Catoctin Hall at Musket Ridge | Myersville, Maryland | Wedding | Amanda & Jared

Amanda and Jared first met on an important phone call. Amanda, who works in human relations, was helping to get Jared acclimated to his new job. Exactly one year after that first phone call, they went on their first date! A few years later, Jared had special plans to celebrate Amanda’s 30th birthday. He arranged for her beloved sisters to fly in from Texas and California, hired a limo to carry her and her friends to a special wine-tasting dinner, and then, just before leading the crowd in a rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song, Jared got down on one knee and asked Amanda to be his wife. We captured their engagement session this spring among the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and in early September, we were there as Amanda and Jared married each other in Middletown’s Zion Lutheran Church and celebrated at Catoctin Hall at Musket Ridge in Myersville…

We met up with Amanda and the girls at her parents’ house in Knoxville.

Amanda’s nephew, Walker, held down the fort as the only guy for awhile.

We love these bright, beautiful robes — and monograms — that the girls wore all morning.

Amanda’s mom was so happy all day. We caught her smiling at her lovely daughter more than once!

Amanda’s niece, Finley, was in awe of all the beautiful dresses around her.

When Amanda’s dad got a first look at his little girl, his expression was priceless.

Amanda’s brother, Matt, got lots of hugs upon arrival from his own little girl.

Amanda’s grandmother brought home a handkerchief from Ireland 15 years ago for her granddaughter. On her wedding day, Amanda carried it around her bouquet.

Finley says it’s time to get to the church!

Meanwhile, Jared and the guys were getting ready over at a local hotel. Our second shooter for the day, Shannon Donovan, captured them for us.

Zion Lutheran Church, on Middletown’s main drag, is a beautiful place to say vows.

Last-minute prep as guests start arriving for the ceremony …

We love all the special, personal touches Amanda and Jared included in their day. The pillow Walker carried down the aisle was made from material taken from Amanda’s grandmother’s wedding gown. And, as the bridal party proceeded down the aisle, Amanda’s uncle played a lullaby he wrote for her when she was just a baby.

Before saying their vows, Amanda and Jared got the thumbs-up from their guests.

They did it!

After a few portraits at the church, it was time to head to Musket Ridge for the celebration!

Our friends Melissa and Chris Popple at Candlelight Floral Designs did it again, with gorgeous flowers for the day!

These repurposed wine corks were such a simple, yet lovely, way to display place cards.

Finley found some fun down on the ground while her aunts toasted the new husband and wife.

And she gave a wave to her grandfather during the father-daughter dance.

But then, she was ready to get down on the dance floor, with her brother/dance partner.

Megan Gourley of Sweet & Savory created the gorgeous cake.

 

Amanda’s family is known for creating delicious wines, so of course the wedding favors were bottles of 2013 Sangiovese!

A few more portraits, and then the real party began…

The folks at Source4Entertainment kept the crowd on their feet all night.

What a fun, delightful day, with a super couple! Thank you, Amanda and Jared, for inviting us to be part of the beginning of your marriage. We loved every minute!