Hillary and Phillip’s whimsical summer camp wedding is a masterclass in showcasing a couple’s personality The three-day celebration at Northbay Adventure Camp in Maryland was a true reflection of their free-spirited nature, with vibrant blooms, quirky DIY decor, and an unforgettable midnight bonfire on the beach Nessa K Photography beautifully captured the essence of this dreamy wedding in her signature style.
Hillary looked stunning in her Badgley Mischka wedding dress and a Free People maxi for dancing, topped off with a breathtaking sunset-hued flower crown that set the tone for the day The color palette was expertly executed, featuring hot pinks and purples, bright burnt orange, and other warm tones that perfectly complemented the summer camp setting The couple’s creativity and personal touches made the celebration truly special.
From the beach ceremony arch to the ombre seating plan, tote favors, and Mexican blankets for after dark, every detail was meticulously planned to reflect their family reunion theme As you read through this story, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over you, reminiscent of summer camp days filled with laughter and adventure Phillip and Hillary’s unique wedding is the perfect blend of fun, intimacy, and whimsy.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Wedding in Three Words
The Flowers
The floral arrangements at this wedding featured a stunning array of colors and textures The bridal bouquet, crown, and bridesmaid bouquets were crafted with shades reminiscent of sunset, incorporating amethyst, rose quartz, carnelian, driftwood, zinnia, celosia, dahlia, hydrangea, gomphrena, and snapdragons To complement the main floral pieces, boutonnieres were designed using thistle, scabiosa, and lamb’s ear to create a cohesive look.
A hand-crafted garland adorned the archway, primarily featuring greens and grasses, with accents of hydrangea, cockscomb, and zinnias The aisle markers were charmingly created as small bouquets, tied with jute twine ‘hangers’ similar to those worn by the bridesmaids Furthermore, a low tablescape was set up for guests, showcasing live ornamental cabbage/kale in weathered baskets, allowing attendees to take home a memorable piece of the celebration.
Our Honeymoon
We ventured to Eleuthera’s Buttonwood Reserve, an understated island that measures just three miles across and 100 miles long Our quest was for seclusion without the trappings of a resort A seven-mile beach hike yielded not a single other soul in sight The only drawback lay in the copious beach trash scattered about, a poignant reminder of humanity’s treatment of our oceans and the consequences that arise when no resort staff is present to conceal it from tourists.
In stark contrast, our abode was an oasis, boasting breathtaking views of both the Atlantic and Caribbean waters A private beach with a shipwreck accessible via electric golf cart or bicycle only added to its allure Additional attractions included a turtle preserve perfect for paddle-boarding excursions and local organic farms Day trips to the esteemed Harbour Island were also within reach Overall, this hidden gem far outshines the typical Bahamas vacation experience.
Budget Priorities
The venue selection was a crucial aspect that I prioritized heavily I didn’t want our weekend getaway to be fragmented across multiple hotels, with everyone having to coordinate their own transportation and schedules Instead, I sought out a location where everyone could come together under one roof for the entire duration of the celebration
Similarly, photography was non-compromisable for us.
With so much of the weekend’s magic happening in the moment, we wanted those fleeting memories captured in a stunning way When it all comes down to it, aside from the newly minted spouse, photos are one of the only tangible mementos you’re left with after the big day.
The Music
As couples prepared to take their first steps together, they set the tone with iconic songs that would be remembered for years to come For instance, ‘Digital Love’ by Daft Punk provided the pulsating beat for the first dance, while the sentimental ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the mother/son dance Meanwhile, Louis Armstrong’s timeless classic ‘What a Wonderful World’ added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the father/daughter dance.
Favourite Memories
The success of the event was largely due to the collective efforts of our friends and family, who came together to create an unforgettable experience From organizing check-in shifts to preparing party favor totes, everyone pitched in to ensure a memorable celebration The decorating duties were also taken on by our guests, adding a personal touch to the overall atmosphere I’m deeply grateful for this incredible support system that made the event truly special.
The zipline and giant swing activities played a significant role in fostering a playful and adventurous vibe, while the beach hangouts brought everyone together in a relaxed setting Even my great-uncle took the leap of faith on the giant swing, much to his own surprise The thrill was palpable
As the night drew to a close, the bonfire crackled to life, providing the perfect ambiance for socializing and sharing stories.
The combination of cozy cabins, comfortable bunk beds, and beer-filled canoes contributed to an overall atmosphere that was equal parts summer camp and family reunion – a true celebration of love, laughter, and connection.
Advice for Other Couples
Embrace your authenticity as a couple and prioritize relaxation on your special day Let go of the pressure to create a perfect, Pinterest-perfect wedding and simply enjoy the moment Remember, it’s okay to not have every detail planned out to the minute In fact, letting go of those expectations can allow you to fully soak in the joy and love surrounding youTake Hillary and Phillip’s summer camp wedding as an example.
Their celebration was filled with unique touches and personal details that made their day truly special And what stood out most The way they relaxed and let go, allowing themselves to fully immerse in the happiness of the momentTo all couples-to-be, I say: trust your instincts, be yourselves, and don’t stress about the little things Your love story is worth celebrating, and it’s okay if it doesn’t look exactly like someone else’s.
Just remember to have fun, enjoy each other, and cherish the memories being made.
