Emily Spiering met Blake Baron on a blind date—with someone else. The two now-attorneys were introduced during their first year in law school, when Emily was set up with one of Blake’s friends. “Blake was the ‘wingman,’” on the date, says Emily. “Luckily they worked it out between them, and Blake and I soon began dating.”
Two years into their relationship, Blake planned a very DC proposal during the Cherry Blossom Festival in April. He took Emily for a ride in a paddleboat, and popped the question in the middle of the Tidal Basin. “We celebrated afterward with Champagne at the Willard InterContinental hotel and called our families, who did not believe that we got engaged on account of it being April Fool’s Day!” says Emily. After a two-year engagement, two passed bar exams, a move to Chicago, and a backpacking trip through Europe, the busy couple returned to Maryland to tie the knot.
Details:
Photographer: Eli Turner
Ceremony Venue: St. Benedict’s Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Combsberry Inn
Event Coordinator: Amy Eaton, Eastern Shore Tents & Events
Bride’s Gown: Blush by Hayley Paige, Garnish Boutique
Hair: Gina Martin, Defining Moments Salon and Spa
Makeup: Katie Wheeler
Groom’s Tux: J.Crew
Caterer: Chesapeake Culinary School
Cocktail: Maryland wines from Boordy Vineyards and local microbrews from Flying Dog Brewery, Baltimore-Washington Brewing Company, Clipper City Brewing, and Evolution Craft Brewing Company
Cake: Cupcakes from JJ’s Cupcakes and Creamery
Florist: Patti’s Petals Florist, Gardens and Gifts
Flowers: Pink and white hydrangeas, succulents, peonies, and English roses
Invitations: Handmade by the bride and groom with Vistaprint
Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Cristine
Tent & Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events
First Dance Song: “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton
Bride’s Favorite Detail: “Everything we made ourselves! I was especially proud of the invitations, which we assembled and designed. An old coworker of Blake’s drew the inn where we had our reception, and that was featured prominently on the invitation. Aside from that, I loved the mossy letters at the church and the windows we used for menus at the bar, and the oyster-shucker table. Not only were they fun, but I will always remember the Saturdays we spent making them in Chicago.”
Groom’s Favorite Detail: “Being able to walk around barefoot at the reception. By the end of the night, everyone had their shoes off and spent the evening dancing and running around the inn’s lawn. It was so comfortable and amazing.”
Biggest Surprise: “How much fun it was, and how amazing it was to see all of our friends and family become friends with one another throughout the weekend.”
Decor Details: Personalized crab mallets
Theme: Casual elegance
Words that Describe the Wedding: Intimate, simple, party!
Honeymoon Spot: Turks and Caicos
Where They Currently Live: Chicago, IL
