Lily and Nate live for being by the water and for all things classy and Annapolis, and their wedding day truly embodied all of that in such fabulous ways! Their November wedding ceremony and reception were both held inside of the Naval Academy Officer’s Club, which was acquired by Lily’s uncle who is a retired Naval Officer. Prior to their ceremony, Lily and Nate chose to have their first look outside of the Annapolis Yacht Club in front of Lily’s parents’ sailboat, which was such a special moment. We then were able to take portraits of them on the boat before heading to the Naval Academy.

Lily’s BHLDN gown was so classic and iconic that it was fit for a royal wedding! A unique aspect of Lily’s bridal party was not only that she had her bridesmaids wear white, but the girls also got to choose any white dress they wanted. The greenery in the stunning bouquets designed by floret + vine really popped in front of all that gorgeous white!

The tall tropical palm leaf centerpieces that adorned the reception tables are so ahead of trend for weddings, and it is perfect for a modern southern wedding feel. The palm leaves, along with all of the classic gold touches throughout the day (like Lily’s shoes!), remind me of summer in Charleston! Or perhaps it was inspired by New Orleans, where Nate proposed to Lily in Jackson Square while the two were on a trip there and totally surprised her!

Lily and Nate both attended Hamilton College in New York and met at a party of a mutual friend who purposefully invited the two of them as the only single people in attendance in order to set them up. How cute is that? And here we are, a few years later, and the two are now husband and wife!

Congratulations, Lily and Nate! It was truly such an honor to photograph your wedding day and infectious happiness you both exude! And a special shoutout to Jen Nyland of 2hands Studios for planning and coordinating their day perfectly!

The amazing vendors who made this day possible:

Venue: United States Naval Academy Officer’s Club

Accommodations: The Westin Annapolis

Wedding Planner: 2hands Studios – Jen Nyland

Photographer: Christa Rae Photography

Videographer: Fordham Films

Florist: floret + vine

Bridal Gown Designer: BHLDN

Hair Artistry: PSC Hair Artistry

Makeup Artistry: Kate Face Beauty

Band: Bachelor Boys Band

Wedding Cake: Bride’s mother

Officiant: Judge Nicholas Midey

Invitations: Basic Invite

A special thank you to the Annapolis Yacht Club for granting us access to their property for Lily & Nate’s first look and photos on her parents’ boat.