Indulging in Goodness
Written by Taryn King | Photos by Tiffany Caldwell Photography
What began 18 years ago as an early concept for an all-natural, organic market, has blossomed into a successful business operation that runs under the tagline, Indulge in Goodness. Today, Good Earth Market (GEM) has become a favorite destination for both locals and seasonal beachgoers. In addition to their health-foods market, they offer delicious brunch and dinner options from their restaurant and bar, lovely garden seating, multiple on-site Airbnb spaces, plus a campground. More recently, they’ve partnered with the Dicken’s Parlour Theatre to create a unique space not only for traditional entertainment offerings, but also special functions such as birthday parties and weddings. In the vein of weddings, Good Earth Market has been providing couples an intimate and relaxing event venue for over a decade.
Many couples visit multiple venues before finding their dream space. For Olivia and Forest, it was the first and only place they looked at. “We had no vision in mind when it came to picking the right venue, and really didn’t know where to start. One day we went to look at Good Earth Market with both sets of parents and our 2 kids, ate some lunch, and boom. It was the perfect fit,” says Olivia.
Planning, on the other-hand, brought out the uncertainties that come with a COVID-19 wedding. Even with an outdoor venue, there were capacity restrictions, keeping guests comfortable, postponements, and food service requirements. The couple found the staff flexible and accommodating in the face of changes throughout the pandemic. Without an idea where to begin, “Sue Ryan [Owner] and Melissa [Event Coordinator] took us through step by step and weren’t afraid to direct us when or when to not make decisions…these gals were coordinated and honest, which I think is extremely helpful for couples planning, at any point in the process.”
One of the benefits of an outdoor wedding is the freedom of available space for the entirety of an event—ceremony, photos, cocktail hour, and reception. To Forest and Olivia, one of the biggest advantages was how vast the GEM venue really is. The tent could face multiple directions, sun, shade or pond-side options were available for the ceremony, as well as a variety of areas to setup kid’s activities and a lounge area for guests.
While beach and rustic style weddings in this region are both trendy and beautiful, there are many couples on the Eastern Shore who want something a bit more unique. Forest and Olivia found that one aspect their choice to use GEM was the fact that the venue provides a niche option in the outdoor arena that isn’t beachy, rustic, or a hotel setting. This was important, especially since artistic elements played a considerable role in their overall theme. Multiple large art pieces featured around the reception, as well as the ceremony backdrop were made by the couple in their backyard.
In addition to other details that represented their life together, “A custom art piece of Forest and I kayaking done by an Austrian artist, Michael Hacker, and my dad’s blue vintage truck were on display at the entrance to our reception. Whether you’re a couple who wants to contribute décor, or wants it all done by vendors, GEM is the place to be. Since we had a mix, we were able to spread out and fill the space. The vendors and GEM worked with us to make sure the whole area flowed well and took the time to make sure our décor and special items were placed strategically.”
The couple also decided to rent several of the Airbnb houses on the property for their use during the wedding weekend, and found them to be immaculate upon arrival. From Sue and Melissa helping to organize and structure all the wedding items, to providing food and drinks to the wedding party during preparations, and guest assistance before the ceremony, Olivia and Forrest could not speak highly enough of the Good Earth family.
“When our ceremony started, the staff went invisible. Everything on site was done and it was peaceful. Service was impeccable to all, and…THE FOOD. One of the most popular comments about our wedding was how delicious the food was. We did family style, which I think surprised some guests, and it exceeded all expectations.”
Forest and Olivia stepped outside the box of traditional wedding expectations, and embraced an effortless and expressive approach made easier by GEM’s streamlined organization and service practices.
When asked for their final piece of advice, “Don’t be afraid to get funky and nontraditional. We didn’t have speeches besides parents, I didn’t wear a veil, the bridesmaids picked their dresses, we didn’t have a guest book, we had a take-a-shot seating chart. Do what you want; the more natural it is to you the better.”
Many outdoor venue spaces have strict vendor requirements, and while GEM is no exception to this rule, there is a wonderful relationship between them and their vetted vendors that bring a sense of ease to their service efficiency. Rentals can be obtained through Coastal Tented Events, and Katina Dawson of A Sweet Affair Weddings and Events is their preferred wedding planner. Catering and beverage, power banks, a bathhouse, and bartenders are provided in-house. Guest capacity for the garden is 50-70, while the field space can accommodate up to 275. Parking is available for 100 cars, or guests can use a shuttle from 84 Lumber. Property restrictions include no fireworks (sparklers allowed) and event breakdown the day after. For more information, visit www.goodearthmarket.com or call 302-537-7100
Featured Vendors:
Photographer - Tiffany Caldwell Photography
Venue | Catering - Good Earth Market
Planner - A Sweet Affair Weddings and Events
Entertainment - East Coast Entertainment - DJ Pierson
Officiant - Pastor Richard Michael
Flowers - Bleached Butterfly
Signage - Pretty Little Wedding Co.
Desserts - Good Earth Market | Dunkin Donuts
Hair | MUA - Village Salon & Spa
Dress - Jennifer's Bridal
Suit - Carlton's
Rings - Vintage | Studebaker Metals
Invitations - Minted
Transportation - Jolly Trolley
Tents - Coastal Tented Events
