Emily Powell and Daniel Bera both were studying to become maritime historians when they met in graduate school. “She was really hot,” he remembers. “Turns out she was also really funny and really smart.” They reached an important relationship milestone—their first selfie—during a first date touring Tryon Palace in North Carolina; five years later, another day visiting historic waterside sites culminated in a sunset proposal on the dunes of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
The Chesapeake’s own maritime museum was the logical place for their “Gilded Age oyster feast” nuptials. Emily carried a bouquet cascading with amaranthus and hops (her bridesmaids wore succulent corsages instead of holding flowers), and the couple exchanged vows surrounded by the skipjacks and small craft they’ve devoted their careers to. Guests sipped Nor’easter cocktails spiked with spirits from nearby Lyon Distilling Co., then gathered for dinner under a sailcloth tent, where each place was marked with a calligraphed mussel shell collected by the couple on the Outer Banks. Louis Armstrong’s version of “La Vie en Rose” accompanied the pair’s first dance, and they’re planning to honeymoon in Croatia. Check out the amazing details of their maritime-inspired affair in the photographs by Krista A. Jones Photography below.
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VENDORS
Photography: Krista A. Jones Photography | Event Planning & Design: Kari Rider Events | Wedding & Reception Venue: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum | Floral Design: Intrigue Design & Decor | Tent & Table Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events | Additional Rentals: DC Rental and BBJ Linen | Bride’s Gown: Amsale, Hitched Bridal Couture | Hair & Makeup: Heather’s Salon and The Makeup Chic | Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren | Music: Kyle Moore for Mixing Maryland | Catering: Gourmet by the Bay | Invitations & Paper Goods: Susan Wilson Designs and Stephanie B. Design | Calligraphy & Monogram: Surcee Calligraphy and David M. Wahl
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
