1. Real Weddings

Kelly & Marshall: A Formal Wedding in St. Michaels, MD

Kelly drew inspiration from her own childhood in Texas and preppy, East Coast style, combining elements of both for her unique black-tie wedding to Ma

Kelly drew inspiration from her own childhood in Texas and preppy, East Coast style, combining elements of both for her unique black-tie wedding to Marshall. Hydrangeas, her favorite flower, provided the motif that tied the wedding's elements together -- they were in season, local to the area, and look beautiful done so many different ways, she says. THE BRIDE Kelly Allen THE GROOM Marshall Phelps THE DATE July 17 Kelly and Marshall may have met during a riot and gotten engaged following a major blackout, but their wedding was anything but a disaster. Kelly (a 27-year-old national account manager for a jewelry company) first met Marshall (also 27, and an attorney) when both were vacationing in Vail -- and a small riot broke out downtown. The two had both ducked into a local bar, where they soon hit it off on the dance floor. Almost three years later, Kelly and Marshall were living together in New York City when most of the northeast endured a lengthy blackout. After growing concerned when Marshall didn't come home, Kelly headed to his office building, where it turned out he was stuck in an elevator on the 21st floor. He was eventually freed after being stuck for four hours, and the next night the two cooked a romantic dinner together to celebrate his escape -- and, after Marshall popped the question, their engagement.

The Accessories
The Music
The guys dressed up classic tuxes with Brioni ties. But since their outfits were so simple, we decided to jazz them up with a great boutonniere, the bride says: hydrangea blooms mingled with tiny seashells.
The Cocktail Hour
The Couple
Guests at Kelly and Marshall's wedding found their seats at tables that the groom had named for Northern and Southern Civil War generals. Marshall always joked that a Southern girl would never have been allowed to marry a Yankee back in the olden days, Kelly says. The head table was named for Abraham Lincoln, who, of course, reunited North and South.
The Couple
Kelly and Marshall's intimate ceremony took place at Christ Church, a small historic chapel that proved to be a timeless setting.
Kelly's cream-color Amsale gown originally included a full skirt; she had it changed to a modified A-line to suit her style. Her purse was made from material from her mother-in-law's wedding dress.
The Guests
The Hair
The Eric Felton Jazz Orchestra performed during the cocktail hour (as a three-piece ensemble) and during the reception with a full seven-piece band. The newlyweds kicked off the partying with a first dance to the band's rendition of Roxy Music's More Than This.