get to know ME more!
Hi Thank you so much for visiting the blog! Whether you're looking for more pretty pictures, inspiration for your wedding day, or some useful Deep Creek info, I hope you'll find a comfy seat, maybe a cup of coffee, and read on!
I’ve been visiting Deep Creek Lake for as long as I can remember. My mom’s family has a cabin at the lake and my siblings and I grew up visiting almost every summer. We’d go boating, tubing, play in the sand, watch movies, play card games, eat ice cream, go miniature golfing, eat at Uno’s…it was a simple vacation experience that was close to home. And now, I’m living here! The lake itself is less than five minutes from our house and I’m surrounded by its happenings every day.
One thing I didn’t realize during my many visits to the lake was that its a popular place for weddings! The area is frequented by vacationers both near and far and some of those vacationers even stay and get married. But not all of them get married at the local resort or in a banquet hall. Many of them get married along the lake in beautiful vacation rental homes! I didn’t know such weddings were taking place until I started receiving inquires. “You’re getting married outside at a house on the lake!?! That’s awesome!!” So I had to find out more for myself…
I contacted the Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales group at the lake. They have a ton of vacation rentals at the lake and use a large chunk of them as wedding venues. One of their event coordinators was kind enough to meet me earlier this month to “show me the ropes” when it comes to weddings at these beautiful homes. Do couples rent tents? How many guests can they have? Do they do a ton of decorating? Where does everyone park? What are the ceremony spot options? I wanted to find out. 🙂
First up is “Unforgettable” in Swanton at Deep Creek Lake. It’s a very large, lakefront home with a nice backyard and plenty of space for an event tent. I visited a couple of days after the wedding took place, but some things were still in place…
This large tent hosted almost 150 people. I didn’t think a wedding of that size would be possible at a vacation rental home, but Taylor-Made proved me wrong! I was also told that the bridal party shared this house the weekend of the wedding. Can you imagine? You, about to get married, staying a huge vacation home with your closest friends and family!? Sounds like a good time to me!
And this was their view…
The ceremony took place at this arch (brought in by the family) right along the lakeshore…
The guests sat among the trees during the ceremony and enjoyed the reception immediately after in the white tent.
And this wooded area sat directly next to the backyard. I bet this made for some beautiful bride-groom portraits!
Aren’t the homes across the lake beautiful!? Another wonderful view!
A bonfire was appropriately set up for the “after party”…
This particular group was a Pirates fan (Yay Pittsburgh!)! Cornhole is also appropriate for such a setting. 🙂 And that “tree seat” on the right is on purpose. You know it makes for a great photo op!
On to the next house! This one’s called “Over The Rainbow” and also sits along the lake…
There’s a large outdoor deck that can be used for cocktail hour and also serves as a platform for the bouquet-throwing during the reception.
The docks really help to complete the lake atmosphere of this location…
The tall trees seem to go forever!
Here’s a view of the back of the house from the lakeshore. It’s window presentation creates the quintessential “lake house” look…also very appropriate for such a setting.
Some couples get married right along the lake among these trees. Can you imagine the backdrop and the light in the evening hours just before sunset!?! I bet it’s breathtaking!!
I can just imagine tables covered with white linens, lights strung between the trees, and a candlelit dinner for the reception. What do you think? 🙂
A view from the large deck…
 Engaged couples: If you’re looking for a unique place to get married, consider Deep Creek Lake and these beautiful rental homes! I’m sure they’ll wow your guests and your bound to create some awesome memories! And probably capture some awesome pictures, too! I really hope I’m able to photograph a wedding at one of these beautiful lake homes soon. High five to Taylor-Made for creating such wedding options in Garrett County, MD!
If you’re interested in finding out more about what Taylor-Made has to offer, check out their website or give them a call at 866-351-1119.
Scenes and thoughts from deep creek
Well hey now! I thought for sure it had been more than seven months since I blogged last! Wish I could do it more…and plan to as soon as the new JFP website comes out.
I’m not sure I’m starting anything consistent here, just sharing some random thoughts and scenes from Deep Creek on this random Wednesday…
- Dani
Jessica is amazing and she made us feel so comfortable! Having her capture our wedding was like having my best friend with me for every moment! Jessica's photos are fun, whimsical, and sophisticated!
We are not a stoic couple and did not want posed (or trying-too-hard) photos! Jessica was able to capture our personalities and the elegance of the day! I can't stop looking at our photos!
- Jessica and brandon
The best decision I could have made for my wedding was hiring Jessica Fike as a photographer! I was in a wedding prior that she was a photographer for and seeing how organized and easy and strategic she was to work with is what convinced me! She makes you feel so comfortable and helps teach you how to pose and smile and look so natural! She keeps you on schedule throughout your day and captures so much emotion in her photos. She is worth every penny plus more!
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