Lori and Kevin's wedding at Pond View Farms in White Hall, Maryland was as beautiful as a painted picture. The farm, dairy, and wedding venue are in Hartford County, Md. A magical place, especially if you want to have a ceremony and wedding in a country setting.
Yet, hours before the ceremony, the entire area was under a severe storm watch. Nobody knew if the ceremony was going to be outside by the pond under the willow tree or inside the rustic barn.
Rain, Rain Go Away
As I was driving the winding roads towards Pond View Farms, the storm clouds were still dark and menacing. But I could also see a little bit of sunshine trying to get out behind the angry clouds. As I got closer, more of the clouds moved off. And by the time I arrived at my destination, it was nothing but blue sky and sunshine. Well, almost clear skies and sunshine. But I was confident that the ceremony was going to be outdoors just as Lori and Kevin had wished for.
Underneath the Willow Tree
I knew from conversations we had, that pledging their life and love to each other underneath the willow tree was important to Lori and Kevin. The tree was one of the reasons they chose Pond View Farm for their wedding locale.
"When we say the pond and the willow tree we were both sold on this wedding venue. We didn't even need to go inside the barn to make our decision." Lori told me when we first met.
"I have a special infinity for the willow tree for both religious and personal reasons. It will be beyond perfect if Kevin and I can seal our love under a willow tree." she continued in her explanation.
So, when I saw that the storm had moved on, I knew that Lori would get her wish, and I was so happy for the both of them.
Doing It Their Way
Since this was a second marriage for both, the couple decided on arranging their wedding day in their own special way.
"I want to spend as much time as possible with my guests, and we will have a 2-hour hour cocktail party before the ceremony begins. Kevin and I want to enjoy our friends and family and then get married and party and dance even more."
"I will change into my wedding dress about half an hour before the ceremony begins, but my hair and make-up will be already done. This way, it will take no time to get ready. Spending time with our friends beforehand is more important to us than spending all morning and afternoon in a small room getting ready. Been there, done that." Lori told me over coffee.
More Like a Party Then a Wedding?
When I arrived at Pond View Farm, I could see a large crowd on the patio and when I looked closer I spotted both Lori and Kevin mingling amongst their guest.
For I second, I thought "this looks like a party and not a wedding. But when I looked around I saw the staff hurriedly setting up chairs and decorations around the pond area.
Kevin, later on, told me that everything was on hold to the very last moment. "We didn't know what the weather was going to do, so we decided to wait until we couldn't wait anymore. Thankfully the staff is fabulous and accommodating, and everything is going to be ready on time."
Knowing that Lori was about to get changed into her wedding dress, I rushed up to the bridal suite (and what a beautiful suite it is!) and took photographs of the dress.
I am so grateful that the wedding played out just the way these two had hoped.
Happy Endings
Lori looked absolutely beautiful in her dress, and I know Kevin's heart skipped a beat when he saw her walking down the hill in her father's arms.
After the ceremony, we took a few family photos, and then the party began in earnest.
In the end, it all worked out beautifully, and a rainy day turned into a day filled with love and laughter.
Lori and Kevin's wedding was expertly planned and catered by:Â Fairy Godmother Events, Inc.
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