Whitney & Jess

Occupations: Whitney is a senior digital marketing manager; Jess is an events and marketing professional

Wedding date May 6, 2023

Number of Attendees 140

How You Met We met through work but didn’t become friends until about a year later. Our friendship started to grow into something more, leading to our first date, and the rest is history.

The Engagement We’d been living together for a couple of years and casually discussed taking things to the next level here and there. The pandemic gave us the time to dive into engagement ring research. Our shared indecisiveness made the process a bit of an adventure—choosing the rings, where to get them, and deciding how much we each wanted to be involved with finalizing our own rings. Almost a year later, in May 2021, Jess planned a bonfire on the beach in Ocean City, right outside of the condo Whitney grew up visiting with her family and now Jess. After a few hours, Jess proposed, adding another memory to that special location. A couple of months later, Whitney proposed on our rooftop deck followed by dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Verde.

Wedding Design Inspiration We wanted it to be a representation of both of our styles and personalities—Whitney’s modern and classic taste paired with Jess’s artistic and feminine flair. Once we toured the Winslow, we knew that the exposed brick combined with the overall modern industrial look and unique details fit the vibe we envisioned. We used the natural palette of the Winslow as inspiration for developing the overall design.

Favorite Details The personal touches designed, built, and/or painted by Jess, especially the escort cards and wall, the table numbers, and all of our stationery; reading our handwritten vows; the band since live music was a nonnegotiable for Whitney and Central City Orchestra (CCO) knocked it out of the park. And the time we spent together between the ceremony and reception.

Most Unexpected Event On Your Wedding Day Since we’ve both worked in events, we were well aware that things hardly ever go as planned. We learned about a few things afterward, but nothing really caught us off guard. It helped that The Otherside Creatives team were absolute rockstars and handled everything seemingly effortlessly. We were happy with our band when we booked them even though we hadn’t seen them perform live. CCO exceeded our expectations, bringing incredible energy to the room, and keeping the dance floor filled. The horns section took it to the next level, joining us on the dancefloor and even playing from the second level of the Winslow.

Piece of Advice Make a list of what’s most important to you both and try to remember that throughout the whole process. What are you really going to remember 30 years from now? Is it the unique charger and upgraded linens or the atmosphere created by an awesome band (ideally with a horns section)? It’s easy to get caught up in the finite details and lose focus on what matters most. There are so many decisions to make already, and that list will help reset your focus. Also, hire a planner. At a minimum a week of or day of planner (ideally Anna and Jordan aka The Otherside Creatives). Family and friends can help out with small details here and there, especially beforehand, but you want them to enjoy the day too.

Beauty Infinity Artistry Caterer & Cake Copper Kitchen Floral Design Thurman and Fig Honeymoon Australia & New Zealand Invitations Designed by Jess and Laughing Owl Press (for printing) Location The Winslow Music Central City Orchestra Officiant Ashley Lyles, a friend Photographer Barbara O Photography Transportation Thoroughbred Wedding Dresses Love Couture Bridal (Jess) and Soliloquy Bridal Couture (Whitney) Wedding Planner The Otherside Creatives