We love that the bride wore her mom’s wedding dress, in her Shoemaker Homestead wedding, captured by Britney Clause Photography.  The bride, Samantha, shares more: “When I first tried on my mom’s dress, about a year prior to the wedding date, I was not so sure someone would be able to transform it into something as gorgeous as I was envisioning. For the most part, the size was perfect for me, but the long sleeves and lace up to my neck were definitely not my style. Barbara was my grandmother’s long time friend, and we reached out to her to see if she would be interested in altering the dress. I was ecstatic when she said she would! I made a few trips with my grandmother, mom and sister for fittings as the dress began taking shape. My only request was to try and keep most of the lace on the body of the dress, and to create some sort of straps. When Barbara told us the dress was ready for it’s final reveal we were all very excited! The dress fit me like a glove and the straps fell on my shoulders perfectly. I was able to move and dance without any worry that my dress would be in the way or falling down. From start to finish, the whole process was very emotional for my mom, and I was so happy I could wear her dress almost 30 years after she did.

The week leading up to the wedding, all everyone could talk about was what our rain plan was. Shoemaker had never had a rainy wedding and I just knew we were not going to be the first. After we took a deep breath and realized that nothing could stand in our way of a perfect wedding, even if it rained, everything seemed to fall into place. I purchased a bunch umbrellas in case we needed to take pictures in the rain, made sure everyone knew they could potentially be walking around in a pile of mud. If all else failed, we had music, a barn, and some alcohol to make it a great time. I know everyone involved was constantly praying and hoping that the rain would hold out at least for the ceremony, but God came through in more ways then one and blessed us with perfect weather the entire night. As the wedding started I realized all of our hard work and preparation had paid off and now we could relax and enjoy the day. It’s hard to describe the overwhelming emotions, as they all seem to hit you at once!”

Shoemaker Homestead Wedding Vendors

Wedding Venue: Shoemaker Homestead
Photographer: Britney Clause Photography
Caterer: Boneyard BBQ
Cake: Martin’s
Bridal Gown: Bride’s Mother’s dress from 30 years ago. Altered to fit the bride’s style by family friend, Barbara Greaves
Tuxes: Menguin
Bride’s Shoes: Kohls
Bride’s Earrings and Bracelet: Kohls
Bride’s Aquamarine Ring: Bride’s grandmother
Engagement Ring: Blue Nile
Wedding Bands: Smyth Jewelers
Groomsmen Socks: JC Penney with DIY tags by the bride
Groomsmen Pocket Knives: Lazer Designs
Invitations: DIY Kit from Michael’s Craft Store

Smyth Jewelers is a member of the Charm City Wed Vendor Guide.  For membership information, click here