Marissa and William at Inn at Perry Cabin

How did you get engaged?
After attending college together, and dating long distance over seven years, Wil proposed to Marissa.
“We had brunch with Wil’s sister and brother-in-law. I thought it was a typical family gathering we love to enjoy,” Marissa says. “We walked to a spot in Hoboken, NJ [where Wil was living at the time] that overlooks the New York City skyline. I saw lanterns set up all over the hill and thought, how cute! I wonder what this is for. Little did I know it was all Wil. He got down on one knee – I couldn’t believe it. It was such a special moment – a photographer disguised as a construction worker took our photos and our families and friends surprised us with a celebration immediately after.”

Details of the day!
On July 19, 2020 Marissa & Wil set sail and weighed anchor on the Chesapeake Bay aboard Inn at Perry Cabin’s 55-foot luxury Hinckley yacht “The Five Star.” Marissa and Wil’s close family members were able to be part of this moment too, anchored alongside on the Inn’s vintage pristine sailboats. Marissa and Wil tied the knot, literally. The Inn at Perry Cabin has a unique tradition during the ceremony- to tie a knot together- symbolizing the beginning of life together.
“We tied the fisherman knot and did a blessing of the rings in water,” Marissa reminisces. “Our families brought water from Bethany Beach where Wil and I had met, Maine where we reconnected, from each of our hometowns, and from Hoboken where we live together now. We poured the water together in a bowl – combining them was a symbol of our love story and something I will never forget.”

The newlyweds celebrated their special day with immediate family at a reception at Inn at Perry Cabin’s newest secluded venue, The Cove. This intimate and romantic location is ideal for smaller weddings, offering waterfront views, festive bistro string lights, safe social distancing, and undisturbed privacy. Friends and family joined via Zoom to congratulate the happy couple.
Executive Chef Gregory James prepared a delectable menu featuring fresh sea-to-table fare and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients from the farms and fisherman of the Eastern Shore, including Inn at Perry Cabin’s own gardens and orchards.

Why did you choose your venue?
Though initially planning for a big wedding for 2020 with extended family and friends, Marissa and Wil decided it was best to postpone and proceed with an intimate celebration. Since their dream was to get married on a boat, the family took the idea and ran with it. Inn at Perry Cabin has always been on Marissa and Wil’s bucket list (a “timeless classic” as Marissa says) so, Marissa’s family knew this was the spot. Nestled along the Chesapeake Bay in St. Michaels, Maryland, the Inn stretches across 25 acres of lush, waterfront lawns and exquisitely groomed gardens.

What was on your menu?
The chef prepared a delectable menu featuring fresh sea-to-table fare and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients from the farms and fisherman of the Eastern Shore, including Inn at Perry Cabin’s own gardens and orchards. For starters they served a cucumber and tomato salad, fluke and crab. For main dishes there was a choice between halibut, beef tenderloin and crab cakes. For dessert guests enjoyed Strawberry shortcake.

All about your gown!
“Because we planned the wedding in five weeks, I had to act fast,” Marissa says. “So I ordered about 15 dresses from various online stories and after a huge try-on haul, a disastrous apartment filled with packages, and many trips to UPS, – I found the dress I felt most comfortable in and wanted to just start dancing every time I tried it on! My other wedding dress for the big day is completely different, so I was excited to get to wear a style I also loved but didn’t choose for the February wedding.”

What was your favorite moment?
Marissa and Wil were able to enjoy a lot of family time due to the intimacy of the wedding party. The couple enjoyed being able to spend time at the pool and exploring the Inn’s facilities with the family. Those who could not attend, such as the bridal party and groomsmen, joined over Zoom expressing their joy for the happy couple. The extended party will celebrate with the couple at a larger party anticipated for February 2021.

Did anything go wrong?
Under the current climate, Marissa and Wil decided it was best to postpone and proceed with an intimate celebration. The planning process was overall very smooth, but with state regulations changing, the couple was constantly adapting.

First dance song?
“You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.

Any advice for future brides?
“Take a step back and drown out the noise,” Marissa advises. “When you have a large wedding, it can become consuming with all the little details – attire, seating arrangements, etc. But having an intimate wedding made all this extra noise go away. Remember to keep perspective on how excited you are to be getting married, starting that stage of life with your significant other. Whether you choose to have an intimate wedding or even wait for the large one – everything will fall into place the way it’s supposed to after that decision. Just keep perspective on what this day is truly about and you can’t go wrong!”

Honeymoon Location
Marissa and Wil spent an extra night at Inn at Perry Cabin then went to Newport, RI.