Southern Maryland definitely has its share of hidden treasures. It’s true! To prove it, we present to you Kelcey & Darnell’s Southern Maryland Micro Wedding at Annmarie Garden.

The Garden

Annmarie Sculpture Garden is a wonderful property located just a stones’ throw from Solomon’s Island at the southern tip of Calvert County Maryland. The thirty acre property consists of manicured lawns and florals surrounded by lush woodlands and walking trails. Sprinkled amongst the landscapes is what truly makes this place so magical: outdoor art. “While these diverse pieces are fully integrated into the natural setting of the Garden, they provide the opportunity to develop an appreciation for the seasonal changes inherent in outdoor art.” The sculptures are  both stunning and meditative. The Arts Building at Annmarie houses “two floors of museum-grade exhibition space perfect for gallery shows, special events, programs, and private parties.”  Annmarie Gardens, which is also affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, is a fun place for adults with family friendly activities for the kids. You must visit!

COVID19 altered this couple’s plans a bit, however they still opted to do a microwedding with their family and closest friends. Hosting a charming Southern Maryland Micro Wedding at Annmarie Garden was perfect! We started off the day with the couple doing a ‘First Look’. The ‘First Look’ took place right outside the John Dennis Murray Arts Building  under its “boat stern”. The architecture’s “red, gray, and silver pay homage to local agricultural and maritime buildings.” Darnell was so excited to see his soon-to-be wifey!

The Ceremony

Just a short walk from the building, down a wooded path is the entrance to The Council Ring. This 1996 granite outdoor installation by B. Amore & Woody Dorsey, Kokoro Carvers, is the “heart of the garden”, therefore it is the perfect place to exchange vows! The artist statement paints such a beautiful picture of the symbolism of this location. “The central inlaid circle opens to the sky in contrast to the surrounding woods. From this circle, a sense of ordered serenity radiates concentrically outwards. We imagine a storyteller moving through the standing stones to the center, and listeners, mesmerized by the tale, the whispering woods, soft light and the enchantment of space.” To make this even more enchanted, right as the ceremony began, a summer light rain began to fall from the skies. As the water sprinkled down, the wedding proceeded on and by the time the pastor reached the “I do’s” the rain suddenly stopped. Sun rays peek through the trees and it was magical. The couple vowed their love in a beautiful scene straight from a fairy-tale.