Even before getting engaged, Savannah and Ritchard discussed many different wedding venues: Wisp Resort always sat at the top of their list because of its convenient location and the appeal of its many unique ceremony and reception sites.
About the Couple
Newlyweds share their first sunset. Photo Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
The couple are from the Cumberland Maryland area which is just a short distance away from Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort. In February of 2017 Ritchard flew from Virginia, where he was stationed with the Army, to Ohio, where Savannah was attending school, in order to surprise her with a romantic proposal. When Savannah got dressed up to go out she had assumed it was for a girls’ night at a vineyard. She never expected to end the night engaged and then married just three and a half months later!
The Wedding
Savannah says, "I do." Photo Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
Savannah and Ritchard both desired an outdoor wedding and the Mountain Top site, with its stunning views, proved an ideal location for their nuptials. Following a rustic ceremony, in which the bride’s brother took his ring bearer duties literally by wearing a bear costume, the newlyweds and their guests headed down the mountain for a cocktail hour in the McHenry Lodge with hors d’oeuvres selections of bacon wrapped scallops, crudités, and tomato bruschetta.
The reception was also held in the McHenry Lodge. Savannah’s aunt Dawn proved an invaluable asset in bringing all her ideas together for a rustic-themed wedding with daisy accents. Before dinner they celebrated with a sparkling Moscato toast. Guests dined on New York Strip Steak and bone-in bourbon barbeque chicken. A family friend baked the wedding cake and cupcakes, incorporating Savannah’s beloved daisies into the design. During the cake cutting Ritchard decided to throw his piece of cake at Savannah right away but she got the last laugh when she smeared her piece of cake all over his face.
Once the reception wrapped up the bridal party and friends drove down the road to the lakefront Honi-Honi Bar to continue the festivities.
From the Bride
First kiss on the mountaintop. Photography Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
“We loved having all of our close friends and family together from Minnesota down to Texas, each person made our day extra special.”
Making Memories
Sparklers fly as the newlyweds exit their wedding. Photo Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
That weekend some guests visited Swallow Falls. Savannah and Ritchard spent another week in Deep Creek Lake and even managed to fit disc golf at Wisp Resort into their schedule.
Vendors:
Photo/Video: Derek and Diane Photography / Cake: Penny Vaughn / Florist: Harvey’s Florist / Decorator: Ritchard’s Aunt Dawn / HMU: Brooke Dayton, Trevor Warner, Lacy May / Attire: Potomac Bridal, Weddington Way, Men’s Warehouse / Jeweler: Diamonds Direct
Last Edited by The Wisperer on Thursday, August 16, 2018
