rachel + daniel | a relaxed october wedding at historic london town gardens

Rachel + Daniel’s wedding was overwhelmingly full of love, sweet details and one of the best dance floors I’ve seen all year! Their gorgeous venue had waterfront views, historic significance and gardens that despite the rain, were still stunning and lush.

Asher walked down the aisle, joined them for portraits on the main lawn and stayed in the getting ready suite, hanging with their wedding party until it was time to get married — he was the best #urbanrowpup.

It was seriously the best and most relaxed day, even with the rain moving the ceremony inside the Waterfront Pavilion. Rain on your wedding day means good luck, right? With all of the love Rachel and Daniel share, I don’t know if this adventurous couple needs anymore luck, but I’m sure happy that they got some!

The weather might have forced us to move inside to Plan B for Rachel + Daniel’s London Town wedding, but the entire day was still so full of love, happiness, and so many laughs. It was also a great excuse to bring out the clear umbrellas I always have on hand! Being prepared and flexible is the best way to be on your wedding day…

8 Favorite Moments and Details at Rachel + Daniel’s Historic London Town & Gardens Wedding

1. Getting married at Historic London Town and Gardens outside of Annapolis meant a historic waterfront venue with some of the most lush wildflower gardens ever.

2. Rachel wore a simple silk gown with an intricate lace v-neck top and her hair in a half up / half down style. Daniel wasn’t leaving all the style to Rachel, though! He also looked incredible in his gray suit, red tie, and amazing long, straight, blonde locks.

3. One of my favorite things about their wedding was that they had bridespeople and groomspeople. Gender doesn’t matter when it comes to supporting the people you love! 

4. When it came time for everyone to see Rachel, her first first look was with her grooms and brides people, followed by her dad and finally with Daniel… each one was met with happy tears, smiles the size of the room and overflowing love.

5. The ceremony was held in the Waterfront Pavilion, an elegant indoor space with big bright windows and a warm wood ceiling. One of Rachel + Daniel’s good friends officiated — he added so much personality and lighthearted fun to their ceremony!

6. Their pup Asher, stole the show. I’ve had quite a few dogs come to my couples’ weddings for pictures, but not many dogs can handle the stress of walking down the aisle; Asher rocked it! He was such a good boy and everyone loved him. A huge shout out to BeMore Pet Care for being on pup patrol for the big day!

7. Dinner was held under a romantic draped tent connected to the pavilion with an epic entrance as they ran from one covered space to the next, in the rain and full of unbridled joy. The favors they gave all of their guests were glass jars full of honey from Rachel’s dad’s bees — so sweet!

7. After dinner, the party really got started but not before Rachel had a chance to change into a short sequined dress and white sneakers to dance the night away. I always love it when brides have a wardrobe change for the reception!

8. Man, this couple knows how to party! DJ Little Rock from Mixing Maryland started at 100 and kept the vibe going through the entire evening. With the LED foam sticks at the end, it really felt like a club atmosphere. I know everyone will remember this night for years to come!

Rachel + Daniel, the gloomy clouds might have dampened the gardens, but they sure didn’t dampen the excitement on your big day. Everyone was just so happy to celebrate you and your love. You are so optimistic, positive, and fun that it’s easy to see why! Thank you for letting me be a part of the first day of your official new married adventures!

xoxo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue : london town weddings
planning : social graces events
photography: urban row photography
videography : fordham films
caterer : zeffert + gold
lighting : event dynamics inc.
lounge, rentals, arbor : honeywood rentals
florals : something borrowed blooms
dessert: blue crab cupcakes
dj : mixing maryland djs + dj little rock
beauty : swept llc
pet care : bemore pet care
dress : anthropologie weddings
groom’s attire : suit shop

elizabeth + steven | a lush, romantic micro wedding at the tannery barn

The sky was bright, the temperatures were warm and Elizabeth and Steven were beyond ready to be married at the Tannery Barn and celebrate with their loved ones in an intimate dinner under the stars.

This minimal, modern white barn with lush greenery and gardens surrounding it on all sides is an absolutely stunning Maryland venue full of charm, character and clean lines. It was the perfect space for Elizabeth and Steven’s intimate wedding ceremony — enjoy these early favorites!!!

4 MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM E+S’ INTIMATE WEDDING AT THE TANNERY BARN:

1. Their first look — both full of such wonderful excitement and energy, their expressions said it all; they had waited so long for this day and to become husband and wife… I’m so glad they were able to have a few private moments to themselves!

2. The moment when their youngest son saw Elizabeth all dressed up was so incredibly loving and sweet. He was speechless, of course! :)

3. Their intimate dinner under the stars in the courtyard with one long table for their 20 guests, bistro lights hanging above and green and white florals and flatware to compliment the surrounding gardens.

4. Right before I left, Steven did a handstand and walked on his hands across the lawn so we could get a photo of it since he’s so good at what he does; it was awe-inspiring!

Congratulations again, Mr. + Mrs. Hamilton!! Your families were such a joy to be around, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to document this memorable day for you both!

Wishing you the brightest future together filled with lots of good food, great conversation and many more beautiful dinners under the stars!

huge thanks to this vendor team:

venue: The Tannery Barn
florals: Victoria Clausen Florals
catering: Linwoods
beauty: Spa on West Main
gown: Wtoo by Watters, Hemingway
boutique: BHLDN
groom’s attire: J Crew
officiant: Sharon Tillman

erin + nick | a garden wedding full of joy (and ice cream!) at belmont manor

Erin and Nick were more than ready to party and celebrate with so many of their family and friends after their intimate micro wedding at Nick’s childhood home in June of last year…

Having been together for over a decade, so many elements of their relationship hold special meaning and it was an absolute honor to document so many emotions and moments with them over the last 2.5 years! Erin and Nick are two of the most kind, thoughtful, organized (Erin, you are the spreadsheet QUEEN!) and sweet souls; I immediately felt as if I was a part of their family each time I got to see them.

It brings me so much joy to share these early favorite moments from their wedding day with you… best viewed while enjoying a bowl of ice cream! ;)

7 memorable moments and details from Erin + Nick’s Belmont Manor wedding in September:

1. The matching tank tops Erin’s bridesmaids wore before getting their mismatched Azazie dresses on said “she’s been scooped up” to reflect Erin’s love of ice cream… SO sweet!

2. Erin’s shoes were so simple and romantic to match the vibe at Belmont; I loved that they were classic flats with a gorgeous satin bow at the back!

3. When Erin’s mom, MIL and bridesmaids saw her in her dress for the first time… so many happy tears, and one of her bridesmaids shared a handheld fan to make sure her makeup didn’t get ruined. ;)

4. The elegant and stately historic mansion at Belmont Manor was the perfect backdrop for photos both while they got ready and during their portrait time around the venue: grassy fields, old trees, gardens, greenery and gorgeous expansive views.

5. Their vow [renewal] ceremony had the sweetest sentiments, stories and promises after being together since 6th grade, these middle school sweethearts easily captured everyone’s hearts!

6. Instead of cake, Erin + Nick chose to focus all of their dessert energy into an ice cream bar, but not just one or two flavors and some toppings… they chose 5 different favorite flavors from the cities they’ve lived in and those creameries: Ashley’s Ice Cream from New Haven, CT, Honeycomb from Cambridge, MA, Jeni’s from Columbus, OH, Ice Cream Jubilee from Washington, DC and the Charmery from Columbia, MD.

7. The spontaneous dance party that broke out during family portraits with their brothers - see it in action here! :)

When it was finally time for their first look among the gardens and stately trees, these two couldn’t have been more ready! I love their expressions and how genuinely sweet this moment was… they finally had their big wedding celebration, 14 years in the making!

Cheers and all the love to you wonderful newlyweds (for the second time)! I hope you can continue celebrating life with your favorite travel adventures and people (and ice cream flavors) as often as possible - you deserve all the love and happiness in the world!

It’s been an honor to be a part of these special 2.5 years with you; I’m already missing all of your organized emails, thoughtful ideas and incredibly clear communication. Let’s do it again next time you’re back in MD… k? :)

xo,
Naomi

huge thanks to this vendor team!

planning and coordination: Michelle of Chantilly Design and Events
florals: Stacy of Chantilly Design and Events
DJ: Frank of Friendly Entertainment
officiant: Ethan Trinh, friend
wedding dress: Mikaella style 2100
dress alterations: The Bridal Boutique
shoes: Kailee P
beauty: Poetically Brushed by Kim
bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
jewelry: Olive and Piper
rings: Brilliant Earth & Long’s Jewelers
invitations, calligraphy + signage: DIY by Bride!
terrarium centerpieces: DIY by Mother of Bride!
catering: Rouge Catering
ice cream: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, The Charmery, Ashley's Ice Cream, Honeycomb Creamery, Ice Cream Jubilee
transportation: RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation

catherine + joey | a garden-inspired tented wedding with bright, colorful florals

The florals were bright and colorful, the sky was a bright blue and yet, Catherine and Joey’s smiles were the brightest and most radiant sight all day long. I can’t say enough about how beautiful their summer, garden-inspired wedding was!!

With more than one surprise confetti cannon sendoff, this vibrant backyard tented wedding had the most stunning and lush florals (the floral chandelier was my favorite!) and a tent full of bistro lights to provide the perfect glow as it got dark - enjoy these sneak peeks of Catherine and Joey’s September wedding day!

5 of the most memorable details and moments from Catherine + Joey’s wedding:

1. Her flower girl wore a dress that is a family heirloom and Catherine wore when she was that little.

2. The pops of blue in all of the details… from Catherine’s Loeffler Randall blue bow shoes to her bouquet, the bracelet Joey gave her and the textured invitation suite with blue lettering. The linens on the cocktail tables paired with the cozy wood lounge seating and simple blue and white seating chart, culminating in blue glass goblets and knotted napkins at each place setting were all so perfectly designed!

3. The surprise confetti cannons thanks to Lauren Corrigan Events and her team ensuring they were going off at exactly the right time at the end of the ceremony and on the dance floor!

4. Their #urbanrowpup Mosey, was able to join the fun before the ceremony got underway since they got married at Catherine’s childhood home.

5. The love and immeasurable joy that was felt throughout the day with each speech, warm glance and embrace that was shared.

Congratulations again, newlyweds!! Your wedding celebration was absolutely breathtaking every step of the was; it felt like a dream to be a part of and I hope you continue to always celebrate with confetti sendoffs from now on! ;)

xo,
Naomi

huge thanks to this incredible vendor team!

planning + design: Lauren Corrigan Events
beauty: Soiree Salon
florals: Crimson & Clover
band: Bachelor Boys
caterer + desserts: Copper Kitchen
paper goods + signage: Lauren Corrigan Events and Steph G Calligraphy
wedding dress: Peter Langner Chloe
boutique: Gamberdella
bride’s shoes: Loeffler Randall Dahlia Blue Bow
getting ready: Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point
venue: private residence
rentals: White Glove Rentals
linens: Select Event Group
tent: Loane Brothers
transportation: Extraordinar

alissa + joe | a joyful and relaxed summer wedding at Dulany's Overlook

As we arrived at Dulany’s Overlook to begin celebrating Alissa + Joe’s wedding day, a light drizzle was coming down, moving quickly through the mountains near Frederick, MD. Slowly but surely, the rain moved out and beautiful fluffy clouds emerged, revealing a gorgeous, sunny blue sky on this hot Saturday in August…

These two lovebirds have been waiting years for this day, like so many other couples that had to postpone due to Covid. However, the love that was shared and the joy that was felt from start to finish throughout the day, was nothing short of incredible! Many couples want a fun and memorable party with their guests — Alissa and Joe ensured that happened by designing a relaxed wedding day that not only celebrated their first anniversary on this exact date, but included delicious food (a BBQ buffet by P.I.G.S. = yes, please!) and nonstop dancing with a spontaneous and spur of the moment limbo using Joe’s tie (scroll down to see the beautiful energy on this dance floor!).

Words can’t do it justice, so I’ll just let you see it through the expressions on Alissa’s face!

7 MEMORABLE ELEMENTS FROM ALISSA + JOE’S JOYFUL WEDDING AT DULANY’S OVERLOOK

1. A stunning late summer bouquet by Shelly Black full of deep maroons, bright oranges, pops of dusty blue, cream roses and eucalyptus among lots of other textured blooms.

2. The pampas grass in glass vessels lining the ceremony aisle in the woods that led to the asymmetrical white and green blooms at the altar, complimenting the neutral tones of the bridesmaids’ green and white bouquets.

3. Alissa’s entire bridal look, but especially her side braid and long, loose curls cascading down.

4. Her first look with her dad as she came down the stairs of the manor house, and then with Joe in front of the sweetest little stone shed, covered in ivy… both brought tears to all of our eyes!

5. The color palette of the wedding party was made up of grays, sage green and blush tones in a soft, elegant, modern and romantic way — a perfect compliment to the natural, muted shades of the venue and rolling hills in the distance. I loved that the groomsmen all wore gray suits and sage green ties, but Joe had a slightly darker shade to his suit... it was subtle and so perfect!

6. The historic brick manor house was a spacious and elegant place for both sides of the wedding party to get ready (Alissa and her bridesmaids were upstairs with tons of natural light, while Joe and the groomsmen were downstairs in the fun, stone room) and a very short walk to the ceremony in the woods and their cocktail hour and reception in the bank barn.

7. The love these two share is an inspiration to all of us! All they’ve been through in the last year and a half while planning their wedding is more than most, yet they always remained optimistic, kind and full of grace through it all.

Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Burns!! The joy you exuded throughout the day was incredibly energizing and so much fun to document! I can only imagine what the rest of your adventures as newlyweds will be like… sending you so much love and all the best wishes as you continue (happy first anniversary! ;)) your life together as husband and wife!

xo,
Naomi

venue: Dulany’s Overlook
beauty: Swept
florals: Shelly Black Custom Florals
DJ: Musical DJs
videography: Just Hitched Wedding Films
catering: P.I.G.S. Catering
cake: Graul’s Market
paper goods: Minted
dresses: Sorella Vita
gown: Essense of Australia
boutique: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
groom’s attire: The Black Tux

ilana + ben | elegant garden wedding at Tusculum Farm

As soon as I arrived at Tusculum Farm for Ilana + Ben’s intimate wedding, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. The gardens were lush and in bloom, the sky was full of fluffy clouds and Ben’s dad happened to meet me as I parked my car.

Shortly before my first conversation with Ilana and Ben, I had recently photographed a wedding here. I mentioned it to them since they were still looking for a venue to get married that would allow their closest family and friends to stay and relax in a serene setting for a few days. Ben’s dad mentioned to me how grateful they were to have found this incredible wedding venue / family retreat after I suggested it… I’m just so glad it resonated with them!

The idea of a wedding as a relaxing retreat with your favorite people is the best thing ever — isn’t it?! While at Tusculum Farm, it truly feels like an escape from the rest of the world. I’m so excited to share Ilana and Ben’s wedding with you that was full of SO many memorable and magical moments unique to them, their values and beliefs.

These two beautiful souls share immense joy in just being present and it’s so easy to see how they are better together. Ben’s calmness is a perfect compliment to Ilana’s joie-de-vivre; at their engagement session, Ilana surprised Ben with a chess board because he loves games, strategy and puzzles. They share such a deep love of food, family and togetherness; I hope you enjoy these moments from their elegant farm wedding!

8 DETAILS FROM ILANA + BEN’S TUSCULUM FARM WEDDING THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:

1. Ilana got ready in the Fox Den suite of the modern farmhouse while Ben got ready and enjoyed time with his family during the Tisch in the Hay Barn. Both settings were incredibly relaxed, spacious and comfortable.

2. They wed under a chuppah that Ilana hand-painted, her veil was made from French lace that had been worn by 4 generations before her and Ben’s kittel was also passed down to him.

3. A whimsical garden feel was woven throughout their details; Ilana’s gown was modern, elegant and full of lace florals while her heirloom lace veil had the most intricate detail - I couldn’t stop staring at it!
   
   Ben and his brother / best man, both wore floral shirts from Paisley & Gray.
   
   Ilana’s wildflower bouquet, chuppah florals and bud vases at the reception from Lucky Penny Floral were the perfect variety of scale, color and texture.

4. While seeing each other for their first look, they chose to read notes to each other. Ilana mentioned that hers wasn’t fully complete yet; the full version was on the computer, she just didn’t get to finish writing it all out… made for such a fun, honest, laugh between them!

5. The ketubah signing was followed by the bedeken and prayers for both Ilana and Ben by each of their parents. Since the veil was so long, Ilana got tangled up in it and it made for such a fun sequence of photos (see below)!

6. With such an intimate group, they invited most of their guests to come up individually and say a blessing during their ceremony.

7. Guests waved fabric streamers at the end of their ceremony to celebrate as they recessed down the aisle; colorful ribbon was also strung from the barn and the back of their chairs, to add a festive touch to the outdoor reception!

8. Cocktail hour was held by the pool, dinner was held under the stars overlooking the fields and dancing began as the full moon rose. There are SO many places to take photos (I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since they own 500 acres!), I could have easily spent all day taking their portraits… at the pond, near the greenhouse garden, the courtyard and gardens behind the house, the pool, the large lawn with the enormous trees, the Hay Barn, the rolling hills and fields…

I’m not sure if you can tell how much I loved this 3 level staircase…

Congratulations, lovebirds! I was so honored to document your intimate wedding at Tusculum Farm and witness all of the love, pride and joy your family and friends have for you. I wish you both nothing but a future full of simchas!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM

venue: Tusculum Farm
planning: Vanessa of Little Black Book
photography: Urban Row Photography
videography: Isabel Studios
catering: Get Plated
florist: Lucky Penny Floral
officiant: Rabbi Daniel Burg
hair and makeup: Carla Pressley
band: The High and Wides
invitation: Greenvelope
ketubah: The Delicate Brush
gown: Made with Love - Stevie
shoes: Bryr Studio
groom’s attire: Paisley & Gray, Baltimore Custom Clothiers
cake: Taste This Cake

grace + david | an elaborate dinner party wedding at woodend sanctuary

Grace + David’s wedding day made me fall head over heels in love with them as a couple again… they personalized their day to be exactly what they wanted while staying true to themselves and prioritizing safety, family and a fabulous celebration (but you need to scroll down to see the way they both reacted during their first look and how to make a dinner for 9 incredibly elegant and memorable with a few key elements).

If you missed their engagement photos, go see them here, where I share more about the start of their love story and all the sophisticated, silly, sweetness that makes up their relationship! One of my favorite details that stands out and is still so rare these days is that they planned and executed their proposal together.

THIS ELABORATE YET INTIMATE DINNER PARTY WEDDING AT WOODEND SANCTUARY FELT LIKE A DREAM DAY FOR THESE 5 REASONS:

1. Yes they had a small guest list, but that didn’t stop Grace and David from having a celebration that was full of texture and fancy, luxurious and lush garden party vibes.

2. Incorporating one of the bride’s favorite landmarks, the Bishop’s garden at the National Cathedral, not only made for breathtaking portraits, but it complimented the feel of the entire day being primarily outdoors in an elegant and stately garden setting while still having covered areas in case of rain.

3. There were toasts, appetizers, multiple courses, dancing and lounging in a setting that consistently celebrated nature as the backdrop. Woodend Sanctuary has so many unique areas to host the entire wedding day: the tented terrace, grove of trees, portico, great hall and 2 separate getting ready suites!

4. With an intimate guest list of 11 including the couple and the bride’s adorable little nephews, everyone had a chance to share their wishes for the couple! David’s parents each gave a toast that was full of the sweetest life lessons and memories of his childhood while Grace’s parents recited a poem they created. When David’s Dad ended his thoughts with “now he’ll always have Grace to love him”, I nearly lost it behind the camera…

5. Grace changed dresses (I love when couples embrace an outfit change to make the reception more easily danceable and fun!) while David enjoyed whiskey in the library with his groomsmen.

But let’s back up to how the day started, as Grace got ready with her parents… here are some of the adjectives that come to mind as the day began: relaxed, classic, timeless, genuine, thoughtful, beautiful, sentimental, intimate, focused on family…

Throughout the wedding planning process (and even more so as we got closer to the big day that was postponed from May to August due to the pandemic), Grace and David always had the right attitude... they found their person and were excited to be married in whatever form that took!

I was so looking forward to documenting their rehearsal dinner and welcome reception at The Hay-Adams in DC with a ceremony and reception at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD the next day. Then when COVID hit, those plans weren’t feasible. They knew that safely celebrating with their parents and siblings was the top priority and so downsizing to an extremely intimate and elaborate dinner party for 9 at Woodend Sanctuary after a ceremony where both of their fathers officiated, became the new plan. Working with Vanessa of Little Black Book they planned an extraordinarily relaxing and picturesque day that started with a first look and newlywed portraits at Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral.

Grace and David not only saw each other for the first time on their wedding day among the roses of Bishop’s Garden, but they were able to truly relax, enjoy and savor a slower pace before their ceremony since we had set aside 2 hours of time for portraits and signing their marriage license in a courtyard at the National Cathedral.

When it started to drizzle, we moved under one of the covered areas of the Cathedral where there is a beautifully tranquil space to sit and regroup… proof that a little rain is not only good luck, but inspires creativity in finding new portrait backdrops that have become some of my favorite from the day!

Originally planning to hold the ceremony in the tree grove at Woodend, their plan B turned out just as beautiful, if not more, because the garden-inspired florals on the long headtable were able to frame the ceremony views. Nadine DeLeon Designs incorporated pink and white blooms intertwined with greenery garland running along the front of the table - paired with light blue glassware and matching napkins to compliment the blue hues of their summer dinner party, it was such an inviting and elegantly whimsical tented patio ceremony and reception!

As soon as the ceremony was over, lounge seating was setup surrounding the perimeter of the ‘dance floor’ and a warm palette of mustard, gold and pink whimsical garden vibes with pops of blue and greenery accenting the space. David and the groomsmen (their dads and brothers!) enjoyed drinks in the library of the historic estate while Grace changed into her second dress of the evening that was clearly made for twirling...!

Congratulations again to you both and your loving families!! I was honored to be able to celebrate alongside you and document all of the love, support and joy that went into such a perfect intimate wedding - I can’t wait for you to continue to twirl and dance your way into married life!

xo,
Naomi

kudos to this talented vendor team!

design + planning: Little Black Book
venue: Woodend Sanctuary
portraits: Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral
florals: Nadine DeLeon Designs
catering: Purple Onion Catering
transportation: Reston Limousine

guienen + ed | a romantic summer mini wedding on the bay

Guienen and Ed were married at Herrington on the Bay during one of the hottest days of the year, but you’d never know it! They were such an incredibly patient couple with all of my ideas for portraits at this beautiful garden venue on the Chesapeake Bay… July weddings aren’t for the faint at heart when it comes to the humidity and heat!

I loved this spot for their first look - Ed was such a calm and cool groom waiting for his beautiful bride!!

Sadie, was the best flower pup in all the land! She set the bar high for all future #urbanrowpup wedding party members; we couldn’t have done it without the help of the Furever & Fur Always dog care team!!

Guienen’s bridesmaids wore stunning summer sage green Jenny Yoo Inesse dresses in a watercolor floral print paired with bouquets of a single flower variety: ranunculus, lisianthus and roses to complete the modern, elegant and romantic bayside look.

The beaded detail on Guienen’s Enaura gown was absolutely stunning while shimmering and sparkling in the sun; the pattern added a soft, subtle, whimsical touch to her bridal look!

I loved Guienen’s color palette and vision for the intimate dinner tablescape; farmhouse tables paired with white chiavari chairs, white vases, white flowers and white hand-lettered (all by the bride!) hosta leaf escort cards, brought the modern bayside look together in an understated and elegant way! The focaccia provided just the right pop of mustard yellow to coordinate and compliment the vases.

Cheers, newlyweds!! Can’t wait to celebrate together even bigger next July!

xo,
Naomi

gown: Enaura Bridal Style #Beau from Garnish Boutique
bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo Inesse dress in Morning Mist Multi from BHLDN
flowers: Love & Luster Floral
groom and groomsmen attire: Tuxedo House
hair and makeup: Up Dos for I Dos
wedding day dog care: Furever & Fur Always
Sadie’s flower collar + ceremony scrapbook: bride’s mom, Colleen Barrett
venue + caterer: Herrington on the Bay
personalized family name sign: mrc wood products

rawlings conservatory and botanic gardens | unique baltimore wedding venue

If you love plants, nature, gardens, historic greenhouses and beautiful architecture, you should consider having your wedding at Rawlings Conservatory… my sister got married here 5 years ago and we had multiple conversations about whether or not I would be the photographer or maid of honor. While I’m so grateful I got to enjoy the day by standing by her side, the photographer in me is still itching to document a wedding here!

Full of botanic gardens and plants from all over the world, this is definitely a wedding venue you and your guests will never forget. Included below are quick facts about capacity, logistics and what makes Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens such a unique Baltimore wedding venue; hope you find it to be a helpful resource!

ABOUT RAWLINGS CONSERVATORY:

Opened in 1888, the historical Rawlings Conservatory is one of Baltimore’s most beautiful structures and the second oldest glass conservatory in America. It has five distinct greenhouse rooms, one 1/2-acre garden with a variety of flower beds and a kaleidoscope of colors and textures all year round. The Rawlings Conservatory is located in historic Druid Hill Park, which is one of the largest parks in Baltimore City.

The Conservatory can host both indoor and outdoor events, accommodating everything from cozy receptions, to large cocktail parties, to elegant tented affairs. The outdoor venue is lush with flowers, and the gardens feature colorful perennials and annuals throughout the spring and summer. Indoors, the five distinct greenhouse spaces include the original Palm House from 1888, the Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House, and Desert House. All have walkways and secluded benches, which provide wonderful backdrops for wedding photos!

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT RAWLINGS CONSERVATORY? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

What makes Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens unique?
When was the last time you celebrated a milestone event in a historic greenhouse with your closest friends and family!? Rawlings is such a hidden gem of a Baltimore wedding venue. Portraits that are full of greenery and jungle vibes, or rust + terracotta colored desert vibes full of cacti of all shapes and sizes and palm trees that are 2-3 stories tall… all can be backdrops for your photos and your guests to mingle.

The Conservatory offers the best of all worlds when it comes to being able to have an outdoor ceremony in the garden, cocktail hour among 5 greenhouse rooms and a tented reception on the lawn. If renting a tent, either a 40’ x 60’ or a 30’ by 60’ tent is recommended. A 40’ by 60’ tent provides seating for 60 to 160 guests depending on type and size of tables selected.

How many guests can be accommodated?
Entire facility capacity: 60 seated per pavilion/up to 150 cocktail style
South Pavilion capacity: 60 seated/75 cocktail-style
Formal Garden & North Lawn capacity: up to 250

How early do couples have access to the space on their wedding day?
Entire facility rentals are available between 5pm and midnight, Wednesdays through Sundays. If the venue’s schedule allows, additional time can be purchased.

Are there spaces for the wedding party to get ready on site?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any spaces for your wedding party to get ready on site.

Do couples have access to the entire facility on their wedding day?
Yes, on Wednesdays through Sundays. You have the ability to take photographs anywhere on the grounds - there are a lot of fun corners in and around the property to take photographs; my favorite is the desert house since there’s really no place like it in Baltimore!

Where do guests park?
Parking is in the designated parking area along Swann Drive, in the side parking lot or along the Yellow Brick Road.

How many large events are hosted per day?
Only one at this time.

Are chairs and tables included with rental of the space?
Limited complimentary tables and chairs are available; garden ceremony chairs are available for a separate rental fee.

Are outside caterers permitted?
There is a list of caterers who have been pre-approved to work at Rawlings Conservatory. If you wish to use another caterer, there will be an additional fee.

Are there floor plans we can view?
Yes, click here to see the floor plan of the 5 distinct greenhouse spaces.

What does it cost to host a wedding at Rawlings Conservatory?
You may schedule available dates as early as 366 days in advance. As of the time of this post (April 2020), for a garden ceremony + cocktail hour within the Conservatory + tented garden reception for up to 250 people seated outdoors, rental rates range from $5320 (Fri) - $6510 (Sat/Sun). For up to 60 people seated or 150 cocktail-style with a garden ceremony and reception within the Conservatory, rental rates range from $2820 (Fri) - $4010 (Sat/Sun).

If interested in elopement packages for up to 35 people Tuesday-Sunday, the rate is $500 and includes a 1hr rental for a standing ceremony; no food or refreshments permitted. Up to 10 chairs are allowed for seniors and disabled.

Please contact Rawlings Conservatory directly for the most accurate rental rates and information.

Is the facility handicapped accessible?
Yes. The Conservatory greenhouses are wheelchair accessible.  Handicapped parking is located on the street in front of the Conservatory.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

Rawlings Conservatory + Botanic Gardens website: http://www.rawlingsconservatory.org/
Directions to the Conservatory: 3100 Swann Dr., Baltimore, MD 21217
Phone: 410-396-4860
Contact: Christina Nutile, Park Administrator, garden.events@baltimorecity.gov