Photos by Zeke' Photography
Living in a small town, Carey Crabtree and Joe David Scarpinato had known each other for a while, but it wasn’t until January 2019 that they really connected. Less than six months later, the couple were married at the Calvert Gazebo on June 22, 2019.
Carey is a teacher, so they knew a summer wedding would be ideal. “We kept it kind of simple,” says Carey. “We did a lot of stuff on our own, but we did it together and that was what was nice.”
The ceremony was at the Calvert Gazebo and the reception was over at Jake’s in downtown Calvert. Jake’s used to be a bar — and even a bank at one point — but now is a rental hall.
“It was just a neat, rustic, kind of country wedding,” explains Carey. “That’s what we wanted.”
It was also important for Carey and Joe David to incorporate their family into the wedding. Carey adopted a daughter and Joe David has three sons. From the beginning, the boys have taken Carey’s daughter, Ryelah, in as their own sister. The interactions throughout the day made the wedding even more special and memorable.
“When they pronounced us husband and wife and to kiss the bride, when we went to kiss, [Ryelah] got in the middle of us and tried to separate us,” Carey laughs. “It was a family type wedding. I had my maid of honor and one of my best friends, but then [Ryelah] was the flower girl, but he had his three sons as the best man, groomsmen, and ring bearer.”
To add to the family incorporation, Joe David did a father/daughter dance with Ryelah. Carey’s wedding ring also has family significance. “My ring is my grandmother’s wedding ring,” she says. “The band and ring — it’s beautiful. ... Not only is it memories of us, but I get to remind myself with my grandparents’ marriage and their happiness. I feel like she kind of knew when she left it to me that something special was going to happen with it.”
The personal touches don’t end with family.
“The pastor that married us actually baptized me three years ago, so that was kind of special to have him involved, too, because he’s seen me throughout the years,” Carey says. “I haven’t always lived here; I moved from Houston. Moving here, adopting my baby girl, now we have a family — I feel like I was brought here.”
For future brides, Carey says not to sweat the small stuff.
“The small things don’t matter,” Carey stresses. “You’re not going to remember the food, how it was prepped. You’re not going to remember the exact flowers. Enjoy. Be comfortable in your dress. It’s the most wonderful day. Don’t let the process get to you.”
Scarpinato Vendors Rehearsal Dinner En Gedi Vineyards Catering Amas, Hearne Cakes and Cupcakes Tina Cole, family friend Sibling Cookie Cake Nicole DeStafano, family friend Flowers Hearne Flower Shop Reception Jake’s, Calvert Ceremony Calvert Gazebo Dress David’s Bridal Photography Zeke’s Photography
