The Essential Criterion

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.