Equestrian Vibes and Classic Elegance Abounded at This Wedding in Monkton, Maryland

Stacy Hadeka was spending the day with some friends at a rooftop pool in Washington, D.C., in July 2018, when Jack Korba arrived as part of a different group. But when several of their mutual friends stopped to say hello to each other, it didn't take long for the two to strike up a conversation. "Impressed with her confidence and beauty, Jack decided to ask for her number and the rest was history," the couple explains. Two years later, Jack proposed on Stacy's birthday trip to the Sagamore Resort in Lake George, New York. "The surprise continued as Jack snuck both sets of parents to the resort restaurant for a full on and unexpected (for Stacy) celebration," the couple says.

As they began planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stacy and Jack decided to limit their guest list to 50 friends and family, and chose May 15, 2021, as their date. "We determined that we wanted the wedding festivities to take place outdoors," says the couple. "And luckily, by the time we got married in May, attendees were able to get vaccinated and mask mandates had been lifted at that time."

Both the bride and groom grew up with ties to the countryside—Stacy in Vermont, Jack in New Jersey—so they wanted to host "an elegant, yet tranquil event where everyone could enjoy themselves" at a rural location. They chose Foxfire, a private estate in Monkton, Maryland, where classic equestrian motifs complemented the rolling hills and traditional architecture. "[Set} the tone by finding a venue that just fits you and meets your vision," says the couple. "Before we even picked our date, we picked our venue, and we went from there. It completely set the stage for planning and what was to come."

The couple and their guests spent the weekend at Foxfire, a 127-acre private estate that provided the "beautiful and lush countryside backdrop" Stacy and Jack envisioned for their wedding. "We love the countryside," says the couple. "Foxfire hit all the marks, including a nod to equestrian heritage. It was immediately clear to us that this was the perfect spot."

Stacy and Jack incorporated several slate elements into their aesthetic in a nod to the bride's family's business. Sets of slate coasters were custom-engraved with a fox illustration, tied with leather bands, and packaged in plaid-lined boxes to serve as save-the-dates. A paper suite from Emily Baird Design included a fox hunt oil painting on the envelope, letter-pressed text and an embossed horse on the invitation, and an information booklet with the same fox image that appeared on the save-the-date coasters.

The couple filled woven baskets with a selection of treats that represented their favorite places: maple candy from Stacy's home state of Vermont; a scented soy candle named "East Coast Vacation" that referenced Jack's New Jersey roots; wine from Maryland's Boordy Vineyards; and strawberries, cheese, and charcuterie from local farms.

During welcome drinks, Stacy paired a floral Monique Lhuillier skirt with a spaghetti-strap tank and Dior saddle bag—a fun nod to the celebration's equestrian theme.

Guests mingled poolside, sipping signature cocktails and a selection of beer and wine. "With the tree-lined entrance, the grand estate and complimentary in-ground pool, and the sprawling hillside, the property was so picturesque," says the couple of the golden-lit evening.

On her first visit to a bridal boutique, Stacy tried on a lineup of figure-hugging wedding dresses from major designers. "Everything looked beautiful, but felt more formal and less bridal," says the bride. As she turned her attention to A-line shapes, she found a poppy-printed Lela Rose gown with a draped neckline—and pockets!—which had the classic look and fit she wanted. Springvale Floral wrapped a petite bouquet of lily of the valley, white orchids, and ranunculus for the bride to carry, while her maid of honor and bridesmaid—both in formal white gowns—carried smaller bunches of peonies, ivory majolicas, and white roses.

In keeping with the formal dress code at the wedding, Jack and his groomsmen wore black tuxedos; the groom chose a bespoke Paul Stuart creation with a shawl collar, and all the men wore Stubbs and Wooton smoking slippers. Jack's Cartier cuff links, a gift from Stacy, were engraved with the initials of his late brother. "Throughout the weekend, it truly felt as if Jack's late brother was present, ensuring it all went without a hitch," says the couple.

Jack met Stacy on a terrace overlooking the property's rolling hills before the ceremony. "During the first look, Jack was amazed by how beautiful Stacy looked and was so excited that she was about to become his life-time partner and wife," they say. "Stacy loved how handsome Jack looked and took a moment to take it all in. It was one of those times during the wedding where it was just us, so we made sure to cherish the moment."

Stacy and Jack allowed sweeping views of the countryside to wow guests during the ceremony, keeping the rest of the décor simple and organic. White flowers—including peonies, orchids, lily of the valley, majolica, ranunculus, lilac, and hellebores—filled out an asymmetrical arch and lush arrangements behind the last rows. Jack's great-uncle, The Honorable Michael Farrell—a former judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals—officiated the ceremony.

The couple kept their service "short and sweet," says Stacy, with personalized vows and readings from their family—including Jack's sister reading a Bob Marley poem inspired by her late brother. "At the exact moment the poem concluded, one of the horses out in a pasture on the property serendipitously whinnied in the background as if to confirm and signify that he was with us," says the couple. "The weekend was truly a blessing, as we could feel the love from near and far."

Directly after their ceremony, Stacy and Jack shared their first dance to "Something" by the Beatles. "Since Jack's dad is a professional musician, he has always had an affinity for music," says Stacy. "Having been introduced to the Beatles at a young age and hearing the song 'Something,' Jack just knew this would be his wedding song."

Custom fox drink stirrers added a personal element to the cocktail menu, which included two signature cocktails—a spicy jalapeño margarita named "The JFK" for Jack, and an Aperol spritz named after the Sagamore Resort (where the couple got engaged) for Stacy. After their portraits, the newlyweds made their debut at the party. "When we entered the cocktail hour," says Stacy, "doves located on the estate were released to celebrate our entrance as husband and wife."

The wedding reception's design included one long table with seating for the entire party under an open-frame structure draped with white fabric and floral arrangements. Five Ralph Lauren chandeliers lit the space, while low ceramic compotes held lush white and green floral arrangements. "We were looking to host an al fresco spring wedding that would be timeless and elegant," says Stacy. "The overall vision complimented the idyllic estate, with white and neutral details. We wanted an effortless and inviting design that was influenced by our love for the countryside and classic Hermes style."

White place settings, napkins tied with fresh greenery, and menus repeating the fox design sat atop custom placemats made by Stacy's family with slate from their quarry. "Each guest got to take their placemat home, which could also serve as a custom cheeseboard for future entertaining," she says.

Buttercream Bakeshop provided a two-tier vanilla cake with raspberry jam and Chambord buttercream. The smooth ivory fondant was wrapped with sugar flowers and vines inspired by olive leaves, hellebores, and campanula blossoms.

For Stacy and Jack, sharing an intimate meal with their guests was one of their favorite parts of the day. "Dinner under the stars was simply amazing," says the couple. "It was a beautiful evening filled with stories, toasts, and a delicious multi-course meal. It felt like a scene from a movie, but one that was just for us."

After the meal, Jack took the microphone to serenade Stacy with one of their favorite songs, "Beyond" by Leon Bridges—which "kicked off a truly special end to a fantastic night," says the couple. Stacy's older sister and Jack's father—both professional musicians—also joined the Budesa Brothers jazz trio for special performances.

"There were fire pits arranged throughout the backyard with materials provided to make s'mores. A cocktail bar was set up under a tree with white lights, and a cigar roller handed out cigars to those who wished to partake," says the couple. "There was also late-night Taco Bell, which is one of our favorite guilty pleasures."

The next morning, the couple hosted a Slim Aarons-themed pool party brunch, offering their guests the chance to relax before traveling home. Bright tropical flowers added color to the bar and buffet, where loved ones enjoyed drinks and light bites.

Stacy and Jack recalled their meeting at the rooftop pool with a post-wedding morning swim at Foxfire. "We made a point to pause, soak it all in, and be as present as possible," says the duo. "That was great advice, and has left us with so many wonderful memories."

Photography, Abby Jiu Photography
Venue, Foxfire
Wedding Planning and Event Design, Lauryn Prattes Styling and Events
Catering, Occasions Catering
Flowers, Springvale Floral
Officiant, The Honorable Michael Farrell
Stationery, Emily Baird Design
Calligraphy, Rachel Fisher Calligraphy
Cake, Buttercream Bakeshop
Music, Budesa Brothers (dinner and reception); Two Rivers Chamber Music (ceremony and cocktail hour)
Rentals, Maison de Carine; Social Supply; Something Vintage; Stradley Davidson Linens; Sugarplum Tent Company; Technical Event Company; White Glove Rentals
Bride's Gown, Lela Rose
Bride's Accessories, Carine's Bridal veil; Jimmy Choo shoes; David Yurman earrings; Cartier bracelet
Hair, Maurcell Littleton
Makeup, Kevan D'Damery
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Adrianna Papell; Shona Joy
Groom's Attire, Paul Stuart
Menswear, The Black Tux
Groom's Accessories, Stubbs and Wooten slippers; Cartier cuff links
Lighting, Technical Event Company
Transportation, American Limousines
Cigar Roller, Castañeda Cigars, LLC
Favors, Hadeka Slate (placemats); Clean Slate Creations (engraving)
Save-the-Dates, Hadeka Slate (coasters); As You Wish Custom Laser Engraving
Weddings Rings, Alousha (bride); Shah & Shah Jewelers (groom)