Meredith and Kyle’s wedding in Forest Hill, Maryland was one of the most personal, intentional weddings I have had the privilege of photographing. The couple poured so much energy and love into this October wedding, and their unexpected touches made the day uniquely theirs.
Getting Ready & Taking One Large Family Photo
Meredith and her bridesmaids were so happy and relaxed the morning of the wedding. She and her girls did their own wedding makeup, and Meredith even did her grandmother’s makeup! It was such a sweet moment between the two. Between sips of champagne, bites of sweet treats, and plenty of laughter, the day started exactly how it should: with fun and excitement.
One of Meredith and Kyle’s highest priorities was to get a large family photo with every family and wedding party member. From the very beginning, I worked closely with them to design a timeline that prioritized what mattered most. We structured their day to ensure this photo could happen seamlessly without feeling rushed. Right after their first look, before the ceremony, we gathered everyone together on the lawn. The result? A beautifully orchestrated moment they’ll cherish forever.
Wedding Ceremony at Stone Ridge Hollow
Meredith and Kyle got married beside the lake on the Stone Ridge Hollow property. The rolling hills of Forest Hill provided a perfect backdrop for this outdoor wedding. But what made it even more special were the deeply personal touches woven throughout.
As a surprise, Meredith’s cousin performed a live string serenade, which was such a personal touch. The couple included a ring-warming ceremony, where they passed their rings around their guests, encouraging them to hold the rings tightly in their hands and say a prayer for the couple’s marriage. By the time the rings reached Meredith and Kyle, they had been prayed over nearly 100 times!
Perhaps my favorite moment of the ceremony was the joyful tribute to Meredith’s grandfather. When Meredith was a child, her grandfather used to take her outside on New Years Eve and ring bells with her to welcome the new year. To honor that tradition, Meredith and Kyle gave each guest a small bell to ring as they shared their first kiss. It was such a heartfelt way to bring a cherished childhood memory into their wedding day.
Couple’s Portraits & Wedding Reception in Forest Hill, Maryland
After their ceremony, I whisked Meredith and Kyle away for some golden hour couple’s portraits. Meredith changed into a gorgeous silk dress, and the couple wandered all over the gorgeous countryside, soaking in their first quiet moments as newlyweds. These portraits ended up being some of my favorites from the whole day.
Then, they joined their guests for the wedding reception to celebrate! Their reception was filled with even more personal details that made the night feel extra special. The seating chart was modeled after Captain Tony’s Saloon, a bar in Key West, and featured the guests’ names on dollar bills. They also honored the marriages that came before them by displaying wedding photos of their parents and grandparents.
When it came to the food, they leaned into the season with slices of pie and a decadent vintage chocolate wedding cake, topped with Kyle’s parents’ original cake topper. And because they wanted their reception to feel like a full-on party, they brought in a cigar roller for their guests and decked out the dance floor with a giant disco ball and heart-shaped sunglasses, which their guests adored.
Meredith also stunned with an outfit change. For the ceremony, she wore a romantic off-the-shoulder gown with long sleeves, a delicate lace bodice, a flowing chiffon skirt, and a cathedral-length veil covered in pearls. Later, for the reception, she changed into a sleek silk gown with a basque corset and draped top, perfect for dancing the night away.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer Near Forest Hill, Maryland?
Meredith and Kyle’s wedding was a dream to photograph—not just because of how beautifully planned it was, but because it was so uniquely them. Every detail was filled with meaning, from the heartfelt traditions to the unexpected surprises that kept their guests delighted all night long. It was an honor to capture their memories of this special day! Take it from Meredith, photographing weddings isn’t just my job, it’s my favorite thing in the world.
“Haley eased all of my worries and was happy to share from her wealth of knowledge and experience. On the day of my wedding, she was a voice of calm and reason. She kept us on schedule and was so joyful to be around. It doesn’t feel like she is “working” at your wedding but instead that she is living out her passion. She knew what photos I wanted or how I wanted things to look without me even telling her. I told her multiple times during the planning process it felt like she was in my head!”
– Meredith
Are you looking for a Maryland wedding photographer to capture the things that are most important to you? I’d love to capture your day with the same care and intentionality. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Vendors:
Photography: Haley Day Photography
Venue: Stone Ridge Hollow
Hair: NVS Bridal
Florist: Fosters Flower Shop
Bridal Shop: K & B Bridals
DJ: Baltimore’s Premier Event Solutions
Caterer: Mission BBQ
Jeweler: Reeds Jewelers
Bar Service: Black Label Bar
Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey
