There’s something undeniably magical about a summer wedding by the water—warm breezes, golden light, and the feeling that time slows down just a little. For Emma, that magic had always included one simple dream: to marry the love of her life barefoot by the bay. On a perfect June day for a Gibson Island Club wedding, that dream became reality with the help of the incredible team at Cristina Calvert Weddings. With a gentle bay breeze in the air, florals in stunning sea glass tones, and a perfectly laid-back yet refined atmosphere, Emma & Thad’s wedding was the epitome of effortless elegance. A touch of vintage Americana wove through the day, making it feel like a scene from a classic summer love story - timeless, joyful, and completely unforgettable.


Set against the sparkling Chesapeake Bay, Emma and Thad’s ceremony felt like pure poetry. Emma, in a flowing silk gown, stepped barefoot onto the soft grass, her smile radiating pure joy. Her bouquet—a delicate mix of soft blue delphiniums, pale green eucalyptus, and ivory roses - perfectly complemented the sea glass-inspired floral design that wove through the entire wedding. The couple exchanged vows as the waves lapped gently in the background, their love story unfolding in front of their closest family and friends.


Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the reception overlooking the water, where cocktails flowed and laughter filled the air. The tables were adorned with light blue velvet linens, custom floral china in shades of blue and green, evoking a breezy coastal elegance. Holly Chapel's stunning arrangements in muted aquas, soft sage greens, creamy whites with pops of lavender - created a natural, undone beauty, as if they had been gathered fresh from the shoreline. Twinkling string lights swayed in the breeze, casting a warm glow over the evening. The aesthetic was the perfect balance of preppy and relaxed—a nod to classic East Coast summers, with a touch of nostalgia. It felt like the kind of wedding where everyone could just be, soaking in the joy, the sea air, and the undeniable magic of the moment.


As the sun dipped below the horizon, Emma & Thad took to the dance floor - Emma still barefoot, spinning effortlessly in her flowing gown. Guests joined in, kicking off their shoes, dancing with abandon, and celebrating under a sky full of stars. More than just a beautiful celebration, Emma & Thad’s wedding felt like them. It was relaxed yet refined, classic yet fresh—rooted in tradition but filled with personal, meaningful touches. It was proof that elegance doesn’t have to mean formality, and that sometimes, the most magical weddings are the ones that feel like an extension of the life you already love.

Sailboats and yachts docked at a peaceful marina with clear blue skies and tree-lined shores in the background.
A coastal beach landscape paired with a styled flat lay of turquoise ring box, seashells and white flowers on grey background.
Elegant white wedding dress with v-neckline and fitted silhouette shown with delicate blue and white floral bouquet.
Elegant wedding stationery suite in blue and white with floral accents, envelopes and delicate blooms on grey background.
Black and white photograph of two people in elegant dresses sharing an intimate moment on a sunlit porch.
Bridesmaids in elegant blue gowns hold stunning white floral bouquets at an outdoor wedding celebration.
Wedding party walking along grassy waterfront area with trees on a sunny summer day.
Split image showing a waterfront lakeside community with boats and a delicate blue and white rose wedding bouquet.
A couple embraces on a sandy beach with a lake and natural shoreline in the background under blue summer skies.
Couple in wedding attire walking and laughing together on a sunny beach with water in the background.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand along a sandy beach with blue water and trees in the background.
A couple poses together on a sunny beach, with the bride in a white gown and groom in a navy suit with blue tie.
Beautiful country estate home with thatched roof, dormers, and white exterior surrounded by trees on a sunny day.
Floral arrangements and paper programs decorate wooden folding chairs at an outdoor ceremony setup.
Romantic outdoor wedding ceremony setup with floral arch and wooden chairs overlooking a waterfront under tall trees.
Guests seated in wooden folding chairs watch an outdoor ceremony against a scenic natural backdrop.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and white floral arrangements in front of an elegant coastal-style house.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with a floral arch and bridesmaids in varying shades of blue and purple dresses.
People in floral summer dresses sit outdoors on the grass at a garden party with white flowers blooming nearby.
Outdoor wedding ceremony among flowering trees and delicate white floral arrangements lining a grassy aisle.
A wedding party poses on stone steps surrounded by hydrangeas with bridesmaids in blue dresses.
Elegant waterfront gathering with wicker furniture on a manicured lawn beside a white coastal house with garage doors.
A wedding venue setup with a white colonial house and nautical-themed table decor featuring a model sailboat centerpiece.
Elegant framed menu card displayed alongside colorful cocktails with floral garnishes on an outdoor table.
Guests enjoying an elegant outdoor reception at a white colonial-style house with black shutters on a sunny afternoon.
Elegant wedding reception table with white floral centerpieces, glass vases and ivory chair covers in a bright banquet room.
Elegant wedding reception ballroom with sage green tablecloths, vintage chairs and peach floral centerpieces under crystal chandeliers.
Elegant wedding reception setup with white chairs and blue floral table settings in a bright ballroom.
Elegant wedding table setting with white and purple floral centerpiece, taper candles, and blue-detailed place settings.
Two black and white candid wedding reception shots showing guests at tables and chairs.
A couple smiles and laughs together during their first dance at an elegant covered outdoor wedding reception venue.
Two joyful black and white wedding photos showing candid dance floor moments during an outdoor celebration.
A couple in wedding attire playfully balancing on coastal rocks by the ocean at sunset.
Romantic wedding couple holding hands on a scenic waterfront lawn with a close-up detail shot on the left.
A couple celebrates their wedding day by the rocky shoreline of a coastal venue with pine trees and ocean views in the background.
Elegant wedding reception in a bright room with coffered ceilings, round tables, and globe pendant lights.
Glass Coca Cola bottles and floral arrangements alongside someone in a blue and white patterned dress holding baked dessert.
A couple in wedding attire walks together on the lawn of an elegant white house with a columned porch.
A person wearing a gold sequined dress and strappy sandals stands near white floral arrangements on tiled floor.
Two party guests in elegant gowns stand next to abandoned wine glasses and sandals on a patio.
Elegant white cottage-style home with dormer windows and warm lighting glowing from within at dusk.

Planning: Cristina Calvert Events

Floral Design: Holly Chapple Flowers



Venue: Gibson Island Club

Gibson Island Wedding Photographer: Audra Wrisley