Cottage Core Meets Eastern Shore at The Oaks Waterfront Hotel

The Oaks Waterfront Hotel is a gorgeous venue by St. Michaels, along the waterfront and we wanted to highlight its natural beauty. There are vibrant florals all around as well as a stately white building as a lovely backdrop for photos.

Our Bride chose a classic strapless A-line gown by Enaura with vining greenery cascading down the skirt. For her second look, a slinky halter and low back silk dress was selected. Our second model showcase a fun and flirty strapless minidress with feathers, along with a trendy pearl headband, earrings and gloves.

The bridesmaid wore a sunny yellow chiffon dress to complement the decor and florals

Two table designs were created for the day. The star was an 18ft serpentine table winding in between the trees by the water. Rattan chargers, green floral plates and crystal glassware complemented the place settings. A watercolor illustration menu and place card were placed at each guest's seat. Wooden accents complemented the design from the chairs, Napkin rings and flatware. A fun surprise were the Taper candles the florist hand painted to complement the florals -- a huge hit! The second table look was a cane table featuring a whimsical Violet runner and matching draped napkins. Accents of gold were featured, including the flatware and table lamps incorporated onto the tablescape. Cheery wildflower compotes were designed for this table as though they were just picked from the meadow. The florist used locally grown zinnias, dahlias, cosmos, feverfew, as well as sweet pea, hydrangeas, roses, ranunculus. The arch by the waterfront was filled with lush blooms and mix and match baskets of florals anchored the aisle way.

It's too hard to select a favorite design element! I adore how each piece came together. But if I had to choose, perhaps the serpentine table with all of its details and the drone shots featuring it from above. The cocktail hour setup by the water including the cane bar draped with the Violet runner and rattan lanterns hanging above, a floral seating chart display and a cute lounge with ditsy floral pillows.

Find an anchor to carry out throughout the design, whether bold or subtle in places. In this design, we chose green and complementing linens, runners and napkins from Stradley Davidson that we used throughout each vignette to make the entire look cohesive. If you have your heart set on specific flowers, in this case whimsical cottage-f florals, be sure to discuss with your florist beforehand that your date will work with the ability to source the florals. In this case, the local whimsical florals used, are only available July - September.

The florist hand painted florals onto numerous taper candles!