Maybe it was the the way from the second I walked into the room, Jess was equal parts relaxed and excited, and ready to have the best day of her life. Maybe it was the way Chris teared up as he saw her walking down the aisle. Maybe it was the gorgeous August day on the Chesapeake Bay. Maybe it was the bridal party who felt more like friends by the end of the day. Maybe it was the love you could literally feel radiating throughout the day. Maybe it was the touching letters Reverend King read during the ceremony from the bride and groom about what made them choose each other to give their lives to. Maybe its the way the parents of the bride and groom looked on with pride as their children joined the Beshaw and Grace family together. Whatever it was, Jess and Chris’s wedding day was magical.

From the moment I met Jessica last year, I had a feeling she was going to become a great friend. It’s something about her bubbly personality that instantly puts you at ease. Listening to her younger sister, Amanda, give her toast during the reception, it was obvious looking around the room that I am not the only one to think so. (Admission: I may have even teared up thinking about how much the two of them remind me of me and my own sister.) Chris is equally kind and friendly, and witnessing the love he so clearly has for Jess was something I am honored to have been a part of.

Jess planned a gorgeous day from beginning to end. Their wedding reception venue, Herrington on the Bay, provided a stunning backdrop for their love story. With views of the water, sailboats lining the docks, and lush gardens around the grounds, I could see why Jess and Chris chose to hold their wedding reception at the North Beach, Maryland venue. The church was perhaps one of the most beautiful I have ever been in, with white archways and large windows letting in tons of natural light. There were personal touches, such as a lucky penny in Jess’s shoe from her grandmother and wearing a veil made of family christening gowns. Sprinkle in the navy bridesmaids dresses, coral flowers, and nautical decor, and it truly was a beautiful day to behold.

Jess and Chris, I am so thankful to have been a small part of your beautiful wedding day. The love between not only the two of you, but also between your families and friends was nothing short of something very special. I know the foundation you have built together is something that will anchor you in a long, and loving life together as husband and wife. I can’t wait to celebrate more with you in a few weeks when you make your move to Charleston, South Carolina to begin your life as Mr. & Mrs. Grace. Until then, I hope the beaches of Jamaica are treating you well, and you have fun reliving your day through these images.

the creative team:

VENUE: HERRINGTON ON THE BAY ON-SITE COORDINATOR: ADRIA MOORE OF HERRINGTON ON THE BAY CHURCH: JESUS THE GOOD SHEPARD CATHOLIC CHURCH FLORAL DESIGN: CYNTHIA ROBINSON JURKOVIC OF FLOWER FOLLIES CAKE: CAKES BY RACHAEL BRIDES DRESS & SHOES: DAVIDS BRIDAL BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: WEDDINGTON WAY GROOMS & GROOMSMENS SUITS: MENS WAREHOUSE HAIR: KRISTI OF BEHIND THE VEIL MAKEUP ARTIST: KAYTEE OF BEHIND THE VEIL PHOTOGRAPHER: KATE OF KATE DYE PHOTOGRAPHY SECOND SHOOTER: JEN KUHN OF JEN KUHN PHOTOGRAPHY