‘Eastern shore glam’ decor for a waterfront wedding

Kari Rider Events combines navy, gold and crystal under a clear-top tent.

With its lush gardens, waterfront views and a hotel dating to the early 1800s, the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Md., is a natural choice for a wedding with an “Eastern Shore glam” design. “A clear-top tent cemented the look—enhanced with elegant crystal chandeliers, hanging floral arrangements, soft draping and a gold-accented bar complete with a boxwood wall backdrop,” says planner and designer Kari Rider, owner of Kari Rider Events, Easton, Md.  Sugarplum Tent Co., Boyds, Md., installed the 40-by-70-foot clear-top tent, and additional elements were provided by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design, White Glove Rentals, Select Event Group, La Tavola and BBJ Linen.

Navy and gold palette

Because of the tent’s clear top, designers were intentional about drawing eyes up, taking a three-tiered approach with vertical draping, chandeliers and hanging arrangements. “At eye level, we achieved the sought-after ‘Eastern Shore glam’ look by layering navy blue linens with natural wood chairs and pops of gold,” Rider says. The linens were a nod to the waterfront setting; gold elements in the place setting, candleholders and bar added to the glamour; the dark wood floor struck a bold contrast to the clear top of the tent; and draping and florals brought warmth to the space. The result was a clean, layered scene that juxtaposed glamour with natural charm.  

Perfect execution

In addition to its history and scenic locale, the Inn at Perry Cabin is known as the site where the wedding reception scene in the movie “The Wedding Crashers” was filmed. But Rider ensured that nothing would crash this celebration. “One of the lighting dimmers got wet during an unexpected storm that evening, causing half of the chandelier lights to go out,” she says. “We always hire a tent attendant for our events, so he was able to restore power to the dimmer and get everything working again in no time. The clients were extremely happy with the overall look and execution of the event. And they were pleased that the lighting issues were resolved speedily.”