Samantha’s dream was a spring wedding overlooking the water. Brandon’s was the rooftop of a Baltimore hotel overlooking the harbor…what?! May of course is a huge wedding month, but we gave it a shot for 2011. There were a few options; first I took them to the rooftop at The Maryland Science Center. But it was not quite right. The Museum of Industry did not float their boat either. So of to the Pier V hotel we went. Although they loved the view from the Pier V Harbor Club, it was too small for their anticipated guest count of 175.
Next trip was Annapolis, to the Merrill Lynch Center at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Then it was over to the Eastern Shore to see Silver Swan in Stevensville and The Oaks in St. Michaels. The fall weather that day in St. Michaels was cool, rainy and dreary. But Brandon and Samantha fell in love with The Oaks, and so did Sam’s mother. Excellent, now they just needed to pick a date! We wanted a Saturday in late May, but not on Memorial Day Weekend. Too much Bay Bridge traffic! So Saturday May 21st was selected. Done - venue and date. Now we could leisurely plan the rest.
Now of course I had to recommend several of my favorite vendors, who always provide outstanding service. Trust me; I did not want to work on the day of my son’s wedding! And our trusted professionals worked out perfectly.
The Oaks is a Bed & Breakfast and a special event venue. Reserving The Oaks requires overnight room commitments. Also included is a wonderful Breakfast Buffet, shuffle board, putting green, swimming pool, canoes and fishing. Plenty of activities for family and bridal party.
Weather wise, May in Maryland started out as a pretty scary month. LOTS of rain, thunderstorms and even a tornado warning or two. This was causing Samantha some anxiety, but fortunately The Oaks has a couple of plan B options that allow water view ceremonies with protection from the elements.
