A Classic, Nautical-Inspired Military Wedding at the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Annapolis, Maryland

Laura and Chris’s nautical-inspired wedding was perfectly paired with a maritime ceremony and reception venue. After exchanging vows in the stately Naval Academy chapel, the newlyweds partied into the night with family and friends at the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. A ceremony at the Naval Academy chapel was personal and sentimental with poetic readings by friends and family, and music by the organist who played services when Chris attended the academy. Laura and Chris let the elegant chapel’s beauty speak for itself and had it decorated simply with flowers. “Chris went to the Naval Academy, and for as long as I can remember he has wanted to get married at the chapel on campus,” Laura says. “It’s a beautiful building, and it was especially fun to see people react to seeing it for the first time.” A color scheme of navy, bright white and sunny yellow gave their wedding a classic and clean look. Knots and anchors added a subtle nautical touch. “We were going for an overall vibe of classy and casual—not too stuffy—with nautical flair thrown in here and there,” Laura says. Their wedding day included a few fun surprises—a run-in with actor Kevin Bacon, an enthusiastic "Top Gun" dance reenactment at the reception and a dramatic sparkler send-off and departure by boat. —Marissa Hermanson