What happens when two U.S. Navy sweethearts tie the knot, you ask? Sit tight, lovelies because you’re about to find out. They celebrated with a Naval Academy Chapel ceremony followed by a Chesapeake Bay Beach Club reception, and the result is a classic, nautical-inspired day you don’t want to miss. See it all from Jennifer Lee’s lens right here.
From the Bride.. Jim and I met on a humid July evening in 2012 at a bar in downtown Washington DC. Once we struck up the nerve to speak to each other, we discovered how much we had in common: both originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, both in the United States Navy (I am a reservist), and we had many mutual friends in common. Our relationship progressed very quickly and we fell in love and got engaged within six months. On a trip to Italy together, Jim got down on one knee and proposed to me on top of the Vatican in Rome.
I originally wanted to elope in England or Italy, but it meant a lot to Jim to get married in front of our family and friends. What was supposed to be a small wedding quickly turned in to a large Catholic military wedding at the United States Naval Academy (Jim’s alma mater) in Annapolis, Maryland. Isn’t it funny how that happens?
Our vision for the wedding was “modern but classy nautical,” paying homage to our elegant wedding chapel and reception venue located on the water. Our reception venue, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, was decorated with gorgeous candelabras, cherry blossom branches, and a sunset that looked like it was painted with watercolors across the sky. Our reception unintentionally developed a definite “America” theme to it–playing Top Gun on a big screen in the background, American flags out on the dance floor, and a spur-of-the-moment rendition of “God Bless America” at one point.
The highlights of our wedding, in no particular order: the sword arch in front of the Naval Academy Chapel, the Navy officers and Jim serenading me with “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” our chicken and waffle “midnight snack,” my maid of honor’s truly epic speech, our sparkler exit, and all of our handcrafted decor.
It is a cliche to be sure, but May 3rd, 2014 was truly magical and a wonderful kick off to our adventures together as husband and wife.
Photography: Jennifer Lee Photographee | Flowers: Flower Follies | Cupcakes: For Goodness Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Naval Academy Chapel | Reception Venue: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club | Bride's Shoes: Benjamin Adams | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Band: Gonzo's Nose | Transportation: Towne Transport | Bride's Dress: Amsale | Bride's Hair: Jewel Hair Design | Bride's Makeup: Blend Make-up Artistry | Bridesmaids' Hair: Behind The Veil | Invitation: Allison Barnhill Designs | Lighting And Stage: Perkins Productions