A Romantic Chesapeake Bay Wedding Weekend: Zoey & Bryce
- jessheddings
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Photos by: A Natural Portrayal Photography
Zoey and Bryce’s wedding weekend at Island View Waterfront felt like stepping into a watercolor painting—soft, joyful, and overflowing with love. Picture a dreamy Chesapeake Bay backdrop, candlelit tables, and a dance floor that glowed beneath café lights. It was the kind of weekend that makes you pause, breathe it all in, and think, this is it.
Meet the Couple
Zoey and Bryce have one of those “we go way back” love stories—elementary school sweethearts who grew up together and never let go. Their bond was built on years of laughter, inside jokes, and showing up for each other through every season. They’re the kind of couple who feel like home, and that warmth set the tone for the entire celebration.
Bryce proposed in true holiday-in-the-city fashion: a perfectly chaotic moment at the Rockefeller Tree in New York, weaving through Christmas crowds to make it to their photo appointment—then dropping to one knee right there in the middle of the magic.
A Full Weekend of Love, Laughter & Ice Cream
Friday: BBQ I Do
The weekend kicked off with a relaxed waterfront welcome party—easy, delicious, and full of summer vibes. Guests gathered for a casual Friday night hangout with Crossroads Bistro’s BBQ truck serving brisket, pulled pork, and all the fixings. Lawn games were in full swing, the water shimmered in the golden-hour light, and laughter carried across the breeze.
Then came Miss Twist—the nostalgic ice cream truck that rolled in with soft serve and sprinkles. It was simple, fun, and exactly what everyone needed to ease into the weekend.
Saturday: The Big Day
Saturday bloomed in soft pastels, airy florals, and a flower garden-inspired ceremony by the water. Sailboats drifted past as Zoey and Bryce said “I do,” like the scene was scripted just for them.
As the sun dipped low, the celebration shifted into a candlelit dinner under the stars. Café lights flickered on, music turned up, and the dance floor stayed packed until the very last song.
Sunday: A Sweet Goodbye
By Sunday morning, no one wanted it to end. We gathered for coffee and hugs, collecting leftover desserts and décor, sharing “remember when…” stories. Hair still tousled from the night before, everyone kept saying the same thing: Can we do it all again?
Why Island View Waterfront?
Zoey and Bryce were drawn to Island View’s coastal charm—laidback, intimate, and full of Chesapeake Bay character. It reminded them of a favorite beach town restaurant with a view you can’t forget.
In Zoey’s words, “Jess totally embodies the vibe of the entire venue,” and that personal connection sealed it for them. A full signature weekend gave them everything they wanted: Friday’s welcome party, Saturday’s all-night celebration, and a quiet Sunday sendoff surrounded by family and friends.
Favorite Moments
Zoey’s vision was romantic and airy, with soft garden-inspired details—vintage mirrors, ribbons drifting in the breeze, and tables glowing with candlelight. But what made it unforgettable was the heart they poured into the weekend.
A subtle tribute to their grandfathers, woven throughout the day, reminded everyone of the love that had shaped them.
For me, the moment that sticks? The instant the candlelit dinner turned into a barefoot dance party on the lawn, with café lights twinkling overhead and guests laughing like no one was watching. It was the perfect ending to a weekend that was exactly what Zoey and Bryce had hoped for: full of love, movement, and memories that will last a lifetime.
A huge thanks to these vendors who brought Zoey & Bryce's wedding weekend vision to life:
Venue: @islandviewwaterfrontvenue
Catering : @crossroadsbistro
Tent, Chairs, Dance Floor: @tentsforrent
Florals: @homesteadfloralweddings
Decor Rental: @sborrowed
Music: @dstraxnmedia
Photography: @anaturalportrayal
Wedding Cake: @yiayiasbakery
Wedding Gown: @shopthevu118
Bridal Gowns: @kennedyblueofficial
Suits: @ingramsmensshop
Hair: @heatherannamae
Makeup: @xoxoartistryllc
Transportation: @barrtransportation
Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality at Island View Waterfront
Island View Waterfront offers a flexible approach to wedding planning, allowing you to customize your package to suit your needs and budget.
Island View Waterfront is committed to making your dream celebration a reality.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your unforgettable wedding or event.
Wedding Website: www.islandviewwaterfrontevents.net
Instagram: Island View Waterfront Venue, Essex Maryland
About us: Island View Waterfront is an independent, locally-owned wedding venue near Baltimore Maryland. We have been family owned and operated since 1968. What started as a small bar and marina (read the history here), we are proud to be the current stewards of this waterfront property on the Chesapeake Bay.
When you choose an independent, locally owned venue like ours, you work directly with the owner, and third generation operator Jessica, throughout your entire wedding planning process!
We are committed to supporting other locally owned wedding venues around the country. A shout-out to the following venues who are offering their continued support and encouragement:
