We can’t help it that we’re suckers for good love stories, and Patrick Pennington and Kathryn Howe’s is one of the best. Their romance and their beautiful Annapolis wedding are both featured below, with photos by Amy Raab Photography.
Like B&G on Facebook | Follow B&G on Instagram
Kathryn and Patrick’s love story wouldn’t be out of place in an old-school Taylor Swift song. They grew up at the same high school, St. Mary’s, before graduating together and heading in different directions for college. Their junior year, both transferred to Towson University, where they became roommates, and eventually, best friends. Two years into their friendship, the pair was out exploring downtown Annapolis when Patrick told Kathryn he was interested in her as more than just a friend. Both nervous about how a first date would go, they broke the tension crooning Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love” in the car on the way to dinner, where good wine and mutual affection ensured that they’d end the night as an official couple.
When it came to a proposal two years later, on the pretense of going to Kathryn’s parent’s house for dinner, Patrick drove her to the dock in downtown Annapolis where he’d first confessed his love for her. As he got down on one knee, three of the couple’s best friends caught it on camera from their hiding spots. Afterwards, Kathryn sobbed tears of joy while they listened to “their song,” “Nothing Can Change This Love,” on the drive to her parents house, where 40 loved ones waited to celebrate with them.
For their wedding a year and a half later, the pair married at St. Mary’s, where they’d first met in high school, with lots of help from their family and friends. Patrick’s mother was the florist, sourcing some of the flowers from her own garden; a local high school student made the cake; and Kathryn’s sister’s kitchen table stood in as a sweetheart table. Their reception at a marina clubhouse was modeled as a summer garden party with an open-air tent and fresh mojito cocktails to keep guests cool.
Kathryn and Patrick of course danced to “their song” at the reception before cutting into a lemon raspberry cake and serving cake pops and mini cheesecakes on sticks. At the end of the night, the happy couple departed with plans to honeymoon in Mexico.
VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s | Reception Venue: Bay Ridge Marina Clubhouse | Photographer: Amy Raab Photography | Bride’s Gown: Essence of Australia, Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection | Groom’s Tux: Ralph Lauren | Hair Dresser: Megan Reed | Makeup Artist: Roxanne Walsh | Florist: Groom’s Mother | Caterers: Ken’s Creative Kitchen | Transportation: Towne Transport | Videographer: Ethan Wise, Wise Films | Music/Entertainment: Blue Tips Rhythm Revue | Invitations & Save-the-Dates: Family and friends of the couple
End the night on a sweet note with the help of DC’s best bakeries listed in our vendor guide.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
