A Romantic Wedding at the Belmont Manor in Elkridge, Maryland

Michael Szynal and Kristen Fitzgerald had been dating for two years when they headed to what Kristen thought was a graduation ceremony for Michael's brother. When the couple arrived at a romantic hotel on Chesapeake Bay instead, Michael surprised her and popped the question with a diamond ring, and five months later, the couple had their ceremony and reception at the Belmont Manor in Elkridge, Maryland. Although Kristen hadn't seen the venue until a week before the wedding, she trusted Michael's judgment and loved it just as much as he did. The elegant and traditional ceremony accurately reflected the nature of the couple, and the cocktail hour that followed had yard games to begin the fun, such as giant Jenga, ladder ball and corn hole. Bacon-wrapped sea scallops, autumn pumpkin soup and French brie tartlet with raspberry jam were served as appetizers, and main entrees included Maryland lump crab cake and Provencal beef short ribs, all done by Rouge Catering. The wedding cake was a three-tiered pound cake with butter cream icing made by Kristen's aunt, with two delicate roses placed on top, which finished the day off on the sweetest note.