This wedding was 10 years in the making, even though Casey resisted Jason’s charm when they first met. She had dreams, and she wanted out of small town life in Eastern Maryland to make it to the big city as a doctor. And Jason? Well, she found out he was a farmer near her home town, and that just didn’t fit into her plans. They each dated others while remaining friends, but the moment they were both single at the same time Casey took a step back. She liked Jason, but was still resisting the lifestyle that would mean for her. So she pulled away from their friendship a bit, careful not to flirt or lead him on in any way. But Jason knew. He knew she had feelings for him and he knew how to make her confront them. He stopped calling her. He stopped trying to get in touch with her. No flirting, no contact…silence. And Casey? She didn’t like it one bit. She began to realize just how much she missed having him in her life, and she finally pursued him.
They now live in a city between each of their jobs. Casey commutes to Baltimore where she’s currently a family doctor in her 3rd year of residence. And Jason heads in the opposite direction to run the farm he owns – the only farmer in Maryland with a commute, as one of his best men joked during his reception speech. And in the evening they meet in the middle, just as in life. Back at home where they balance each other, lift each other up, and care for each other.
Their wedding at Tidewater Inn was a perfect blend of the two of them – a rustic elegance. And it was the perfect wedding for me to end the year on. I adore Casey and Jason, and I adore their families and came to love their sweet and incredibly fun friends. And I would be remiss not to thank Melissa Manzione, Jason’s sister and a dear friend of mine, for hand picking me as Casey and Jason’s photographer. It is such an honor to be chosen by another photographer to capture a day so special and near and dear to their hearts. So thank you, Melissa, for entrusting me with your brother’s wedding day!
These sparkly flats…don’t you love them as much as I do?!
Casey is overcome with love and emotion as she thinks about marrying the love of her life…
Casey is a photography enthusiast, so Jason’s wedding gift to her was a new camera – with interchangeable lenses! She was blown away by his gift.
Casey…you are so beautiful!!
The first look. These get me EVERY time.
Jason, during his vows, told Casey that he couldn’t live without her smile. And you can see why – it’s beautiful and infectious!
I loved the escort card cork board. The unfinished board was to be filled up with corks from the wine bottles used during their rehearsal dinner, wedding day, and honeymoon.
The “fish” and “cow” symbols (to designate the plated dinner) on the escort cards paid a fun homage to Jason’s field of work.
I’m a sucker for dessert tables, and I love even more that the cupcakes were homemade by the bride’s father.
Jason’s mom is an antique dealer, and I loved all the rustic accents she brought in to decorate the space! A barn door for the gift table and amazing wood boxes for the dessert table.
There were so many incredible speeches given by Casey’s dad and the best men and matrons of honor. But of course I had to highlight Melissa, my dear friend, and the groom’s sister. Melissa and Casey are like sisters, and now, well, they are sisters. The love these two share is palpable. And the teary eyes exchanged during Melissa’s speech were but a small measure of the sisterly bond they share.
Casey has a special relationship with her dad, and I just love the look of joy and happiness on his face during their father/daughter dance.
Animal House kept the dance floor alive all night long! Their energy was incredible and they made sure everyone had a great time!
Casey and Jason, I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding to end the year on. Thank you to you and your families and friends for being so warm and welcoming! And thank you, also, for your sweet and thoughtful gifts! I hope you both are enjoying your amazing South African honeymoon, and Casey – I can’t wait to see the photos you take with your new camera!! Much love, Laurie
Venue: Tidewater Inn
Event Coordinator: Melanie Bennett (Thank you, Melanie, for being so wonderful and helpful – loved working with you!)
Florist: Monteray Farms
Hair Stylist: Kim Luthy
Makeup Artist: Jennifer Simmons
Band: Animal House
Holly Spicer - Laurie,
What an amazing job!! The photos are incredible, just like the bride and groom. Thanks again, from a proud big sister!!
Lorrie Prothero - so pretty! love the setting, the emotion and the colors! You do such a great job Laurie.
Sarah - These are absolutely stunning! You definitely captured the love that they have for each other. Beautiful!
Laurie Bracewell - Jason and Casey, I’m so glad you love your photos as much as I loved capturing those moments for you! I can’t wait for you to see the rest!
Humble thanks to everyone else for the sweet and kind comments – they are truly appreciated!
Jason and Casey - Laurie,
We can’t even begin to thank you enough for the beautiful job you’ve done. We’re laying in bed in South Africa tearing up looking at these pictures. You are AMAZING and we can’t imagine trusting anyone else to capture our special day. Much love from the Southern Hemisphere!
Doug - Wow, just wow. Laurie, you really do deserve the “amazing” prefix.
Melanie Bennett - Laurie– these are fantastic!!! you really captured both of their personalities– I will be sharing with everyone here at the hotel. Thanks so much — it was great working with you and I hope to see you in the New Year!!
Patti - Laurie, these are truly beautiful! Thank you so much! You did a wonderful job, and were great to work with…thanks for covering for him when the father of the groom had to make a speedy trip back home for his tux! I can easily see why you were hand picked by Melissa for this job!
Melissa - LAURIE!!!! I love you. Thank you so much for capturing this emotional and amazing day for two of my favorite people. The memories you captured will be cherished by my family forever. Thank you so much.