Hi, I'm Lauren! Welcome to my blog! I'm a Maryland wedding and portrait photographer that loves beautiful light and has an obsession with the water. This is my pretty little place to show off all of my most recent photography adventures and the stories behind them. So get comfy and have a look around!

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Rainy Wedding : Darci + James

chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-111As you can obviously tell from that first picture, it rained. Well….more like poured for Darci and James’s rainy Chesapeake Bay Beach Club wedding.  Thanks a lot Hurricane Matthew.  Definitely not what any bride and groom has in mind when they book at the Beach Club.  But hey, what can you do with a rainy day other than embrace it, go buy a pair of bright pink Hunter rain boots, and climb up on those rocks for pictures anyway?!  Granted, following those pictures, I did have to spend a little bit of time holding a hair dryer to the back of Darci’s dress and rubbing sand out of the tulle layers, but you gotta do what you gotta do.  If you’re game to play in the rain, I’m right there with you.  And I’ll help clean you up afterwards  🙂

Now that we got the rain talk out of the way, let’s talk about the real important stuff…..the fact that Darci and James are pretty much the best.  The two of them are so much fun, so sweet, and a total joy to be around.  Each time I’ve gotten to hang out with them they’ve kept me laughing and smiling.  Their sense of humor is amazing and was brought into every aspect of my interactions with them.  At this point, because it will give you a MUCH better idea of how awesome they are than I could ever do in my own words, I’m going to let Darci and James do all the talking for me and just share a little bit about them and their wedding in their own words.  The following are parts of some of their answers to my pre-wedding questionnaire I send out.  They make me laugh one second and then get all teary-eyed the next, which makes them exactly the kind of bride and groom I want to spend a wedding day with:

Describe the theme/vibe/colors of your wedding: Preppy pink and blue nautical, subtract the stuffy preppy vibe, add some happy Maryland blue crabs, a live band for the bride and groom’s dancing feet, and let’s change the title of this shindig from a wedding to the Berliant Bash!

When and where did you two meet?: We met as two way-too-cool-for-school-freshman at Penn State Altoona in 2001.

How did he propose?: At the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego….His plan got flipped-turned upside down!  His nerves got the best of him and he was so excited to propose that he grabbed the ring while Darci was out on the balcony admiring the view and then he walked out and embraced Darci for the big ask and Darci looked at him and said, “I need my sunglasses” and walked into the room (impeccable timing as always!). When she walked back out, James got down on one knee, he has no idea what he said because he “blacked out”, and Darci doesn’t know either because she too blacked out.  But, they’re both convinced it was very sweet and touching otherwise Darci wouldn’t have said yes and James wouldn’t have put the ring on her finger, causing the tourists below to clap and cheer and jump for balcony-engagement joy.

For the groom – what is it about your bride that makes her the one?: James – “Can I say her ass?” <insert Darci eye roll here> James – “Come on, she’ll laugh!” We hope you enjoyed that.  **Definitely made me laugh James….good job**  It’s simple, there is nothing to dislike about Darci.  From friendship, to dating, to today – we always have fun.  Darci is a happy go-lucky person who always has a smile on her face.  She is thoughtful, sweet, caring, and giving and constantly puts others before herself.  She maintains a positive attitude during the crazy trails and tribulations we encounter, which in inspirational.  I fell in love with her easy going, fun, and laid-back approach to life!

For the bride – what is it about your groom that makes him the one?: Besides the fact that he puts up with me and my crazy antics (and often joins in)….I admire his positive outlook on life and his ability to inspire others.  I can forgive the fact that he’s a Raven’s fan because he’s also a Penn State fan and his handsome good looks help, too.  He’s my best friend!  Who wouldn’t want to marry their best friend?

Did you fall in love with them yet?!  It really is impossible to not love James and Darci.  And admire James’s hair game.  Dude’s hair is On. Point.

Darci and James…..I know your wedding day didn’t go exactly how you had imaged, but you took it on like a champ and danced anyway.  Like you both said in describing what you love about each other, you kept a positive outlook and did it all with smiles on your faces.  I had so much fun with you and am honestly sad it’s all over!  You mentioned you love board games so we might have to plan a board game night or something because I’m going to need some Darci and James time in my life  🙂
Congratulations you two!!  I wish you so so so much happiness!

chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-2chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-4chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-7chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-9chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-1chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-10chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-12chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-13chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-17chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-19chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-20Take a close look at those socks.  Yep.  Best socks ever.chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-24chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-25chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-26chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-29chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-30chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-21chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-22chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-23chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-34While waiting for Darci to come out for their first look, James mentioned wanting a drink.  Lo and behold, one of his guys had just come out with a mini bottle of bourbon.  We started taking pictures so James thought Darci was coming up behind him for their first look.  Greeted by a refreshing drink instead.chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-35Then the first look happened  🙂chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-37chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-39chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-41chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-42chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-43chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-44chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-45chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-46chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-48chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-50chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-51chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-52chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-53chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-54chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-58chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-60chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-62chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-64chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-71chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-65chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-66chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-130chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-131I had to get a close-up of that hair.  😉chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-133chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-136chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-76chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-81chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-82chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-83chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-84chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-86chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-87Hey Darci, this was the moment when your Aunt rattled off a whole long list of stuff to repeat during your vowschesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-88chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-89chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-90chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-93chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-94chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-95chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-96chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-97chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-99chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-100chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-103chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-101chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-105chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-107chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-110chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-112chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-113chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-114chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-115chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-116chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-120chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-121chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-119chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-75chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-74chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-125chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-126chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-127chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-137chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-154chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-138chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-139chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-140chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-143chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-144chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-145chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-146Right as their first dance was ending the sky exploded into a painting of beautiful colors.  I am SO glad they agreed to step outside real quick for a few photos.  And when I say real quick, I mean real quick.  It was still raining a little bit, and they had both just gotten dried off, so we legit spent 50 seconds outside for these photos.  No lie….I looked at the capture times of the photos!  chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-148chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-151chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-153chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-183chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-186chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-187chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-189chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-158chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-159chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-163chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-166chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-175chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-178chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-192chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-194chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-196An intense round of limbo ensued during the reception and Darci showed that she must be made of rubber.chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-201chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-203chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-205chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-206chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-210chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-214chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-218chesapeake-bay-beach-club-nautical-rainy-wedding-219

The professionals that made this day possible:
Getting ready venue: The Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Wedding Venue: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Sunset Ballroom
Hair and Makeup: The Spa at The Inn
Caterer: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Videographer: Editing Life Videography
Flowers: Bella Fiori Couture Floral & Events
Cake: Graul’s Market Mays Chapel
Band: Bachelor Boys Band
Officiant: Elizabeth (Aunt and Godmother of the Bride)
Photographer: Lauren C Photography
Assistant Photographer: Angel Kidwell Photography
Invitations: Lola Louie Paperie
Bridal Gown: Pronovias from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka and Hunter rainboots
Bridal Jewelry: Radcliffe Jewelers Towson
Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal
Groomsmen suits: Calvin Klein
Groom’s suit: Boss
Ties: J. Crew
Wedding Favors: J.O. Spice Company
Monogrammed crab on card box: Nanas Little Nest

2 comments
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  • BreaOctober 31, 2016 - 8:15 pm

    OH MY GOD THAT SUNSET. OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG. SO JEALOUS. This wedding is amazing. Completely and totally amazing. Her dress was stunning on its own but with that top it’s perfection.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah WockenfussOctober 31, 2016 - 10:25 pm

    This is the most beautiful rainy wedding day ever! That sunset is gorgeous too!ReplyCancel

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