Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel And Restaurant: What An Amazing Venue For A Christmas Wedding

I get excited when I accompany Ben Sherman Classical Guitar to weddings that are held at lovely venues like the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel and Restaurant. I love to experience these elegant locations that the bride and groom choose as the place to express their love. The Antrim 1844 is a stately brick Mansion that was once a Plantation consisting of 2,500 acres. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the grand home sits nestled on a 24 acre location that is west of Baltimore, at 30 Trevanion Road in Taneytown Maryland, just 15 minutes from Gettysburg Pennsylvania. 

We have visited the Antrim before and enjoyed the superb 'Smokehouse Restaurant' which presents a deluxe six course gourmet dining experience! The food prepared by Chef Michel Gettier is worth getting a reservation for, so you too can partake in a delightful evening. Enjoy the Mansion's first floor of rooms while you wait for your table in the Smokehouse. The discerning wine lover can sip some wine from the award winning wine cellar.

Additionally there are ten other buildings on the property, filled with finely appointed rooms lavishly decorated in Victorian furnishings for your overnight stay. Isn't that incredible! That's a total of forty rooms and suites available which includes the main Mansion. Guests also get the traditional breakfast and afternoon tea for spending the night at the Antrim. I suggest you check out the map of the grounds and its amenities on this page.

Now let's get to that December wedding in which Ben Sherman is once again playing classical guitar music to set the ambiance of this historic setting. The Mansion has decked its halls in all the finery of Christmas past! As you can imagine this is a fantastic time to be having a wedding at The Antrim! Let's have a look around!

Attention to detail is evident everywhere you look! Pine garland hangs from every chandelier, mantle, stairwell, painting, and mirror. All draped in the live greenery that smells so good, I overheard a number of people commenting on the pine scent that filled the air!

The Mansion is filled with wonderful antiques, fine furnishings, and sumptuous linens. Still there are touches of whimsy that give such large rooms a cozy home like feel. One of the themes in the Mansion decor is Nutcrackers, and you will find them guarding both sides of the front door entry. Two more large nutcrackers stand upon the hall buffet, and if you look up, there is one sitting atop a grandfather clock.

Then a first floor Mansion room that holds a display of fruits and cheeses during the cocktail hour, contains wreaths that each have a different three dimensional scene inside. A bit like circular doll houses. Below is just one of those charming homespun wreath designs. 

A cozy pub room sits at the rear of the main house, with a fox hunt theme called The Pickwick Pub.

Outside of the pub is a cheery holiday staircase continuing the hunt decor.

The weather is mild on this day and the wedding party had no problem having their photos taken outside. So let's go see the gorgeous bride as she is being photographed beside the main house. I love getting a chance to photograph the bride too, so I took a couple shots as well. What a background! I just love the mistiness in the atmosphere!

What you do not see in the photo above is the scene in front of the bride. A lovely classic garden. I attended another wedding during the summer months where the wedding ceremony was held in this formal rose garden.

Here are a few more photos I took of the bride and her wedding party.

I love the December colors and faux fur cape.

A nearby water fountain statue.

There is a separate building on the grounds to hold special events like wedding ceremonies, receptions, and corporate events, called The Garden Room. Let's go inside where a wreath adorns each panel of windows surrounding the building.

Here we find Ben Sherman Classical Guitar is prepared and warming up before the guests arrive for the ceremony.

Elegant Christmas and wedding decor is evident as well in this light filled garden view building.

Now as the guests arrive for the wedding ceremony, Ben Sherman is playing classical prelude music and will continue with music for the processional of the wedding ceremony. Click on the player below to listen to a music clip of Mr. Ben Sherman performing on classical guitar, "Gymnopedie No. 1" by Satie.

Ben Sherman Classical Guitar continues playing after the ceremony as the newly married couple, wedding party, family, and guests leave the room. Above is a music clip of Ben playing "Scherzino Mexicano," by Ponce.

The guests are on their way back to the beautiful main house for cocktails where Ben Sherman will play a mix of classical guitar and modern classic tunes. Award winning musician Ben Sherman is also a classic rock, and jazz musician, so he can lend a wide musical variety as the wedding guests start to relax and get their festivities started.

Entering the drawing rooms your eyes immediately go to the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Warm and inviting, these formal rooms contain antique sofas, chairs, and upholstered benches. You can easily settle in to enjoy a sculpted marble fireplace view, and the traditional holiday decor. All the while listening to Ben Sherman's sophisticated guitar music, while you carry on a conversation with friends.

Afterwards the guests will return to the Garden Room to eat a delicious meal set with fabulous table linens. I especially loved the opulent material that was used for this wedding along with the dramatic winter white and cream table decor. You can click on any of my photos for a closer view.

During the cocktail hour the wedding guests mingle between the rooms and grand staircase of the front hall. Some guests in the Drawing room areas made song requests of Ben Sherman, which he happily accommodated when possible. All this while the amazing Antrim 1844 hors d'oeuvre's were being served throughout the main floor of the Mansion.



Listen in and hear Ben Sherman play the song "Horizons," by Steve Hackett.

I was very impressed to learn of all the buildings that are part of the Antrim 1844 property and wanted you to see one of the other buildings known as the Smith House, which is seen from the front porch of The Garden Room in the photo below. Go to their website to learn about the other historic buildings that you can stay and enjoy overnight with top notch accommodations.

In accordance with that fanciful taste that seems to be in abundance at the Antrim Mansion, just check out this Santa in this most marvelous ornate antique display case sitting casually in the corner of the room. Love!

It's time for us to pack up my camera, and the music gear, to let the party continue at the dinner reception at the Garden Room. The bride, the groom, friends, and the family, have all graciously thanked Ben for the classical guitar music he provided during the wedding and cocktail hour. A truly lovely family, and group of friends. We couldn't help but notice that the bride and groom full of smiles, took a few spins around the reception hall together, before being announced to the waiting guests. See the love that is glowing into the night from their joyful celebration.

We wish them both much happiness in their marriage and uniting of open hearts. Ben and I know the value of a loving partnership that gets you through all the hills and valleys of life. A blessing to enjoy upon waking to each new day! Below is a clip from a song Ben Sherman wrote and is performing called, "First Light." Enjoy.



Should you know of any one requiring the musical talents of Ben Sherman Classical Guitar for a wedding or special event, please click on the photo below to be taken to Ben's official web site for more information. 
Spread the music and love.

Cool In The Lily Pool

A lovely wedding was held at a beautiful old mansion yesterday. Ben Sherman Classical Guitar played during the outdoor evening ceremony. It was 100 degrees at 6:20 PM. These lilies remained hydrated and cool... unlike the rest of us wilting flowers. Oh to be a frog.

Tabard Inn Sunday Brunch

A few weekends ago  Ben Sherman Classical Guitar played for a wedding at the 'Tabard Inn' in Washington DC.  This is a unique small hotel five blocks from the White House in the Dupont Circle area. An old townhouse, built in the 1900 Classical Revival style, the Tabard Inn has all the charm you would expect from such a building.   

Being a Sunday and quite a drive from home, I accompanied Ben so we could spend the day together.  While Ben played classical guitar for the wedding event I tried to stay off to the side of the activities.  Looking around the Tabard Inn is quite interesting for an artist, as the walls are full of paintings, prints, posters, both old and new.  
The Inn has a fun quirky mix of styles that seems to work.

The rooms remain warm and cozy even with modern touches of vibrant color.  Although it was a long trek up four flights of narrow curving steps, I was fortunate enough to have the bride take me up to the honeymoon penthouse suite for a peek after the wedding. Being an old building there are no elevators. There at the top of what seemed to be a secret passage was a jewel of a room. A really cool eclectic apartment space with a huge Matisse looking painting, and a funky mix of furniture with Moroccan colors filling the large open room.  She said they loved staying at the Tabard Inn.

The bride was absolutely beautiful in a long glamorous antique styled dress from the thirties.  She had the look of a movie star from the black and white movie days. Her ecru fishtail train swished as she moved quickly and effortlessly up the steps. Not so for me. Which is why that room is the perfect hideaway for a young honeymoon couple. Being a small boutique hotel the Tabard Inn only has 40 guest rooms. The bar is small and beloved by it's patrons as it is rated one of the best in the world. The Sunday Brunch is rated one of the top three brunches in DC. The menu changes seasonally with much of the food coming from their own nearby farm....and roof. Yes... roofs.

While Ben played during the cocktail hour I went and made our reservations for the famous Tabard Inn Sunday Brunch. Actually you are supposed to make reservations weeks in advance lest you sit for hours waiting for an opening. Not kidding! We tried making reservations that morning. They suggested that we try to get on the waiting list when we get there and see what happens since they were already booked.  I could see the crowd during the last hour of brunch had thinned out. I decided to put our names on the list.

The waiting area was in a very old looking timbered ceiling room with a fireplace and multiple old sofas much like an old English Inn. After Ben finished playing we went to the waiting area and were lucky enough to be seated shortly there after. Since it was sweltering hot that Sunday we were seated inside and not out on the patio area. We could see from the window the 'green roof project' the Inn created by covering a roof with fresh herbs. Your food is growing right in front of you! That patio looked wonderful and someday we will return in nicer weather and enjoy that garden courtyard.

Okay let me just say that while I write this post Ben and I are drooling thinking about the yummy brunch we had at the Tabard Inn. The chef uses all fresh ingredients and even the simplest items were fantastic. We started off with the freshly fried and sugared light fluffy donuts served with fresh whipped cream. Melt in your mouth goodness! Ben shared his bowl of watermelon-tomato gazpacho that was refreshing and delicious. Pancakes dripping with blueberries was next on the table for Ben. These pancakes were so incredibly light, but at the same time full of texture with crisp buttery edges. Perfection! High praises to their chef!!!

My choice was the toasted almond waffles with mango compote! Oooo lala! Look at all that fruit! So so good! Of course Ben and I shared tastes of each others meal. How could you resist this mouth watering food?  The Tabard Inn had a full menu of choices for brunch that included crab cakes, oysters, steak, salads and desserts. If you know you are going to be in DC in the future, I highly recommend Sunday Brunch at the Tabard Inn, Keep in mind you should call ahead for reservations weeks in advance. Plus have your car valet parked as it may be difficult to find a parking space on this charming street. Oh yes we will be back... Ohhhhhhhhhhh Yes!

Ben Sherman Classical Goes To The Library

You would expect to see Ben Sherman play Classical Guitar at Special Events and Weddings. That is the usual picture in the mind, to have serious looking people playing beautiful music dressed in formal wear at a posh location. Right?

Then would you believe sometimes Ben Sherman's Classical Guitar turns up at Maryland Libraries for recitals to sooth the savage book beast! Yes it is true! Listening keeps the unruly library patrons not only quiet, but relaxed too! Just kidding, but they do find the music soothing.

Yesterday this branch of the Enoch Pratt Library performance was a show and tell about classical music just for children. Talk about your versatile performer! Thursday it's classical guitar for children, Friday it's a late night acoustic gig at a large club, Saturday it's an acoustic wedding with his duo, Saturday night it classic rock electric guitar with Hectic Red and Sunday it's classical guitar at a wedding. To me Ben is a real Guitar God, capable of playing any style of music to the highest of standards on classical, acoustic or electric guitar. Usually seen by fans looking like the photo below. 

But really now.... how cute is that photo above!?!!! The children of Forest Park crowned Ben Sherman King! Spending most of his days as a professional guitar instructor Ben is a natural teacher with the curious children, patiently explaining the various nuances of playing Classical Guitar. He even stayed later to serenade their Storytime! The story was Little Red Riding Hood. At home on the big stage, or in the library story corner, Ben is always my King!

Our Classical Guitar Prelude

Our Wedding began with elegant Classical Guitar music played by Ben Sherman himself! His refined playing gave our wedding his own personal touch and set the tone of our day. Trained as a Classical Guitarist, Ben performed two selections: "Horizons" by Genesis and "Scherzino Mexicano" by Manuel Ponce. (You can hear clips of Ben performing these pieces on Ben Sherman Classical Guitar .) The sound of this lovely music called the guests to come out of the tent, and gather around the tree where we would be married. I waited inside our home and could hear Ben's touching music drifting into the open window. Peeking outside I was thinking about how pure romance is in the air when your Love plays guitar for you on your wedding day! Wow! Truly a beautiful thing! How cool it is to share the gift of creativity with one another! And how lucky am I to have the number one instrumentalist in the Baltimore area playing at my wedding as well?!!

It was certainly emotional for Ben to play classical music at his own wedding ceremony. This was Ben's musical gift to me, his bride. For me, there is no other when it comes to the guitar. He is the man... and he is my man. He is the King...for real. I am thankful I am part of his musical universe. I love you Ben Sherman! You made our day sing!


My Ben Sherman is amazing whatever style guitar he plays. Classical, Acoustic or Electric. Our Wedding guests got to enjoy all of his talent including his voice. We wanted everyone to be a part of a very love filled musical celebration. Music speaks to the soul and Ben knows how to connect to peoples emotions and create excitement too. A true professional musician he sets his personal standards high. As a person his kind spirit sings and touches us all. As Ben's wife I get to appreciate everyday who Ben is, and I was happy he was able to share with our guests, family and friends his joyful expression in music. A blessing.

Ben Sherman performs Classical Guitar for weddings, receptions and special events in the Baltimore/Maryland/D.C/ and Virginia area. You can read about Ben Sherman on the website we designed together : Ben Sherman Classical Guitar.

Photos by Robert Smith Photography
Editing by Crystal Visions Art

Unwigged Unplugged and Undone

This is turning out to be a very big year! I am getting married, we just had our first grandchild, and I am changing how I spend my creative days and nights. Ending a business of Mural painting and Faux Finishing that I had been doing the past 15 years has led to me learning a whole new world of creativity. One door closes and many others open! With my background in Graphic Design, Art Direction and Illustration I have been taken in by the world of Photoshop and websites. I always knew the new tools would dazzle me and that is why I avoided computer art for so long. I consider myself a sponge in training. I have ideas expanding in so many directions! Although right now most creativity will have to wait till after the wedding in June. Taking care of my grand daughter is nearly a full time job too and when she is here nothing gets done except hovering over her current needs. That is okay …as she grows older she will be more able to entertain herself. What is undone will eventually materialize.

Today our little 10-week-old princess held her bottle by herself while Ben did the morning feeding! The littlest things really are exciting in infant world. So I told Aowyn that she can help out now… since I know she can do it! The rest of the feedings I put her hands around the bottle and whoo hoo!!! She is getting a feel for this already! As any Fairy Grandmother knows there is no time for me on these days…. And yet… a baby's smile is the perfect priceless payment for looking like a ragged mom again. Bless Ben for loving all of this IS ness! On days of my own… I work on our wedding items and design Ben's promo materials for his many musical endeavors. I just finished creating a Classical Music Website for him. Check it out at benshermanguitar.com/classical.

Ben's Big Birthday statement was that "the debauchery would continue!" The Queen is pleased and rewarded the King with a new gift of technology… an 8GB Nano Ipod!!! Hahaha!!! Yes we are a little late for that mini musical boat, but we admit that we are finally getting hip to the ways of the tiny techno material world. Ben loves his new toy! In addition I gave him tickets to see Unwigged and Unplugged in May. A Live 'Spinal Tap' Anniversary Show!!! Truly… a musicians dream comes true! Can you say" it goes to 11"?