Kristen and Chris, a Stunning Navy and Gold Swan Harbor Farm Wedding

Brooke Tyson Photography

I am so happy to share Kristen and Chris’ incredible wedding today!!

Kristen and Chris were married at Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland, on Saturday, September 17, 2022.

It was such an honor to work with Kristen and Chris because I photographed Kristen’s sister’s wedding in 2019! Earlier this year, I met up with Kristen and Chris in one of their favorite places: Baywood Greens. Kristen’s family has a vacation house there that they have been going to for years. We explored the beautiful grounds of Baywood Greens for their engagement session, and it was so fun to get to know these two.

Kristen and Chris met nine year ago in college. They both love golfing and adore their family dog, Charlie :) Chris proposed to Kristen on Christmas Eve alongside family. And now, Kristen and Chris are married!!

Kristen began the day by getting ready at the historic mansion at Swan Harbor Farm alongside her mom, sisters, and bridesmaids. Chris and his groomsmen prepared for the day in a different part of the mansion. Meanwhile, the incredible decor transformed the space outside! On the morning of their wedding, Chris sent Kristen a surprise video of everything he loved about her. It was such a sweet surprise! Kristen’s friend did everyone’s makeup, and the mood was so festive and fun as everyone popped champagne and relaxed before the ceremony in their adorable matching pajamas. Kristen’s nice, Avery, who is Kate and Rob’s daughter, was there to entertain everyone while Kristen got ready, and Kristen’s nephew, Logan, stopped by to say hi, too!

It was a beautiful moment when Kristen put on her wedding gown! Kristen looked like a princess! Kristen’s gown was so classic and elegant, with an open back and a full, long wedding skirt. Kristen’s seamstress was there all day, too, to help with her gown, which was incredible!

Kristen and Chris were married on the lawn overlooking the meeting point of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. The view was beautiful! Kristen and Chris’ ceremony space was framed with lovely floral arrangements. Following their ceremony, Kristen and Chris joined their bridal party inside the mansion to celebrate the moment, while guests gathered at the incredible cocktail hour, and then it was picture time!

Swan Harbor Farm is stunning and it was so fun to explore the area with Kristen and Chris! We began with portraits by the mansion, then rode the golf cart to the willow tree, went to the dock, and ended with the sun setting across the field. It was gorgeous! And Kristen and Chris are SO beautiful; literally every photo of these two of stunning!

After portraits, it was time to celebrate! And these two know how to celebrate!!

The reception space at Swan Harbor Farm was STUNNING for Kristen and Chris’ wedding! Kristen’s family owns Richlin Catering in Edgewater, MD, and they really know how to throw an amazing celebration! The reception space was so beautiful. The entrance to the space was framed with chiffon and greenery, and each table was drapped in cream linens and topped with gorgeous cream and pink flowers and greenery and gold decor. Behind Kristen and Chris’ table was a wall of floating roses, and their sweetheart table was framed with greenery. Gold utensils and gold-rimmed plates were at each seat, and Kristen and Chris had a miniature bottle of Limoncello waiting for each guest at their seat.

After Kristen and Chris’ first dance, Kristen’s dad, Steven, gave a touching speech, and then Kristen’s sister, Kate, spoke, followed by Chris’ best man, Matt. Matt shared that his mother and Chris’ mother met when Chris and Matt were babies, and the boys and their moms have been friends ever since! And, Kristen and Chris’ wedding day was Matt’s birthday, and Matt said that being Chris’ best man was one of the best birthday gifts ever. It was so sweet!

And then it was time for dinner! The meal was catered by Richlin Catering and the food was spectacular! Each guest began with a Maryland crab cake served with tomato salsa and corn, followed by a berry goat cheese salad. Guests were then served one of three entrees: Beef Tenderloin, Chilean Sea Bass, or Roasted Vegetable Quiche. As always, Richlin’s food was incredible! It is such an incredible honor to photograph a wedding for the Vitali family. The Vitalis, Panians, Gandys, and Marines all feel like family, and they are the most welcoming, sweetest people. Kelsey, Justin, and I were even included in the seating chart and given seats with the guests (we sat with such a nice group!). It means so much that they are always so welcoming, kind, and thoughtful. They are truly some of the nicest people and it is so wonderful to celebrate with these amazing families!

After dinner, Chris danced with his mother and Kristen danced with her father. Kristen’s dad surprised Kristen with the song he chose for the father-daughter dance and Kristen’s reaction was so sweet. And then, the dance floor opened and it was time to party! And what a party it was! At one point, Kate and Kristen sang “If I could turn back time” to each other. The dance floor was packed all night and it was such a fun party! Kristen changed into an adorable wedding romper and rejoined the dance floor to a chorus of cheers.

At the end of the night, Kristen and Chris had a last dance with family and friends gathered around them in a circle, and then they exited through a tunnel of cheering guests with sparklers.

Congratulations, Kristen and Chris!! We are so happy for you two and we loved celebrating with you two, your families, and your friends! Enjoy some highlights from your gorgeous wedding day!

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