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Writer's pictureAndy Gotsch

Maura and Michael at Cedar Ridge Farm Wedding


 

How Maura and Michael met:

Maura and Michael met in 2012 while they were both working at a local running store in Clarksville, MD. Michael had previously worked for the same running store but at a different location and it seemed like destiny when Michael transferred to the Clarksville location and "Ran" into Maura. Maura had enjoyed working at the running store because she is an avid runner and was running competitively for Syracuse University at the time. Michael found running after he started working at the running store. It wasn't until 2013 that they started dating! Maura and Michael toughed out what felt like a marathon of a long distance relationship for three years while Maura finished up at Syracuse and completed grad school. It was then after moving back to Maryland that they were able to enjoy being closer and start the next phase of their relationship. They've been running together ever since! It was truly an honor that they chose Baltimore's Wedding DJ as their Wedding DJ.


The Wedding:


Maura and Michael were very diligent in planning their wedding, there was not one stone was left unturned. Yet there was zero hesitation in picking their wedding venue, Cedar Ridge Farm. Maura wasn't just following her Matron of Honor Hannah (her sister) who had her wedding at Cedar Ridge Farm the year prior. These girls grew up wandering this rustic barn as a child. Nothing is more special then hosting your family and friends for your wedding on the same farm that houses the other nostalgic milestones of younger years. Cedar Ridge Farm located in Sykesville, MD is a working horse farm that offers many usable spaces for couples the day of their wedding. Maura and Michael had their ceremony off site at a church, but were able to join cocktail hour with their guests because they did a first look. First looks are often polarizing; They can offer a lot of flexibility to the flow of a wedding day. Both of them have the opportunity to see each other, one on one and let raw emotions flow while also collecting their nerves together, before exchanging their vows. A lot of photographers also take this opportunity to knock out a lot of the family and bridal party portraits with the couple. By doing this, couples are not completely inundated with countless photos during cocktail hour and they are able to enjoy more of the reception as a guest.


The Details:

I don't normally cover the details of the wedding, but when you have a late November barn wedding with a ton of winter touches throughout the reception space, its hard to not dive in.


The dance floor of the barn is framed on ether side by two large wood columns, they had white tulle draped between both sides which really added a rustic chic feel. Tables had garland as runners with small white roses tucked in throughout and a small piece of pine needle branch as a napkin lapel. Brielle of Brielle Davis Events designed this wedding and helped implement this style throughout the entire reception space. Burgundy and Navy accents were tastefully placed along the way. A small sitting area was setup to the right of the dance floor with two chairs and a pin tucked couch. A faux fireplace was decorated under a side barn purlin that was draped in white tulle and garland.



The Reception:

The cocktail hour took place in the same space as the dance floor, guest mingled between the photobooth and the sitting space while enjoying the hors d'oeuvre's prepared by Rouge Catering. Cedar Ridge Farm restored one of their weathered barn doors that actually served as a fanastic backdrop to the photo booth. When I provide photo booth's for weddings, I ask that the couple help supply some props that may be an important aspect of their relationship or a funny inside joke, in addition to the ones I provide. In the case of Maura and Michael it was Syracuse memorabilia and other fun props. The photo booth was an additional opportunity for guests and the newly weds to capture more moments.

Getting the party started:

The groom is a a big fan of the Beach Boys, so they had selected I do by The Beach Boy's for their introduction song. Maura and Michael shared their first dance as family and friends looked on from their seats. They danced to Let's See What the Night Can Do by Jason Mraz. Maura's father welcomed guests as Maura and Michael took their seats and the groom's Uncle provided the blessing as the dinner service began.


Special Events Song Selections:

Father Daughter Dance: Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Mother Son Dance: My Wish by Rascal Flats


Guests packed the dance floor ALL NIGHT!!



After the cake cutting Rouge Catering served mini milkshakes for guests to enjoy, in signature bride and groom flavors. Maura planned a sibling dance for her brother, sister and herself to The Git Up by Blanco Brown, there is a clip of this in the video above. Brielle and I passed out the L.E.D. wands toward the end of the night as guests partied the night away!



Last Dance:

With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror they decided to end the evening by launching themselves and their guests into the Christmas season by making the last song All I want for Christmas is you by Mariah Carey. As cold as it was outside, within those barn walls it couldn't have been warmer with family and friends sharing this fantastic moment with Maura and Michael! I had a blast DJing M & M's wedding! The wedding was made possible by the fantastic collection of wedding professionals they had hired for the day. I wish both Michael and Maura the best as they run off into the world as husband and wife.


Vendors:

 

Planner: Brielle from Brielle Davis Events

Videographer: Bowen Films

Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal Dress from Posh Bridal


What the couple had to say about me (Wedding Wire):




"Amazing DJ!

Andy is by far the best DJ around! He is so personable and really makes sure your day is perfect. We got to meet with him one on one and phone calls. It was so easy to plan our music, and he was able to create the perfect playlists! He also has a Photo Booth that was a HIT. Such a fun party!! Thank you Andy!"

-Maura and Michael


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