meganbeth.com

When it rains, it pours. This was a hail storm. My computer and car had to poop-out at the same time, so here I am playing catch up on editing, emails, and sanity. One surprisingly good thing about not having a computer, I actually made it to bed before 4am. Craziness I tell you. Karen and Chad have been so patiently waiting for this post, and I promise the full thing is coming soon (and so many other phenomenal shoots)…I just had to post this sneak peek from their amazing wedding at The Great Oak Manor in Chestertown, Maryland first thing after I plugged my computer in.

He woke her up before sunrise and told her of his plans to take her hiking and out for a nice dinner. Being half asleep, she heard him mention about how he wanted to suggest what she wear for dinner. Obviously this ‘outfit’ suggestion couldn’t wait until sunrise. He felt for her hand under the covers and after first getting the wrong finger, slipped on the most gorgeous sparkly rock you have ever seen. They were already best friends, now they were to start as a new team: husband and wife.

Kim and Geoff, your wedding was nothing short of spectacular and I can’t tell you how exciting it was to be able to photograph it. It is clearly evident that you guys are truly best friends and I promise you, that will take you so far in life. Your endless supply of laughter, high fives, and support will get you through any bumps in the road. Thank you for letting me witness your love. And keep ON DANCIN’! Love, Megan Beth

Gateway Florist in Annapolis did an amazing job with Kim’s florals. By far my most favorite bridal bouquet. Kim added a personal touch to it by bringing the Succulents all the way from her garden in Cali.

Kim’s Jimmy Choo’s. Shoe one, of three for the day. Why not?!

One good looking group of bridesmaids.

What a stud.

I love the that Geoff chose to put the guys in nice suits and colorful ties.

Oh and did I forget to mention the CHUCKS, and argile socks. AWESOME!

The whole wedding made the trip through the streets of downtown Annapolis, by foot, from the William Paca House to the Annapolis Yacht Club.

The gardens at the Paca House are unbelievable. Everywhere you turn there is something beautiful blossoming.

Brides can pretty much get anything under the sun on their wedding day. Kim: OH my goodness what an awesome dog, would you mind if we borrow her for a second? Dude runner: Certainly! Apparently she was a Great Dane PUPPY. Yikes, she was already bigger than me!

How cute are they?

I heart this one. Probably my favorite from the day.

Kim and Geoff allotted tons of time for pictures with just the two of them. Every couple deserves beautiful wedding photos and when enough time is scheduled to create those photographs you are more relaxed, and comfortable. This creates the fabulous, amazing photos with YOUR personalities shining through.

Doesn’t everyone stand in the middle of the road for the shot?!

Kim and Geoff had the most amazing first dance. They decided to spice things up a bit, and wow, THEY CAN DANCE! To get the full effect, check out this video.

I crack up every time I look at this image of Kim laughing during the best man speech….something about STREAKING!!…but I’ll let Geoff tell the story. Apparently he knows it well.

I know I say it all the time, but I have the best clients ever. Yes, that is Geoff, the groom doing the worm…HOLLA!

Wow, smokin hot!

She made her way out of the club house, with her posse of family lingering a few steps behind, letting her know they were there for her, but to see her on to this new journey. She let down the train of her gorgeous beaded dress on the sun kissed sidewalk, as she spotted him in the distance. And he stood there waiting, waiting for his beautiful bride, and best friend to arrive. As she made her way down the little hill, she stopped for a moment took a deep breath, as to make sure she remembered this moment forever. They faced each other and all of their nerves were wiped away and overcome by joy, happiness, and a few tears. Because there they were together forever, best friends.

Melissa and Matt, you know I adore you guys in every single way. Your love for each other, family, friends, and your dogs is like none other. Your laughter is contagious, and truly lights up the darkest of rooms. You are the dream couple to photograph with the warmest of hearts, and treated me (and Alberta) only like family. I am honored to have been able to photograph your wedding and be there on one of the most special days for you. Please remember to keep taking those deep breathes, and savoring the most amazing moments. Because it’s those moments that will get you through the hardest of times. I hope you guys had a blast in Jamaica, Alberta told me you were super tan…not gonna lie, I’m a little jealous. Love always, Megan Beth

They met at Towson University so it was only fitting that they wed at the amazing Towson Golf and Country Club, and it did not disappoint. Every view was absolutely breathtaking.

Hello gorgeously glam heel. I heart you!

Smoking hot Melissa. Work it.

Really Matt, hello GQ.

Melissa and Matt decided to see each other before the ceremony, which I think is JUST FABULOUS! They got to talk, breathe, and be in each others arms alone, before the madness began. I cannot recommend it enough, plus it leaves tons of time for relaxed photos and explore the venue to find awesome niches for creative unique photos from the day!

Matt’s reaction to seeing Melissa made my eyes get all watery…weird.

Matt certainly knew how to keep that smile on his bride’s face all day.

These next two are my favorites from the day…AH-MAZ-ING.

My only qualm with Towson Golf and Country Club, was the bee hole in this building. Let’s just say I’m highly allergic. So it was my job to photograph, and they were The Bee Patrol. And a fine job they did, looking fabulous and all!

Finally, Mr. and Mrs! Gosh, just look at the way he looks at her.

Look at that view, and the backdrop isn’t that bad either.

I adore these. Melissa is totally rockin it!

The storm clouds lingered and when I say lingered, I mean it POURED and then would let up briefly. But even with a ‘little’ rain and cloudiness Kathleen was as calm and as laid back as ever. There was no wiping the smile off of her face. It was indeed a perma-smile. As she made her way down the aisle with her farther, she fought hard, fought really hard to keep the tears from streaming down her face and the big overjoyed smile on her face at the same time. As she stepped towards Mike, he comforted her in a way that only he knows how, and dried her tears. Because he’s her ying, to her yang. They balance and calm each other in times of need. And that day was no different.

Kathleen and Mike, I am so honored that I was able to photograph your amazing day. Your families (and friends!) were so warm and welcoming. Your relationship is truly a gift, and admired by all. Your abilities to go with the flow, and comfort and compromise with each other has only made you two stronger in the last several bajallion years. I wish you guys a lifetime of happiness and laughter! Love, Megan Beth

Kathleen and Mike were married at St. John’s in Severna Park, Maryland, and then had a beautiful reception at the Cheaspeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville.

She had been dealing with it for a few years and in the past few months it had taken a turn for the worst and the wedding was still a couple weeks away. But…she promised, and mothers always keep their promises. They had planned to bring in some help within the next few days, but things just didn’t work out that way. They brought the priest in, and decided it was going to take place right by her bedside.

As joy mixed with sadness they were finally pronounced husband and wife. They turned to her, mom we’re married. And she blinked, one last blink as acknowledgment that she held on, she made it, she witnessed it, she indeed kept her promise. And then… she let go. She was off to a better place, one where there is no such thing as mean mean Cancer, and where her pain and suffering were no longer with her.

Mary and David, I know I said this a million times that night, but you two are truly amazing. Your courage to keep moving during these difficult times is evidence of your strength as a couple, which I truly admire. Mary, I wish I could have been able to meet your mother, but it is clear that she and your father did a remarkable job raising you, and I am sure that she was an amazing woman. I am so excited for what your future holds together as a couple, and thank you for letting me be a part of your day. Love always, Megan Beth

Their ceremony took place at the gorgeous St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish in Bethesda. And their reception was held at the bomb top floor Capital View ball room at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.

Hello Gucci.

You go girl!

Really, do I need to comment on how stunning Mary looked?!

And David, looking mighty good too!

I love this one of Mary checking out the new ‘hardware.’

They said they barely have pictures of themselves…yea sure, they look like old pros to me.

Mary and David are the dream couple and trusted me completely, and let me do ANYTHING I wanted. So I was all, hey lets go to the parking garage, they were totally on board! Trusting me completely leads to images like this FABULOUSNESS!!

One of my favorites from the day!

And oh, did I mention they had a surprise for their guests?! There was a DRAGON DANCE. Hell to the yes. Wow. It was amazing!

A moment to remember Mary’s mother.

You guys are so fab!