Before I got too deep into the DIY details of my shabby chic affair, you must know about the basis for our theme! As you know, the venue you choose for your big day is a major factor in setting the tone and theme of your wedding. It's the first huge decision you make. For me, after just a little deliberation, it was a no-brainer! I had always dreamed of getting married on an old estate near the water.
The wedding will be held at Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood, MD, about one and a half hours south of Washington, D.C. Situated on a broad terrace overlooking the picturesque Patuxent River, Sotterley Plantation was built in 1703 and is older than Mount Vernon and Monticello. The plantation has been at turns, a frontier farm, a thriving tobacco plantation, a colonial port, and a busy steamboat landing. An 18th century manor house, warehouse, smokehouse, 19th century slave cabin and more than 20 other outbuildings express the plantation's 300-year evolution.
Luckily, when I signed the contract back in July, there still had one date open in the spring (whew!!) The cocktail hour and reception will be held in the venue's colonial revival gardens and the ceremony will be held on the terrace down from the manor house overlooking the water. When the plantation is in full bloom, it really is a sight to see. There are a few challenges to booking a venue like this. For one, you must piece the day together yourself. You need a tent, you need a caterer. You need chairs, you need a coordinator. But if you can pull it off, it's totally worth it. Every aspect is customizable. And it's gorgeous.
I attended summer camp and school field trips at Sotterley as a child, so the venue has special significance. What's more is that I am supporting a not-for-profit whose mission is to preserve the historic charm of the property, so how can you not love that?!
Welcome to the Knottie Diaries!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to following you as you count down to the big day!