Sara and Andre's wedding was planned in less than two months. Andre proposed to her on Christmas Day, and by New Year's, they started planning the wedding. Despite living and working in Boston, they decided to hold their wedding in Delaware, since a large part of their family lives around the Washington/Baltimore area. Sara's mom had recently moved to Baywood Estates, so it seemed logical to hold the wedding at Baywood's beautiful clubhouse. making it the perfect location for their wedding.
A Wedding at Baywood? Yes, Please
Baywood, the wedding venue, had a Saturday in February available, and without hesitation, they booked the date. However, they soon realized that booking other vendors might be a challenge. When Sara contacted me, she sounded a little deflated, possibly expecting to hear that I was already booked that weekend. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have been available on such short notice, since I usually take February off to take care of since that gets ignored during the wedding season. When Sara told me how quickly their wedding was approaching, and that she still had trouble finding vendors I didn't hesitate and happily agreed.
A Wedding at Baywood = A Photographer's Dream
When I told Sara that I would be happy to photograph her wedding at Baywood, she was thrilled. I love photographing weddings at Baywood because the venue is stunning. The golf course is always awash in greenery, no matter the season, creating a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. Every corner of the venue offers an opportunity to capture a beautiful moment. The bridal suite is spacious enough to move around and take photos, which is a bonus that I don't often get in other venues. Baywood's clubhouse features a grand staircase and a spacious ballroom, and if you approach it from the front entrance you can't miss the beautiful fountain/waterfall. Like I said, every little corner is a place I can see posing my couple.
In the Bridal Suite
As I arrived on that beautiful, sunny but cold afternoon, I was greeted by the sight of Sarah and her bridesmaids already enjoying themselves in the bridal suite. What struck me immediately about Sarah was her compassion for everyone. Her loving kindness was evident in the way she interacted with her bridesmaids and the excitement in her eyes. After exchanging pleasantries with the bride, I set about taking photos in the suite, capturing moments of laughter, joy, and excitement. I then made my way to the groom and his groomsmen to capture some moments with them as well. One of the advantages of the Baywood venue is that both suites are next to each other, making it easy for me to hop between both rooms as needed. As the day progressed, it was soon time for everyone to line up and get the ceremony underway. Due to the cold weather, the ceremony was held on the closed-in veranda, which provided a warm and intimate atmosphere for the guests. The bride and groom exchanged vows, surrounded by their loved ones, and the joy and happiness on their faces were truly heartwarming.
February Weather, Sunny but Cold
The weather was an interesting mix of cold and sunshine, but we were determined to take our family photos outside. Thanks to Sara's foresight, she brought beautiful warm shawls for her and the bridesmaids, which proved to be a lifesaver for everyone to keep warm while waiting for their pictures. The golf course at Baywood was the perfect location for our photo session and provided breathtaking backdrops for our pictures. We had a tough time choosing the perfect spot, but ultimately decided on the brick-laid patio as it offered a little shelter from the chilly winds, while still providing ample natural light for our photographs. The photos turned out to be stunning, capturing the essence of the day and the warmth of their family bond.
The Golf Course Makes For Stunning Photos
After capturing some precious family photos, we decided to take some solo shots of Andre and Sara. The staff at Baywood had arranged for a golf cart to take us to the perfect location. Sara was feeling the chill, despite having a warm shawl wrapped around her, so we had to be quick. My initial plan was to take our time and spend around 20 minutes, but we had to make do with just 10 minutes due to the weather conditions. It's not easy to pose and smile when you're shivering and your bones feel like they're freezing. I asked the staff member to take us to the most picturesque location for the photoshoot, and we ended up at a stunning bridge that overlooked a small creek. Despite the cold weather, Andre and Sara were incredibly accommodating and cooperative. They kept their focus on each other's love and we managed to create some beautiful photographs.
Let's Get the Party Started
After our short but successful photo session, I hurried upstairs to the ball
After a brief but successful photo session, I quickly made my way upstairs to the grand ballroom to capture the much-anticipated introductions and speeches. The atmosphere was charged with love and warmth as each speaker poured out their heartfelt words, leaving no doubt that both Sara and Andre were overwhelmed with joy.
As the speeches concluded, the delicious dinner was served, and then the newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance. I could sense the excitement in the air - the guests were eager to get the party started. It was a joy to witness everyone coming together to celebrate the newlyweds.
Once the cake was cut, the party entered full swing, with the dance floor never empty. The guests were clearly having a great time, and their energy was infectious. It was a testament to the happy couple that their friends and family were just as eager to dance the night away as they were.
Sparkler Send-Off
The night was filled with laughter, chatter and happy memories. The music was upbeat, and the dance floor was packed with Sara and Andre's friends and family. As the night wore on, everyone was having such a great time that they didn't want it to end.
However, all good things must come to an end, and when the DJ announced the last dance, Sara, Andre, and their guests felt a twinge of sadness. As they said their goodbyes, I captured some final pictures of the couple leaving through the front entrance of the clubhouse. Their loved ones gathered around them, holding sparklers and creating a magical send-off.
Andre's friends had taken some time to decorate the car, and I quickly snapped some pictures of the couple leaving for their honeymoon. It was a beautiful ending to a memorable night, filled with love and joy.
Click here: Baywood Weddings if you want to talk to the nice people at Baywood