rachel + matt | a vibrant and bold fall wedding at vignon manor farm

Rachel + Matt bonded over their love of dogs, Pokémon, video games, and all things “nerdy and dorky” – their words, not mine! Relaxed and at ease whenever they’re around each other, their relationship is not only full of joy, laughter and happiness, but vibrant color, fun and lots of tacos.

Their September wedding day at Vignon Manor Farm couldn’t have had better weather, despite the threatening, dramatic clouds. No rain appeared and instead we had a perfect breeze, bright sunlight during the ceremony, fluffy clouds and colors that looked cinematic during their portrait time!

Enjoy these early favorites from this unique 160 acre private estate wedding venue, with an atmosphere that immediately draws you in and feels like home…

Both Rachel and Matt got ready on-site at the Manor House and had their first look right outside. The ceremony took place outside in the courtyard, overlooking rolling hills and endless sky with bistro lights strung above. Cocktail hour was held where the horses stables used to be with the reception in the enormous ballroom and ivory draping creating an elegant entrance to the space.

10 Memorable details and Elements from Rachel + Matt’s vignon manor farm Wedding:

1. Rachel is so stylish and fun without even trying to be. She is just so effortlessly beautiful! She wanted a mermaid-fitted gown but also loved the look of ball gown skirts. A large overskirt that glistened when the light hit it provided her with exactly the look she was going for! She wore it for the ceremony and then removed it for the reception, giving way to the fitted mermaid gown underneath.

2. Rachel’s makeup and hair fit her fun personality so well – as did the beautiful gold-rimmed glasses she wore! She tied the look up with rhinestone-covered Betsy Johnson heels for the ceremony and comfy sneakers to dance the night away at the reception.

3. Matt looked so dapper in his ivory dinner jacket with black lapels. I haven’t seen this vibe in a while, so I was thrilled to see Matt rock this look!

4. The wedding party wore all-black. The groomsmen in black tuxes, and the bridesmaids in black gowns that they selected themselves. Different patterns, textures, fabrics, and each gown was unique to the bridesmaid wearing it. Haley’s black sequined dress was like having Rachel’s own personal sparkling disco ball by her side — the best!!

5. Designed to look like an actual newspaper, Rachel designed their program to include photos of them + their adorable 2 chihuahua #urbanrowpups, as well as the story of how they met, tidbits of info from their relationship, a full vendor list, their bridal party, a crossword (that guests were doing while awaiting the ceremony!) and their menu. It was the perfect way to capture this unique couple’s special day in one place!

6. The florals at their wedding left me speechless! Chantilly Design and Events did a fabulous job curating the perfect end-of-summer/start-of-fall color scheme that popped against the all-black modern vibe of the rest of the wedding decor.

7. These paw-rents couldn’t leave out their #urbanrowpups; chihuahuas Phoebe and Mia were well-represented by acrylic drink stirrers, customized with their faces on them. You know how much I love when people bring their pups into weddings!

8. To bring a special feel to their first dance, they used a cloud machine to make it look as though they were dancing on clouds.

9. When it was time to welcome their guests to the dance floor, they did so with a surprise game of musical chairs for their wedding party. It was a great way to bring all the energy to the dance floor right away!

10. Another unique activity they had for their guests was a caricature artist. In real-time, two very talented artists drew caricatures of their guests. It was so much fun for everyone to watch! They also used their caricature as their guestbook, having everyone sign the mat they will use when they frame the portrait.

Rachel + Matt, you are such a fun and genuine couple! I absolutely loved the way you incorporated all of your quirks and style into your details to make this day completely you. From the newspaper to the drink stirrers, your wedding was as unique as you are, and I was truly honored to be able to capture your special day. The love you have for each other is palpable, and I can’t wait to see the things that you accomplish together now that you’re officially a married couple!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue : vignon manor farm
planning + florals : chantilly design and events
photography: urban row photography
videography : mid 80s media
catering : libs catering
dress: drezden + overskirt, randy fenoli
boutique : betsy robinsons bridal
grooms’ attire: the black tux
shoes: betsey johnson
custom engagement ring: zachary’s jewelry
invitation suite, designed by Rachel: printed, illustrated and produced by Cink Art
dessert : kupcakes & co
dj : event solutions baltimore
hair : brushed beauty llc
makeup : makeup by crista
caricatures : caricatures by rick

vignon manor farm | modern equestrian barn | maryland wedding venue

If the vision for your wedding day includes rolling hills, incredible views, an equestrian feel, unique architecture and a spacious modern barn to celebrate with all of your family and friends, I can’t wait to introduce you to one of Maryland’s newest wedding venues!

Vignon Manor Farm is a unique farm wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor event space on a private estate in Havre de Grace, MD. As an equestrian facility turned wedding venue, the property dates back to the late 1700's and the current owners, Ashley + Bill, are only the third recorded owners of it since then!

I love that it has always been called Vignon Manor Farm since the beginning; as soon as I drove onto the property, the tranquil and serene nature of the Maryland countryside took over and I felt part of a place steeped in history and adventure. Get ready to see what makes this countryside venue truly one of a kind…

I love all the expansive views especially with a dramatic sky and cloud cover!

Disclaimer: when I visited and took these photos, it was early December and the transformation of the main reception and event space was underway. You can imagine how gorgeous it will be during every season with leaves on the trees, new dimmable (!) lighting fixtures and a new floor installed inside the main event space!

Included below are quick facts about capacity, logistics and what truly makes Vignon Manor Farm a different type of farm wedding destination (with easy access from Baltimore, Delaware and PA); hope you find it to be a helpful resource!

About Vignon Manor Farm:

Ashley’s family bought the property in 1996 and originally built it as a boarding and training facility for horses. They built everything from the ground up as you see it now. Fun fact: the Tim Allen + Kirstie Alley movie "For Richer or Poorer" was filmed here soon after they bought the property, and before they started building it as it stands today. Now, the property is being transformed into a prestigious wedding and event venue, with no detail overlooked!

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT VIGNON MANOR FARM? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

With barn venues and rustic chic weddings being so popular, what makes Vignon Manor Farm unique?

Originally built as a boarding and training facility for horses, the barn, stables, tack stalls, getting ready space and fields have been renovated and are all on-site in one convenient location, available for your use. As a venue located on a private estate, you have access to countless locations and backdrops for photos across the property; with a driver provided by the venue, the on-site gator can easily transport you and your photographer to the best spots to save time and energy on your wedding day! This venue has endless options to make it your own. If you’re looking for a way to easily host all of your wedding events in one location, this is it!

What types of spaces do you offer for ceremony, reception and cocktail hour?

The octagon within the barn can host ceremonies and/or cocktail hour (shown above) while an outdoor ceremony can be held outside in one of the grassy spaces framed by the building or steps from the main building (see both images directly below) with more of an expansive, countryside feel. Your ceremony and/or cocktail hour could also be held at one end of the main event space. The size and scale of the main event space is extremely impressive with large windows on all sides allowing natural light to easily enter the space. The main reception space is about 15,000 square feet with the attached barn being another 10,000 square feet.

For couples that want an intimate ceremony or elopement but don’t want to be at a courthouse, they can choose anywhere on the 160 acre property to have their ceremony.

Is the venue accessible?
The main venue and bathrooms are handicap accessible as everything is on one level with the exception of the second level of the octagon.  The gator is available to those who need extra help getting from the parking lot to ceremony area if the chosen ceremony spot is outside. For guests who can’t manage to walk too far, it is not a problem to easily get them to where they need to go on the property. 

How many guests can be accommodated for a seated dinner?
Reception tables and chairs are provided for 275 guests.  The venue can host larger events but only currently provides tables and chairs for the first 275. The main reception space (shown below) will have a new concrete floor and dimmable lighting installed very soon!

Where do guests park?
Surface parking lots are available on-site.

Is the venue climate controlled?
Yes, the entire property is fully climate controlled.

How many events are hosted per day?
Just yours!

Are there spaces for the wedding party to get ready on site?
Yes! The suite is a spacious room with a bathroom, a built-in makeup counter, natural light and comfortable furniture that is the perfect place for your wedding party to get ready comfortably just upstairs from the main reception space. There is also a large lounge area adjacent to the getting ready suite that overlooks the event space with huge glass windows that will have custom window treatments to ensure no one sees you before you’re ready but if you want a peek at the reception space, you got it! ;)

Is there a room on the property that we could stay overnight after the wedding?
Yes, there is a suite available to rent for the newlywed couple!

Are outside caterers permitted?
As of July 1st, 2022, now has a select list of 6 caterers that couples and clients can choose from. These carefully chosen caterers serve our clients well and know the venue like the back of their hand!

Is a representative from the venue going to be on-site for the duration of the event?
Yes! A venue manager will be there to make sure everything associated with the venue runs smoothly.  Vignon Manor Farm does require you to enlist the services of a professional planner or coordinator (that is not associated with the venue) to help all of your wedding day events run smoothly.

Side note: as a wedding photographer who has seen countless instances of how integral and priceless a good coordinator/planner can be, I happily share my curated recommended vendor list with all of my booked couples!

Are there nearby hotels for guests to stay?
Yes, the Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Hampton Inn (all in Aberdeen), are a short 15-20 minute drive away.

What does it cost to host our wedding at Vignon Manor Farm?
The average full day wedding rental varies depending on season and day of the week you desire.  Average pricing for a Friday-Sunday venue rental ranges from $12,500 to $20,000. Pricing depends on day of the week, season, and holidays. Please contact the venue directly for the most up to date information.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

Vignon Manor website: https://vignonmanorfarm.com/home/
Directions: 425 Darlington Rd., Havre de Grace, MD 21078
Phone: 443-243-3637
Contact: Ashley Ackerman