When it comes to celebrations in Maryland, there is nothing more classic than an Annapolis wedding, and today we are highlighting the wedding of Claire and Andrew who got married there.

Both avid football fans, Claire and Andrew met through Bumble and had their first date on St. Patrick’s Day at Rinalli’s in Chicago, a popular Lincoln Park sports bar. They connected through their shared hobbies and similar histories and they both knew right away that they had found someone special. Fast forward and Andrew proposed on NFL Draft Day next to a pond in the park and surprised Claire by getting down on one knee in front of the nature museum. At almost the same second, the Ravens (Claire's team) drafted Zay Flowers, an alum of Boston College (Andrew's alma mater). And Lamar Jackson signed his much anticipated Ravens contract, which felt like perfect synchronicity. That night the surprises kept rolling in as members of both their families arrived from out of town to celebrate the news with them, an extra sweet touch that was all arranged by Andrew.

It didn’t take long for the couple to agree about having an Annapolis wedding in Maryland. The state is where Claire grew up and the iconic venues inside of the Annapolis’s Spa Creek fit their classic, nautical theme beautifully. The rehearsal dinner was held at the waterfront Carrol's Creek and their ceremony took place at the stunning St. Mary's church just across the river. In keeping with the nautical look, the bridesmaids wore Navy Blue Jenny Yoo dresses and the bride wore an elegant gown by Antonio Gual. Guys were suited up in with white shirts, black bow ties and tuxes.

The renowned Annapolis Yacht Club is known for its world class food and service, and the guests were pampered at their reception. Dishes of fresh fish and crab highlighted the local cuisine, and espresso martinis kept everyone awake for a night of nonstop dancing and after hours partying at O'Brien's Oyster Bar.

Their wedding photographer, Anna Schmidt, who is sought after for luxury weddings, had the time of her life because “the couple felt so connected and their family and friends were so happy for them.” Anna says, “both families were incredibly spirited and welcoming and really knew how to have fun! Because the Annapolis wedding venues they chose are so famous and right on the water, we came prepared to capture the entire atmosphere and used drones to show off the boats, river and gorgeous landscape. I was fortunate to have a free moment during the reception to print one of their wedding portraits and set it in a silver frame to surprise them. I love surprising couples and these two deserved the best of everything!”

At World’s Best Wedding Photos, we’re proud to recommend Anna Schmidt Photography along with a curated selection of experienced, talented photographers. Check out more of Anna’s work here and see all of our recommendations for wedding photographers in the U.S. and around the world.

Annapolis Wedding Professionals:

Wedding Planning + Signage: Elizabeth Giles Events (Liz Giles- [email protected])

Photography: Anna Schmidt Photography

Rehearsal Dinner: Carrol’s Creek 

Ceremony: St. Mary's Parish with priest Father Clement [email protected]

Cocktail and Reception:  Annapolis Yacht Club Carina Asch, casch@annapolisyc.

After party:  O'Brien's Oyster Bar (afterparty), Brandon Arant, [email protected]

Bridal Gown: Antonio Gual 

Dress Store: Bella Bleu Bridal @bellableubridal

Florist: Michael Designs Florist, Jim Paulus, 410-263-0401, [email protected]

Videography: Your Story Told, Jonathan Key, 301-787-7569, [email protected]

Make up and Hair Stylist: Amie Decker Beauty, Amie Decker, [email protected]

Rentals: Loans Bro's Inc., Carol Barruss, [email protected]

Cake: Graul’s Market Annapolis Bakery

DJ: DJ Danahy, Sean Danahy, 610-806-2971, [email protected]

Transportation: RMA Worldwide Transportation, Ben Severe, 301-231-6555

Paper Goods and Invitations: Steracle Press, LLC, Stacey, 312-320-9700, [email protected]