Writing an Eastern Shore Photographer's Guide to Local Venues is something I thought about after talking to one of my clients. A few days ago I had a lengthy conversation with one of my brides about 2 different venues she was considering. Normally, the venue is the first item that gets checked off the list; and then the rest of the vendors get lined up. Instead, this bride wanted to know which one of the venues lends itself better for photographs. "We like them both, the price is about the same, so what do you think? Which one is better for photographs?" In all honesty, having someone asked me for my input felt special, and I was more than happy talking her through the different aspects.
Local Wedding Venues on the Eastern Shore
So, this morning, while walking my dogs, I was thinking about what to write about on my blog and that maybe instead of highlighting a wedding or engagement session that it would be a great idea to feature some local vendors on the site.Â
For Photos, it is all About Location and LightÂ
The truth is, as a photographer, I think of location in terms of background beauty and light.Â
For example: when I come to a new venue the first thing I look for is how many places can we have photos at? Is there a beautiful outdoor space? What is the light on the inside? Where will we take photos when it rains?Â
Let's get the Research Started
After my second cup of coffee (ok., third cup, but who is counting) I sat down to work on my computer to do some research.Â
My goal was to find venues that hadn't been around all that long and offered smaller to medium capacity. I also wanted to find venues that are reasonably priced and offered something unique or historical. If the venue is locally owned and operated, the better!
The Cup Runneth Over
The more research I did, the more awesome venues I came across. These five venues are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg :) and I will revisit this theme soon.
Central Eastern Shore Wedding Venues
Wildflower Estate in Mardela Springs, Maryland. Â
This rustic barn venue would be the perfect fit for any couple looking to celebrate an intimate, romantic wedding. Centrally located between Cambridge and Salisbury, Wildflower Estate can host up to 72 people. In addition to offering great banquet space, a beautiful outside garden area, Wildflower Estate also offers onsite award-winning catering. The space at this venue is everything a photographer can hope for: the banquet hall features 30+ feet ceilings, wooden beams, and 20 large windows for natural light and the outside offers the rustic, charming barn feeling that makes photos fun and different. Â
If you are looking for a sweet, romantic place to host your wedding this might be just the place for you!Â
I know Josua or Kirsten would love to hear from you and they can be easily be reached at:
contact@grabsomevittles.com or Tel: 410.864.0441Â
and don't forget to check out the website:Â Wildflower Estate
Ross Mansion and Ross Station, Seaford, Delaware
I was so excited to be photographing my first wedding this April at Ross Station, unfortunately, I know have to wait until September (fingers crossed.)
The mansion, a Seaford landmark, was built by Governor Ross in 1859 and is beautifully maintained by the Seaford Historical Society, allows us to step back in time. Walking around the grounds you get the feeling of old southern charm.
The Plantation offers different locations for a wedding and ceremony on the grounds. The sprawling lawn in front of the main house is perfect for a large tent and Ross Station has a large ballroom for an indoor wedding which can seat up to 225 people.
The scenic outdoors and Italian-style mansion conspire to be the perfect backdrop for the most beautiful and romantic photos.Â
If you like to feel like a Southern Princess even if only for a day, visit the Seaford Historical Society and fill out the quick form
https://www.seafordhistoricalsociety.com/rentals/wedding-rentals/
The Barn at Vanderwende Acres, Seaford, Delaware
I have been driving by this farm for years, and often thought how fun it would be to have a photoshoot there and how it would make a perfect wedding venue. So, I can't even begin to tell you might excitement when I saw a new sign by the driveway telling me that this was now indeed a wedding venue. Was someone reading my mind?Â
The historic dairy facility was a real working farm in the 1930s and I love the idea that an old farm that once occupied milk cows was given a second chance and now is the host of love, laugher, hopes, and dreams.
Couples and their guests are given exclusive use on the day of the wedding to celebrate the day and dance the night away on the patio overlooking picturesque Delaware farmland.Â
To make wedding planning even easier on you beautiful people, Vanderwende offers an event planner to make sure your day is going off without a hitch. I think that is a pretty sweet deal!
Take a look at this beautiful dairy barn https://vanderwendeacres.com/ and if this venue is something that might be just the perfect fit don't hesitate and reach out to:
Sarah SilicatoÂ
 vanderwendeacres@gmail.com Â
Salted Vines Vineyard, Frankford, Delaware
I love photographing weddings in vineyards, everyone always seems so lighthearted and spirited. Could it be that there is something in the air in vineyards that increases happiness? I raise my glass to that!
Salted Vines Vineyard offers a spacious outdoor setting big enough for a large tent, the tasting room is hosted inside a modern yet elegant pole barn.Â
If you are a wine aficionado or simply love a rural yet elegant setting for your wedding, Salted Vines Vineyard seems to have just what you are looking for.Â
This is their website, I know they can't wait to hear from you!
https://www.saltedvines.com/behind-the-vines.html
Popular Hill Mansion, Salisbury, Maryland
I love weddings at historic places, and Salisbury has a gem right in the middle of town.Â
Popular Hill Mansion, which is maintained by the Friends of Popular Hill Mansion, Inc., is perfect for Eastern Shore weddings.
The house, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, can be rented out for weddings or small affairs and was build in Federal-style structure.Â
Rental includes the entire first floor of the house, kitchen facilities, back yard, and gardens. Occupancy for the interior space is 97 guests, but an indoor/outdoor event can include many more people.Â
The website for Popular Hill Mansion is:Â http://www.poplarhillmansion.org/
and you can reach them by phone at: 410-749-1776 or email: curator@poplarhillmansion.org
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