Katie Rushdi & Michael Tilghman
Elegant and Timeless
Married
Jun 4, 2022
Easton ,
Maryland
Photo Credit
Ashley Boyan Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal
Season
Summer
The Proposal
The proposal was on February 12, 2021 in Fredericksburg, Texas. Michael made plans to propose and have a romantic weekend spending time at vineyards around Fredericksburg, to recreate their first weekend trip as a couple from two years prior. The proposal ended up being perfect – just the two of them in their cabin. Katie was actually annoyed that Michael kept following her around all day, but it turned out he was just super nervous and she had no idea!
In Preparation
During their first Thanksgiving together, Katie went to Maryland with Michael to meet his family. During that visit, they took a little day trip to Easton and Saint Michael’s to walk around the small towns hosting winter festivals. Katie and Michael immediately fell in love with the charm of Easton. They walked around town for hours and noticed the Tidewater Inn was closed to the visitors due to hosting the Christmas tree festival. Nonetheless, Michael led them inside and proceeded to tell the front desk employee that they were newly engaged and would love to walk around and look at the venue (even though they had only been dating for 6 months at the time). Before leaving, they gave Katie a packet of information on the venue and planning process. Two years later, the couple had trouble deciding on a wedding venue. Katie went into the bedroom and came out holding the packet from the Tidewater Inn and told Michael she has been picturing them getting married there ever since their visit. Michael teared up and thought it was absolutely perfect.
It was important for them to host a big party with all of their friends and family celebrating their love story, officiated by Katie’s childhood reverend from Germantown, TN. Katie and Michael worked with Rachel at Rachel Kelly Events to curate and plan their 140-person wedding in Easton, Maryland. The inspiration was classic, elegant, and timeless. Both are big fans of 90s music and had a blast seeing Saved by the 90s in concert in Brooklyn, so they hired as the wedding band.
The Big Day
Katie and Michael were married in the back garden under columns wrapped in white roses. They hosted a cocktail hour with a string trio in the sailcloth tent, followed by the reception in the Gold Ballroom with the sounds of Saved by the 90s. Katie chose a classic decor of white flowers and greenery accented with gold and champagne colors, to a custom letterpress invitation suite. Their mini Aussie, Finn, was incorporated as well – from being in the ceremony (with a matching bow and pearl leash) to being featured on the custom drink stirrers. Both wrote their own vows, which was very special to them. A photo booth and a polaroid guest book was set up during the reception, and the cake had layers of snickerdoodle and pistachio from Blue Crab cupcakes – it was delicious! Additionally, the guests enjoyed Maryland-favorite Smith Island cakes, and served a late night snack of tater tots between band sets for guests. Everyone danced the night away and hosted an after party down the street until 2 am with their closest friends and family.
The Retreat
The honeymoon travel was coordinated by Jules Burlas at Travel 6 Degrees. They discussed a few different options, but settled on a two week tour of Italian cities that neither of them had been to before, followed by a quick stopover in Montenegro before flying home. The trip started in Lake Como at the Passalacqua, the boutique sister property of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The property was absolutely gorgeous, and their days were spent walking the property, laying by the pool, and taking in the sites. The couple went on a boat tour on the lake and Bellagio, as well as took a gelato making class!
The next stop was at Monteverdi in Tuscany. It is a beautiful, scenic property with a restored town on top of a mountain. They had some fabulous wine at multiple vineyards in the region and even went on a successful truffle hunt with dogs – Pia, Bianca, and Ufo. The third stop was in the Amalfi Coast, where they stayed at Palazzo Avino. They went to a winery on Mount Vesuvius, toured an olive oil factory, and learned to make limoncello while here. They also had a day on a boat, where they spent time in the ocean and got to see Capri. The final stop was in Montenegro at the One and Only Portonovi, and they had a relaxing spa day, took advantage of the beautiful beach, and took a super fun cocktail making class with their bartenders!
Contributing Vendors
RENTALS AND DECOR
Pretty Little Wedding Co.
VENUE
Tidewater Inn
RECEPTION DRESS
BHLDN
PHOTOGRAPHER
MAKEUP ARTIST
Sarah at Ariel Lewis
INVITATIONS
The Mandate Press
HONEYMOON ACCOMODATIONS
Passalacqua, Palazzo Avino, One & Only Portonovi
ENGAGEMENT RING
Zadok Jewelers
HAIR STYLIST
Galina at Beauty Icon NYC
GROOM’S TUX
LS Men’s Clothing
BRIDE’S GOWN
Marchesa Bridal
FLOWERS
Wenfei Uva at Seaberry Farms
EVENT PLANNER
Rachel Abell at Rachel Kelly Events
ENTERTAINMENT
Saved by the 90’s
GROOM’S CAKE
Smith Island Cakes
WEDDING CAKE
Blue Crab Cupcakes
CATERER
Tidewater Inn
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Birdy Grey
BRIDAL SHOES
Loeffler Randall
HONEYMOON HOTEL
Monteverdi, Tuscany
