There is so much charm in this Annapolis real wedding: the beautiful venue, the lush florals, the big families that were all part of the celebration. One of the details that really makes us smile is the Caitlin’s dress story. We love how she knew she’d find it as soon as she walked in Lovely Bride. And how her romantic Hayley Paige ballgown was everything she wanted, but nothing like she’d originally envisioned. We can’t imagine a more perfect gown for this pretty celebration!
Caitlin + Russ | October 28, 2017 | Annapolis, Maryland
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was extremely personal to us, and felt very warm and intimate at the Historic Inns. Russ, my husband’s, brother Joseph was our officiant, and my friend/bridesmaid Caitlyn sang in our ceremony. We wrote our own vows, and our wedding party was made up of 16 family members/close friends (8 on each side). We’re both from large families and all of our siblings had a role either as groomsmen/bridesmaids, or readers/ushers/programs. Before the official ceremony, Russ and I did a first look by the water on the dock down main street. I was driven in a golf cart down to meet him. We kept it private except our photographer who gave us space and then came up to snap some photos. We kept things fall with the colors, my flowers were blush and burgundy and so were my ladies dresses – they could pick whatever they wanted as long as they followed that color palette. Because our wedding was halloween weekend, we added our own touches to the already-beautiful brick and string light vibe at the Historic inns. My friends and sisters helped me paint little and medium sized pumpkins white and gold and silver, and we placed them all over the patio outside where the cocktail hour was held. Our ceremony had both my godparents reading and a unity candle that both of our mothers lit to join the families, and after we proceeded out everyone in our immediate wedding party met in a side back room and popped bottles while we signed our marriage certificate!
The Reception
Reception was in the same location as the venue, and it was a blast! We had a cocktail hour on the patio and then we did reception entrances/first dance. Our first dance song was Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, and we had a live band perform that and the music for the rest of the night. We sat for dinner and speeches and then the dance floor reopened with our parent dances – I danced to The Way You Look Tonight with my dad, and Russ danced to Sweet Baby James with his mom (James is his first name). Then we tore it up! We had a photo booth and cornhole, and late night, they put out halloween candy in halloween-y bowls I brought.
Caitlin’s Wedding Dress Search
I tried on maybe 7 or 8 but in only two different locations – Bhldn by Anthropologie and Lovely Bride in Georgetown. As soon as I went to Lovely Bride I knew I’d get my dress there – there were so many beautiful styles. I thought I wanted something totally the opposite of what I ended up getting. I wanted something fitted, beaded with some bling maybe, with sleeves…definitely didn’t want a sweetheart strapless gown. But when I tried on my first ballgown silhouette I knew that was it – I had to have one. The very second ball gown I tried on was the one! I was between two Haley Paige dresses in the end, but knew I made the right choice leading up to my wedding day and on the day-of. It just felt perfect. I felt like a princess floating when I walked, and people kept complimenting me all night on it.
How She Felt In Her Hayley Paige Gown
Ethereal, beautiful, royal
Why She’s Selling Her Wedding Dress
My wedding dress was perfect, and if I had the space to keep such an incredible dress, maybe I would. But we all know I can’t wear it again, and living in Washington, DC in an apartment, it’s tough to try to store here. I hope someone will wear it and feel as incredible on their wedding day in it as I did. This dress has that effect! You’ll never forget how you feel in it.
