After their lovely engagement photo session at the Gettysburg , finally, the most anticipated time had arrived for me to photograph Ilana and Andrew’s Wedding day at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club.
For Ilana, her dream wedding would be somewhere on the beach, as it always bring a sense of tranquility, pleasure, and romance… everything a wedding should be. The Club was the first place the couple had visited. It overlooked the Chesapeake Bay and the famous Bay Bridge, and offered just what Andrew and llana were looking for – a classic and cultural Maryland wedding. They fell in love with the venue immediately without looking elsewhere!
Early on, Ilana had chosen the date, May 23rd, without realizing that the venue comes before any arrangement. The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club books up far in advance, and the couple had only started looking for a place in August. At first they were told that most dates were already booked up for the upcoming summer. Then, just their luck, The Club informed that a cancellation had just occurred for the 23rd of May. Ilana knew right then that she was meant to have her wedding at this beautiful venue and she couldn’t have picked a better time or place, for it was a perfect day with not a single cloud in the sky.
Ilana chose a beautiful wedding gown by Justin Alexander, from Amanda Ritchey Bridal.
My Flower Box Events was the florist to style the ceremony site and the reception tables, and of course to provide beautiful bouquets for the Bride and her bridesmaids.
Andrew and Ilana decided to do the first look, to meet each other before the ceremony.
At the spur of the moment, The Father of the Bride also wanted to have a first look at his daughter before she walks down the aisle.
Alluring flower arrangements by the florists from My Flower Box Events accentuated the custom-made chuppah.
The very talented Ilana made a lot of these decors with her own hands! Look at these cute sailboats with the guest names for the table assignments. The beautiful flower centerpiece from My Flower Box Events completed everything into perfection.
During the procession, as Ilana walked down the aisle escorted by the Father of the Bride, Andrew sang “Marry Me” from Train, accompanied by music from Chesapeake Strings. It was a surprise for a lot of people. 🙂
One of the best features of the gorgeous venue of The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club is the stunning view of the Chesapeake Bay with the Bay Bridge in the background.
The Mr & Mrs Ames lettering were also made by Ilana at Intersign National.
The Bride and Groom with their whole wedding party!
Ilana and Andrew were also lucky to be blessed with such a perfect weather, sharing the chance with everyone to watch the sun setting over the horizon from this venue.
The gorgeous three-tier cake from Sugar Bakers Cakes with the cute cake topper from Trina’s Clay Creations. I love how the custom-made cake toppers resembled not only the couple’s faces but also their beloved pets. 🙂
During the Horah dance, Andrew and Ilana were sat on the chair and lifted up high for a few minutes. It sure was fun!
To me, the little boat made by the Bride served as a great prop for the Bride and Groom’s engagement and wedding rings. I also found the perfect background for the the sailboat, depicting how Andrew and Ilana shall sail through and weather the storms together throughout their lives.
They ended the perfect night with sparklers!
Congratulations Ilana and Andrew!
May you live happily ever after! 🙂
Leo Dj
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Vendors
Venue and Catering: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Officiant: Joseph Hamilton (best friend of the Groom)
Make up: Steffani, Up Do’s for I Do’s
Hair: Lindsay, Up Do’s for I Do’s
Dress (designer name and store): Justin Alexander, from Amanda Ritchey Bridal
Tuxedo: Jims Formal Wear
Florist: My Flower Box Events
Decorations: DIY, the Bride
DJ: DJ Adam, Absolute Entertainment
String Trio: Chesapeake Strings
Videographer: John Rose
Cake: Sugar Bakers Cakes
Cake Topper: Trina’s Clay Creations, Etsy
Limo: ZBest Limo
Sweetheart Table Lettering: Ilana, Intersign National
Cards: DIY, the Bride
Wedding favors: DIY, the bride
Champagne Glasses: AlisaKarol, Etsy
Chocolate Coins: Foiled Again Chocolates