Jaimee & Eric May 16, 2009: A Family Farm Wedding

Thanks to Brian Drouin, of Drouin Photography, for the amazing photos from a beautiful day!

This wedding was a lot of fun to plan along with the Bride. Her family farm had once been a working dairy farm. and has been the site of many parties and celebratory occasions throughout the years. Upon her engagement, she couldn't picture any place better to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends, than the spot that was so near and dear to her family. And so, the Johnson Family Farm became the couple's reception venue! Her family got right to work to restoring the barn, complete with new flooring, fresh paint, and landscaping to accommodate guests and wedding festivities. The last step was to white wash the inside and decorate.

The morning started off at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Germantown.

Judy Sterling, of Best Face Forward, LLC was the makeup artist on sight, and did a fantastic job!


A friend of the bride took care of all the bridal party members hair styles.

A Touch of Class Limousines transported the Wedding Party for the day.

Taking a moment with the Bride, before getting her down the aisle!

The traditional ceremony took place at Montgomery United Methodist Church, with the bride's pastor, Rev. Wade Martin, officiating.

Ribbon Pomanders in the bride's colors of pool and lavender adorned the pews. Simple altar arrangments, colorful programs, and a personalized unity candle completed the ceremony decor.

After the ceremony, this group was ready to party! Cocktail hour was outside, on the farm grounds, before moving upstairs into the barn for dinner and dancing.


The barn was adorned with teal and lavender paper lanterns, while little details provided the finishing touches...

Sprigs of fresh lavender in each place setting provided a fragrant and festive decor addition.

George Marshall, of All in One Entertainment kept the dancefloor fun and lively for guests of all ages.

To honor the farm's legacy as a dairy farm, glass milk jugs filled with popcorn served as favors.

A few storms passed through that evening- but none could spoil the festive mood of this event!

Congratulations Eric and Jaimee!

Site Visit: Billingsley House Museum

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Billingsley House Museum in Upper Marlboro, Maryland for an upcoming July wedding.









The grounds are simply stunning. It's set back behind some municipal facililites. You find yourself on a one lane road, crossing a small wood bridge, and eventually turn a corner and find yourself on a tree lined lane.



A little more information about the property, courtesy of the Prince Georges County Parks and Recreation Department,
"Billingsley House Museum is a brick Tidewater Colonial plantation house that sits on 430 acres on Billingsley Point, overlooking the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Western Branch. The house and land were named for Major John Billingsley, the original 1662 land grant owner. Even though Major Billingsley never lived on the property and there have been 27 title adjustments over its long history, the name "Billingsley" remains. The present house was built around 1740 for the prominent Weems family on or very near the site of an older 1695 house built for Colonel James Hollyday, first Chief Justice of the Prince George's County Court."

A series of charming signs lets you and your guests know you are on the right track!
















Before you arrive upon the house, you happen upon a barn, which has been converted to a museum, caterers kitchen, and restrooms.



Then you are greeted by a this beautiful colonial plantation house set on a plush lawn. The landscaping and flowers surrounding the home, which is now a museum, is nicely manicured and well maintained.


I love this balcony:



Although it is in the back, it's actually the main entrance to the house- and it overlooks the Patuxent. Can't you just envision the bride and groom looking out over the scenery at their guests?



Did I mention, THIS is the view?!









On the side of the house, there is a tent set up seasonally and accommodates approx. 120 seated guests. The tent is brand new for the year, and is included with the rental. I like the chandeliers already in place.

Next to the tent is an open grassy area, perfect for an outdoor ceremony, with a breathtaking view of the Patuxent.









I love this shade tree, and think some older guests, or even a string quartet would fit nicely underneath.

I'll save the inside photos for another post!


Have I peaked your interest? Here's the rundown- it's a great deal as far as the rental price is concerned!

The house, grounds, and tented patio are available for rental. Indoor capacity: 26 seated, 50 mingling. Tented patio: 120 seated.

Availability

Daily year round, except Sunday

Capacity

Indoor - 60 maximum
Tented Patio/Lawn - 120

Rates

Saturday Rates: $840/7 hours


For additional information, fees and availability, and to view contracts,call 301-627-0730 to speak with a representative from the PG Parks & Rec Department.

I can't wait for Lisa & Mike's July nuptials at this beautiful venue!