demri + eugene | a coastal chic kent island resort wedding

/

When Demri’s maid-of-honor mentioned how you know it's true love when your partner can love all of you, “even your weirdness”, I realized that is the perfect summation of Eugene + Demri’s relationship! It’s so clear to anyone watching, that they love every aspect of each other in so many meaningful ways. Their genuine joy and excitement radiates so much happiness, it was such an honor to photograph!

This summer wedding at Kent Island Resort was picturesque, fun, comfortable and so intimate while being beautifully romantic. With the backdrop of the waterfront for their first look, the grove of trees and gardens for their ceremony and cocktail hour, the historic manor house for group portraits and the coastal tented pavilion to party within, there was no shortage of amazing moments and heartfelt emotion throughout the day!

13 Memorable Moments and details from Eugene + Demri’s Wedding at Kent Island Resort:

  1. Eugene + Demri’s wedding weekend started off the night before the big day with a relaxed and fun welcome party. I loved the opportunity to mingle with their closest family + friends while photographing intimate moments in a candid and documentary style. Not only did it provide me with the opportunity to observe and get to know everyone, but it also helped everyone get to know me so that they were more comfortable in front of my camera the next day.

2. The wedding day started off really cloudy, but the skies quickly turned blue, almost as if Mother Nature knew it was an important day! After that, it was the perfect August afternoon – warm, sunny, and beautiful.

3. Both E + D got ready onsite with Eugene in a suite at the manor house and Demri in the Potter’s Shed, a short walk away. It was so luxurious from a time standpoint to have everyone together on one property the entire day!

4. Every bride dreams of a WOW moment, and whew… Demri certainly understood the assignment! She was perfection in her strapless gown with an intricate beaded pattern. Her sweetheart neckline was accentuated with a stunning necklace that had been worn by the women in Eugene’s family before her. It was the perfect “something old”. With its beaded edges, her cathedral veil tied the look together. We all know that Demri is beautiful, but I don’t think anyone was prepared for just how amazing she looked as a bride!

5. Speaking of not being prepared for Demri’s bridal look, I’m pretty sure she stunned Eugene! Their first look near the water was such an emotional moment. They exchanged sweet notes to each other beforehand, and it served as such a good reminder of why we’re all here in the first place – because two people fell in love. After their first look, all of the nervous jitters were gone, and they were ready to tie the knot + dance the night away!

6. After the first look, we grabbed some portraits on the dock, in the grove of trees, and basically, all over the grounds of the Kent Island Resort! This all-white coastal chic space is one of my favorite Maryland wedding venues so I’m always happy when the wedding party is excited to explore it, too.

7. During their ceremony, the officiant shared great life advice and 3 things they told him they loved about each other. It was so sweet and special to hear — I absolutely love when couples make their ceremony so personalized and meaningful!

8. The reception space was truly coastal chic. Demri selected high floral arrangements for the head table and small centerpieces for the other guests’ tables. The minimal decorations let the modern, light and airy venue really shine.

9. One personal touch that I absolutely loved was all the signage and custom cornhole boards they made themselves. It was all gorgeous and modern – a lot like our stunning bride!

10. You know I always love when an #urbanrowpup shows up! E + D’s dogs, Benji + Beau, weren’t forgotten during their paw-rents’ wedding. The signature cocktails were named after them and little figurines of them served as the cake topper on their wedding cake.

11. The vibe of the reception was incredible and the band, 10 Spot, kept everyone on the dance floor all night long.

12. Well… not all night long, lol. At the end of the night, E + D added some extra time just for me and the videographer to capture them having one last dance alone on the dance floor. They played a special song and it was such an honor to witness such incredible and emotional moments. I wish everyone would do a last dance at the end of their reception!

13. Once their final dance was complete, they enjoyed a sparkler exit with their guests. There’s just something about the energy of sparklers ending the night that makes my romantic heart swoon!

Eugene + Demri, it was an absolute joy working with the two of you. The love you have for each other is inspiring! You truly love every part of each other, even the weird parts :) and Demri, I’m so glad you found your Big Cheeto! Thank you for letting me document your picture-perfect wedding weekend - it was only the beginning of what I’m sure will be a lifetime full of love + happiness!!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue + catering: kent island resort
photography: urban row photography
videography: fordham films
florist: wildflower md
band: 10 spot
gown: zavanna ZB22440-1Z
dress boutique: the bridal room
shoes: badgley mischka
bridesmaids dresses: bhldn
hair and makeup: amanda moran artistry
dessert: blue crab cupcakes
groom’s attire: generation tux
officiant: erik evenson of premier wedding pastors
invitations: the knot
signage: unmeasured event
ceremony musicians: two rivers chamber music
stage: eastern shore tents & events