Melissa & Tom- Maria’s Love Point Wedding

Melissa and Tom’s Maria’s Love Point Wedding in Stevensville, Maryland was a very relaxed and intimate affair. Melissa was sent to me as a referral from one of her friends. I have now shot 4 weddings and one engagement session within the same group of friends. It is so much fun to see them all at each wedding and has been an incredible experience getting to know these amazing people!

Maria’s Love Point is a bed and breakfast that sits right on the water on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. This place is truly gorgeous. I was impressed right away by how well the grounds were maintained. We started with the girls getting ready upstairs. Hair and makeup was done right at the bed and breakfast. There were perfect little alcoves of light that were great for the makeup artist. It was also great to have these little coves of natural light for portraits. We finished up with the girls and went to see Tom and the guys. Tom started off feeling a little funny about having his photo taken. He really loosened up as the day went on and as he got to know Katie and I.

Melissa and Tom decided to do a first look before the ceremony. The lawn overlooking the Bay was the perfect spot for this. I think it was great for the two of them to see each other to get the nerves out of the way. We took advantage of the amazing grounds for photos and Melissa and Tom had some time to relax before the ceremony.

The ceremony site overlooked the Bay. The breeze off the water allowed us a much needed break from this summer’s oppressive heat. Melissa and Tom kept their guest list small. I think they only had about 75 guests. Their friend Brad (whose wedding I shot 2 years ago) was the officiant. Brad’s wife, Nikki played some of the ceremony music. It was a very quick and intimate affair.

Cocktail hour took place by the pool. I took the chance to get photos of all of the details that they put together. Melissa and Tom did most of this wedding themselves. There was a large oar for people to sign. Tom actually carved it himself. Melissa put together her own flower bouquet. They decided to use starfish and sand in the centerpieces to go with their seaside theme.

After cocktail hour, guests were ushered into the tent. The entrances were followed by dances and toasts. After the toasts, the sunset at the front of the house was spectacular. We took some time to capture this with Melissa and Tom in front of the corn field. I’m so glad we were able to catch these 10 minutes.  The photos really are spectacular. Back in the tent, guests enjoyed food stations served by Windows Waterfront Catering. The DJ, Chris Temple, kicked off the dancing portion of the evening. There were some amazing dance moves at this wedding! At the end of the night, Katie took a photo of me with everyone there whose weddings and engagements I have shot. I absolutely love this photo as I have loved getting to know all of these people over the last few years. Thank you, Melissa and Tom, for allowing me to capture your intimate affair. I loved spending the day with you and wish you all the best!