Modern Meets Classic Wedding at Kent Island Resort

Taylor and Zach are JMU alumni who started dating in 2016. After Zach proposed, they planned a September wedding at Kent Island Resort on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. With a clean, black-and-white color palette and a mix of modern and classic details, this wedding day was timeless. Capturing it was an honor!

Before Taylor and Zach’s big day, I worked with them to customize their wedding photography package. After our consultation call, the couple decided they didn’t need an engagement session, since they already had photos taken during Zach’s proposal. So, a custom photography package was necessary to prevent paying for a service they didn’t need! We discussed their wedding timeline and top priorities for their photo coverage, allowing me to propose a package tailored to their wants and needs. Whether you are looking for a complete wedding weekend with three days filled with events, or an intimate elopement, I can create the perfect package for you.

Images of a wedding at Kent Island Resort, with black and white stationery and tented ceremony

Kent Island Resort: An Eastern Shore Wedding Venue

Taylor and Zach selected Kent Island Resort—located across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis, on Maryland’s idyllic Eastern Shore—as their wedding venue. I love photographing weddings at this venue because of its island location, which gives its events a “destination” feel while still being close to Baltimore. From the historic manor house to the waterfront views, it’s the perfect venue for couples wanting to highlight the Eastern Shore’s pastoral-meets-nautical aesthetic. Taylor and Zach’s wedding occurred on the manor side of the resort, which features views of the house and waterfront and a beautiful tented reception space. Kent Island Resort is also great for destination weddings, since the on-site boutique hotel can let guests stay right there. And they offer private Yacht charters for couples looking to add-on a guest experience the night before!

Tented Wedding Ceremony at Kent Island Resort

Initially, Taylor and Zach planned for an outdoor wedding ceremony. However, their wedding day forecast predicted rain, with the chance of precipitation unfortunately growing as the day progressed. The couple decided to pivot to plan B, saying “I do” inside the tented reception space less than an hour before the ceremony began. Often, a last-minute location change can cause some stress since we have to move details around.

Thankfully, this wedding day was an exception. While Taylor and Zach were with me snapping bridal portraits, their 19-strong wedding party sprung into action assisting the venue staff with moving all the ceremony chairs and details into the tent! Taylor and Zach trusted their friends to make the room flip happen in time and trusted me to move quickly so I could capture their incredible ceremony design before the proceedings began. I was in awe of their calm despite the situation, and everything turned out perfectly!

Taylor and Zach planned a wedding ceremony that prioritized their guests’ experience. Glasses of chilled champagne welcomed their guests to the event and conveyed an aura of class! Each guest also received a paper cone full of white flower petals to toss on the newlyweds as they exited the ceremony space. The petals floating through the air made for the most beautiful, picturesque moment as Zach dipped Taylor for a kiss! Even though we had a bit of rain, guests enjoyed the evening and didn’t even notice that we switched the ceremony location.

A Stylish Satin Reception Dress

Taylor participated in one of my favorite wedding trends: changing into a second, “late-night” look for her reception! While her ceremony gown matched the day’s modern-meets-classic aesthetic with a cleanly constructed strapless bodice and flowing train, it wasn’t well-suited for dancing. So, once the toasts concluded and it was time to hit the dance floor, she changed into a mini slip dress featuring an on-trend one-shoulder neckline and scarf. She was comfortable for the rest of the night, and as a bonus, the dress looked stunning on camera!

Since Taylor and Zach skipped an engagement session, we met in person for the first time on their wedding day at Kent Island Resort. This made their trust in me even more meaningful! Despite the tricky weather and change in ceremony space, they embraced their day for what it was, resulting in a beautiful celebration of their love. Are you planning a Maryland wedding? Or, perhaps you’re dreaming of escaping to your favorite destination to say “I do.” No matter your plans, I’m there! This is your moment—let’s capture it together.

Modern black and white custom wedding invitation suite next to white rhinestone wedding heels for a Maryland wedding Bride getting ready for her wedding at Kent Island Resort, wearing a satin strapless down with pearl covered veil. Bride holding a wedding bouquet filled with white flowers and greenery by Carried Away Florals Groom getting ready for his wedding at Kent Island Resort Groom in a classic black tuxedo for his wedding at Kent Island Resort Haley Day - Maryland Wedding Photographer Wedding first look at Kent Island Resort, outside on the lawn Bride and groom pictures at Kent Island Resort, after a first look. Bride in a satin ballgown, the groom in a black tuxedo. Black and white image of a couple at the Kent Island Resort hotel. Bridal portraits at Kent Island Resort Bride and groom portraits indoors at Kent Island Resort Bride and groom holding hands, walking to their wedding ceremony, next to an image of their wedding party Bridal party in black dresses with all white flower bouquets for a Maryland wedding Bridal party portraits at Kent Island Resort Groom in a black tuxedo for his Maryland wedding Tented wedding ceremony at Kent Island Resort in The Pavilion. White chairs, flowers and hanging greenery from the chandeliers Wedding guests holding paper cones filled with white flower petals at a wedding ceremony Haley Day - Maryland Wedding Photographer Wedding guest holding a cocktail with a custom stirrer with the bride and groom's initials Tented wedding reception at Kent Island Resort in their Pavilion, with all white decor Blush roses and greenery in a gold bud vase on a round wedding reception table, with candlelight. Bride and groom entering their wedding reception at The Pavilion at Kent Island Resort Bride in a short white dress for her Maryland wedding reception