alissa + joe | a joyful and relaxed summer wedding at Dulany's Overlook

As we arrived at Dulany’s Overlook to begin celebrating Alissa + Joe’s wedding day, a light drizzle was coming down, moving quickly through the mountains near Frederick, MD. Slowly but surely, the rain moved out and beautiful fluffy clouds emerged, revealing a gorgeous, sunny blue sky on this hot Saturday in August…

These two lovebirds have been waiting years for this day, like so many other couples that had to postpone due to Covid. However, the love that was shared and the joy that was felt from start to finish throughout the day, was nothing short of incredible! Many couples want a fun and memorable party with their guests — Alissa and Joe ensured that happened by designing a relaxed wedding day that not only celebrated their first anniversary on this exact date, but included delicious food (a BBQ buffet by P.I.G.S. = yes, please!) and nonstop dancing with a spontaneous and spur of the moment limbo using Joe’s tie (scroll down to see the beautiful energy on this dance floor!).

Words can’t do it justice, so I’ll just let you see it through the expressions on Alissa’s face!

7 MEMORABLE ELEMENTS FROM ALISSA + JOE’S JOYFUL WEDDING AT DULANY’S OVERLOOK

1. A stunning late summer bouquet by Shelly Black full of deep maroons, bright oranges, pops of dusty blue, cream roses and eucalyptus among lots of other textured blooms.

2. The pampas grass in glass vessels lining the ceremony aisle in the woods that led to the asymmetrical white and green blooms at the altar, complimenting the neutral tones of the bridesmaids’ green and white bouquets.

3. Alissa’s entire bridal look, but especially her side braid and long, loose curls cascading down.

4. Her first look with her dad as she came down the stairs of the manor house, and then with Joe in front of the sweetest little stone shed, covered in ivy… both brought tears to all of our eyes!

5. The color palette of the wedding party was made up of grays, sage green and blush tones in a soft, elegant, modern and romantic way — a perfect compliment to the natural, muted shades of the venue and rolling hills in the distance. I loved that the groomsmen all wore gray suits and sage green ties, but Joe had a slightly darker shade to his suit... it was subtle and so perfect!

6. The historic brick manor house was a spacious and elegant place for both sides of the wedding party to get ready (Alissa and her bridesmaids were upstairs with tons of natural light, while Joe and the groomsmen were downstairs in the fun, stone room) and a very short walk to the ceremony in the woods and their cocktail hour and reception in the bank barn.

7. The love these two share is an inspiration to all of us! All they’ve been through in the last year and a half while planning their wedding is more than most, yet they always remained optimistic, kind and full of grace through it all.

Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Burns!! The joy you exuded throughout the day was incredibly energizing and so much fun to document! I can only imagine what the rest of your adventures as newlyweds will be like… sending you so much love and all the best wishes as you continue (happy first anniversary! ;)) your life together as husband and wife!

xo,
Naomi

venue: Dulany’s Overlook
beauty: Swept
florals: Shelly Black Custom Florals
DJ: Musical DJs
videography: Just Hitched Wedding Films
catering: P.I.G.S. Catering
cake: Graul’s Market
paper goods: Minted
dresses: Sorella Vita
gown: Essense of Australia
boutique: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
groom’s attire: The Black Tux