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

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!"

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.

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!"

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.

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!"

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.

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.

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

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

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."

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).

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.

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

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."

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

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.

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

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."

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."

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