Sara & Tom’s Stevensville Maryland wedding was filled with happy tears, laughter, and so much fun– wait until you see their dance floor! It took place at Camp Wright, along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay…
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Tom shared, “One of many reasons we chose you was because Sara had seen firsthand how talented you are at Rachel & Tommy’s Baltimore wedding at the Four Seasons. As Rachel’s Maid of Honor, not only did she appreciate your easygoing and creative direction (particularly when organizing a large bridal party), she really loved the final product — your photos from Rachel’s and Tommy’s wedding were gorgeous. The black and white photo of them under the umbrella has always stayed with her.”
Sara added, “Tom is an artist and he appreciated some of the artistic, creative photos on your website gallery; he thought you could create some really unique shots of us beyond typical cookie-cutter wedding photos. We’re both interested in more candid photos to really capture the joy of the day, but want a couple posed photos, too. We talked it over and decided a photographer was a good vendor on which to splurge a bit, because photos are one of the most lasting things you want for on your wedding day. We figured it was worth it to work with the best!”
Sara & Tom share, “We loved working with you guys for our wedding! We felt like you were literally everywhere, capturing every moment and fit right in at the same time!”
Creative Shots for the Artist 😉
Having my second photographer take the more traditional shots allows me to take fun photos like this with Tom reflected in his groomsmen’s sunglasses.
Groomsmen Connection
Sara says, “Tom and the groomsmen go way back, most of them to childhood. Tom met our officiant Mike when they were both living in North Carolina. He flew in all the way from Alaska to be a part of our wedding!”
I love incorporating solar flare into shots whenever I can, and loved going through the files and seeing this shot from my second photographer, Jim!
Lovely Bridesmaids
It’s really important for me to find the best lighting that makes every bridesmaid feel gorgeous throughout the day. I so appreciate the way people trust me with this– in front of the doors? Ok! This was an easy sell with having worked with a few of these women previously :).
Artistic Reflections
I love to take a step back on wedding days to take some photos from a unique perspective, like this reflection of Sara getting ready with the dogs watching!
Tom’s First Look
Tom shares, “The first look was incredible. Sara was stunning and just beaming with energy. I couldn’t wait to say I do. I’m glad we did the first look, otherwise, I would have been even more teary and smiling even goofier than I already was.”
Sara’s First Look
Sara shares, “When I saw Tom on our wedding day, all the little details that had consumed the morning — getting ready, making sure everyone was where they should be, pictures, etc. — just fell away.”
She continues, “He looked so incredibly handsome in his tuxedo, and I couldn’t stop beaming at him all day long. I saw Tom and instantly relaxed. He is always able to make me feel grounded and excited at the same time.”
Scenery is Key
For me, it is important to capture the landscape along with the couples and even allow it to take center stage sometimes. Something so beautiful about a Stevensville Maryland wedding, and any of the areas adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay, is the stunning combination of forest and bay.
Here I moved to frame them in tree branches and put them against the brightest part of the sky. I under-exposed slightly to really bring out the blue of the sky, green of the leaves, and intense shadows of the tree branches.
All in Good Fun
Having such fun groomsmen always makes for lots of laughter on the wedding day! These guys were pretty much the best. 🙂
Haaa these gues were pretty freaking adorable, too. Tom was so great with the kids!
A Pandemic Puppy
Tom & Sara say, “Summer, our seven-month-old golden retriever, is the sweetest puppy in the world – of course, we had to include her in our big day!”
They continue, “A true pandemic puppy, she wouldn’t let us out of her sight to take photos, and in fact, insisted on being front and center in most of them. When you include a puppy in your wedding, you never know what’s going to happen!”
Wedding gown, not dog bed, lol!!
Down the Aisle
Tom shares, “It was important to Sara that both her parents walk her down the aisle.”
A Beautiful Ceremony
Camp Wright was the perfect location for a Stevensville Maryland wedding photographer like myself. The scenery was so beautiful!
All the Feels
My main objective on the wedding day is to capture authentic emotions and real-life moments like this. I can almost feel what is going on internally for Tom just by looking at this photo as he composes himself during his vows.
Authentic Moments
The best photos often happen when no one knows they’re being photographed.
One of the first things I try to say to a couple and their closest family and friends when I arrive on the wedding day is: I know I have a camera, and we’ve all been conditioned to look at it and smile. Today isn’t about performing, it’s about being here with the couple and truly enjoying the day. Ignore me, go about doing what you are doing. If I need you to look and smile I’ll let you know.
The most important thing today in real life is being emotionally present and enjoying it and that will look best in the photos, too.
Their Favorite Part
They share, “Both of us were so freaking happy for the entire day, it’s hard to name a favorite part.”
You can see the groomsmen were, too!
Harry Potter Vows
They continue, “But making our vows to each other is definitely one of the highlights. Somehow Tom managed to work Sara’s love of Harry Potter into his vows.”
Why Camp Wright?
Sara & Tom say, “When we first visited Camp Wright, we knew it was the place for us. We both grew up boating on the Chesapeake Bay, so finding a venue on the water was important to us.”
They continue, “Pair that with the laid-back vibe of a summer camp, the gorgeous waterfront chapel, and all the outdoor space for our guests to spread out and enjoy the party – it was a winner!”
I totally agree! This Stevensville Maryland wedding location was a photographer’s dream!
Reuniting with Friends and Family
Reuniting with Friends and FamilyI love this sweet moment Sara and her mom shared immediately following the ceremony!
Sara shares, “We chose spring colors -pinks, yellows, and oranges -and a “down the shore” aesthetic.”
She continues, “The colors were not only perfect for May; they truly reflected the bright and cheerful feeling we had finally reuniting with so many friends and family.”
Starting the Night Off Right
They say, “Bachelor Boys Band included a cocktail hour jazz trio in their package, which really started the night off with a great vibe.”
How cool was this? I love live music and also the intense colors offered by a blue-sky day like this!
Summer Crush
They share, “The fresh-squeezed orange and grapefruit crushes (the “Summer Crush” signature cocktail by Bayshore Bar Services) were the hit of the night — our guests were raving about them!”
It was so fun to see one of my past brides, Rachel, at Sara & Tom’s wedding. The greatest compliment I can receive is when past couples refer their friends and family, and I’m so happy to say that it happens *a lot*. 🙂
Fun & Games
Sara & Tom share, “We borrowed yard games from friends and family – we’re at a summer camp, why not play some games?”
Stevensville Maryland Wedding Party
I took several more traditional shots of these guys, the candid ones were really some of my favorites. I love the classic, relaxed feel and how it fits the overall wedding vibe.
Dancing Fun
Sara shares, “Tom and I have always loved dancing together, even alone in our apartment during the pandemic.”
She continues, “We took a few lessons to get prepared for our moment in the spotlight, and practiced A LOT. I think it paid off!”
Tug at the Heartstrings
Sara says, “So many people were crying during the speeches, and it’s obvious why. My dad, my sister, and Tom’s brother really know how to tug at the heartstrings.”
I loved capturing this moment of Sara’s dad giving such a sweet speech.
While there were many tears, the speeches also brought tons of laughter! Tom’s brother had everyone in stitches. 😉
Blur of Excitement & Activity
Sara shares, “In the blur of activity and other people, it was nice to slow down and enjoy the fact that we just got married!!!.”
Haaa here I am hanging on the back of a moving golf cart getting this photograph! Lol, yes I’ll do almost anything to get a great photo!
Quiet Moments
They share, “We loved the few quiet moments we got to spend together throughout the day: the first look, dinner at our sweetheart table, sunset photos on the beach.”
Looking into the Future
Tom says, “I think we are both looking forward to traveling together and taking way too many pictures of our dog.”
Cake Smash
Haaa so fun, I also love the string lights and incredible color of the sky during twilight. Blue hour is a great time for photos, just like golden hour!
Position, lens choice, camera settings, and anticipating this moment all came together to make this shot possible!
Dance Floor Highlights
Sara says, “There was the crazy moment when our friends lifted us into the air during “Shout.” We’ve never had so much fun.”
When Limbo gets Competitive, haha!
These guys take competition and partying pretty seriously, so it made for a perfect match for limbo out on the dance floor!
Thunderstruck!
Sara shares, “We’ve played the “Thunderstruck” drinking game at all my friend’s weddings. It’s always fun, but this time Tom’s sister Julie truly stole the show as she did a full split while chugging her beer.”
Top Priority
They share, “Our number one priority when planning our wedding: a killer band and a rocking dance floor. Mission accomplished!”
Glow Stick Tunnel
They say, “We opted for glow sticks instead of sparklers for our exit for safety reasons, but it was just as fun to run through the tunnel. What an awesome sendoff to the most perfect night! We haven’t laughed or smiled so much… ever!”
Hungry for More?
See Sara & Tom’s Annapolis Engagement Session Here
View Sara’s cousin’s wedding here
Watch a SLIDESEHOW **even more photos of Sara & Tom’s Wedding** set to music here:
Sara + Tom’s Wedding Slideshow
Stevensville Maryland Wedding Vendors
They smile, “We loved every one of our vendors! So many amazing people made our day what it was, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
- Venue: Camp Wright: Folks at Camp Wright are just the best (shoutout to Cara!).
- Month-of Coordination/Florals: Oak & Poppy Event Co
- Caterer: Smokehouse Grill
- Bartenders: Bayshore Bar Services
- Band: The Bachelor Boys
- Lighting: On Your Mark Lighting: We loved the lighting and Mark went above and beyond even when gale-force winds the day before the wedding altered setup plans.
- Makeup: MU By Sonnie
- Hair: B More Bobby Pins
- Cupcakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Cake: Peace of Cake
- Table/Linen Rentals/Food Tent: Ebb Tide Party Rentals
- Bridal Shop: Couture Bridal of Maryland