Happy Landings!

Calvin and Mallory Snyder paid tribute to his career as a pilot during a memorable incorporation of aviation through their engagement photos and wedding ceremony

Story by Alison Pappas    |    Photography by Manda Weaver Photography

Mallory and Calvin Snyder both grew up on Delmarva, but it wasn’t until a summer night during a break from college when their paths finally crossed in Ocean City, at a Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill theme night. Mallory took the event to heart, donning a head-to-toe nerd outfit, while Calvin opted out of the theme and dressed in his regular clothes. Despite the drastic differences in their attire and enthusiasm for the theme, they formed an instant connection after a mutual friend introduced them, and they soon started dating.

After Mallory graduated from the University of South Carolina the following year, they moved together to Florida, where they resided for four years before relocating to their current residence, near the Charlotte area. During a trip back to Ocean City to visit family, Calvin proposed to Mallory at Assateague Inlet, which was one of their favorite date spots during the early stages of their relationship. Following the proposal, they went to Mallory’s family’s home, where close family and friends surprised them with an engagement celebration.

As a tribute to Calvin’s passion for flying and career as a pilot for Piedmont Airlines, Mallory and Calvin arranged to have their engagement photos taken by Manda Weaver Photography at the Salisbury Regional Airport. The jaw-dropping shoot showcased a regional jet.

“Piedmont Airlines has become a second family, and it was really special to capture that important part of our lives,” shared Mallory.

As they began planning their wedding, the couple’s vision was for the special day to be timeless, with black tuxedos and other classic wedding looks. They were also certain they wanted to host the wedding in Delmarva, the area in which they had spent their childhoods and where their love story began.

“We really wanted the venue to reflect our love for the Eastern Shore and serve as a place where our families could come together and spend time with one other,” shared Mallory.

Ultimately, they determined that Kirkland Manor, in St. Michaels, was their ideal venue. The elegant, white-columned estate overlooks the Miles River, painting a picturesque scene for joyful gatherings. The couple also appreciated Kirkland’s willingness to allow them to rent the property for their entire wedding weekend, which presented an opportunity for family and friends to experience many fun activities and quality time together leading up to the wedding.

Their wedding day began early, with Mallory and her nine-woman bridal squad enjoying mimosas while having their hair and makeup done. As they peered out the nearby windows, they could see Calvin and his groomsmen relishing the late-summer weather aboard a friend’s boat.

Their chic ceremony took place outdoors on the lawn, with classic, white seating lining the waterfront and massive floral displays marking the end of the aisle. A memorable moment was when Opie, their rescue dachshund, who was dressed in a doggy tuxedo, let out a bark of approval while the couple exchanged their vows.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour that included the bride and groom’s signature cocktail picks: a mescal Old Fashioned and a lemon drop martini. Cornhole boards featuring a crest design painted by Calvin’s grandmother were available for guests to play. The reception took place beneath a stunning white tent lined with dazzling string lights.
A delectable dinner was served on vintage blue-and-white plating as guests sat at long, communal-style tables topped with fresh, green garland and matching vases.

Entertaining and thoughtful toasts were given by a few members of the wedding party. The bride’s father, John, also gave a speech, during which he played the family’s longstanding voicemail greeting, which had been recorded by Mallory as a youngster. Later, guests lit up the classic checkerboard dance floor as the sunset provided magnificent, colorful backdrops. There was also a cigar-and-bourbon bar available, and a fireworks display occurred toward night’s end.

To give their wedding an added, personalized touch, Mallory and Calvin chose to incorporate small aviation-themed elements. This included vintage stamps with airplanes on their invitations, a metal airplane in their detail photos and pilot and copilot seat markers. They also created the personalized hashtag #TheSnydersHaveLanded. These charming tributes to aviation were admired by their guests, especially by Calvin’s coworkers at Piedmont Airlines.

1 comment

  1. What a beautiful Wedding! We were all so happy for the two of them!
    It was just an amazing event that we will never forget. Only need now is for them to start a family! Calvin is our Number 1 Grandson and Mallory is so wonderful! They spent last weekend (02/26/21 TO 02/28/210 with us and enjoyed every moment with them and Opie!
    We Love them both! Grandma Dolores & Granddad Cal Mason

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