Jake & Stephanie’s Antrim 1844 Wedding

Jake and Stephanie’s June 26th wedding was our first wedding since the coronavirus pandemic hit the US. And it was so great to get back behind the booth!

The gardens at Antrim 1844 were in full bloom for Jake and Stephanie’s big day. In fact, it was a floral-filled event from start to finish, from Stephanie and the bridal party’s floral “getting ready” robes to the floral garlands that served as a backdrop to the ceremony. 

Rather than choosing the arbor as their ceremony spot, Jake and Stephanie said their vows under the shade of a massive elm tree in the “Secret Garden.” The leaves and grass were so vibrant green, it looked like a filter was over the whole site. Hanging strands of oversized ivory flowers dangled from a bending bough of the elm, to create a backdrop that fit in with the natural setting.

Photo by Pearly Kate Photography

The bridal party entered the site to a piano and violin version of A Thousand Years by Sophie Moser and Katja Huhn. Then Stephanie made her entrance to a touching cover of How Long Will I Love You by Samantha Harvey. But after the ceremony, they let loose and had some fun — the recessional song was Bruno Mars’ Marry You. 

Before the reception, Frederick, MD photographer Kate Palker with Pearly Kate Photography took advantage of the lush gardens and snapped a stunning series of bride and groom portraits. Antrim is always a gorgeous venue, but this summer it really outdid itself.

Photo by Pearly Kate Photography

Cocktail hour in the garden was next, followed by the reception in the air-conditioned Glass Enclosed Pavilion. 

Then it was time for introductions. The couples’ parents entered to I Choose You by Sara Bareilles. Then for quite the shift in tone, we brought out the bridal party to Bring ‘Em Out by T.I. (See what we did there?)

And finally, we introduced the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Jake G., accompanied by Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel — always a classic. 

But although the intros covered a variety of genres, the traditional dances were all country. The couple enjoyed their first dance to a Shania Twain medley — From This Moment On/You’re Still the One, by real-life married couple Caleb and Kelsey. Then Stephanie and her father danced to It Won’t Be Like This for Long by Darius Rucker. This is such a great father/daughter dance song, and one we don’t hear as often! 

Photo by Pearly Kate Photography

To wrap up the formal dances, Jake and his mom danced to My Wish by Rascal Flatts. Then we opened up the dance floor! 

Photo by Pearly Kate Photography

Photo by Pearly Kate Photography

Jordan was psyched to be back. Photo by Pearly Kate Photography

Although the guest list was a trim 85, this partying crowd made it feel like a packed house. They danced the night away. And finally, they sent the happy couple off in a shower of sparklers. 

We couldn’t have picked a better wedding or a lovelier couple to celebrate the return to weddings. If you’re planning a wedding, micro wedding, or minimony through 2020 or in 2021, we’re ready to bring the party — whatever the size! 

Contact us to reserve your date.