Happy Valentine’s Day! At Herrington on the Bay, we have the privilege of witnessing countless love stories, but every once in a while, a couple comes along whose joy is so infectious, it reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
Today, we are thrilled to share the journey of Amanda and Jesse—a couple who turned a casual October night into a forever commitment right here on the Chesapeake Bay.
Some of the best love stories start when you least expect them. For Amanda, a party in October of 2019 was the last place she wanted to be—she was fresh from a workout, rocking a ponytail, and ready for bed. But, a little convincing from a friend brought her out for "just one beer."
Enter Jesse.
While they didn't know each other, they crossed paths across the street later that night. "Jesse slid over and struck up a conversation," Amanda tells us. "He must’ve been enjoying it, because mid-laugh he gave my leg a playful little knee-slap—an unexpected move that absolutely got my attention."
It wasn’t a lightning bolt of love at first sight, but rather a quiet realization that the trajectory of their lives had just changed.



When we asked them when they knew it was forever, they described a beautiful, natural progression.
"We’ve always shared effortless banter," they told us. "Life together felt peaceful and exciting at the same time."
For Amanda and Jesse, love wasn't a dramatic, cinematic explosion—it was something better. It was the feeling of waking up every morning and realizing you are finally home.
With many weddings under their belt as guests, Amanda and Jesse knew exactly what they wanted for their own big day: Intentionality.
"We wanted every guest to know—and truly feel—that they were chosen to be part of our day."
They designed their celebration to be more than just a ceremony and reception; it was an experience focused on togetherness from the moment they woke up until the festivities concluded the next day.
For Amanda and Jesse, it was love at first sight when they turned into the venue.
"Quite honestly, the drive through the marina to the main building sold us before we even stepped out of the car," they shared. "Almost instantly, we both knew this place was special."
While the breathtaking waterfront views initially won them over, it was the team that made them stay. As an all-inclusive venue, Herrington on the Bay strives to make the planning process stress-free, and Amanda and Jesse felt that support from day one
Planning a wedding while working full-time can be overwhelming, but our team was dedicated to making the process feel effortless.
From their initial tour with Caroline to the seamless coordination with Lexy, the couple felt supported through every text, call, and meeting.
"The facilities crew worked tirelessly the day before and the morning of our wedding to bring our vision to life," the couple praised.
On the day itself, the magic happened behind the scenes. Lexi and Lexy, along with our bartenders, chefs, and servers, ensured that everything ran smoothly.
"The staff helped create what can only be described as a real-life Pinterest wedding dream."


Despite a rainy forecast leading up to the wedding, the couple was blessed with warm sun and a stunning sunset—perfectly highlighting the venue’s beauty.
From the delicious food to the fun, unexpected details like flabangos and light-up cowboy hats, the day was everything they hoped for.
When asked to describe their wedding day in one sentence, they said it best:
"A perfectly imperfect, joy-filled celebration of love, laughter, and the people who make life feel like home."
Are you dreaming of an effortless, all-inclusive waterfront wedding?
Schedule your tour at Herrington on the Bay and start planning your own love story. Email: Info@herringtononthebay.com or call us at (410) 741-5101
Coordinator: Lexi Stazenski - Herrington on the Bay
Baker: Blue Crab Cupcakes
Florist: My Flower Box Designs
Hair/Makeup: Swept Hair & Makeup
Music/Entertainment: Washington Talent
Photographer/Videographer: Cast83 Photography
Transportation: Blanchard Limousine
Cigar Roller: Cortez Cigars
Photo Booth: Snap Happy Photobooth
We're more than Maryland's best wedding venue.
We're Maryland's most beautiful and ecologically conscious events venue.