Weddings

Real Wedding: Jennice and John

This couple celebrated their Southern ties with an over-the-top pink wedding.

Jennice and John on their wedding day. All photographs by Amy Raab Photography.

Within two weeks of knowing each other, Jennice Marie Walter and John William Countryman knew they were meant to be. “I remember meeting her and thinking, who is the vivacious Southern blonde?” says John, who stars as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Broadway production Million Dollar Quartet. Jennice, the production’s manager of merchandise sales, heard John playing the piano for a local band, the Dirty Names, one night and was bowled over by his musical talent. “I was smitten—I had met a handsome Southern gentleman who was killer on the keys,” she says. Ten months into their relationship, John surprised Jennice on a girl’s night out while walking down the State Circle in Annapolis. There, he escorted her to the top of the steps of the State House and proposed.

Sixteen months later, Jennice and John tied the knot in a pink-themed wedding that paid homage to their shared Southern roots.

Details

Photographer: Amy Raab

Venue: Brittland Manor

Event Coordinator: Jackie Wood Walter, Mother of the bride

Bride’s Gown: Augusta Jones, Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection

Hair: Andi Heilman, Aveda

Makeup: Amie Decker Beauty

Groom’s Tux: Joseph & Feiss, Men’s Warehouse

Caterer: Ken’s Creative Kitchen

Cake: Bay Country Bakery

Cake Flavors: Lemon cake with raspberry; Italian cream with amaretto filling

Cocktail: The J Squared: Malibu, triple sec, and cranberry

Florist: Blue Vanda Designs

Flowers: Hydrangeas, stephanotis, peonies, garden roses, spray roses, standard roses, snap dragons, carnations, daisies, baby’s breath, and daisy pom

Music/Entertainment: DC Synergy of Entertainment Exchange at the reception and Bay Strings at the ceremony

First Dance Song: “I Only Have Eyes For You” by the Flamingos

Invitations: The Paper Trousseau

Bride’s Favorite Detail: “My mother surprised us with extra musicians at the ceremony to accompany Bay Strings. When we walked down the aisle as man and wife, bells pealed and trumpets sounded. It was incredible.”

Groom’s Favorite Detail: “I really enjoyed the classic vibe of the wedding. The groomsmen and I donned white dinner jackets and crisp bow ties.”

Biggest Surprise: “We ensured great weather by burying the bourbon (another nod to our Southern roots), but we were so thrilled to have a ‘super moon,’ too.”

Decor Details: 1956 Chevy Bel Air

Theme: Vintage blush and bashful

Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Elegant, lovebirds, Southern, eclectic

Honeymoon Spot: Mediterranean cruise

Where They Currently Live: Annapolis, MD