All Aboard: Marissa & Wil in St. Michaels, MD

Marissa and Wil's love story began when they were just 8 and 9 years old, respectively. First introduced by their families on Bethany Beach, DE, they lost touch over the years but reconnected at a party thrown by Wil's family, where they spent the night catching up and learned they'd be attending the same college in the fall. 

Photo: Hoffer Photography

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25 Reasons to Love an Outdoor Fall Wedding

Outdoor weddings are trendy for a reason, and it's high time to embrace the outdoor fall wedding. The best weather and the best day sounds like a recipe for a wonderful wedding.

By: Mallory Recor

Enter Slideshow
  • Twinkle Lights

    Twinkle Lights

    The autumn equinox means having that twinkle lit wedding you've been dreaming of can happen before dinner.

    Photo Credit: Shewanders

  • Apple of Your Eye

    Apple of Your Eye

    What better way to celebrate a fall wedding than with a big steamy mug of hot apple cider?

    Photo Credit: Abby Grace Photography / Styling by Atrendy Wedding

  • By Candlelight

    By Candlelight

    Everything is more beautiful when awash with candlelight — and there are no candle restrictions outdoors!

    Photo Credit: LV Imagery / Styled by Blush & Bowties

  • Grab a Seat

    Grab a Seat

    Hay bales are inexpensive, cute, and can only be used outside... perks of the outdoor wedding!

    Photo Credit: Lover of Weddings

  • Miss American Pie

    Miss American Pie

    Pie is the unofficial dessert of autumn, and what better way to enjoy it than outside?

  • In Case of Rain

    In Case of Rain

    Worried about the unpredictable (read: sometimes wet) autumn season? Put your girls in their Wellies!

  • Get Cozy

    Get Cozy

    Providing blankets for your guests keeps them warm when the temperature drops.

    Photo Credit: Urban Fig Photography

  • Cuddle Weather

    Cuddle Weather

    Stay warm on a cool autumn night by cuddling up with your sweetie!

  • Stylish Sleeves

    Stylish Sleeves

    Ever since Kate Middleton's iconic look, we've all been a bit gaga over a wedding dress with sleeves. Fall is the perfect time to rock this trend!

    Photo Credit: Benj Haisch

  • S

    S'mores

    Roasted marshmellows and wedding gowns may not sound like a match made in heaven, but believe it... they are.

    Photo Credit: Abby Caldwell

  • Beauty to be Found

    Beauty to be Found

    Foraging is free, and when you add the beautiful foliage to your flowers, it's bound to be timeless.

  • Caramel Apple

    Caramel Apple

    After the cider cocktail hour, carry the theme to the favor and pass out caramel apples.

    Photo Credit: Bobby Pathammavong

  • Skip the Rice

    Skip the Rice

    Grab a handful of leaves to toss! Not only are they free, but the photo op is priceless.

  • Bridal Booties

    Bridal Booties

    Cowboy boots aren't your style? Grab a chic pair of booties instead. 

    Photo Credit: Braedon Photography

  • In Case of Rain

    In Case of Rain

    The good news is, cuddling with your newly-ringed honey under an umbrella is super romantic.

    Photo Credit: Ryan Ray Photography

  • Comfort Cuisine

    Comfort Cuisine

    There is no reason you can't serve grilled cheese and tomato soup at your wedding! Fall is made for comfort food.

    Photo Credit: Aura Marzouk

  • Cute Boots

    Cute Boots

    When you throw your fall wedding outside, cowboy boots are not only beautiful, but practical, too!

  • Gorgeous Gourds

    Gorgeous Gourds

    Fall is the time of the pumpkin, and nothing beats these beauties when it comes to making a cheap but powerful impact.

  • Free Foliage

    Free Foliage

    Looking for a cute last-minute idea for your escort cards? Look no further than the foliage that is plentiful this time of year.

  • Brisk Beverages

    Brisk Beverages

    The brisk temperature mean you can have a beer canoe without worrying about anything getting warm. 

    Photo Credit: Ashley Davenport

  • Just Right

    Just Right

    Summer is too hot, winter is too cold... autumn is the perfect time for an entirely outdoor wedding.

  • Crazy for Plaid

    Crazy for Plaid

    Throw a few plaid blankets over the backs of your chairs and your guests will be warm and chic!

  • Bonfire, Baby

    Bonfire, Baby

    Nothing is better than a bonfire... except maybe a wedding night bonfire.

    Photo Credit: A Lovely Photo

  • The Original Cheese Cake

    The Original Cheese Cake

    If your sweet tooth isn't strong, go for a cheese wheel cake. Bonus with an outdoor wedding in the fall? No stinky cheese.

    Photo Credit: Claire Thomson

  • Stay Cozy

    Stay Cozy

    Fear not the cool temps; a chic sweater over your dress is ridiculously cute.

25 Reasons to Love an Outdoor Fall Wedding

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40 Grab-and-Go Menu Picks

These days, sharing is not caring. Family-style meals and buffets may be on hold for now, but there are so many fun options out there for your menu. These grab-and-go menu options keep shared touch points at a minimum.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Pulled Pork Sliders

    Pulled Pork Sliders

    Top each pulled pork slider with a mini pickle.

  • Skewers

    Skewers

    Fill mini glasses with tomato and mozzarella skewers with a pesto glaze.

  • Salad

    Salad

    Salad has never been easier to eat on the go; serve up a variety of flavors to please any palate. 

  • Cheese Forks

    Cheese Forks

    It's like a charcuterie board in individual portions — mix and match various cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and vegetables on bite-size forks. 

    Photo: Ten22 Studio

  • Cookies

    Cookies

    Make your desserts even less prone to germs with individual packaging. 

    Photo: Mike Peyzner and Natasha Valik of Choco Studio

  • Cookies and Milk

    Cookies and Milk

    Upgrade your favorite comfort food with milk and cookie shots. 

    Photo: Ten22 Studio

  • Cupcakes

    Cupcakes

    Wrap your cupcakes in pretty decorative paper to make them even more wedding-worthy.

  • Doughnut Holes

    Doughnut Holes

    Paper cones filled with doughnut holes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

  • Doughnuts

    Doughnuts

    Individually-wrapped gourmet doughnuts are sure to be a hit. 

  • French Fries

    French Fries

    Why are fries so hard to resist? Build in some portion control with small cones, and make it wedding-appropriate with gourmet toppings.

  • Fried Chicken

    Fried Chicken

    Small dishes of fried chicken can be so versatile; opt for a few different flavors that'll appeal to all of your guests. 

  • Fruit Bowls

    Fruit Bowls

    A martini glass filled with fruit gives "fruit cocktail" a new meaning. Add a glaze of frosting to make it even more delectable. 

  • Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

    Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

    Comfort food done right! Crustless grilled cheese is best served with tomato soup.

  • Ice Cream

    Ice Cream

    Perfect for a backyard wedding, ice cream cones are an idyllic summertime dessert.

    Photo: Ten22 Studio

  • Key Lime Pie

    Key Lime Pie

    Everything taste better served out of a martini glass.

  • Lobster Roll

    Lobster Roll

    Especially if you're getting married in New England, mini lobster rolls will be a huge hit.

  • Macaroni & Cheese

    Macaroni & Cheese

    Mini portions of macaroni and cheese will please guests of all ages.

  • Meatball Sub

    Meatball Sub

    Mini meatballs on Italian bread create pint-sized meatball subs.

  • Doughnuts & Milk

    Doughnuts & Milk

    Encourage dunking with these pretty mini doughnuts atop bottles of milk. 

  • Mini Pies

    Mini Pies

    An assortment of individual pies will make your guests smile. 

  • Caprese Salad

    Caprese Salad

    This Italian favorite features mozzarella, tomato, and a balsamic glaze.

  • Nutella & Cream

    Nutella & Cream

    Toasted hazelnuts, cream, and Nutella come together to create the perfect pudding cup. Top each with a hazelnut truffle for a finishing touch. 

  • Pasta Bowls

    Pasta Bowls

    Tortellini paired with a pesto sauce and fresh tomatoes makes a colorful presentation. 

  • Peanut Butter & Jelly

    Peanut Butter & Jelly

    Your childhood favorite goes upscale with these adorable mini sandwiches.

    Photo: Shaun Andrews via Colette's Events

  • Peach Cobbler

    Peach Cobbler

    Delight your taste buds with a summertime favorite in a miniature portion.

  • Pie Pops

    Pie Pops

    Pies are easier (and more fun!) to eat while mixing and mingling when you put them on a stick.

    Photo: Pillsbury

  • Fruits & Veggies

    Fruits & Veggies

    Taste the rainbow with a variety of fruits and vegetables.

  • Rice Bowls

    Rice Bowls

    Savory rice is perfectly portioned in mini mugs.

  • Shrimp Cocktail

    Shrimp Cocktail

    Guests will appreciate the extra mess-less measure of a skewer for each jumbo shrimp.

    Photo: Limelight Photography

  • Sliders

    Sliders

    Mini burgers are even easier to serve with a tiny fork.

  • Soup Spoon

    Soup Spoon

    Crispy spoon crackers make this soup even more of a crowd-pleaser.

  • Tacos

    Tacos

    Soft-shell tacos help minimize the mess.

  • Veggies & Dip

    Veggies & Dip

    No worries about double-dipping here; fill shooters with individual portions of cut vegetables and dip.

  • Fried Cheese

    Fried Cheese

    Give mozzarella sticks an elegant upgrade with easier-to-eat bites and gourmet toppings.

  • Yogurt Parfait

    Yogurt Parfait

    Elevate a fruit and yogurt parfait by serving it in a wine glass.

  • Rice Krispie Treats

    Rice Krispie Treats

    Customize rice krispie treats for a dressed-up childhood favorite.

  • Gazpacho

    Gazpacho

    Cold tomato soup is a refreshing choice for a warm-weather wedding.

  • Egg Rolls & Lo Mein

    Egg Rolls & Lo Mein

    Embrace the comfort food trend with your favorite Chinese take-out dish.

  • Dessert Shots

    Dessert Shots

    These layered desserts are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the mouth.

  • Cake Pops

    Cake Pops

    An ombré effect makes these cake pops almost too pretty to eat.

40 Grab-and-Go Menu Picks

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