Sailboats and Shells: A Chic Annapolis Waterfront Celebration

Tori
Nov 13
4 min read

It has been a wonderful year of beautiful weddings for V Kennedy Photography and this stunning, Annapolis wedding from September is definitely a favorite and one that I'll reminisce on for a long time. I first connected with Joe and Laurel in 2024 when they first inquired with me. Several months later, I found out that a dear family member was terminally ill and in lieu of engagement photos, they requested some family portraits with her in February at the Annapolis Court House when they decided to officially elope so that she could witness their nuptials and be a part of their marriage. I knew then that Laurel and Joe were very special people and it was an honor to be a part of that moment with them. Their wedding celebration was beautiful and I am so excited to share it with you all.

Getting Ready at Home

Laurel chose to get ready at the couples' home with her closest friends and family. Their navy home, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, is waterfront with their own private dock. Laurel spent the early afternoon toasting with her girls on the top deck overlooking the dock. She snuck upstairs where she slipped on her Jenny Yoo dress with the assistance of one of her closest friends, Brandi. Meanwhile, her parents headed out onto the dock for their first look with Laurel fully dressed. Laurel and her parents shared a tender hug soaking in the moment together. The way her parents looked as they first embraced her really spoke to my heart. I could see years of memories flash before them. Afterwards, the rest of the crew joined for some pre-ceremony family photos and formal portraits with her friends.

What about Joe and his guys?

They spent the lunch hour at one of Laurel and Joe's favorite watering holes- Sailor Oyster Bar toasting a lifetime of happiness for the couple.

The Venue: Embracing Annapolis Waterfront Charm

As it's commonly stated in the wedding industry, your venue sets the tone both for your experience and for your photo aesthetic. The Annapolis Sailing School was the perfect venue for Laurel and Joe who wanted a classic coastal feel with a more casual setting for their guest experience. In planning their coastal September wedding, the couple wanted to tie in a classis Annapolis aesthetic. With a muted color palette of greens, crisp whites, and touches of blue, their decor allowed for the beautiful Chesapeake Bay to take the spotlight as the setting for their celebration with sparkling deep blue water and the occasional sailboat drifting by in the background. The ceremony set up was on the beach facing out to the open bay while the reception tent was set just behind ceremony space parallel to the marina docks.

Nautical Inspiration: Sailboats as a Central Motif

Laurel and Joe incorporated a coastal aesthetic with tasteful touches of sailboat and oyster shell decor throughout their reception space and tablespaces. Upon arrival to the venue, guests were greeted with repurposed wooden boats serving as a champagne wall and drink bar. One of my favorite incorporations of the coastal aesthetic was the massive vintage sailboat as a centerpiece for a table of passed loved ones along with an oyster shell bowl for cards. An homage to the Annapolis heritage, each guest found an oyster shell napkin ring and a small, personalized sailboat place card noting their seat at each table. For dinner service and dancing, guests could grab some late night cocktails in personalized cups from a bar covered in oyster shells- a true statement piece for the reception space.

The Ceremony

Some ceremonies have really resonated with me throughout my career as a wedding photographer, and this one was definitely one of them. I personally love when couples choose someone close to them to officiate the ceremony. The couple's friend, Sean, did a fabulous job adding personal touches that really set the tone for Laurel and Joe's story and engaged the guests with moments of laughter and tears. Laurel and Joe exchanged personal vows that really spoke from the heart. Their first kiss and recession down the aisle was full of pure joy and really set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Pizza and Cannolis: The Perfect Reception Combination

Once vows were said and the first kiss sealed, it was time to kick off the reception. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour during sunset over the bay while the couple stole away for family portraits and golden hour shots. Their grand entrance accompanied by the fabulous music styling of the Bachelor Boys Band led straight into their first dance followed by guests rushing to the dance floor for a rendition of Earth, Wind, & Fire's September. The groom's father offered a welcome and blessing and then guests enjoyed passed salads and a brick-oven fired pizza buffet prepared by Timber Pizza Co. Dinner was enjoyed with tableside wine service by candlelight. After dinner, friends and family offered toasts for the couple and the band picked back up for an energetic vibe on the dance floor. My favorite moment of the night was the appearance by The Cannoli Guy who served guests custom cannolis as they danced the night away! The perfect ending to the perfect day!