picture myself walking down with my dad by my side to marry Alex," she says.

The Fashion

With just five months to find, buy, and alter a wedding dress, Lauren knew she wouldn't be able to try on dozens of gowns. "But it worked well," she says, "because I really wanted a simple, elegant dress," and the Suzanne Neville dress she selected "totally embodies that," Lauren says. "I loved the clean lines, deep V in the front and back, and the little lace detail at the bodice."

Alex donned a black J. Crew tuxedo that was conveniently already in his closet.

The Bouquet

Bows and Arrows created Lauren's bouquet using a mix of cream, peach, yellow, and pink blooms.

Bridesmaids' Dresses

Lauren chose two styles of sea glass-colored Jenny Yoo gowns for her six bridesmaids.

The Groomsmen

Alex's groomsmen followed his lead, dressing in matching black tuxedos for the big day.

Flower Girls

After buying her flower girls' all-white dresses on Etsy, Lauren purchased green ribbon to use as sashes, giving the garments a pop of color.

The Ceremony

On the wedding day, it poured rain, Lauren says. (Luckily, the showers cleared in time for the ceremony.) "We got a nor'easter!" Lauren says. "It caused a lot of stress the week of the wedding trying to figure out how to plan ahead, but it worked out perfect in the end."

The couple's 4 p.m. ceremony was held beneath a tent on the manor's lawn. "The ceremony was meant to be outside, but given the weather, we decided to do a tent," Lauren explains. "It worked well and was intimate. It was nice to have everyone gathered in there together."

Ceremony Details

Lauren and Alex exchanged vows they wrote themselves. "Alex's were incredible and made everyone tear up," Lauren recalls. "We wanted the chance to commit to each other and tell each other how we felt in our own words in front of everyone we loved."

Soft Melodies

A string trio played during the ceremony and also at the couple's cocktail hour.

Escort Cards

Escort cards were tucked into envelopes that matched those from the invitation suites.

The Reception

Lauren and Alex's wedding reception was also held beneath a tent—as Lauren describes it, "the most amazing and magical tent" ever—on the grounds of the estate.

The Tables

A mix of table shapes created a dynamic reception landscape; square tables were covered in soft green linens, while rectangular tables were left bare, adorned with a cream runner.

Table Numbers

Table numbers were printed in green to match the soft napkins on each table. Gold silverware lent an opulent feel to the otherwise simple place settings.

The Centerpieces

The centerpieces featured a mix of cream, peach, and pink roses, eucalyptus, and other dainty blooms and greenery.

The Lighting

Rattan lamps hung from the top of the tent, lending a warm, laid-back vibe to the reception. Greenery helped hide the lamps' wires.

The Cake

Lauren and Alex chose a three-tiered white wedding cake, created by Sugar Bakers; the confection was decorated with fresh flowers and greenery. "The top layer was a special request from my dad," says Lauren. "It's classic to the Eastern shore—Smith Island Cake."

First Dance

At first, Lauren and Alex couldn't choose a first dance song. "Then, one week before the wedding, we saw A Star is Born and our decision was made for us," Lauren says. "We danced to 'Always Remember Us This Way' by Lady Gaga. We loved the emotion and build in the song—it was just perfect!"

Sources

Photography, Sposto Photography

Location, Kirkland Manor

Event planning, Shannon Leahy Event Design and Planning

Catering, Occasions Caterers

Flowers, Bows and Arrows

Officiant, Beginnings and Ends

Stationery, Aerialist Press

Cake, Sugar Bakers

Music, Chesapeake Strings

Bride's gown, Suzanne Neville

Bride's shoes, Stuart Weitzman

Hair and makeup, Adriana Misoul

Bridesmaids' dresses, Jenny Yoo

Groom's suit, J. Crew

Menswear, The Black Tux

Rentals, Tent, and Lighting, Eastern Shore Tents and Events