A Romantic Garden Wedding at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, Maryland

Drawing inspiration from their venue’s waterfront locale, Kristin Darwin and Paul Gessler filled their chic spring celebration with modern watercolor details and a palette of cool blue hues.

The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club offered a striking backdrop for the festivities. The venue’s perfectly manicured garden played host to the ceremony, where Kristin and Paul exchanged vows under a lofting white arch adorned with fragrant purple wisteria. Rose petals and wooden boxes overflowing with full white blooms lined the aisle, while bouquets of bright wildflowers arranged atop vintage wire vases framed the back of the outdoor space.

The pair put a personal twist on their “I dos” with vows they’d written themselves and intimate anecdotes from close friends. Paul’s college professor even officiated.

“I was really looking forward to walking down the aisle with my dad and meeting Paul at the end. Turns out, Paul’s most anticipated moment was the same. And as a bonus, I didn’t trip on my shoes!” Kristin says.

For the reception, the newlyweds joined their guests in the Beach Club’s bay-facing ballroom. Vibrant blue linens and lush floral garlands brought the room to life, while gilded place settings and flickering candlelight exuded classic elegance. Acrylic signage and clear escort cards set against a watercolor backdrop added an element of visual intrigue to the room.

A live band took to the stage after dinner and churned out upbeat tunes that got guests on their feet and dancing. Paul even took to the stage at one point during the evening and sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver to Kristin—much to everyone’s delight.