We met Laura and GM when Laura attended our EVOLVE workshop for wedding photographers in Portland. Laura is a wedding photographer in Maryland and we adore everything about her. Over the course of many conversations, stories, and jokes we developed a bond that grew into having us photograph their Chesapeake Bay Elopement. Understanding photography, Laura wanted to build a strong relationship with her photographers and have a documentary approach with creative lighting.

Laura and GM originally had planned to have a large Chesapeake Bay wedding but when COVID-19 hit they restructured their wedding into 2 parts. Part 1 (2020) = small family-only wedding celebration. Part 2 (2021) = larger reception next year. They love the idea of spreading out the celebrations over time, that way they would still experience their wedding this year while also anticipating a reception next year. They think this is making for an even better experience overall than originally planned. They plan on sharing their wedding premiere slideshow as an opening to their reception next year as a way for everyone to visually experience their adventure elopement and get into the mindset for a great reception party!

Since many of their family members have been in quarantine together or in smaller groups (Maryland is in part 2 of phase 2 heading into part 3 of the pandemic), they decided a family-only celebration would work. Activities were held outside with safe social distancing throughout the days (windy boat rides, backyard, etc…) while closer interactions occurred with those who were quarantined together. We captured everything from a safe distance using our long lenses.

Laura and GM are highly skilled (and understated) sailboat captains. They love their catamaran “Epiphany” so much that they live on it more than their house. They sail it to the Bahamas in the winter months and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay spring through fall. They go far and wide and even chartered a sailboat in Croatia. GM has taught Laura many of his hobbies including kiteboarding, wakeboarding, wake surfing, flying a plane (GM is a pilot), and scuba diving.

As a unique way to have their family witness their ceremony they decided to hold it on Laura’s father’s historic “workboat.” Laura’s Dad Jerry passed away 3 years ago and Laura’s mom then donated their workboat “Dorothy Lee” (built in the 30’s) to the museum. This is also the boat GM proposed on, so this was the perfect spot to have Jerry’s presence with them. They tied-up Dorothy Lee and their catamaran Epiphany right next to each other near the Tred Avon Yacht Club. This way their family would be seated outside on the catamaran with the perfect view of the ceremony on Dorothy Lee. Their Chesapeake Bay elopement stretched across 3 days offering stress-free opportunities for their family to share quality time together. From a full day boating experience on Dorthy Lee on Day 1, their dual boat ceremony and reception at Laura’s mom’s house on Day 2 (checkout their large square reception table) to a sunset sail on Day 3 with a spectacular sunset. We can’t wait to go back and photograph their reception party next June, 2021.

Bride and Groom beautifully lit up at sunset on their catamaran sailboat for their Chesapeake Bay Wedding. Groom shaving on a catamaran sailboat photographed thru a port hole for their Chesapeake Bay Wedding Bride laughing with moms while getting ready for her Chesapeake Bay wedding in Maryland. Bride and Groom in their ceremony on a workmans boat for their Chesapeake Bay Wedding. Humorous reception speech with everyone laughing together at Laura and GM's Chesapeake Bay wedding Gorgeous action shot of bride and groom dancing in an outdoor backyard wedding for their Chesapeake Bay Wedding. Boy playing piano for bride and groom first dance in a Chesapeake Bay at private homeBride and groom portrait on a US Air Force plane at their Chesapeake Bay wedding, Maryland. Bride and Groom sailing their catamaran sailboat at their Chesapeake Bay wedding.Bride and Groom waving goodbye to guests from their catamaran in Chesapeake Bay Maryland on their wedding dayBride and groom waving goodbye from their catamaran in Chesapeake Bay Maryland Abstract fun and warm portrait of bride and groom on their catamaran sailboat for their Chesapeake Bay wedding. Silhouette of bride and groom on the back end of their catamaran sailboat for their Chesapeake Bay wedding. Beautiful portrait of bride and groom lit up at sunset on their catamaran sailboat for their Chesapeake Bay wedding. Bride and Groom steering their catamaran boat at sunset for their Chesapeake Bay wedding.

Photographers: Jos & Tree | Officiant: Michael Feehley
Ceremony Venue: Tred Avon Yacht Club | Transportation: Catamaran “Epiphany” – St Michael’s Sailing Charters
Musician: Justin Ryan | Florist: Keleidoscope Custom Florals
Suit: Indochino | Dress: BHLDN
Hair & Makeup: Heather Jones Meredith
Cake: Steve Konopelski, Turnbridge Point | Videographer: Chris Thomas
Catering: Blue Shore Kitchen | Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events
Ice Cream: Scottish Highland Creamery | Wine & Beer: Town & Country
Rings: Kyle Edwards Fine Jewelry | Cookies: Laura Ryan
Laura: Laura’s Focus Photography | GM’s world 

Recognition: MagMod loved Laura and GM lit up on their sailboat so much they posted it in their main Intagram feed.

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