Amber and Eric’s Classically Elegant Manor Wedding in Maryland

Amber and Eric first became aware of each other as children when they attended the same church. At age ten Amber moved away, officially returning later to attend college. It was there on the campus of Oakwood University where Amber and Eric recognized each other and a true friendship began. Their feelings for each other quickly developed and soon friendship blossomed into love. They remained together all throughout college and endured the heartache of long distance love afterwards. On the 27th of August, 2017, surrounded by family and friends, they met at the aisle’s end – forever united as husband and wife…

Read all about Amber & Eric’s love story, romantic proposal, and experiences in their classically elegant manor wedding in Maryland.

Bride & Groom: Amber & Eric
Occupations: Mental Health Therapist & Dentist
Wedding date: August 27, 2017
Wedding location: Springfield Manor in Thurmont, MD

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We say we met our freshman year in college at Oakwood University but we were familiar to each other before then because we attended the same church when we were kids in Huntsville, AL. I moved away when I was ten years old and returned to Huntsville for college. We recognized each other when we got to school and became friends. One day Eric noticed me walking into the cafeteria and he knew that he had to pursue me. I did not make it easy to get to know me! We ended up dating all throughout college and afterwards being long distance.
Seven years later on September 3, 2016 he proposed at Arrington Vineyards outside of Nashville, TN. Eric had a picnic planned at sunset. I had a feeling it was coming because Eric was acting funny. I remember I could feel every bit of his nerves as he expressed his heart to me. It was perfectly romantic and it was just the two of us. He surprised me with a photographer so we were able to have the moment captured followed by a photoshoot afterwards. Everyone around us clapped and cheered!

How did you know they were “the one”? Amber: “I knew Eric was the one because he was so patient and honest with me. Also, because he shares my values and I knew that would be key if I wanted to spend my life with him. Beyond that, we have so much fun together and he makes me laugh all the time. I feel like I can be my truest self with him.”
Eric: “There has never been a person more supportive of my dreams than her. She has always believed in me even during the times when I fail to believe in myself. I couldn’t imagine not having her in my life. She has been with me before I had anything, and I wanted to build my empire with the one most deserving of my love.”

Describe your wedding attire. Our wedding style was romantic and classy. Dress shopping was fun for me! I went by myself to a few shops to get a feel for what I liked but couldn’t find anything that I loved and fit in my budget. I was visiting home in Maryland and went shopping with my Mom when I tried on a strapless mermaid gown with lace detail. It fit my body so well everyone in the shop said it was the one and I felt it too!

Wedding Party gifts: Satin robes and handmade lavender soaps for the bridesmaids. Ties, socks, and handkerchiefs for the wedding day and monogrammed tie bars for the groomsmen.
Favorite item on the menu: The salmon and the doughnuts were amazing!
First dance song: “Love of My Life” by Brian McKnight.

What is your best memory from your wedding? There are so many that it’s hard to choose but one of our favorite moments was our bridal party entrance into the reception. We danced into “Finesse” by Bruno Mars and just let loose for the first time that day. Another moment was when we sat down at the reception for dinner. We remember taking it all in, tasting the food, hearing the music, and seeing all the people that came for us…it was amazing to see the culmination of everything we had been planning for months.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Many people will have opinions on what you should do, but remember to keep the focus on what you and your fiancé want, everything else is just background noise. Keep the big picture in mind because you can become overwhelmed with all of the details. Take frequent breaks from planning and do something fun together so that you stay connected during the planning process.

Vendors:
Wedding dress designer: Allure bridals
Wedding dress salon: The Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
Hair: Sharice White
Makeup: Hellooo Gorgeous
Shoes: Bride: Marc Fisher / Groom: Cole Haan
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire: M. Kenney’s Fashions
Ceremony Location & Reception Location: Springfield Manor Winery & Distillery
Photography: Photography by Kelsey Rae
Videography: N.S.T. Pictures
Wedding planner: Joi Goodwin-Samson of Joiful Events
Florist: Nature of Design
Cake: Oh, What a Cake!
Doughnuts: District Doughnut
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
Caterer: Carriage House Inn Catering
Entertainment/Lighting: DJ Reece