Back on April 6, 2008, I had to opportunity to shoot Katie & Phil's wedding at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD.  I've never been here before so I didn't know what to expect, but once there, it was one of the most beautiful locations to have a wedding.  They had their ceremony under (yes I said under) the Hooper Trait Lighthouse and it was just the coolest.  Katie and Phil were two of the most laid back bride and groom that I've ever met.  When we showed up, she was just hanging out with family members in her gown without a care in the world.  They opted to see each other and take formal pictures with family before the ceremony, which I highly recommend.  These days many still go back and forth on seeing each other before the ceremony, and it's obviously an individual choice.  However, for those on the fence, I think it's a great way to have that moment to yourselves before guests and the photographers (LOL) swarm you after the ceremony.  It also allows the bride and groom to not miss out on as much of the cocktail hour partying because they're taking formal photos.  I know as a former bride looking back, I wish I didn't miss as much of our cocktail hour.  Back to Katie and Phil, these two planned a very intimate, relaxed, and personal celebration of themselves as a couple which was a joy to be a part of.  There were so many details and moments that evoked an "aww" or "wow".  Photos of each of the guests were at the tables as placecards, favors were cute boxes of M&Ms with their names on them, the list goes on.  Here are some highlights:

The bell tower with the ceremony site in the background.

The cute couple on the lighthouse balcony.

Now onward with the awesome details, the lovely corset back gown.

Check out these cufflinks with the tie! 

I LOVE her ring!

Her fabulous hair, did I mention that I love orchids?

The bouquet was so unique!

Looks like Phil likes her bouquet too.

Isn't she beautiful?

Here's your "aww" moment:  the weather was a bit breezy that day.  However, when Phil noticed it got a little to chilly, he put his coat on Katie for the remainder of the ceremony.  It was so sweet.

The newly married couple sharing a moment after the ceremony.

Their first dance was a very lively and fun jig.  The live bluegrass band was terrific!

Instead of a cake, they had pie towers.  I love this idea!

I caught this funny reaction from a guest checking out the gift that Phil's sister gave him.

You know, I had to sneak in this cutiepie in.  Isn't she just adorable?

The dance floor was packed all night.  This guy shows us how to "Jump Around" a la House of Pain.

So I'm going to end things on this random picture.  I overheard some guys mentioning that they thought it was hilarious that they had arrangements in the men's room.  Of course, this peaked my curiosity as to what this would look like.  So I snuck into the men's bathroom and snapped a picture of it.  Seriously, I don't think I saw this one on Martha Stewart, but I do commend the recycled use of the Bud Light can   Cheers!

Congrats to Katie & Phil and I wish you both all the happiness in the world.  Thanks again to Emily Jackson for letting me join in on this awesomely unique wedding!