Set the Scene: A Vibrant Spring Wedding at The Smithville Inn

Colleen and Sean’s wedding at The Smithville Inn this past April was nothing short of magical. I met Colleen through my sister Caisy, who she met at a leadership camp when they were 15 or 16. They had a blast being counselors together and became good friends. Even though Colleen and I didn’t know each other personally, she started following my page when I first started out because Caisy was promoting my work. Later on, her coworker Christine, who I photographed last year (you can check out Christine and Anthony’s wedding here), noticed that Colleen followed me and asked how she knew me. Colleen told her she didn’t know me personally but thought I seemed awesome. Christine had such great things to say about me that it brought Colleen back to my page just in time for her own wedding planning. And now, here we are on Colleen and Sean’s special day!

There was a delightful Renaissance festival happening the same day as their wedding, adding a unique touch to the atmosphere. To make the day even more special, it was also Colleen and Sean’s niece and nephew’s birthday. After family photos, everyone gathered inside to sing happy birthday and watch the kids blow out their candles on their cakes. The ceremony location was framed by a stunning tree in full bloom, making for a picturesque backdrop. Despite the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” we were fortunate not to see a drop of rain.

Colleen and Sean had so many unique elements at their wedding. Guests were greeted with a charming welcome newspaper filled with fun facts, crossword puzzles, word scrambles, and photos of their adorable pup, Pepper, who unfortunately couldn’t be there. The back of the newspaper featured a heartfelt note from both moms, which was the cutest touch! I had recently shared my love for embroidered flower veils on Instagram, and Colleen excitedly told me she had one to wear on her wedding day. It was so her vibe, and Sean was just as obsessed with it during their first look as everyone else!

After the cake cutting, Colleen changed into a sparkling white dress and rocked the dance floor with the drummer and saxophone players. Her bridesmaids even brought trumpets and had a fun musical battle with the saxophone player, making everyone laugh. During the speeches, Colleen’s dad gave the sweetest welcome speech, including a limerick about the couple. Every speech captured the crowd’s attention, filling the room with laughter and smiles. Sadly, Sean’s grandmother had recently passed away, and Colleen recreated a touching photo of his grandmother on her wedding day, looking into a mirror. This recreated moment with Colleen’s parents was one of my favorite photos, leaving us all in tears.

The wedding details were gorgeous, from the flowers to the décor to the seating chart adorned with little mushrooms, even on the cake. I found myself saving so many photos from this wedding to my personal wedding Pinterest board (and no, I’m not engaged 😂). Colleen’s aunt officiated the wedding, adding another layer of family love and connection to the day.

Their Love Story

Colleen and Sean’s love story is as charming as their wedding day. Both Colleen and Sean have friends they’ve known since childhood, and seeing everyone together under one roof was something they eagerly anticipated. Their story began down the shore when Colleen was 17 and Sean was 21. They remet years later in a local bar, rekindling their connection and leading them to this beautiful wedding day.

Colleen and Sean got engaged on a mild December night during a bonfire. They had visited Longwood Gardens a few days earlier, where Colleen thought the proposal might happen. However, Sean waited for the perfect moment, which turned out to be at home with their pup by their side. It was a cozy, intimate proposal that was just right for them.

After the proposal, they took their time finding the perfect venue, eventually choosing The Smithville Inn. This location holds a special place in Colleen’s heart, as her oldest sister also got married there. They nailed down the entertainment first, being huge fans of the dance floor, and even planned a joint bachelor/bachelorette party to merge their different friend groups.

Colleen and Sean

Your wedding was an epic celebration of love, joy, and all-around good vibes! It was such a blast capturing every special moment of your day. From the heartfelt speeches to the non-stop dance floor antics, your wedding was packed with laughter, sweet moments, and one-of-a-kind touches that made it truly unforgettable. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both and wish you endless happiness as you embark on this new adventure together. Cheers to love, laughter, and many more spontaneous adventures! 🎉💕

Photographer: Brenna Marie Photography
Venue: The Smithville Inn
Videographer: Hd360 Productions
Hair Stylist: Happily Ever After Hair
Make Up Artist: Makeup By Ginamarie
Florist: Rose Moon Design
Cake/bakery: The Bake Works
Band: Rock It Entertainment
Signage: Sincerely By Nicole
Dress Designer: Jenny Yoo
Bride’s Shoes: Skechers
Wedding & Engagement Rings: Emily Chelsea Jewelry
Groom Wedding Band: My Roots Jewelry
Suit Designer: Suit Supply
Groom’s Shoes: Nike
Officiant: Journeys Of The Heart
Dance Classes: Arthur Murray Marlton

Brenna Marie Photography is a nontraditional, colorful, true to color, candid, storyteller wedding and portrait photographer for couples based in Maryland, the DMV, NoVA and Washington, DC. Want to see more photos? Head over to the blog! brennamariephoto.com/blog. Ready to book your session? Reach out through brennamariephoto.com/contact.

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