1. Real Weddings

A Timeless Interfaith Wedding at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland

Although the bride and groom laugh to this day on how they are yet to match their stories of how they met, Sam Latter (28 and a managing editor) and K

Although the bride and groom laugh to this day on how they are yet to match their stories of how they met, Sam Latter (28 and a managing editor) and Kristin Oleszewski (27 and an operations manager) met during their freshmen year at the University of Maryland. About 7 years later, the couple was bracing themselves for a summer of seven weddings and decided to kick the season off with a trip to Puerto Rico. On their last night, Sam brought Kristin down to the beach to watch the sunset. Even after all those years of dating she was still taken by surprise when he proposed, and headed back to their room to find a hand written note alongside flowers and champagne. Having met at the University of Maryland and coming from different religious backgrounds, there was no better ceremony venue than the on-campus non-denominational church. Kristin and Sam decorated their wedding in a timeless color palette of white and metallic/silver with an array of white flowers were paired with candles and silver place settings creating a base. They chose to skip an accent color and instead accent with Maryland themed decor which could be seen in the groomsmen's socks and the grooms cake. A traditional Western Pennsylvanian cookie table was setup alongside the wedding cake and Maryland themed Natty Boh groom's cake. The bride and groom also included a Polish tradition of having guests pay $1 to dance with the bride and take shots as a tribute to the brides parents. As a thank you for celebrating with them, the bride and groom gave each guest a shot glass etched with their custom designed wedding label.

Silver and White Invitations and Program
Rings in Hand Painted Wood Box
Sparkly Steel Gray Heels
Bride Getting Ready
Groom Putting on Maryland Flag Socks
The bride wore an ivory gown of lace and chiffon with an illusion back from Lillian West. Her bridesmaids bought off the rack with silver floor-length evening gowns from Ralph Lauren.
The groomsmen wore slim fit suits in different shades of gray. To tie in the Maryland theme, all of the groomsmen and the groom wore bright Maryland flag socks and custom gray and white Maryland flag pocket squares.
Bride and Groom at the University of Maryland
Father of the Bride Walking Down the Aisle
The bride and groom represented both of their religions in the ceremony. They included both a priest and a rabbi, a chuppah, unity candle, breaking of the glass and the playing of ave maria.
The bride and groom met during their freshmen year at the University of Maryland so it was only fitting they be married on campus. It's also the only non-denominational church in the area so they could have both Catholic and Jewish traditions in their ceremony.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom invited guests to join them outside on campus. They attached eco-friendly notes and strings to white balloons and released them in memory of loved ones who could not be with them.
During the cocktail hour, guests were treated to various passed hors d'oeuvres along with lawn games outside including the classic game corn hole and this life size tribute to Jenga!
These silver crab shell table numbers were doubled as homemade ornaments that guests were able to take home as favors at the end of the night. They were also given shot glasses etched with the wedding label a friend had designed.
Signature Bride and Groom Cocktails
Using a classic color palette of white and metallic/silver the bride and groom decorated the tables with centerpieces that consisted of flowers in vases, candelabras, and tiered stemmed candles.
Candlelit Ivory and Silver Centerpiece
The bride and groom had a traditional two tiered white wedding cake with light pink flowers and an ampersand topper. Next to it they served a had a Natty Boh groom's cake as a tribute to Maryland.
The bride surprised the groom with a rendition of his favorite song "Wagon Wheel" while various groups of family and friends came in and out of the song to join the bride and sing and dance.
Non-traditional First Dance