Storm clouds were threatening all morning. Ominous clouds hung low and dark in the skies, but the mood was not echoed in the bridal room where Stephanie was getting ready. As I walked into the room, the air was happy and contagious laughter was everywhere! Stephanie was surrounded by her parents, sisters and best girls. She was glowing, and for good reason. She and her groom are high school sweethearts and they’ve been together for several years. Dave had just graduated from the Naval Academy (as a Marine) just a few days before the wedding, with orders to make the next move. Dave and his bride, just two best friends, anxiously awaiting to tie the knot and start their little adventure.

Despite the clouds, the rain held off until just after the ceremony….and the skies let loose. It poured down rain from the time everyone got in their cars until they showed up at the reception. Then it stopped. For just enough time for us to take pictures outside…then it started again once all the guests were under cover! Every detail was perfect… months and months of detailed planning turned out beautifully. Most importantly, they were enveloped with love by each guest that was there. So many kind words were spoken about these two: how they met, how they treat others, etc. It’s clear to see how well these two go together, and how they’ll manage to be happy throughout anything that may come their way!

Congratulations, Stephanie and Dave! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

Ceremony: Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis, MD

Reception: Old South Country Club, Lothian, MD

Photographer: Melissa Barrick of MB Photography, LLC

Dress: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Salon, Reisterstown, MD

 

So midway through the reception, the groomsmen (and Dave!) surprised Stephanie with a fully-choreographed dance to the song “Call Me Maybe.” It was HILARIOUS. One of their guests caught the whole thing on video and posted it to YouTube. You can view it HERE (it’s a little dark, but worth a look!). Part way through the song, Dave broke through all of his guys dancing and started singing/dancing to Stephanie.

…and of course she swooned 🙂 and got up to dance with her new husband while the groomsmen continued their choreographed dance behind them!

It was quite a party!

 

Stephanie tore up the dance floor….

…meanwhile… all of the men were outside enjoying fine whiskey and cigars. I had to beg them to let me come out there – I was not welcome! “No girls allowed,” they said.

Dave with his new father-in-law.