Julia and Michael’s wedding at Brittland Manor

Julia and Michael’s wedding at Brittland Manor is absolutely lovely. The bride’s exquisite taste shines in details sourced from tried-and-true favorites like glittery Jimmy Choos, gold foil stationery from Minted, a gorgeous tulle BHLDN skirt, and an heirloom engagement ring encased in a velvety The Mrs. Box. With lush bouquets and laid-back table arrangements by Crimson & Clover Designs in the garden white tent reception, the couple’s flair for relaxed elegance is sure to delight—especially when it’s captured so beautifully in these gorgeous film images by Michael and Carina Photography.

What made the wedding special and unique?

There were so many things, but I think the most special for us was having our wedding party, siblings, and their spouses stay at the manor for the weekend. There were over thirty of us on site and that made putting the wedding together feel like a full family affair — from having my bridesmaids (one a museum curator) pulling together a gorgeous last minute indoor ceremony to having the spouses set up the reception tables, every detail became personal and intimate.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Oh the gown! I fell in love with the idea of separates and, at the time that I was looking, Watters was making some really fantastic pieces. The dress that I ended up with was the second one I tried on — but it took me 5 months to come back around to it! I got the skirt at BHLDN in Georgetown and the corset at a bridal boutique outside of Baltimore, Betsy Robinson Bridal.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

Michael’s father officiated our union and that made our ceremony very intimate, one of my closest friends from childhood was the DJ and it was blast to work with her, our wedding planner was a family friend that I worked on a presidential campaign with in college, and in addition to Momofuku cakes, our mothers made the desserts. There was very little about our wedding that wasn’t personal — we are forever indebted to our family and friends for all they did to make our wedding so magical.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Our original plan was to have our ceremony outside by the water, but the skies opened during our ceremony and required a last minute change. Because of that, I was standing in the dining room all dressed up, but unable to help for about an hour. It was the most still I had been in months. When the time came to walk down the aisle, I got about 10 feet before I had to stop to wipe away happy tears. I was so overwhelmed by seeing all the people that we love from all over the world stuffed together in one room for Michael and I. The icing on top was that the skies cleared right after we said “I do” and we had the most gorgeous evening light.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Michael and I met on OKCupid and we both loved biking. Our first date was dinner and a bike ride and it set the tone for our relationship — always a new adventure. Our engagement was at home in our apartment. I wanted a unique, antique ring, so when Michael got down on one knee he was so concerned about whether or not I liked the ring that he forgot to propose! Luckily we sorted that out!

Photography: Michael and Carina Photography // Wedding Planning: Lori McGrogan // Flowers: Crimson & Clover Designs // Invitations/Paper Goods: Minted // Venue: Brittland Manor // Dress: BHLDN // Tuxes: Groom GQ // Makeup: Flow // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Jewelry: Heirloom // Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo // Catering: Clementine // Cake: Momofuku // Desserts: Mothers of Bride and Groom // Music/DJ: Amanda Schmidt, “Coach Schmidt” // Officiant: James Clark, Father of Groom // Rental Equipment: Eastern Shore Tents and Rentals // Hair: Aveda Salon and Spa