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  7. Lush Grounds, a Historic Manor, and White Florals Made This Timeless Garden Wedding One for the Books
Martha Stewart Weddings

Lush Grounds, a Historic Manor, and White Florals Made This Timeless Garden Wedding One for the Books

By Marilyn Oliveira October 29, 2021
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bride and groom outside
Credit: Abby Jiu

A Maryland couple made their vision for a large, al fresco big day come true.

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bride and groom outside
Credit: Abby Jiu

Jordan Nocar and Andrew Barton always knew they wanted a big, outdoor wedding, and the overall aesthetic for their springtime event came easily, too. "'Romantic, lush, timeless, and elegant were some of the words I first told our amazing wedding planner, Cristina Calvert," shares Jordan of the couple's vision. With those keywords in mind, the pair set out to find the perfect location—which came in the form of a gorgeous Annapolis estate complete with a historic manor and more than 100 acres of breathtaking grounds. "Whitehall is classic, stunning, and the perfect backdrop to the garden wedding I have always dreamed of," says the bride. "We fell in love with it as soon as we got there—so much so, that we never really considered anywhere else."

While the unknowns surrounding potential COVID-driven restrictions meant coming up with backup plans, Jordan still found she really enjoyed the preparation process. "I loved hoping on calls with Cristina to go over new ideas I had, hear her thoughts on how we could make them work, and put plans into place," she says. "She made it a fun, seamless process for us, and her knowledge and calm demeanor made me instantly feel at ease with whatever decisions I was making." And while they wanted the event to be beautiful and reflect their style, the pair was also intent on making sure their guests had an amazing time. "I think that reflects Andrew and I the best—we're both all about having fun, but we're also about making sure everyone around us is having just as much fun as we are," says Jordan. This was achieved through wonderful music, amazing food and drink, and hours of dancing—including a silent disco at a late-night after-party.

Looking back on their experience, the couple recommends putting thought into the little details as well as the large ones. "Incorporate things throughout the wedding that will always be special to you and your partner," Jordan advises, "whether it's having a signature drink named after your dog, surprising your partner by having the band play their favorite song, or ending the night with your favorite food. Those are the things you'll always remember!"

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Lovely in Lace

green accented wedding invitation suite
Credit: Abby Jiu

The couple's letterpress invitation suite incorporated a beautiful nod to the bride: a pattern based on the lace from her gown. A vellum wrap that surrounded the enclosures reflected the theme, while a mix of soft whites and sage green gave guests a preview of the big-day colors to come.

  • 30 Unique Ways to Use Vellum Throughout Your Wedding

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Far and Away

bride getting dressed
Credit: Abby Jiu

Jordan's sweeping, off-the-shoulder wedding dress with detachable sleeves and a trumpet silhouette was chosen during COVID restrictions with a little help from Carine's Bridal. "We could no longer go in the store for my appointment, but they told us they would ship up to five dresses to me!" she explains. "We set up a cute try-on area at my parents' house and I tried on dresses with my mom while FaceTiming my bridal consultant and some of my bridesmaids. I saved the Monique Lhuillier 'Willow' dress for last because I just knew it was going to be the one—and I was right!"

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Wonderful Whites

simple bridal bouquet
Credit: Abby Jiu

Her petite bouquet featured a variety of true-white blooms including bouvardia, freesia, lisianthus, ranunculus, spray roses, and sweet pea amid stems of dainty greenery.

  • 22 Petite Wedding Bouquets That Make a Big Statement

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First Things First

bride and groom first look
Credit: Abby Jiu

Jordan always imagined she'd be walking down the aisle when she saw Andrew for the first time on their wedding day. However, the pair realized that a first look could be their only opportunity to be alone. "I'm so happy we decided to go with a first look," she admits. "We were so excited to see each other, and I was even more excited to show Andrew a little secret I was keeping—I got a small tattoo of his initials on my wrist a week prior. He was so surprised!"

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Historic Hall

wedding party in the grass outside wedding venue
Credit: Abby Jiu

Their wedding party—bridesmaids donned champagne Jenny Yoo gowns, while groomsmen were classically dressed in suits from The Black Tux—posed in front of the venue ahead of the service.

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Dreamy Décor

outdoor wedding ceremony with white chairs
Credit: Abby Jiu

The ceremony site was set up in front of Whitehall's manor. "I think we were only the second wedding to do this, instead of facing the water," says the bride, "and I'm so glad we did. It was so grand and lush lined with white flowers up and down the aisle." Garlands of blooms were also draped along the railings, and urns filled with more white blossoms were stationed on pillars to mark the altar area.

  • 35 Altar and Aisle Decorations We Love

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Taking Her In

groom waiting at the altar
Credit: Abby Jiu

Andrew took in his bride with a mixture of love and pride as she walked towards him.

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Beyond Words

bride and father
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Jordan's father whispered some parting expressions of love in her ear before placing her hand in Andrew's at the altar.

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A Variety of Vows

Bride and groom exchanging vows
Credit: Abby Jiu

A live string quartet played during the ceremony, which was officiated by the father of one of Andrew's best men. "Andrew has always looked to him as a second father figure. We knew there was no one better to marry us," shares Jordan. And while the vows spoken in front of family and friends were traditional, they weren't the only ones exchanged that day. "We wrote our own vows to each other and read them separately that morning," says Jordan. "I'm glad we'll always have those for ourselves."

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Pet Names

specialty cocktail at happy hour
Credit: Abby Jiu

The cocktail hour featured a variety of tray-passed appetizers, a full bar, and two signature drinks named after the pair's dogs: "Ruby's Restorative" (grapefruit and lemon juices with vodka and cherry liqueur) and "Jasper's Juice" (lemonade with a splash of bourbon and mint).

  • 35 Ways to Ensure Your Dog Is the Guest of Honor

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A Room with a View

large outdoor tent for reception
Credit: Abby Jiu

Their reception setup included a massive tent situated in a meadow on the property surrounded by trees. The beautiful grounds were visible to guests through spacious openings in the tent, as well as clear panels that were built into the walls.

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In the Cards

escort cards on table of flowers
Credit: Abby Jiu

Traditional seating cards were showcased on trays of baby's breath beneath an urn filled with flowers.

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Under Cover

long banquet table wedding reception
Credit: Abby Jiu

The wedding party's station was highlighted by wooden beams sporting fresh, leafy branches. "When Cristina came to me with the idea of a pergola over the head table, I knew it would be the wow factor of the tent," says Jordan. "It was so beautiful and made this long table feel more intimate."

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Crystal Clear

reception table with white rose centerpiece
Credit: Abby Jiu

Crystal stemware, glass candle holders, and clear vessels for centerpieces shone in the sunlight at every table.

  • 21 Compote Centerpieces That'll Upgrade Your Reception

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All About Hues

table setting with green linens and gold rimmed plates
Credit: Abby Jiu

Sage menus matched napkins at every place setting, while gold flatware dipped in white coordinated perfectly with patterned plates. Embroidered linens were topped with coordinating floral arrangements.

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A Light Touch

wedding reception bar
Credit: Abby Jiu

A custom bar with wooden alcoves filled with florals also featured a patterned backdrop and shelves lined with votives.

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Sweet Talk

guests toast to bride and groom
Credit: Abby Jiu

Guests raised their glasses to heartfelt toasts offered by loved ones. "I don't even think we're biased when we say that my dad, maid of honor, and one of Andrew's best men had some of the best speeches in the history of weddings," enthuses Jordan. "They're all amazing with words, witty, and hilarious, and they made us feel all of the emotions."

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Dancing Queen

bride in center of the dance floor
Credit: Abby Jiu

The bride slipped into a second ensemble for dancing—a floor-length dress with sheer lace over a partially lined, boned bodice and thigh-length skirt. "I also changed into Nike Air Max's so I could dance the night away!" she adds. Later that evening, loved ones poured into a previously unseen part of the tent to enjoy a silent disco. "Everyone was met with a headset and Chick-Fil-A," says Jordan. "I can't think of a better way to end a magical night with everyone we love."

  • 36 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties

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Sources

bride and groom holding hands
Credit: Abby Jiu

Photography, Abby Jiu
Venue, Whitehall
Wedding Planning and Event Design, Cristina Calvert Weddings
Videography, Clayton Film Co.
Flowers, Sweet Root Village
Invitations and Stationery, Steph B. Co
Calligraphy, Steph B. Co.
Officiant, Kevin Powderly
Bride's Gown, Monique Lhuillier via Carine's Bridal
Veil, Carine's Bridal
Shoes, De Blossom
Hair and Makeup, Amie Decker Beauty
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Jenny Yoo via Bella Bridesmaids
Menswear, The Black Tux
Engagement Ring, Zachary's
Wedding Bands, Smyth
Music, Two River Chambers (ceremony, cocktail hour); Millennium for Washington Talent (reception)
Catering and Dessert, Occasions
Rentals, Fabrication Events; Maison de Carine; Nuage Designs; Perfect Settings; Social Supply Design; Sugarplum Tent; Whiteglove Rentals
Transportation, Thoroughbred
Lighting, Sugarplum Tents

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    1 of 20
    2 of 20 Lovely in Lace
    3 of 20 Far and Away
    4 of 20 Wonderful Whites
    5 of 20 First Things First
    6 of 20 Historic Hall
    7 of 20 Dreamy Décor
    8 of 20 Taking Her In
    9 of 20 Beyond Words
    10 of 20 A Variety of Vows
    11 of 20 Pet Names
    12 of 20 A Room with a View
    13 of 20 In the Cards
    14 of 20 Under Cover
    15 of 20 Crystal Clear
    16 of 20 All About Hues
    17 of 20 A Light Touch
    18 of 20 Sweet Talk
    19 of 20 Dancing Queen
    20 of 20 Sources

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    Lush Grounds, a Historic Manor, and White Florals Made This Timeless Garden Wedding One for the Books
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