Colleen and Rodney were Married at the Elkridge Furnace Inn.

A Disney-Inspired Fairytale Wedding with a Touch of Jimmy Buffett | December 1, 2022

Some love stories are full of magic—and for this couple, Disney dreams and Jimmy Buffett melodies set the stage for a perfect fairytale wedding. From a Cinderella-inspired carriage centerpiece to heartfelt personal touches, their day was a seamless blend of elegance, fun, and full-circle moments. Let’s dive into the story of their unforgettable December wedding!

How It All Began

This couple’s love story started in the digital age—with a Bumble match that quickly turned into something special. After weeks of getting to know each other, they finally met in person for their first date on December 1st, 2018 at Bertucci’s. This seemingly ordinary dinner became so meaningful that the couple later chose Bertucci’s as the location for their wedding rehearsal, keeping their journey beautifully full-circle.

And Jimmy Buffett? He deserves some credit too! His music played a surprising role in bringing them together, making it a key inspiration for their wedding day.

The Inspiration Behind the Decor

For this couple, the wedding décor was a joyful mix of Disney magic and a nod to Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back charm. It was important to incorporate both, as these elements were at the heart of their relationship.

The couple drew inspiration from Pinterest, crafting a look that was whimsical, romantic, and distinctly theirs. From Disney-themed ideas to elegant details, they struck a balance between playful and classic. The centerpieces were a standout, featuring a Cinderella carriage that felt like it was straight out of a fairytale. Table numbers were carefully designed online, printed, and framed by the couple—a simple DIY touch that brought their vision to life.

The Dress: A Fairytale Moment

Finding the perfect wedding dress is a moment every bride dreams of, and for her, it was love at first try (well, almost).

The search ended at Columbia Bridal, where her final dress was nothing short of a dream come true. Though initially opposed to the idea of a ball gown, her matron of honor insisted she give it a chance—and thank goodness she did. The dress was everything she didn’t know she wanted: elegant, off-the-shoulder, with a gorgeous V-neckline and the perfect train. She felt like a Disney princess—timeless, elegant, and true to herself.

To make the moment even more special, the dress was chosen exactly one year to the weekend before the wedding. With her mom, mother-in-law, and matron of honor cheering her on, it was a memory she’ll cherish forever.

Rodney’s Reaction: Five Words of Perfection

When asked what went through his mind as his bride walked down the aisle, Rodney captured the moment perfectly in five simple words:

*”Wow, she looks completely perfect.”

It was a moment of pure magic—a memory that will last a lifetime.

Floral Details: Simple Yet Stunning

The couple chose The Pedal Pusher in Glen Burnie for their florals, opting for a simple and classic look that complemented their beautiful venue. Saint Augustine’s Church was already so stunning on its own that the couple didn’t feel the need for extravagant arrangements. Instead, they chose understated white flowers for the altar—a choice inspired by other weddings they had seen at the venue.

Her bridal bouquet, however, was a surprise she didn’t see coming. Amid the whirlwind of planning, she had nearly forgotten about the flowers. But when the arrangements arrived on the big day, they were even more perfect than she imagined. “I couldn’t really picture it altogether,” she said, “but when they brought them in, I thought, Yes, this is exactly what I wanted.”

The Morning of the Wedding

The day began early—4:00 AM, to be exact. While excitement filled the air, nerves began to build. For the bride, the nerves really kicked in as she climbed into the limo, moments away from walking down the aisle.

“I don’t like a lot of attention on me,” she admitted, recalling how overwhelmed she felt as the ceremony approached. But as soon as the church doors opened and she saw Rodney waiting at the altar, everything changed. The nerves melted away, replaced by calm, joy, and excitement to marry the love of her life.

Advice for Future Couples

Planning a wedding is no small feat, and this couple had some wise words for future brides and grooms:

• Voice your opinion: It’s your day, so make sure your vision is heard. While it’s natural to receive a lot of input, don’t let outside opinions take over. Speak up, be clear about what you want, and stick to it.
• Rely on your photographer: A great photographer isn’t just there to take pictures—they’re also there to support you. When things feel overwhelming, take a breather, step aside for some quiet moments, and let them help you refocus.

A Day to Remember

From Jimmy Buffett tunes to Disney details, this couple’s wedding day was a celebration of everything that brought them together. It was full of meaningful touches—like the Bertucci’s rehearsal dinner that brought their love story full circle—and unforgettable moments of joy and love.

Their wedding was a perfect balance of elegance and fun, a reflection of who they are as a couple and what they value most. It was a fairytale come to life, with the perfect blend of magic, music, and memories.

To this beautiful couple: May your marriage be as magical and timeless as your wedding day. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!

Ceremony: St. Augustine Church

Reception: Elkridge Furnace Inn

Hair and Makeup: JoJo Maguire Designs

Engagement Session: Swan Harbor Farm

www.tylerrieth.com