On July 6, 2024, high school sweethearts Jess and Jake celebrated a love story 17 years in the making with a laid-back summer Rockfield Manor wedding in Bel Air, Maryland. Their ceremony and reception were both on the property, surrounded by a big wedding party and a whole lot of family and friends.
These two did not want anything complicated. They wanted their people, a beautiful summer day and the freedom to simply enjoy it, and that is exactly what they got.
From the Classroom to the Aisle
Jess and Jake met in 2007 in a high school foods class. Jake was so smitten that he skipped math to sit in on Jess’s English class. Their first date came in 2009, on Jake’s birthday, and later that year, under a sky full of stars, they said “I love you” for the first time.
They graduated high school together in 2010, found their way back to each other in 2016 and took their first international trip in 2017. After Jess graduated from Oregon in 2019, the two drove cross-country back to Maryland in 2020 and started building a life together.
In 2022 they bought their first house and brought home their pup, Bourbon. They got engaged in 2023, and on July 6, 2024, they finally became husband and wife.
Getting Ready
Jess got ready with her girls, and the morning was as easygoing as she is. She is a big runner and someone who likes to keep things simple, and that relaxed energy carried through the whole day.
A Wedding Full of Their Story
Every detail pointed back to how far these two have come. Guests were welcomed with a custom “relationship roadmap” poster that walked through all 17 years, from that foods class to the altar. The reception was filled with string lights and personal photos, and Bourbon even made a special appearance.
Jess’s sister, whose wedding we photographed the year before, was there with her husband. Getting to be part of a second wedding in the same family made this one feel extra special for us.
Before the Ceremony
Jake got ready with his guys and a little help on his bow tie, then we headed outside for photos with his groomsmen and family in front of the manor. With a big wedding party and a couple this down to earth, it was all smiles.
An Outdoor Ceremony at Rockfield Manor
Jess and Jake skipped the first look, so the first time Jake saw her was at the ceremony. They said their vows outside under the arbor in the gardens at Rockfield Manor, surrounded by family and friends who have watched this love story grow since high school.
Portraits at Rockfield Manor
A Laid-Back Summer Reception
The celebration moved to the enclosed patio for toasts, laughs and plenty of time with the people they love. Jess was up for whatever photos we asked for, and the two of them simply had a great time, which pretty much sums up who they are.
Thank You, Jess and Jake
Jess and Jake, thank you for trusting us with your day. Seventeen years in, you two still make it look easy, and we are wishing you many more years of love and adventures together.
Planning a wedding at Rockfield Manor or anywhere around York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, or Baltimore? Take a look at our wedding photography and reach out here. We would love to hear your story.
Venue: Rockfield Manor, Bel Air, MD