EVENT DETAILS
Shipman
August 20, 2026
NOTES
Co-Planner: Cassidy Coates 443-846-4129
Lead Coordinator: Cassidy Coates
Assistant: Maddy Cook - confirmed
Colors: Dark Teal, Gold & Burnt Orange
*Only take photos of the set up. No photos of couple or guests.
Draft Timeline:
8/19/26
3:00 Rehearsal at Brookside Gardens
Cassidy will transfer the set-up items from Dee Dee's car to hers
8/20/26
7:30 - Dee Dee's hair and makeup vendors arrive
*Dee Dee will send me hair and makeup contact info. so I can work out the timeline
11:30 - Photographer & Videographer arrive
11:30 - Cain and groomsmen get dressed
12:00 - Hair and Makeup needs to be finished
12:00-12:30 - Break, refreshments, potty, touch ups, girls should gather their things and take to their rooms or car
12:30-12:30 - Photos with Groom & Family (Mother/Father/Siblings)
12:00 - 1:15 - Photos with Bride and Bridesmaids / PJ Photos
12:30 - Bridesmaids get dressed
12:30 - Bride gets dressed
1:00 - Groom and groomsmen depart from the hotel 1:15 - Photos are finished at Embassy Suites - photographer goes to the venue to get photos of Cain and the Groomsmen
1:00 - Start time at venue for vendors - confirmed
1:00 - Caterer arrives
1:15 - Photos are finished at Embassy Suites
1:15-1:45 - Touch up for Bride
*NO FIRST LOOK
1:30 - Groom and Groomsmen arrive at Brookside
2:00 - SUV arrives back at the hotel
2:00-2:30 - Photo Shoot with Groom and Groomsmen2:00 - SUV arrives back at the hotel
2:00 - Cake arrives (confirmed with Dee Dee)
2:00-2:30 - Guests arrive (Her mom needs a golf cart) INVITATION SAYS 2:30 - EARLY
2:05- Bride and bridesmaids depart from Embassy Suites
2:35 - Bride & Bridesmaids arrive at Brookside and remain in the SUV closest to the ceremony site
3:00-3:30 - Ceremony - Japanese Tea House golf cart take Dee Dee to the ceremony
3:00 - SUV service ends
3:00-3:30 - Ceremony - Japanese Tea House golf cart take Dee Dee to the ceremony
3:00-3:30 - Ceremony - Japanese Tea House golf cart take Dee Dee to the ceremony
3:30-4:30 - Cocktail Hour -Fragrance Garden
3:30-3:45 - Make-up touch up for Bride - where will this happen?? Do you want the golf cart for this?
3:45-4:20 - Photos: Family Photos (30 min) & Couples Photos (15 min)
4;25 - Bride gets her gown bustle
4:30-9:00 - Reception - South Terrace (outside) rain plan: auditorium glass building - golf cart takes the couple to the reception
4:30-4:40 - Invite guests to take their seats on the South Terrace
4:30 - Makeup artist departs
4:45 - Introductions of Bridal Party - confirmed
4:50 First Dance
4:55 - Welcome Speech - Bride's Dad / Blessing FOB or Cain's uncle Paul
5:00-6:00 - Dinner
5:55 - Toasts by MOH & BM
6:00 - Cake Cutting
6:05 - Parent Dances - not sure about mother/son
6:10 - Bouquet Toss
6;20-9:00 - Dancing
7:30-7:50 - Sunset / Golden Hour Photos
7:30-8:30 - Just beer & wine
7:50 - Bride changes out of her gown
8:00 - Photographer & Videographer depart
8:00-8:50 - Dancing
8:55 - Private Last Dance
8:30 - Bar shuts down
8:50 - Gather everyone outside for grand exit (swords & fiber optic wands)
9:00 End of Wedding
9:00 - Sedan arrives to take Dee Dee and Cain back to the hotel.
9:00-10:00 - Vendor Clean up / Pack Up
10:00 Sedan service ends
*Grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset
NO PHOTOS OF THEM OR THEIR GUESTS - WE CAN TAKE PHOTOS OF DECORATIONS
INTERNAL NOTES
- Referred by Amy Frances Affairs
- Saturdays @ 2 pm work best for virtual meetings
- Upgraded from Month of Coordination to Partial Planning - has cancer
6/2/26 - Sent Partial Planning Contract via SignNow - cost difference ^$640 due now
Cassidy will take the lead on Partial Planning
6/15/26 - Recd. PP signed Agreement & $640
*NO FIRST LOOK
WEDDING DETAILS
First Name:
Deitra "DeeDee"
Last Name:
Shipman
Cell Phone:
202-302-0577
Email:
Partner's First Name:
Cainaan (Cain)
Partner's Last Name:
Walker
Partner's Cell Phone:
202-302-0577
Partner's Email:
Address:
3828 Nash Pl SE, Washington, DC 20019, USA
Getting Ready Location:
6711 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA (Embassy)
Ceremony Location:
1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA (Japanese Tea House) Brookside Gardens
Partner Getting Ready Location:
6711 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA (Embassy)
Reception Location:
1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA (Frangrace Garden / South Terrace) Brookside Gardens
VENDOR LIST
WEDDING PLANNER
Charlene Gallagher, Your Day Your Way LLC
410-925-1086
Partial Planning - Cassidy Coates
Lead Coordinator - Cassidy Coates
Colors: Teal, Gold & Burnt Orange
PHOTOGRAPHER
Precious Pics
1-770-568-0826 (Roman)
Roman Marakhtanov / Kate Marakhtanov - Videographer (404) 809-6110
Arrival Time
12:00 pm -8:00 pm
Where:
Embassy Suites
Booked Time:
8 hours
Is There a First Look
No
Where Will It Be
N/A
Will It Be Just The Bride and Groom or Will Bridal Party and Parents Be Included
N/A
Sunset Time
7:52 pm
Dietary Restrictions
Is There a Second Shooter
No
PHOTOGRAPHER NOTES:
CEREMONY VENUE
Brookside Gardens / Japanese Tea House
301-962-1404 (Office)
Time of Ceremony
3:00-3:30 pm
Venue
Brookside Gardens - Japanese Tea House, 1800 Glenallen Ave., Wheaton MD 20902
Rehearsal Date & Time
N/a
Rehearsal Location
Brookside - 8/19 @ 3:00 pm
Wedding County
Montgomery
Will You Have Programs
No
If Yes, Will They Be Placed on Seats or in a Basket
N/A
Do You Have Readers
No
If Yes, How Many
N/A
Will You Have Aisle Markers
Information Here
If Yes, Are You Providing or is The Florist
How Many Rows Are Being Reserved
2 rows on each side
Is There a Unity Candle, Wine Box, Hand Fasting, Etc.
No
Will There Be An Aisle Runner or Petals
No
If Yes, Will It Be Placed Ahead of Time
N/A
Who Is Providing
N/A
What Signage Do You Have for the Ceremony
None
What Flowers Do You Have For The Ceremony
No
Are You Providing an Arch
No
If Yes, Who Will Set It Up
N/A
Who Will Decorate It
N/A
Do You Have Separate Ceremony Musicians
DJ
What Is The Rain Plan
Auditorium outside the terrace
CEREMONY NOTES:
RAIN PLAN
Courtyard or inside building - decision 3 hours prior to ceremony
REHEARSALS
9.1. All Weddings include a free, one-hour self-run rehearsal
9.2. Rehearsals do not have a reserved space and may not have access to Clients
reserved site(s).
9.3. Rehearsals can be scheduled Monday-Sunday from Sunrise to Sunset, subject to
availability.
9.4. Rehearsals are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.
9.5. Brookside Garden’s Visitor Center is not available for rehearsals.
9.6. Brookside Gardens reserves the right to reschedule as necessary.
WALKTHROUGH
10. Pre-Event Walkthrough and Insurance
10.1. Brookside Gardens requires a walkthrough with Staff no less than thirty (30) days
prior to your event (“Pre-Event Walkthrough”). Brookside Gardens strongly
suggests that Client invites planner/day of coordinator, caterer, and DJ to event
walkthrough.
10.2. Walkthroughs can be scheduled no earlier than eight (8) weeks prior to the event.
Email Jennifer.Bland@MontgomeryParks.org to schedule your Pre-Event
Walkthrough.
10.3. Event Liability and/or Cancellation Insurance is not required but highly
recommended for all Events.
NOTES
- Contract states that Brookside will set up and break down outdoor ceremony seating in Garden areas only.
- Breakdown of tables and chairs amd trash removal is the responsibility of the client. MAKE SURE CATERER IS DOING THIS
- Catereer must be full-service, licensed, and insured
- Homemade food is prohibited
- All vendors must provided COI
- All alcohol, including beer & wine, champagne, liquor & Mixed Drinks must be purchased from a Montgomery Co. liquor store. Keep receipts for proof or purchase.
- No shots / no kegs
RECEPTION VENUE
Brookside Gardens - South Terrace, Jennifer Bland
301-962-1404 (Office)
Venue Location
Brookside Gardens - South Terrace
What Time are Vendors Allowed In
1:00 p,
RECEPTION NOTES:
Rented Dance Floor
We have 2 different floor plans; 1 for ST & 1 for head table
Tablecloths are Dark Teal
Napkins are Burnt Organe
Gold Chargers
- All candles must be inside glass containers taller than the flame
- No glitter, smoke machines, dry ice, streamers, confetti, artificial flowers in the gardens (fake, silk, wood), combustibles, balloons, butterfly of dove release, releasing lanterns or pinatas are NOT ALLOWED.
WALKTHROUGH
- Required no less than 30 days prior - by 7/20. They suggest having the Planner, DJ, & Caterer attend
COCKTAIL HOUR
Time of Cocktail Hour
3:30-4:30 pm
Location
Fragrance Garden
Are There Separate Musicians
DJ
What Is The Decor of The Cocktail Hour
No
Is There Signage For The Cocktail Hour
Seating Chart
COCKTAIL HOUR NOTES:
- We have a map of the Frangrance Garden
RECEPTION
What Is The Time of The Reception
4:30-9:00 pm - Outside on patio (South Terrace)
What Signage Do You Have For The Reception
Welcome Sign
Will You Provide a Guest Book
Yes
What Type
Audio phone white phone
Will You Have Place Cards Or a Seating Chart
Seating Chart
Will You Provide the Table Numbers
Yes
Will You Provide a Gift Box For The Gift Table
Yes
Will You Provide Bathroom Baskets
No - Public
Will You Have a Memorial Table
No
If Yes, What Type (Photos, Candles, Flowers, Etc.)
NA
Will There Be Yard Games
No
If So, What Yard Games Need to Be Set Up
N/A
What Decor Other Than Flowers Will You Have at The Reception
8 Centerpieces from something borrowed & LED candles with crystal votives (set of 9) / 8 Ni
Who Will Be the Person(s) To Take Everything At The End of The Night
Bernice, MOH / POB Food, cards, gifts
Is There Any Other Entertainment (Caricature Artist, Live Painter, Etc)
No
SWEETHEART OR HEAD TABLE
Are You Having a Sweetheart or Head Table
Yes
If Yes, What Is The Decor For This Table
(1) Nina Centerpiece
Will You Provide Your Toasting Glasses
Yes
CATERER
Genesis Delight Catering
571-642-5139 Off / 540-834-6883 Dianna
Dianna
Arrival Time
1:00-3:00 pm set up
Booked Time
1:00-3:00 Set up / 3:00-9:00 full service / 9:00-10:00 clean up
What Is Your Guest Count
60 - Final count 14 days before the wedding
How Many Are Kid's Meals
1 or 2
Vendor Count
4 vendors (Cassidy, Maddie, the Photographer, and the Videographer) plus the catering staff,
Vendor Dietary Restrictions
Are You Providing Your Own Liquor
No
If Yes, Where Are You Purchasing It From
N/A
Will It Be Delivered or Brought By Someone
N/A
What Time Will It Be Delivered
N/A
Will They Pick Up Unopened Bottles
N/A
If No, Who Is Taking The Liquor at The End of The Night
N/A
Are You Having Signature Drinks
No
If Yes, What Are The Names of The Drinks
N/A
Will You Have Signs Showing Names and Ingredients
N/A
CATERER NOTES:
7/11/26-Waiting on updated contract - Cassidy is following up with Dianna
6/17/26-Cass is getting a revised quote from Genesis - add alcohol and bar, extend hours, add napkins
- Venue supplies tables & chairs - provided by venue - they're setting up / caterer breaks down
- Dance floor is required
- They supply table covers & napkins by caterer
BAKER
Sweet Greene Cupcakes
(703) 278-3382
Arrival Time
2:00 pm (confirmed)
Is It a Tiered Cake or a Small Cake
Yes
If It Is a Tiered Cake, How Many Tiers Is It
3
Do You Want to Save The Top
Yes & leftover cake
If It's a Small Cake, Do You Want to Save The Rest of It
N/A
If Not, Do You Want It Served To The Parent Tables
N/A
Are You Having Desserts
No
If Yes, Are They Coming From The Baker
N/A
What Kind
N/A
Do You Have Any Rentals Such as Stands, Trays, Etc.
Acrylic Stand from Baker
Are You Providing Your Own Knife & Cake Server
Yes
Are You Providing a Cake Topper
FLORIST
Something Borrowed Blooms
Arrival Time at Ceremony Site
N/A
Arrival Time at Venue Site
Arriving in the mail 3 days before the wedding - by the 17th / mail back the next day by MOH
Are They Coming Back at The End of The Wedding
N/A
Are There Rentals to Return to The Florist
N/A
Are You Giving Your Centerpieces Away to Guests
N/A
Are Your Personal Flowers (Bouquet, Etc.) Being Provided by Florist
N/A
Are There Any Other Decorations Besides Flowers
Cocktail Hour Flower Details
- (2) Pomander balls for flower girls
- (1) Nina Bout (Ranunculus)
- (4) Nina Bouts (Pampas)
- (5) Nina corsages (2 moms) ???
Reception Flower Details
FLORIST MISC. NOTES
She can't have real flowers - suggested Something Borrowed
DJ/BAND
Davito Romello
703-505-1987
Davito Romello
Arrival Time
2:00 p, (confirmed)
Booked Time
2:00-9:00 pm
Is Your DJ or Band Also Your Emcee
Yes
If You Are Having a Band, How Many Players are There Including the Sound Engineer
N/A
DJ/BAND NOTES:
Introduct entire bridal party
7/11/26 - Cassidy is following up for contract
He is the Emcee
FLOW INTRODUCTIONS
Will Parents and Bridal Party Stand During Your Introductions or Will They Be Seated
Seated
Are Grandparents Being Introduced or Are They Being Acknowledged From Their Tables
No Grandparents
Are Parents Being Introduced or Are They Being Acknowledged From Their Tables
Introduced
How Do You Want to Be Announced
Are You Changing Clothes
Is There a Special Exit
Yes
Misc Flow/Introductions Notes
ENTERTAINMENT
Information Here
ENTERAINMENT NOTES:
BRIDAL PREP
Where Will You Be Getting Ready
Embassy Suites, 6711 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817 301-897-5600
Where is The Groom Getting Ready
Kayla Fenwick
202-552-9668
HAIRSTYLIST INFORMATION
Hairstylist Name
Kayla Fenwick - arriving at 7:30 am
Hairstylist's Cell Phone Number
Arrival Time and End Time
Number of Girls Getting Their Hair Done
None of the girls
How Many Stylists
MAKEUP ARTIST INFORMATION
Makeup Artist Name
Kayla Fenwick, kaylafenwick.com
Makeup Artist Cell Phone Number
202-552-9668
Number of Girls Getting Their Makeup Done
MOH, BM (2) & Bride
How Many Makeup Artists
BRIDAL PREP NOTES:
7/11/26 - Cassidy is following up for contract
Event location: 6711 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD 210817 AND
1800 Glenallen Ave., Wheaton, MD - who is getting services here??
DRESS SHOP
David's Bridal
TUX SHOP
Done
Cain rented his tux
INVITATIONS
Kindly RSVP
Cain did the invitation design
Meeting with Rachel 7/13
FAVORS
Yes
Are You Providing Favors
Yes
If Yes, Type of Favors
Magnet with beer opener and Swords / Cassettes
Will The Favor Be Placed at Each Seat, Put in a Basket , or Displayed on a Table
Yes
FAVOR NOTES:
RENTALS
Nadine Leon Designs
443.538.4915
12x12 black & white checkered
Good afternoon Erin,
Yes, the dance floor set up can begin at 1:00pm on August 20th. The ceremony is from 3:00-3:30 and cocktail hour is from 3:30-4:30, both of which will be held in a different area of the venue. The reception (where the dance floor will be placed) will start at 4:30. Breakdown can begin at 9:00pm on 8/20.
PHOTO BOOTH
N/A
Arrival Time
Booked Time
Are They Providing the Props
Have You Chosen Your Template
Are They Providing a Backdrop or Are You Providing
Are You Providing a Scrapbook with Pens
PHOTO BOOTH NOTES:
VIDEOGRAPHER
Precious Pics
404-809-6110
Kate Marakhtanov
Arrival Time
Where
Booked Time
Is There a First Look
Where Will It Be
Will It Be Just The Bride and Groom or Will Bridal Party and Parents Be Included
Sunset Time
Dietary Restrictions
VIDEOGRAPHER NOTES
TRANSPORTATION
Thoroughbred Transportation
How Many Shuttles
Booked Time for Each
How Many Locations for Pick Up
Names of the Hotels that They Are Staying At
- 7/11/26-Cassidy is arranging for a vintage car & sprinter
- She wants a vintage car - sent her some links
- No Transportation for guests
Distance and Time Between Each Stop
TRANSPORTATION NOTES:
She wants a vintage car for her & Cain
Shuttle for the bridesmaids & groomsmen
WEDDING PARTY
WEDDING PARTY NOTES:
We would like the following people to have reserved seats and take their seats with the rest of the wedding guests in the Japanese Tea House:
(On the Bride's side) Kimberly Polite, Marion Shipman Jr, Ronald Polite Jr, Jerome Polite Sr,
(On the Groom's side) Fern Saddler, Laverne Liggins, Sylvia Maclin
We would like the following people to come down the aisle together:
Cain and Uncle Paul Saddler (the officiant)
After Cain and Uncle Paul we would like the Bride's Mother Loretta Polite-Shipman to be brought down the aisle in a golf cart.
Loretta Polite-Shipman will sit in a reserved seat on the Bride's side
After Loretta Polite-Shipman we would like the Wedding party to proceed down the aisle while Uptown Funk plays:
Flower girls Milana & Alessia Shipman
Groomsman Linden Houston and Bridesmaid Shari Pearson
Groomsman Duane Carter and Lesa Jeanpierre
Best Man Samuel Donaldson and Maid of Honor Burnice Cain
The wedding party will stand for the reminder of the ceremony.
Bride will proceed down the aisle escorted by her Father, Marion Shipman Sr while
Marion Shipman Sr will sit in a reserved seat on the Bride's side3 on each side
No FG & RB
PAIRED
Officiant - Uncle Paul already upfront
Cain - groom - walk with officiant
Groomsman 1 - Duane Carter #3
Groomsman 2 - Linden Houston #2
Parents of the Groom - Linda Joiner & Al Joiner
Mother of the Bride esc by Jerome & Ronald Polite
Bridesmaid 1 - Lesa Jeanpierre #3
Bridesmaid 2 - Shari Pearson #2
Maid of Honor - Bernice Cain exc by Bestman - Samuel Donaldson
(2) Flower girls (10 & 12) Milana Shipman & Alessia Shipman
Bride & her Dad - her sister sings the entrance song "You and Me" Whitney Houston
Marion Shipman Sr. - Dad
Are Grandparents Walking or Will They Be Pre-Seated
Are Parents Walking or Will They Be Pre-Seated
PROCESSIONAL ORDER
Groom's Grandparents
Bride's Grandparents
Groom's Parents
Bride's Mother Escorted By
Groom
Best Man
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
Maid of Honor
Ring Bearer
Flower Girl
Bride and Her Dad or Escort