I’m not embarrassed to say this is the first New Year’s Eve Ball Drop I’ve seen in over ten years. After 10:00 PM, nothing stands between me and my high thread count sheets. I take comfort in knowing my tube of Carmex, water bottle, and the half chapter of the novel I will read before I start to feel overly drowsy are all there on the nightstand, waiting for me. Two years ago, I played a 2018 YouTube video of a ball drop for the kids and we drank sparkling cider and tossed paper confetti to celebrate. It was 9:30 PM and I have no remorse.

But…I could be persuaded to break this routine on very rare occasions. Say, a beautiful wedding on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. And if there’s lush florals and fur-wrapped bridesmaids, I would think about it. And if a live violinist played during the ceremony and there were disco balls and flickering candles everywhere, I would say – alright, let me get a cup of coffee and let’s do this.

It was so worth it! The Gold Ballroom and Garden at the Tidewater made a warm and personal backdrop for a chilly winter wedding. Having such a late night wedding felt extra sultry and romantic, everything was glowing and bright, and the oysters and champagne were frosty and cold. And when the band moved out to the dance floor just before midnight, saxophones and trombones swaying, we counted down to 2024 in style.

Photographed for Lauren Swann who somehow knew I never celebrate New Year’s and changed my mind.

See another cozy, winter wedding at the Tidewater Inn in Easton, MD here. Getting married on the Eastern Shore and looking for a wedding photographer? I’d love to hear from you!