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Michelle and Jay were friends for years before finally going on their first official date at a wedding! It was an easy transition from a great friendship to true love and before long, Jay was preparing to pop the question. During their routine morning walk down the boardwalk, there beside the ocean, Jay knew that this was the only place to do it. Under the guise of looking for his brother who had gone kayaking that morning, Jay enticed Michelle to head to the surf. Michelle, unable to find Jay’s brother, became concerned so before worry became a call to the authorities, Jay got down on one knee and asked Michelle to be his wife! And of course, she said ‘yes’!
The two decided to have a wintertime wedding with all the lovely holiday trimming included. Delightful holiday music set the backdrop and even Santa Claus was invited to this special event! With a roaring fire in the fireplace to welcome everyone to The Elkridge Club, the historic, elegant venue where the reception would later be held, Michelle and Jay got dressed and ready in separate suites.
Michelle and Jay each paused during their preparations to read such beautiful notes that each wrote for their love. We always get excited for this touching moment, because it’s a wonderful way for the couple to express their love, their admiration, their hopes and their dreams in a very personal way. After her hair and makeup was perfect, Michelle got into her wedding gown with help from her mother and her bridal party which included Jay’s lovely daughters.
Michelle’s wedding gown was so amazing! She wore a dazzling strapless mermaid silhouetted dress that featured such beautiful and delicate beadwork. For the ceremony, she had fastened a long veil in the back of her hair, which she wore down in gorgeous waves. Michelle is so beautiful and was such a captivating bride!
Jay, looking ever so handsome in his classic black tux, met up with Michelle outside The Elkridge Club for their first look before the ceremony. It was such a sweet moment as neither could hold back their genuine excitement at the sight of each other! The team at Jodi and Kurt Photography was there to photograph this moment and all the formal and candid photos of the day and it was such a pleasure to work alongside them.
Then it was time to travel to the church to make it official! Michelle and Jay’s traditional ceremony was held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Owings Mills, MD, where wreaths adorned the doors and lanterns in preparation for the Christmas holiday. The Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ellis delivered a wonderful message for the couple and for their guests before leading Michelle and Jay in reciting their solemn vows to each other. They were pronounced ‘husband and wife’ and sealed it all with a couple of sweet kisses.
After their formal photo shoot was complete, we traveled back to The Elkridge Club in Baltimore for Michelle and Jay’s fantastic reception! Carolers greeted guests as they arrived at the exquisite country club, while soft holiday music filled the venue for the cocktail hour. And the whole room was filled with fragrant garlands and tall centerpieces overflowing with white blooms and lush greenery. It was the perfect scene for a wintertime wedding!
Michelle and Jay’s arrival was announced as they made their way into the venue to the cheers of their friends and family. Beautiful, heartfelt and (very clever!) toasts were given before Santa made his big arrival and visited with guests!
For their own wedding reception, Michelle and Jay thoughtfully chose the same band that entertained wedding guests at their first date. The Storytellers NYC rocked the house that evening and made sure everyone had a blast on that dance floor! It was a terrific party to celebrate a sweet couple and the love of a lifetime.
Congratulations to Michelle and Jay!
Photographer: Jodi and Kurt Photography – Washington, DC
Entertainment: The Storytellers NYC – New York, NY
Wedding Planner: Nouvelle Weddings – Briana Dixon – Baltimore, MD
Officiant: Reverend Dr. Malcolm Ellis – Owings Mills, MD
Church: St. Thomas Episcopal Church – Owings Mills, MD
Venue: The Elkridge Club – Baltimore, MD
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