The one thing I have always known about my wedding is that it would be outside. Both Mike and I love being out in nature. I mean come on, we met in an outdoors club. Our weekends and vacations are filled with hiking, camping out, and exploring national and state parks. It only seems natural that this important event in our lives, and the party that follows, be out of doors. So to fit this essential criterion, we looked at vineyards, gardens, farms, and any other venue with a beautiful and unique outdoor space. We managed to narrow the list down to five places, three of which we visited today.
Our day of exploration began at 9:30 am at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Philip Merrill Environmental Center. It is the Foundation's national headquarters. I realize that a "national headquarters" and "beautifull outdoor space" do not seem to go, but it does. The building is right no the bay with a huge wall of windows facing out towards the water and the beach. There is a large deck, separate events room (used for the dining space), a private beach and a dock. Though a bit industrial, the outdoor space is stunning. The deck is tented and can be sealed off in case of rain. In fact, being in the dining room and enclosed deck during a storm could be as romantic and breathtaking as on a sunny day. The only downside to this place is that we would have to rent all tables and chairs, which could add up.
Next we headed to Gramercy Mansion in Stevenson, Maryland. This is a historic mansion now run as a b&b with 45 acres of land and ample gardens. The building is ornately decorated and feels like it belongs in another decade (yay vintage!). It is elegant and cozy all at once and the whole back of the house opens onto the gardens. Even with the gardens mostly dead for the winter, it is a majestic space to stroll through. I can only image what it would be liked filled with flowers and music. This is certainly a place where we could go light on our own decorations! In fact, the decoration was so ornate, it was a little dizzying. While it was a truly beautiful place, I don't know if it embodied "us."
Lastly we headed all the way to Linganore Vineyard, just outside of Mt. Airy, Maryland. On the way there, I said to Mike, "This place had better really impress me." I had been so wowed our previous two stops and I had some reservations about the set up at the vineyard. However, I was impressed. After the slightly cluttered overwhelming-ness of Gramercy, Linganore was a breath of simplicity. The vineyard is set among rolling hills and farm land and the building itself is a simple but charming converted barn. There is a large covered pavilion between the rolling hills and the main building, which we would set up for the reception eating and dancing. The ceremony would take place out in an open field with the vines as a back drop. If it rained, we would be under the pavilion, and moving into the main building could be an option too. Of the three places, Linganore would be the most confining if it were to rain. The pavilion was also very plain. We would need to get there early the morning of the wedding and do a lot of decorating ourselves.
At 4 pm we took one last look around Linganore and got back in the car to head home. It was a full day and it left us with a lot to think about. I had hoped we would dislike one of the places today and cross it off the list, but it looks like the decision is not going to be made so easily. Plus, there are still two more places to visit! So stay tuned, and comment away!!
Me fastidiously taking notes in Gramercy Mansion's garden.
Pulling on the very first wedding dress I ever tried, I was shocked by the weight, the stiffness, and the shear amount of fabric. This dress was clearly not for me. Though pretty, this full, billowing creation was far more than I could handle! Luckily there were plenty more dresses to come. All in all I tried on about 20 dresses this Saturday between two different boutiques. Whitney, Laura and I started our day at a shop in Alexandria and ended in Georgetown. We had enough time between stores to stop for brunch at Bread and Chocolate, one of my favorite cafes. I had no idea what to expect heading into the first store. I ran in late, due to parking, and I really hadn't thought about what kind of dress I was looking for. So the sales woman and I went through the store and picked a wide variety dresses. Whitney and Laura were really helpful too, putting in their two cents. My head was spinning too much to have a opinion yet. But pretty soon I started to understand, I wanted lace. There are so many different lace dresses and my quest for the perfect (and perfectly priced!) lace dress is far from over. I'm glad I now know what I'm looking for.
Wearing a wedding dress, even in the store, is a incredible experience. I
n the dresses I liked, I felt divine. Really. The fabrics were smooth and soft next to my skin. The ivories, lattes, and whites all glowed, and the texture of the lace hung, pulled, parted, and flowed in all the right places. I can now understand why my friend Melissa she said she wanted to wear her wedding dress every day.
I figured out a lot more than just "lace" after 20 some dress. The dress I am looking for will have a V or sweet-heart neckline, a form-fitting bodice, a low back, and a vintage feel. I also discovered that I like having a train. I really didn't think I would like a bunch of fabric following me around, but as some of the scallop edged lace trains and interesting split trains spilled out from the body of the dress, I got a much better appreciation for them. Below is a list of designers that stood out to me. Tell me what you think!!!!
Now the hunt is really on!
Designer: Marisa
Dresses: Christina 2900, Denise 2900
This site doesn't have either of the dresses I tried on, but you get the idea: http://www.fashionweddingdress.com/Marisa-Bridals-Dresses-9.html
Designer: Junko Yoshioka
Dresses: Christina (pictured)
http://www.junkoyoshioka.com/
Designer: Jenny Lee
Dresses: 915 (pictured)
http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/gallery/wedding_dresses/vendor/designer/jennylee/detail/185667?offset=8
Designer: Miranda
http://weddings.theknot.com/Dresses/Wedding-Gowns/results.aspx?type=31&Dresses+Gown+Type=Wedding+Gowns&p.Gown+Designer=Monique+Lhuillier&TM=31
Our day of exploration began at 9:30 am at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Philip Merrill Environmental Center. It is the Foundation's national headquarters. I realize that a "national headquarters" and "beautifull outdoor space" do not seem to go, but it does. The building is right no the bay with a huge wall of windows facing out towards the water and the beach. There is a large deck, separate events room (used for the dining space), a private beach and a dock. Though a bit industrial, the outdoor space is stunning. The deck is tented and can be sealed off in case of rain. In fact, being in the dining room and enclosed deck during a storm could be as romantic and breathtaking as on a sunny day. The only downside to this place is that we would have to rent all tables and chairs, which could add up. 
Next we headed to Gramercy Mansion in Stevenson, Maryland. This is a historic mansion now run as a b&b with 45 acres of land and ample gardens. The building is ornately decorated and feels like it belongs in another decade (yay vintage!). It is elegant and cozy all at once and the whole back of the house opens onto the gardens. Even with the gardens mostly dead for the winter, it is a majestic space to stroll through. I can only image what it would be liked filled with flowers and music. This is certainly a place where we could go light on our own decorations! In fact, the decoration was so ornate, it was a little dizzying. While it was a truly beautiful place, I don't know if it embodied "us."
Lastly we headed all the way to Linganore Vineyard, just outside of Mt. Airy, Maryland. On the way there, I said to Mike, "This place had better really impress me." I had been so wowed our previous two stops and I had some reservations about the set up at the vineyard. However, I was impressed. After the slightly cluttered overwhelming-ness of Gramercy, Linganore was a breath of simplicity. The vineyard is set among rolling hills and farm land and the building itself is a simple but charming converted barn. There is a large covered pavilion between the rolling hills and the main building, which we would set up for the reception eating and dancing. The ceremony would take place out in an open field with the vines as a back drop. If it rained, we would be under the pavilion, and moving into the main building could be an option too. Of the three places, Linganore would be the most confining if it were to rain. The pavilion was also very plain. We would need to get there early the morning of the wedding and do a lot of decorating ourselves. 
