Marissa Newberger And Cole Nowlin
Married
Sep 9, 2023
St. Michael's ,
Maryland
Photo Credit
Grace And Ardor Co. Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal
Season
Summer
The Proposal
Marissa and Cole first met in a marketing class at Temple University. Marissa asked Cole to be her partner for a group project, and they quickly became good friends. Later that summer, they discovered they were both studying abroad in Rome for a semester and decided to explore the city together. They spent many nights talking until the sun came up, enjoying the city’s sights and sounds, and drinking Italian wine. By the end of the summer, Marissa and Cole had fallen in love, and the rest is history.
Cole proposed to Marissa on her birthday, April 27th, while the couple was on vacation in New Orleans. They were having dinner at Commander’s Palace when Cole asked Marissa to close her eyes. When she opened them, Cole was on one knee, proposing. It was the most amazing moment of Marissa’s life. The waiter was kind enough to bring a bottle of champagne to their table and toast the newly engaged couple in front of the restaurant patrons. The rest of their NOLA vacation was extra special, attending the Jazz Fest and enjoying New Orleans’ culinary delights. Their vacation was one big engagement celebration, and it remains the most memorable vacation they have ever had.
In Preparation
The couple resided in Philadelphia and fell in love with Kirkland Manor, a beautiful venue situated in the picturesque town of St. Michaels in Maryland. The couple was drawn to the venue’s stately architecture and lovely gardens, which offered a stunning view of the Miles River with sailboats floating down it. The venue provided on-site accommodations for the wedding party for the entire weekend, making it a fun destination wedding experience.
For her color palette, Marissa envisioned soft blues, reminiscent of the calming Miles River that flows next to the venue. Touches of creams and greenery were also prevalent. A classic coastal design filled with shades of blue, creams, and greenery was integral to the design. The tent was a black-tie preferred wedding that incorporated hanging crystal chandeliers, a checkerboard dance floor, and a champagne tower to elevate the atmosphere. It was also important for the couple to include their two-year-old pup Corduroy, a mini Goldendoodle, in the wedding design. He was featured in the wedding invitation suite, seating chart sign, and cocktail napkins.
The Big Day
The week leading up to the big day showed a forecast of thunderstorms and heavy rain on the wedding day. Although this added extra stress to the wedding week, the wedding day had blue skies! The couple were able to have their ceremony by the water as envisioned over the year of planning, and the storms arrived later in the day.
Linwoods, a highly acclaimed Maryland restaurant, catered the wedding. Given that the wedding was on the Eastern Shore, crab cakes and oyster shucking were a must-have during the cocktail hour! Guests were served a duet entree of Grilled Bronzino & Beef Tenderloin. A classic three-tier buttercream cake with touches of white roses was chosen, which had an almond flavor with raspberry preserves – a classic wedding flavor! A dessert bar was also available to guests.
The couple’s signature drinks included an Espresso Martini and Mint Whiskey Smash, each of which was their favorite drink to indulge in. The florals were primarily white and cream, with touches of blue and greenery. The florals used included lisianthus, ranunculus, tweedia, garden roses, baby’s breath, and hydrangea. A must-have was a fireworks show to end the night! Thunderstorms almost dampened the show, but luckily they were able to go off as planned!
For Marissa, the moment that stands out is the first look at the dock. She will never forget the loving look on Cole’s face when he turned around and saw her in her stunning wedding dress. They shared a moment of reading their wedding vows to each other with the gentle sounds of the bay as a perfect background to the romantic moment. The fireworks display was a perfect ending to a dream-like day.
The Retreat
Marissa and Cole enjoyed a romantic two-week honeymoon on the Greek islands of Santorini, Paros, and Milos. Their favorite activity was a sunset cruise on the pristine blue waters around the island of Milos. The honeymoon was a wonderful, relaxing experience for the couple, sharing the beauty of Greek island life.
Featured Wedding Vendors
EVENT PLANNER
PHOTOGRAPHER
Erin McGeever – Grace & Ardor Co.
Contributing Vendors
VENUE
Kirkland Manor
BRIDAL SHOES
Jimmy Choo
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Show Me Your MuMu
WEDDING CAKE
Lindwoods Restaurant
ENTERTAINMENT
Posh Life Entertainment
FLORALS
J. Starr’s Flower Barn
STATIONERY
chez la mariée
BRIDAL GOWN
Mari Mi Bridal
GROOM’S TUX
J. Crew
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST
Susan Lim Makeup & Hair
VIDEOGRAPHER
Rivion Wedding Films
FIREWORKS
Shaefer Fireworks
RENTALS & DECOR
Eastern Shore Tents & Events
TRANSPORTATION
Chesapeake Charter
BRIDESMAID BEAUTY
Brushed Beauty
BRIDE JEWELRY
Verstolo
CEREMONY MUSIC
N Street Quartet
RESTROOM TRAILER
Lux Lav
