rachel + jordan | a classic, fun + luxe spring wedding at the belvedere in baltimore

The amount of joy and happy tears present at Rachel + Jordan’s wedding at the Belvedere on a late spring Sunday in March was truly immeasurable! Their love for each other, their families, friends and Baltimore, the city they call home — it was all such an incredible celebration full of energy, romance, a scented ceremony (!) and the most stunning chuppah I have ever seen!!

Enjoy these early favorites from Rachel + Jordan’s classic spring Belvedere wedding in Baltimore…

THE 9 MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND DETAILS FROM R+J’S BELVEDERE WEDDING THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:

1. Rachel wore pearl earrings from one grandmother and a vintage diamond ring from her other grandmother. Jordan wore sloth astronaut cufflinks!! Read their engagement blog post for more on the meaning of the sloth astronaut! ;)
   

2. Their first look on the promenade was full of overwhelming emotion, bringing tears to Jordan’s eyes and the need to pause while taking it all in, especially how gorgeous Rachel looked!
   

3. Rachel designed the ceremony space and guest entry sequence to smell of their favorite Jo Malone scent. It was a first for me; I’m convinced it’s one of the best ways to personalize a wedding, since scent is a huge memory driver!!!
   

4. The chuppah was one of the most beautifully lush I’ve ever seen, constructed with gold frames by Victoria Clausen and flowered by Steelcut with shades of maroon, burgundy, magenta, toffee, light pink and peach in varieties of roses, peonies, orchids, anemones, hanging amaranthus and more. The sweetheart table was also overflowing with these flowers in an asymmetrical arrangement. There were also pomegranates in the table floral arrangements…!
   
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5. The speeches made by both sets of parents and Congressman and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, brought tears to my eyes. So much respect and pride shared for these lovebirds; it was simply an honor to be in their presence.

6. The black and white checkered dance floor brightened up the space and added the perfect punch of contrast to draw your attention to the twirls and epic moves of their first dance.

7. R+J and all of their guests wore sneakers (some were so creatively decorated!) to honor Jordan’s late brother, a talented basketball player and coach.

8. Rachel made an entrance on the cream cruiser bike to announce dessert, in her second party dress full of sparkle, fringe and celebration!

9. We were able to take portraits in Mt. Vernon under the blooming magnolia trees near the Washington Monument and it felt like we were in Europe among all the cobblestones and beautiful architecture surrounding us!

We also made sure to explore the venue fully since there are so many iconic and unique backdrops for photos at the Belvedere — we took portraits in the Owl Bar, the romantic nook on the 12th floor, the window above the marquee and the 13th Floor during the after party.

MAZEL TOV, Rachel + Jordan!!! It was an absolute honor to document these memories for you! Your wedding was so much fun, photogenic, elegant and meaningful - like you two and your incredible relationship. I hope you continue laughing, dancing, eating, holding hands and travelling together for decades to come… you are such an inspiration to us all!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:
planning + design: Celebrations
venue + catering: Belvedere & Co Events
getting ready: Four Seasons Baltimore
photography: Urban Row Photography
videography: Lee Russell Films
beauty: No Filter Glam
flowers: Steelcut Flower Co
chuppah structure: Victoria Clausen’s Floral Rents
officiant: Rabbi Howard Tilman of Beth Israel Congregation
band: Broadsound Band
paper goods: Jenifer Sirkis Designs
signature scent: Jo Malone Wild Bluebell
wedding dress: Allure Bridals Style 9660
boutique: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
shoes: Nike (with added bling by the bride herself!)
groom’s attire: Paul Stuart
rings: Star Jewelers on High
linens/china/rentals: Select Event Group
lighting and dance floor: Event Dynamics
ice cream: Cream Cruiser
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred
photobooth: Unfotogettable Events

chinnu + suganth | burgundy, pink and gold indian wedding at the belvedere hotel

When Chinnu and Suganth described their Belvedere Hotel wedding day as an Indian American wedding celebration with traditions from both cultures, I couldn’t stop smiling!! I immediately knew that this, our first Indian wedding and first time capturing the incredibly rich Belvedere Hotel ballrooms, was going to be so memorable and filled with meaningful details and traditions… I wasn’t wrong. ;)

While watching Chinnu and her family get ready at The Lord Baltimore Hotel, I was in awe of the beautiful jewelry, the colorful saris and rich textures and patterns present in every detail of their garments. The henna was incredible! I loved that Suganth also had Chinnu’s name on the inside of his palm… (this detail was also included in Baltimore Weddings’ It’s All in the Details feature in their new 2019 print magazine)!

This… one of my favorite moments from their entire day happened during their first look in Mt. Vernon. I asked them to turn towards each other and share all the love they were feeling at that moment and among the excitement of the day… and helllloooo, there it was: the most adorable, joyful and genuine smiles.

Crimson and Clover Floral Design added SO much soft, natural beauty to their wedding - it was the perfect touch. The mandap was literally covered in and dripping with such lush and rich flowers! Burgundy amaranthus, light pink roses, white hydrangea and eucalyptus perfection!

The Belvedere Hotel’s Grand Ballroom was literally glowing with gold trim, enormous crystal chandeliers, elevated floral vessels and sparkling gold candlesticks to tie it all together. Mahogany chiavari chairs completed the luxurious look at a mix of round tables and a long head table for the bridal party and newlyweds to have a prime dance floor view!

When Chinnu changed after the ceremony into a lighter look, she transformed into a stunning gold and light blue princess with a touch of sheer light pink wrapping around her… her soft curls cascaded down to allow for a completely different look to end the reception!

C+S, it was such an honor being part of your joyous and family-filled wedding day! We’re so grateful you came to us from a mutual friend (heyyy Lost Note Productions!) and wish you all the best!!

xo,
Naomi

getting ready location: Lord Baltimore Hotel
ceremony + reception: Belvedere & Co.
florals: Crimson & Clover Floral Design, Inc.
DJ: Dynasty AV & Entertainment
HMU: Styles By Swati - Salon SBS
Caterer: Rupa Vira's The Signature - Finest Indian Cuisine
Desserts: Patisserie Poupon Bakery