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Everyone was hustling around The Great Oak Manor trying to get ready, and HE wanted to come in the room…IN THE ROOM?! The girls gasped as they tried to figure out why he wanted to come in the room where she was getting ready. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to see the bride before she walks down the aisle, the girls said. He knodded, I know, but I need to tell her something.

Karen scrambled into the nearby powder room around the corner. She stood behind the wall nervously giggling while trying to contain the bottom tulle part of her dress making sure he couldn’t see any part of it. Chad made his way in the room and peeked around the first doorway with his eyes closed. Karen…I just wanted to tell you that I love you. As if the smile on her face wasn’t beaming brightly enough, she lit up and took a big deep breath, I love you too Chad, see you SOON!

Karen and Chad, thank you so much for waiting so patiently for this post. You two are an amazing couple with energy like I have never seen before. It seems as if your love beams out every blink and inch of smile, because it just can’t be contained inside. I feel so blessed to have been able to photograph your wedding, and witness not just the beginning of your lives as husband and wife, but a continuation of your devoted love. Thank you to all your wonderful friends and family for making it such an awesome day. Love, Megan Beth

Karen’s dress was so elegant and sophisticated.

No peeking.

Wow, work it girl!

Karen, you look absolutely stunning.

Karen and Chad did some major researching and timeline planning to make time for their own little photo shoots. They found this old rustic barn down the street in Chestertown, and it made the perfect backdrop for some amazing images.

The donkey and goat DID NOT want to miss out on the photo sesh with the gorgeous bride and bridesmaides.

Chad looked quite handsome as well!

I had an idea…I asked Chad what he thought… and really, how awesome is this?!

Then we headed to the Chestertown Marina with the groomsmen.

The cermony took place on the back lawn of The Great Oak Manor, which sits on the Chesapeake Bay in Chestertown, Maryland. With breathtaking views of the bay and the sun setting, it was a perfect spot.

This bridal party was seriously SO MUCH FUN.

One of my favorites from the day!

There are so many amazing little nooks and corners around the Great Oak Manor to shoot.

This is my top favorite reception detail image. Ever. Golden sun on the mason jars, gah, I love it.

Really though, it’s all in the details, and they rocked them.

The lighting was amazing, made for a perfect first dance.

Click HERE for some more slideshow goodness of Karen and Chad’s fabulous wedding at the Great Oak Manor!

They say you find love when you least expect it. And love was the last thing Brad was looking for after his big move from Arizona to Washington DC. Friends. He was looking for friends. And back in Arizona he found his friends at the Roller Derby, of course. After settling in he decided he would check out the DC Roller Derby scene with friends, and there, indeed he met one. She was petite, strawberry sun kissed hair, radiant smile, and with the most amazing laugh. And friends they became, they were inseparable the whole evening. Mutual friends and on lookers couldn’t help but notice, commenting that they thought ’something big just happened.’ They went home that evening wondered if the other was feeling what they were feeling.

They say you find love when you least expect it. Or at the Roller Derby.

Kirsten and Brad, witnessing your friendship and love is truly amazing, and I feel so blessed to be able to photograph your wedding. You guys balance each other out so well, and your charisma for life together is undeniable. Your friends and family are wonderful, and are obviously so supportive and thrilled that you have found each other, literally coming from the other side of the world (hi Aussies!) Thank you so much for sharing with me your beautiful, intimate day. Love, Megan Beth

Also, a huge thank you to Melissa for driving all the way up to help me. You rock girl!

Kirsten’s mother has the most amazing gardens, a beautiful and obvious choice for the wedding to take place.

I loved her vintage 50’s retro heels, they suited the style of the day so well!

Kirsten was the twenty first person in her family to wear this amazing veil on her wedding day.

The headband, the J.Crew dress… so perfect for a backyard garden wedding.

She had the biggest, brightest smile on all day.

Brad…looking so handsome in his European cut suit.

Kirsten and Brad opted to see each other before the ceremony which, of course, resulted in a romantic and special moment for just the two of them. Not only did it leave plenty of time to get pictures of the two of them, it allowed them to enjoy the whole cocktail hour with their family and friends.

Their shoe selection ROCKED!

These two are definitely my favorites from the day.

Kirsten and Brad planned the entire wedding themselves in literally a couple of months. Not only did they do an amazing job, look at all the amazing details. WOW.

The fabulous Dionysus Kitchen was on hand with the freshest, organic most delicious food. When asked if they had anymore yummy figs, their response was, oh yes we grow them in our backyard, we’ll be right back. Could it BE anymore fresh?

Finally man and wife. BD+KH

Kirsten’s stepdad gave the most heart warming and touching speech. I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the house.

Kirsten and Brad are avid (pro) Bocce players, and it was a huge part of their big day. They offered for me to give it a whirl, but I declined seeing as I was amongst some of the best, and probably would have completely embarrassed myself. I’m going to practice at home, then take them up on their offer.

Let the games BEGIN!

His and hers Bocce balls…of course.