STONE MANOR COUNTRY CLUB | SARA & CHEN | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

GETTING READY

Stone Manor Country Club sits outside of the hustle and bustle of the city near Frederick, Maryland. The rustic estate is centered on a gorgeous landscape. It provides multiple rooms upstairs for wedding attendants to prepare, as well as rooms below that serve as hosting spaces for cocktail hour. Sara and Chen took to separate suites to prepare for their day. As I arrived to meet them, it was raining. Each time we looked at the weather, the precipitation seemed to extend further.

Sara and Chen opted for a First Look. When planning for this, we hoped to utilize Stone Manor’s grounds. Due to the rain, we had to switch our course last minute. While there was worry that the ceremony might not be able to take place outside as planned, it was time for the bride and groom to see one another. We cleared a gorgeous room downstairs for the two to use, and I think we were all in tears within minutes. The joy that filled the room was immeasurable.

CEREMONY

As wedding day luck would have it, the clouds parted just in time for Sara to walk down the aisle. The staff rushed to wipe down seats in the garden one last time. Guests filed in to fill the newly dried chairs. An acoustic artist performed a variety of romantic songs for attendants to walk to. Even Sara’s sister, who had been in physical therapy working up to this moment, was able to make it down the aisle. It was an extremely happy moment for Sara, her sister, and everyone in attendance.

Chen and Sara shared emotional vows. I think everyone, including myself, caught some feels during their ceremony. The way they shared their intentions with one another was simply beautiful. The two sealed it with an “I do” and a kiss, then made their way back down the aisle MARRIED! The pair also took part with their families in a Persian wedding ceremony, as you’ll see below.

PARTY TIME

Guests were invited into the tent after cocktail hour. The DJ started the party strong by introducing the bridal party. They all danced their way in, setting the tone for the night. Sara and Chen made their way straight out to the middle of the dance floor upon introduction. The pair hugged closely as they shared in their first dance as husband and wife. Halfway through the song, the track skipped a beat, and before we knew it-Sara and Chen were getting down. In a choreographed masterpiece, they truly set the pace for the rest of the evening.

FIVE FUN FACTS

Sara and Chen met in high school in gym class. How cute is that?
Sara and Chen got “fake married” for my promo video which launches October 15th! If you think they look familiar in a few weeks, it’s because you saw them here first!
Chen’s socks featured tiny tacos, and honestly, I just think that’s cool.
Sara’s family shared with me that a Persian wedding tradition is to take a photo of the couple through the mirror set before them during their ceremony. While I’m not sure my version is on point with tradition, I am in love with the shot we created and so honored to learn more about their culture.
The only time friends and family left the dance floor was when Chick-Fil-A arrived as a late night snack!