Laura + Bill: A Chesapeake Bay Wedding
Remember this weekend? That glorious, best-in-show, warm, incredible summer weekend that showed up at the tail end of September? This was it! And I think we can all thank my couple for that farewell-to-summer weekend: this pair, both senior NOAA staff members, may have known just the right strings to pull for a peerless weekend of sunshine and warm breezes.
I was so happy to be part of the weekend festivities for Laura and Bill and their seaside wedding in Annapolis, MD. Bill is an old friend from our days in college attending the William College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies Program in Mystic, CT, and I was beyond delighted that he and Laura opted to look me up when they were engaged last year.
I flew in and headed straight for the harbor, where Laura, Bill and their families and wedding party were enjoying an evening cruise on board the schooner LIBERTE. Their friends coined the hashtag for the weekend, #hookedtheone.The two got ready onsite at their waterfront wedding venue, the Philip Merrill Environmental Center: headquarters of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis.
We did a first look before the ceremony, and the reactions were first-rate!
In addition to their friends and families, Laura and Bill welcomed this pair from the NY Times-–Laura and Bill were featured in the Oct. 10, 2014 Vows column.
The ceremony on the sand, officiated by Bill’s close college friend, Federal District Court Judge Woods, was kicked off with a procession of some of the children dearest to them.
After the ceremony, the beach reception began in earnest–children digging in the sand and swimming, adults enjoying cool beverages including one created by our own Comdr. Mowitt himself: The Sharknado!
To enjoy at home, mix up 1 shot tequila, 2 parts ginger beer and 1 part San Pellegrino fizzy blood orange soda. Pour over ice, and serve, garnished with a Lego shark, of course!
Note the white sharks for the wedding couple!
I love that my associate Carrie caught our couple (and me, above right) just as I was taking this photo, above left. I love having two photographers at a wedding, because of all the different angles and things we see!
These young ladies, daughters of the best man, directed guests to the ceremony site, appropriately dressed in sea-creature costumes. 
Lots of simply fantastic dancing going on at this wedding, led by the bride and groom and their Lindy-style first dance.
Also a lot of high-fiving!
From Lego sharks to Lindy hops, this was one of those magnificent, warm and wonderful weddings. Laura and Bill, it was such an exceptional pleasure to be with you for your wedding weekend in Annapolis.
Happy love!
xo, Anna
And for all you Sharknado fans, here’s a little pocket guide to keep with you when you are looking to make your next party that much more exciting!
The Skinny:
Venue: Phillip Merrill Environmental Center, Annapolis, MD/ Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Floral design: Kathy Jacobs
Photography: Anna Sawin and Carrie Hill for Anna Sawin Photography, Stonington, CT
Caterer: Ken’s Creative Kitchen
Sharknados: Originally created by the groom, poured by Ken’s Creative Kitchen
Lego Sharks: Sourced by the bride and groom
DJ: MyDeeJay
Cake Designer: Fiona’s Cakes
Hair and makeup: Behind the Veil, LLC