Elegant Annapolis Wedding with Romantic Greenery
We’re kicking off the week with some black tie elegance in the form of this greenery-filled wedding in Annapolis, Maryland. Cristina and Colton married each other on the grounds of the 18th century manor Whitehall Annapolis, so we knew we were in store for some beautiful scenery in these images from Love by Serena. Elle Ellinghaus Designs and My Flower Box Events blew us away on event and floral design, as you’re about to see for yourself!
From the bride, Cristina: I wanted to have a much narrowed color palette for our wedding. Since my dress had a layer of detail, keeping the bridesmaids more simple was the goal. Also, with my dress having a tint of blush, I thought the classic black would be a great fit to the wedding party as well as maintain a timeless look. Our invitations were black letterpress, so a “classic black” detail was cohesive throughout the design. My wedding dress was a strapless A-line organza bridal gown with a detachable train made by Hayley Paige by JLM Couture. Details that I loved were: the printed flower chiffon overlay with the blush tulle layer underneath & the corset.
Our venue is hundreds of acres on the water, so the options were endless. However, my wedding planner and I agreed that the best spot would be walking out of the manor to a backdrop of the water. We did not want to block the view, only complement it, so there were two large urns of overflowing blooms at the front of the chairs and the back of the chairs to frame the space. Something unique for us was gaining permission to walk out of the manor itself, which is from the 1700s and usually does not allow anyone inside. Walking out of the door, down the stone steps, and down our long aisle with my Father was truly special.
After our reverend blessed us as husband & wife, my sisters draped my train/veil over Colton’s shoulder and wrapped a silver chain around us – symbolizing unity. The chain has been used in a number of family weddings so it was quite special and traditional. We actually had a spin to the sweet section. During the spring throughout fall, an ice cream truck comes on our street every night around 8. In order to incorporate something of our daily lives, the ice cream truck came to our wedding venue… Miss Twist!
From the photographer, Love by Serena: From when I first met Cristina and Colton for an evening video chat from their home in Baltimore, I knew their wedding at Whitehall Annapolis was going to be a fun one. We fell on the topic of their love for ice cream and they were excited to announce that the Miss Twist ice cream truck (that frequently drives past their home) would be making an appearance during their reception. To make this story even better, the Miss Twist truck actually stopped by during our call and ice cream was acquired… which was amazing on so many levels. Fast forward to their wedding weekend and there’s a 100% forecast of hurricane. And what do you know? It turned out to be a beautiful, sunny 70 degree day with not a dribble of rain. The two of them got ready at the Loews Annapolis Hotel and headed to the stunning Whitehall for their first look, ceremony, and reception. Cristina’s family is from Guatemala, so they incorporated some traditional elements into their ceremony. Many family members traveled quite the distance and it was wonderful to see the coming together of families in such a celebration. Their reception had it all: an amazing band (Pop Philly) who kept the floor packed all night, glow stick dance offs, the infamous Miss Twist Ice Cream Truck, and late night snacks.
From the wedding planner, Elle Ellinghaus Designs: Cristina & Colton’s wedding was a true “understated elegance” of a neutral palette with pops placed in perfect, strategically placed locations to make the event feel clean and cohesive, yet elegant and breathtaking. A large, white sailcloth tent matched the white, crisp linens. The gold, modern chairs added a chic-ness and matched the simple, but exquisite gold accents in the place settings. Greenery was used on the tables in the garland, the centerpieces and with a magnolia leaf on each plate to bring together the grass under the tent. There was a ten by ten structure filled with white roses from Cristina’s family’s garden and jasmine vine that hung over the dance floor in a manicured structure to bring both the green, chic and white aspects together.
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Love by Serena
Floral Design: My Flower Box Events
Event Planning and Design: Elle Ellinghaus Designs
Venue: Whitehall Annapolis
Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige
Bridal Store: Jennifer’s Bridal in Hockessin, DE
Beauty: Amie Decker Beauty
Rings: Bove Jewelers
Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier and Amsale
Catering: Rouge Fine Catering
Ice Cream: Miss Twist Ice Cream Truck
String Quartet: Gliss String Quartet
Band: Pop Philly EBE
Rentals: Event Pro Live, Loane Bros, Select Event Rentals, White Glove Rentals, Classic Party Rentals
Officiant: Reverend Ruth Beresford – Christ Church in Greenville, DE
Stationery: Apropos
Calligraphy: Every Little Letter Calligraphy & Design
Transportation: An Extraordinary Limousine
Dance Lessons: Blue Ballroom in Wilmington, DE
Thanks so much for sharing Cristina & Colton’s fun celebration!