Sharing some beautiful blush summer wedding inspiration today captured by Karena Dixon! Since Ellen and Sam both love nature, they looked for an outdoor venue to celebrate a romantic wedding with pops of color. Belmont Manor was ideal for their vision, featuring multiple gardens and green lawns that perfectly blended with the greenery and florals. Cocktail hour included lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, and a giant Jenga handmade by Sam’s dad. The giant Jenga served as a fun game for guests and an alternative to the traditional guestbook.
We both love nature so we knew we wanted the wedding to be outdoors. We wanted to feel as if were completely surrounded, enveloped in nature and looked for venues with overarching trees, gardens, flowers, etc. Blush pinks, soft and romantic hues with lots and lots of greenery and pops of color was what Ellen envisioned in her mind and the rest of the details fell into place from there.
I went dress shopping with my mom and bridesmaid on a whim one day while at home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Posh Bridal was nearby my parent’s house and just happened to have an opening so I decided to jump on the opportunity. I had no idea what I wanted and had only looked up a few dresses online prior to this appointment. I tried on a few styles I thought I would like – simple, without much detail or flair, but eventually tried on a ballroom gown with tulle that my consultant recommended “just to see.” I instantly fell in love. I never thought I would have that “perfect dress” moment but I did, as cheesy as that sounds. I bought that dress the same day, at the first and only bridal shop I visited. I felt like it was fate.
Overall, our favorite memories were just having all our favorite people from all different stages of our lives together in one place was so special. For most of our guests (and us as well), our wedding was the first large/group event that they were able to attend since the pandemic started. The energy was palpable as we were all were finally able to relax, reconnect, and celebrate – at least for one night.
We cannot say enough good things about the venue. The multiple gardens in the venue were each so beautiful and unique. Every place we took pictures in at the venue felt like we were transported somewhere completely different! We were worried about rain all day (forecast was predicting 50% chance) and the morning was cloudy. But right before the ceremony started the sun came out and the weather was PERFECT. We couldn’t believe it. The flowers were in full bloom and there were even butterflies fluttering around the venue. We had a couple guests ask if we had released butterflies around the venue on purpose. Not only did we enjoy how astonshingly beautiful the venue was, I think the guests enjoyed it as well for pictures and as a backdrop for cocktail hour.
We wanted the menu to be inspired by the Asian foods we love and grew up eating. The main course was particularly notable because the “hong shao rou” (traditional Chinese pork) recipe was adapted from a recipe that Sam’s dad makes for his family all the time. Bobby actually followed Sam’s dad’s recipe and adjusted it multiple times before he got it right. It ended up being Sam’s dad approved!
Sam’s dad help us build our giant Jenga set. Guests were able to write messages on the pieces as a fun alternative to the traditional guest book. Our Maryland flag cornhole set was completely handmade by us down to the beanbags! No Maryland wedding is complete without cornhole and something sporting the Maryland flag.
Photography: Karena Dixon | Venue: Belmont Manor | Planning: Lee Kendall for Elizabeth Bailey Weddings | Floral: Wicked Willow | Catering: Putting on the Ritz | DJ: MyDeejay | Cake: Sugar Bakers | Rentals: White Glove Rentals | Rentals: Select Event Group | Hair and Makeup: Aubrey Wisco | Transportation: An Extraordinar Limousine | Dress: Stella York | Bridal Salon: Posh Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Tory Burch | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply | Submitted via Matchology
