1. Real Weddings

A Laid-Back Seaside Wedding at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, Maryland

Feeling the call of the ocean, Eve Hemsley (28 and a public relations executive) and Jake Butt (28 and a research associate IT manager) planned a laid

Feeling the call of the ocean, Eve Hemsley (28 and a public relations executive) and Jake Butt (28 and a research associate IT manager) planned a laid-back seaside wedding at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, on Maryland’s eastern shore. “I fell in the love with the venue when I first visited it,” Eve says. “It so perfectly balances settings for a beautiful, classy wedding with a beach feel by the water.” For decor, Eve and Jake wanted to keep it simple, while highlighting the calming colors and vibe of the Chesapeake Bay. “My inspiration for my entire wedding color scheme was actually hydrangeas,” Eve says. “I love the hues, and knew I wanted them to be a big part of the arrangements.” Their beach-chic wedding incorporated soothing blues, greens and creams. Subtle nautical touches at the bayside setting included lobster pot escort cards, vintage buoys and lanterns filled with sand, sea glass and starfish. A sentimental ceremony was made personal with music played by the bride’s brother and groom’s sister, both talented musicians. Instead of having friends and family read traditional scripture or poems, the bride and groom had couples give heartfelt speeches about the meaning of marriage. Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, in the club’s Garden Room, Eve and Jake said "I do" and spent the evening celebrating with fresh seafood, a bourbon bar and dancing the night away surrounded by their family and friends. —Marissa Hermanson

Eve accessorized her Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija couture gown with pearl, silver and diamond jewelry. Her “something borrowed” included earrings from her mother and a hairpiece from a bridesmaid.
Jake surprised Eve with a romantic candlelit proposal at his parents' lake house. He popped the question with a platinum square-cut solitaire engagement ring.
Eve carried a round bouquet of white peonies, green and blue hydrangeas, astilbes, veronica, and mini calla lilies. “I wanted my bouquet to have a hint of color and to be lush and overflowing with flowers,” she says.
Subtle nautical touches matching the bayside setting included lobster pot escort cards, vintage buoys and lanterns filled with sand, sea glass and starfish.
Family and friends signed an oversize wooden “B” instead of a traditional guest book. Guests also wrote messages to the newlyweds on notecards, such as advice and bucket list ideas.
A three-tier cake was topped with florals in tranquil tones of blues, greens and creams, with a sunny pop of yellow to complete the couple’s beach-chic vibe.
The bride’s brother and groom’s sister, both talented musicians, played songs during the ceremony, adding another personal touch to Eve and Jake’s special day.
Bridesmaids wore strapless chiffon Bill Levkoff gowns in horizon blue. “I fell in love with the color,” Eve says, “and thought it would look beautiful on all my girls.” Bridesmaids carried round bouquets filled with lime green and blue hydrangeas, freesia, astilbes, and delicate baby’s breath. “My bridesmaids bouquets pulled in more blues and greens to really pop next to their bright blue dresses,” Eve says.
The ceremony was held in the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club's cheery and bright Garden Room, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
Rather than having an altar, Eve and Jake stood in front of a fireplace adorned with lush overflowing greenery and flowers. Two large arrangements flanked both sides of the aisle.
Instead of having friends and family read traditional scripture or poems, the bride and groom had three couples speak about marriage, making their ceremony heartfelt and sentimental.
At the reception, tables were adorned with three centerpieces: tall trumpet-style glass vases with dramatic floral arrangements, lanterns filled with flowers and candles and low glass pedestal vases filled with blossoms and greenery.
Tables along the dance floor were embellished with tall trumpet-style glass vases filled with hydrangeas, roses, peonies, delphinium, thistles and greenery.
The couple had their first dance as husband and wife to "Crush" by the Dave Matthews Band.
A bourbon bar featured an array of whiskeys for guests to enjoy.
The groom and groomsmen wore Black by Vera Wang tuxedos in gray. Different-colored ties for the groom, groomsmen, father, ushers and officiant gave each man a different look.
Blue uplighting gave the dance floor a moody vibe and helped get the party started.