megan + chris | modern Main Street Ballroom wedding | ellicott city maryland

You know how some people come into your life at the right time and you don’t exactly know how it happened but you count your lucky stars that they aligned when they did? Megan + Chris are those people for me.

Not only do you easily feel like you’ve known them forever after first meeting them, but you immediately see how perfectly paired they are for each other. Just look at the way he looks at her!! We share a love of so many aspects of city life (Patterson Park love story couples unite!), urban art/murals and craft beer…

The way Chris makes Megan laugh is so honest, genuine and full of life. I can’t wait to share their wedding day with you and the 6 reasons you will LOVE Megan + Chris’ modern industrial Main Street Ballroom wedding!!!

1. her Dad wore a kilt during their father daughter first look to nod to his Scottish heritage

2. Megan knew she wanted her bridesmaids to wear comfortable and cute shirts while getting ready but not the typical robes or pajamas… for a fall wedding, what’s better than FLANNEL with champagne bottles being popped by the bride?

3. they changed into personalized Converse shoes for the reception and their dance moves as they were introduced are some of my favorite EVER

4. their signature drink menu was a nod to their pups (yay for #urbanrowpup cameo appearances at weddings)

5. the most unique and larger than life handmade ceremony backdrop you’ve ever seen!!!

6. Megan and Chris took advantage of their historic and picturesque location in Ellicott City and prioritized portraits throughout Main Street which meant an amazing variety of backdrops for their photos… there was even a vintage blue 1962 Ford Falcon on the Main Street Ballroom patio waiting for them!

The inspiration for their decor started with the timing of the wedding day - it marked 3 years since Megan and Chris had their very first date. Since Chris proposed at the pagoda in Patterson Park (peek their engagement photos here!), getting ready at The Wayside Inn was a perfect way to incorporate the comfort of a spacious and historic bed and breakfast with a park-like setting for portraits before arriving at Main Street Ballroom.

From the start of the planning process, Megan and Chris had their friends and family in mind for every detail of their Ellicott City wedding. Macy and Jeanne of Enchanting Events & Design lead the planning of their day and executed it all so flawlessly, we were so grateful for all their talent and help both behind the scenes and on-site every step of the way - they never stopped smiling!

Cheers to endlessly celebrating your newlywed status, Mr. + Mrs. DeMillo! We loved being a part of your love story and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both!!

xo,
Naomi

Nothing but love for this incredible vendor team!

planning: Enchanting Events & Design
venue: Main Street Ballroom
getting ready (ladies): The Wayside Inn
getting ready (gents): The Quintessential Gentleman
flowers: Washday Floral
caterer: Eleven Courses Catering
dress: Essense of Australia, D2126 style
dress boutique: Amanda Ritchey Bridal
earrings: Kendra Scott
bridesmaids dresses: Adrianna Papell
bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka and Converse
suits: Jos A Bank
ties: Tie Bar
rings: Nelson Coleman
makeup: Dorsey Beauty
hair: Pins Curls Hair Artistry
officiant: Rev. Lauren Muratore
DJ: Theron Steiner
videographer: Thomas Edges
photobooth: Pixilated
invitations: Melanie Emerson
desserts: Sugar Bakers Cakes
leather jacket lettering: Adam Stab
signage: Signs of Our Lives
calligraphy: Jes Smith Designs
ceremony metal heart backdrop: Machen Art

unique and fun ways to personalize your wedding day

If there’s one thing I constantly hear from couples it’s that they want their wedding to be fun, memorable and a great experience for their guests who are traveling far and wide to celebrate their relationship…

But you know what I hear just as often that makes me even more excited for what’s to come in this industry? NON-TRADITIONAL details, elements, approaches and experiences making their way into wedding days like never before. HECK to the YES, PLEASE!!

Notice the custom hanging metal sculpture behind Megan + Chris below!? A super talented metalworker friend designed and fabricated it for them! *note to self: brainstorm how to incorporate friends talents…*

There are so many great ways to personalize your wedding and ensure stunning and sophisticated photos. Here are just a few of the favorites we’ve seen in 2018 paired together as opposites to show you all the creative ideas out there… if there’s one thing I’m all about, it’s visual inspiration! Some bright, bold and vibrant, others moody, monochromatic and minimalist… ALL beautiful and part of the story of your best day ever!!

Let’s begin with where it officially starts for you, the RING! So many choices to hold your precious diamond… are you a Kate Spade lover? Or a Mrs. Box collector (so many colors to choose from!)? Or something with more of a handmade, textured feel?

Which pup has the best style?! ;) 1000% YES to having your dog at your wedding! Furever & Fur Always is a great resource for all of your wedding day doggie care needs!

Are you envisioning blush floral print dresses for your girls (BHLDN/Jenny Yoo style) or more moody jewel-tones with some sparkle and beading? Maybe cool blue/green tone variations or preppy striped navy bridesmaid dresses?! Either way, mix and match looks have my heart!

The grooms and their guys have definitely been stepping up their style game too! Most popular continues to be gray and navy suits…

I can’t help but love slate blue suits as well, especially against an industrial backdrop like this metal wall at the Accelerator Space! This combo of light blue ties for the guys with a floral tie for the groom is making me swoon… or are you team black tie with classic black tuxes and bowties like Miles and his men?

What about fun custom shirts for your squad? Loving the preppy look of personalized pajamas and monogrammed floral robes!

Florals… aka I never met a bouquet I didn’t love. What’s your favorite when it comes to flowers? Do you love a certain style or shape of bouquet?

Speaking of flowers and greenery… what kind of portrait backdrops do you love? Ivy walls are always so classic and lush but mosaics add a fun artistic twist! Hint, hint: the American Visionary Art Museum has both and is one of the most unique venues I’ve ever seen that just happens to be steps away from downtown Baltimore and the waterfront… ;)

Have you considered custom invitations for your wedding? MLC Designs created this elegant and comprehensive suite for our December couple (below) and it was the perfect way to set the tone for their festive winter wedding at the Baltimore Country Club! Programs, napkins, escort cards, drink menus and other reception signage are all additional ways to make a statement with your day of details!

An October wedding at Holly Hedge Estate incorporated a subdued rustic theme while the whimsical vintage invitation by Hello Tenfold (with the fox save the date below) carried a botanical aesthetic throughout the suite for our Richmond, VA couple.

Loving this splash of color in a bright, garden inspired floral invitation suite paired with the floral lace on the bride’s veil! Another floral look focused on a soft romantic feel with Lauren’s lavender and gold invitation suite.

PRO TIP: Want an easy way to bring variety to your bridal look without breaking the bank? Some brides have 2 dresses but even more frequently I’m seeing 2 totally different pairs of shoes and I LOVE IT! Shoes can easily be worn again after your wedding and they’ll make your feet smile when you change into flats to dance the night away! ;)

The hardest part is going to be narrowing down your choices…

First looks! Inside or outside, I LOVE when couples take advantage of them… more time together means more photos before the day gets away from you, more intimate emotions and quiet moments to make memories of just the two of you…

Chuppahs and ceremony backdrops designed with lush flowers and natural elements or more minimally designed with copper tubing to accent a venue full of unique architectural features… which do you prefer?

There are so many creative ways to feed your guests! Oyster bars, mashed potato bars, brunch bars… you dream it, it can be fed to you.

Eleven Courses Catering (below) is one of the most talented caterers I’ve worked with and not only presents their food in artistic and beautiful ways but also ensures it tastes better than you’d ever imagine a catered dinner could taste!

Donut towers, custom cotton candy flavors, cookie tables, smith island cakes, cinnamon rolls… who wants just cake anymore?

Ombre tablescape, anyone? Crimson + Clover Floral Design CRUSHED this one!!

Lighting can make such a difference in a space! When it poured at the end of Lauren + Matt’s wedding, we still were able to go outside for some epic shots on the patio at the Accelerator Space since it was tented and they had hung string lights to enhance the twinkle effect!

At Lauren + Jeff’s Holly Hedge Estate wedding, mother nature played a role in their portraits at the end of the night and I loved the opportunity we had to take advantage of creative lighting in the rain!

Exiting at the end of the night is another way to have fun and create a lasting memory for your guests with sparklers, confetti, bubbles, lanterns or simply a fun getaway car!

Here’s to making your wedding the best celebration it can be, full of as much personality as the two of you!! I’d love to hear from you… leave a comment with some of the unique details and elements you’re thinking of including on your day!

winter holiday soiree at liriodendron mansion | maryland wedding venue

Imagine hundreds of twinkle lights wrapped inside wisteria branches arching over a patio that overlooks 100 acres of exquisite grounds in Harford County… a cozy and chic winter gathering of dear friends inside a Georgian Revival mansion that dates back to 1898…

In early December, we kicked off the holiday season with a festive soirée to remember! Hosted by Caitie Welch of Betty Lou Events and Melissa & Jim Benson, Owners of Eleven Courses Catering at The Liriodendron Mansion, the entire place was filled with magic that only this time of year can bring…

The stately architecture of the historic Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air, MD provided the perfect backdrop as daylight faded into golden hour and guests began to arrive!

Non-traditional textured magnolia leaves, dark red roses and hand painted gold greenery decked the halls as nearly 40 of the DMV’s best creatives were serenaded while sipping gourmet hot chocolate and festive cocktails on velvet settees. Small bites were wrapped like presents and served in whimsical ways, by servers wearing tartan plaid ties to match the runners in the stunning holiday inspired tablescape.

Directly following cocktails, guests were invited to take their seats; farm tables were set with chic black and white place settings for all to enjoy an incredible 3 course dinner. Each seat was set with a hand lettered ornament and a delicate contemporary menu.

Vendor Team:

Creative Direction: Betty Lou Events
Videographer: Rivion Films
Photography: Urban Row Photography
Menu Design & Catering: Eleven Courses Catering
Tabletop Design: Pretty Little Wedding Co.
Rentals + Styling: Emerald Event Design
Farm Tables + Benches: Barnes Farm Tables
Floral: Steelcut Flower Co. 
Stationery: Ruby the Fox
Lettering + Signage: The Letter Grey
Venue: The Liriodendron Mansion
Pianist: The Concert Truck
Makeup: Chrissy Forbes

video by Nevin Baker for Rivion Films

ABOUT THE LIRIODENDRON MANSION:

The Liriodendron is a historic home and estate of one of the four founding physicians of the Johns Hopkins Medical College, Dr. Howard Kelly. Liriodendron is the botanical name for the tulip poplar, many of which can be found around the grounds of this historic property in Bel Air, Maryland.

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT THE LIRIODENDRON MANSION? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

What makes the Liriodendron Mansion unique?
The Liriodendron is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Purchased in 1890s, the property now consists of approximately 100 acres and a variety of structures: the mansion, a bank barn, a carriage house, a board and batten cottage and 5 other outhouses including a smokehouse and 2 ice houses.

The wisteria arching up to the main facade forms such an elegant setting for portraits and outdoor dining! No matter the wedding season, the architecture and grounds are absolutely breathtaking. Imagine cocktail hour out on the portico under the twinkling lights, a fireplace in every room and entering from the staircase of your dreams…!

How many guests can be accommodated?
Up to 120 people can be accommodated at your event.

Where do guests park?
A large surface parking lot is available on the grounds, just a short walk from the mansion.

How many events are hosted per day?
On Saturdays, one event may occur in the morning and one in the evening. Fridays and Sundays only host one event.

Are there options for smaller, intimate weddings?
Yes! Petite weddings are available during weekday hours and brunch weddings are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 8am-12:30pm; both at a discounted rental rate.

How early do couples have access to the space on their wedding day?
Friday weddings choose a 6.5 hour contract time for a 4 hour event. On Saturdays, there is a choice of a 9am-4pm contract time for an event time of 11am-3pm or 4pm-11pm contract time, for an event time of 6-10pm. Additional time can be arranged should it be necessary.

Are there spaces for the bridal party to get ready on site?
Both the bride and groom are able to get ready upstairs in original and separate bedrooms and suites within the mansion.

Do couples have access to the entire facility on their wedding day?
Yes, all rentals enjoy the full use of our mansion and grounds.

Are chairs and tables included with rental of the space?
Chiavari chairs for indoor and outdoor dining and white lawn chairs are included in the rental rates, as well as tables in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Are outside caterers permitted?
There is a list of 11 experienced caterers from which you can choose.

Is a representative from the venue going to be on-site for the duration of the event? 
Yes; a venue manager will be on site from open to close.

What does it cost to host a wedding at The Liriodendron Mansion?
Rates vary depending on the season and day of the week; an introduction to rates can be found here.

Is the facility handicapped accessible?
The first floor is fully accessible.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

The Liriodendron Mansion website: www.liriodendron.com
Directions to The Liriodendron Mansion: 502 West Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: (410) 879-4424
Contact: Leslie Dohler, info@liriodendron.com