I had the joy of being part of an unforgettable editorial wedding styled shoot at one of my favorite venues—Brittland Estates in Chestertown, Maryland. From the very beginning, the day was brought to life by a dream team of creatives. These included Katie of Peach May Photography, Jackie of Jaclyn Steele Photography, and event planners Katharine and Naomi of Island Creek Events. Together, they blended a a citrusy palette, overflowing florals, and Mediterranean touches to create a vision that was bursting with personality. As a result, this styled shoot offers pure inspiration for couples dreaming of a wedding that’s both elegant and joy-filled.
Styled shoots are a wonderful way for couples to see what’s possible. With the right team in place, thoughtful design, and a meaningful setting, a vision can truly come to life. In this case, the result was nothing short of magical. So, if you’re considering a Brittland Estates wedding, I hope this blog helps you imagine what your own celebration could be. Together, we can make it even more beautiful through timeless, story-driven stationery.
A Venue That Feels Like a Destination (Without Leaving Maryland)
If you’ve ever dreamed of infusing your wedding day with the vibrant warmth of an Italian celebration, this styled shoot is the inspiration you’ve been waiting for. From the lively citrus palette to the romantic estate setting on the Eastern Shore, every aspect of this day radiated the joy, beauty, and warmth of an Italian wedding. It was the kind of day where love, family, food, and celebration take center stage.
Brittland Estates is tucked away on over 500 acres of private waterfront property. The venue offers a little bit of everything—sweeping river views, historic architecture, manicured gardens, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The heart of the venue is Brittland Manor, a gracious colonial estate perched above the Chester River. It’s stately and elegant, with a stunning spiral staircase, tall white columns, and wide-open lawns made for saying “I do.”
For couples planning a full wedding weekend, the estate also includes:
River Lodge – A charming, rustic spot on the water—perfect for rehearsal dinners or cozy pre-wedding gatherings.
Stepne Manor – A historic 17th-century home near Chestertown’s charming downtown.
The Bank – A unique former bank building turned elegant event space with 20-foot ceilings and beautiful arched windows.
Brittland allows couples to host every part of their wedding weekend in one place. Which of course means, they can enjoy unmatched views and total privacy.
The Look: A Floral-Filled Garden Party with Italian Flair at Brittland Estates
The shoot’s aesthetic was inspired by the vibrant warmth of an Italian wedding celebration. Think lemons on the table, sunlight through the trees, and flowers blooming everywhere you look. Megan from Carried Away Florals designed a floral arch that stopped us all in our tracks. Set in front of a historic brick fountain in the garden, it framed the space with yellow poppies, creamy hydrangeas, green hanging amaranthus, blue delphinium, and wild greenery. It was the kind of ceremony backdrop that feels both elevated and organic—effortless, but unforgettable.
The tablescapes were just as magical. Picture this: soft green and blue velvet linens on the tables, blue-and-white china, and hand-tied napkins in buttery yellow. Textured blooms and citrus tucked between candles brought a relaxed but luxurious vibe—like a dinner party on the Amalfi Coast. The combination of Italian inspiration and Eastern Shore charm was seamless.
Guests could mingle by the pool, which makes the perfect spot for a breezy cocktail hour. The space is elegant, open, and surrounded by gardens. A dessert table featuring authentic Italian touches like stacked cannoli and fresh berry-topped cakes from Yia Yia’s Bakery looked like something you’d find in a pastry shop in Positano. From there, the evening flowed into a tented reception space overlooking the river. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. The kind that glows golden at sunset and reminds you exactly why you chose a Brittland Estates wedding in the first place. Perfection!
Not only that, but there was a romantic vintage car nestled beneath the trees, and two real-life couples brought heart, joy, and natural chemistry to the shoot. The gown—a breathtaking design from Dalliance Gown Rentals—was a true showstopper. With delicate pearl details and a soft, flowing silhouette, it moved like a dream in the golden light. Styled with effortless hair by Hollys Hairdos and gorgeous makeup by Contoured by Katie, it perfectly captured the romantic, lived-in elegance of the day.
A Closer Look at the Stationery: Inspired by La Dolce Vita
When I began designing the stationery for this shoot, I imagined what a sun-soaked summer in Italy might look like on paper. I wanted it to feel joyful and lighthearted, yet timeless. Most importantly, I wanted the suite to set the tone for a celebration full of warmth, connection, and beauty.
The result is a suite I’ve lovingly named La Dolce Vita. It features hand-painted watercolor florals and lemons, soft blue stripes reminiscent of vintage café awnings, and a unique wavy shape on the invitation that nods to both ocean waves and old-world signage. Each card in the suite—invitation, RSVP, details, and menu—uses a slightly different layout or motif to create a layered, bespoke feel.
One of my favorite details? The lemon-shaped place cards. Each one was tied with a soft blue velvet ribbon and placed around the menu. It’s a small moment, but it brings texture, color, and a bit of playful charm to the table.
La Dolce Vita is also part of a larger collection I designed—including signage, napkins, envelopes, table numbers, wine labels, and more. It includes everything you might need to create a beautifully cohesive wedding experience. The collection is inspired by the joy and beauty of an Italian summer. Each item can be customized to reflect your unique style and vision. Whether you’re dreaming of fine art paper and curated details or need a quick-and-beautiful print-on-demand option, there’s a version of this suite that will work beautifully for you. You can work with me directly or explore the complete ready-to-personalize collection in my Zazzle shop—whichever suits your planning style best.
Is Brittland Estates the Right Fit for You?
If you’re the kind of couple who wants more than just a venue—and instead, you’re looking for a complete experience—Brittland Estates is for you. It’s perfect for those who want to bring together their family and friends for a long weekend of connection, celebration, and beauty.
Whether your style is classic and timeless or colorful and bold, this venue has the flexibility to bring your ideas to life. The garden, the lawn, the riverfront, the pool—every setting is a backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Cocktail hour and receptions flow effortlessly between the garden, patio, and tented brick terrace. With enough space for up to 400 guests, you can throw a joyful, heart-filled celebration that feels connected—not crowded. The estate’s layout is designed to ensure a smooth transition between different parts of your wedding day. From the ceremony to the reception, the flow creates a seamless and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
And from a designer’s perspective, it’s a dream. In fact, Brittland’s mix of history and nature pairs beautifully with so many styles of wedding stationery. Romantic crests, painterly florals, or vintage map-inspired details all find a home here.
Let’s Bring Your Wedding Vision to Life
My La Dolce Vita Collection is now available in my Zazzle shop. It includes matching items like menus, napkins, signage, place cards, gift bags, and more. It’s a complete suite designed to bring your mood board to life. From save the dates to send-off favors, every detail is thoughtfully coordinated.
You can:
✨ Shop the entire collection online for ease and speed. This is perfect for shorter timelines or couples who want a done-for-you option), or
✨ Work with me directly to print and personalize your suite. Choose curated paper, specialty envelopes, wax seals, and other heirloom details.
Ultimately, you’ll get beautifully designed wedding stationery that elevates your day and helps tell your love story—just like we did at Brittland.
VENDORS:
Venue: @brittlandestates
Photographers: @peachmayphotography / @jackiesteelephoto
Planner & Tablescape Design: @islandcreekevents / @nomic41
Florals: @carriedawayfloral_events
Hair: @hollys_hairdos
Makeup: @contouredbykatie
Wedding Stationery: @turnageandwatts
Dessert: @yiayiasbakery
Rentals: @honeywoodrentals
Linens: @reverie_social
Veil: @thedressrentalco
Models: @giannapizoli / @mbarta3 / @thestyledduo
Concept: @peachmayphotography
Dress: @dalliancegownrentals
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Peach May Photography @Peachmayphotography
Jaclyn Stelle Photography @jackiesteelephoto
Larissa K Photo @larissakphoto
Elizabeth Wright Photography @elizabethwrightphotographyllc
Rohrer Photo Collective @rohrerphotocollective
Katye Schrec Photos @katyeschrecphotos
