John and Erin are married! These two tied the knot at the gorgeous St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis. We walked around town and took some portraits before heading to Sherwood Forest for their reception! Erin's grandfather let us borrow his old car for a few pictures. Her veil made for some epic portraits! John also ordered a special gift of a piece of fabric that is the official Scottish tartan of the Somerville clan that Erin wore in her hair!
Here is a little bit of their love story!
We met online. Unfortunately, Erin lived in Baltimore and John lived in Chicago. While both of our dating profiles were set to find matches within a reasonable distance, eHarmony thought there might be something there. It even sent us a warning that we were very far away. We promptly ignored it. October 21st was our first message. November 5th was our first phone call. November 7th was our first Skype date. The next month or so was spent getting to know each other over the phone and through many video chats. Then in December, feeling like there was some real potential, Erin delayed her layover at Midway so we could spend a day together. December 20th was our first official date. After that, we found ways to see each other every 2-3 weeks. Even though long distance relationships are hard, they offer a unique opportunity to get to know each other in very intentional ways- you learn a lot about a person when all you can do is talk and Skype! It also meant we got to enjoy (and sometimes struggle through) a lot of traveling. Work trips to Chicago, weddings in North Carolina and Tennessee, crazy 4th of July Celebrations in Sherwood Forest. In September, after three crazy weeks including a work conference in Chicago, a camping trip in Minnesota, and a wedding in Virginia, John proposed to Erin on the Main Pier in Sherwood Forest- the community where Erin had spent her summers growing up. A wonderful celebration followed with Erin's family, grandparents and best friends. John's parents also walked into the room and we learned that our parents colluded to surprise us both! (They had never met before and found each other's contact info via Facebook!) And the Lord has been present through it all. Prayer and faith sharing has been central to our relationship. Now that we live in the same city, we have been able to finally begin to build a life together, attending church together and beginning to get John's house ready for us both.
It was a glorious sunny day to celebrate John and Erin. After the special dances, John and Erin shared the Anniversary dance with many of their friends on the dance floor. The last three couples were their grandparents and each grandparent gave a little toast! It was so special to hear from couples who have been married for over 60 years on the secrets to an amazing marriage. They danced the night away and had a beautiful sparkler exit at the end of the night.
Congrats you two! Your wedding was amazing.
Congratulations John and Erin! Have the best time on your honeymoon in Italy! In case you missed it, check out Jack and Katherine's beautiful Cape Cod wedding.
Vendor Love
Wedding Dress: The Bridal Boutique
Florist: Fleurs
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary's Catholic Church Annapolis
Reception Venue: Sherwood Forest Clubhouse
Hair: Patti at Kali Salon
Makeup: Emmey Makeup Artistry
Videography: Dogwood Media
DJ or Band: Touch the Sky Entertainment - Ian Zimmerman
Cake: Graul's
Catering: Rouge Catering
Calligraphy Design: Kate Blanas
Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom