Southern Weddings

With the help of their planner, Courtney Kappus of Moore & Co. Events, Laura and Neil transformed the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club into a fabulous venue that was completely unique, and totally their own! I love how they used colorful blooms to complement their black, white, and gold decor, and how fun is that marquee above the band? As they celebrated while dancing under a beautiful tent dressed with glittering lights, surrounded by rolling hills and running horses, Laura and Neil always kept their focus on why they were celebrating in the first place.

We’re so happy Jeff Frandsen of Brooke Courtney Photography was on hand to capture this lovely day!

We met at the pool of our apartment building. I was one of the first people at the pool that day and I saw him walk in. I remember everything about that moment. I willed him in my direction and he sat right next to me. I obviously said nothing, too bashful to even look up from my book. About 30 minutes passed before my friend arrived, and I asked if she wanted a glass of wine. The cute guy next to me, my back now to him, announced “I would love a glass.” Done and done. We introduced ourselves, talked till the sun set, and have been inseparable since that moment.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? We wanted something different–a place where our guests had never attended a wedding before. We wanted a location that reflected the season and the beauty that is the Maryland countryside. The fox hunting club had understated elegance, and the fact that it was not a venue at all allowed us to play up a unique theme with just a few whimsical details

We wanted elegant and classic music for the ceremony that was a bit more interesting than the standard choices. We had “Stranger in Paradise” and “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera played for the prelude, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach for the seating of the families,”Rondeau” by Mouret for the processional, and “Te Deum” by Charpentier for my walk down the aisle. The recessional was to “Water Music” by Handel. Having a trumpet play seemed quite fitting given the steeplechase and fox hunt surroundings.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? The whole feeling of the night was Southern–we danced under a beautiful tent dressed with glittering lights, surrounded by rolling hills and running horses. We also really like chicken and waffles and ham biscuits, so naturally, we needed to have them served at cocktail hour!

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The lanterns hanging from the trees and above the dance floor made our reception so magical. I also loved the boxwood around the dance floor, the marquee sign that hung behind the band, the Rifle Paper Co. notecards we made into table numbers, the signature cocktail we named after our sweet labrador, Mya, and the overall color scheme of the day.

I borrowed a white coral beaded bracelet that belonged to my grandmother. My mother and my aunt had both worn it on their wedding days, too. For my something old and blue, I carried a handkerchief that Neil’s twin sister made for her own wedding two years ago out of their late mother’s wedding dress. It was embroidered in blue with their initials, and she gave it to me at my bridal shower. My something new was my sparkly gold glitter shoes.

Don’t miss Laura and Neil’s video from Wise Films!

Tell us all about the proposal! I hurried through the door of our home hoping to make it to a friend’s party on time when I heard “our” song playing. I turned the corner to find Neil on bended knee, in a tuxedo, with champagne, holding a ring box, sweating bullets. He told me how much he loved me and finally asked, “Laura Jane, will you marry me?”
When did y’all get married? June 7, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 155
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I had visited four shops and found a few dresses I liked, but I ended up going with something completely different than what I had envisioned. I walked out of the fitting room and felt like a movie star. The dress was simple, but elegant, and I liked being able to add my own touches with my lace-trimmed veil and sparkly beaded sash.
Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? We wanted our own special moment to connect before the chaos of the day, so I am so glad we chose to do a first look. It helped ease a lot of nerves so that we were really able to enjoy the day of our marriage.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. Our cake was super simple because Neil and I really wanted individual strawberry shortcakes–the real kind, with a shortbread biscuit, fresh strawberries, and lemon crème fraiche.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We prioritized what was important to us and I did a TON of research. I recommend hiring a planner, as they can save you money through the relationships they have.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Don’t drive yourself crazy striving for perfection. Don’t worry about what other people might think of your wedding details. Remember why you are celebrating in the first place, and always remain gracious.

Photographer: Jeff Frandsen of Brooke Courtney Photography / Videographer: Wise Films / Planner: Courtney Kappus of Moore & Co Events / Venue: Elkridge Harford Hunt Club / Florist: Petal and Print / Cake Baker: Mary Elliott / Caterer: Laurrapin / Rentals: Party Party and Loane Brothers / Lighting: Davinci / Band: Spectrum / Special Details: XOXO Vintage / Paper Products: The Pleasure of Your Company / Bride’s Gown: “Dakota” by Nicole Miller / Bridal Salon: Garnish Boutique / Bride’s Earrings: Kate Spade / Bride’s Veil: Sara Gabriel / Bride’s Sash: Untamed Petals / Hair Stylist: Devon Baltimore / Makeup Artist: Blend Makeup Artistry / Bride’s Shoes: J. Crew / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Assorted styles in Vanilla, Guava, Blush, and Opal by Amsale / Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse / Ties: The Tie Bar / Draping: 27 Studios / Boxwoods: Plants Alive / Linens: Linen Hero / Farm Tables: Vintage Affairs

Written with love by Marissa