Early September weddings can be a little on the warm side, but that wasn’t the case for Gary and Abigail! Their wedding took place on that first beautiful day that finally feels like fall. The temperatures were in the mid-70s, no humidity, and not even the slightest chance of precipitation. It was an absolutely magical day for a wedding in southern Maryland!

There aren’t many places I haven’t been in this little neck of the woods, but until Saturday, Port Tobacco Courthouse was one of them. I totally squealed when we pulled up to the venue! It’s charming and historic, featuring a brick courthouse and stunning golden light pouring through the trees. Abigail loves all shades of orange, and the brick proved to be the perfect inspiration as she pulled together the color palette for their wedding.

Hers has to be one of the most unique I’ve photographed yet! The bridesmaids wore dresses in shades of rust, mango, and blush, which popped beautifully against the lush greenery at Port Tobacco Courthouse. Abigail’s bouquet was an eclectic mix of taupe florals and greenery, with feathers and pampas grass tucked inside.

Once inside the reception tent, boho pampas grass centerpieces adorned each table, with my favorite detail of all! Oranges and clementines could be found on anything that stood still, from the place settings, to the specialty drink (an orange crush, of course) to the jaw-dropping citrus-infused naked cake.

While the details were fun and beautiful, they pale in comparison to the significant moments of Abigail and Gary’s wedding day. Abigail wore her mom’s veil and her grandfather officiated the ceremony, which included heartfelt personalized vows. Gary’s mom passed away a few summers ago, so instead of simply forgoing the traditional mother and son dance, Gary surprised his sister by dancing with her instead. The loss of Gary’s mom was so keenly felt in that moment.

But the moment that had me literally sobbing behind the viewfinder came just a few minutes earlier. Abigail and her dad met on the floor for their dance, but first, he had a surprise up his sleeve. Right on cue, the DJ played a brief clip, worn down by time, of a toddler singing “Cruella deVil” from 101 Dalmatians. Watching the lightbulbs go off around the room that it was Abigail as a little girl, and then thinking about my own little girls and how fast time flies by … I’m in tears all over again just thinking about it. It was such a heartfelt reminder of how fast our babies grow up!

Enjoy a few of my favorites from Abigail and Gary’s wedding day!

Venue: Port Tobacco Courthouse
Caterer: Angelos
Florist: Copper Moon
Hair & Makeup: Kristen C. Artistry
Cake: Charles Street Bakery
Bridal Boutique: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Dear Cleo
Mobile Bartenders: Craft Cocktail Carriage