lily + andy | a joyful + modern haven street ballroom wedding

Lily and Andy are the real deal, jumping for joy so high while in their wedding attire, multiple times indoors and outdoors… they have a tradition of jumping photos at all major milestones (and if you’re wondering if they did some at their esesh, the answer is of course!) and I couldn’t love them more if I tried!

Disclaimer: no humans were photoshopped while jumping — all of the jumping photos we took throughout the day are true in height and leg stance!!

Not only are they incredible partners who share a love of travel and adventure (they’ve both gone to and lived in so many places, the list is amazing!), their dog Nyla, good food and of course, the love of family and friends. It was so memorable to witness the incredibly strong support they received on this day!

Enjoy these early favorite moments from Lily + Andy’s windy, warm and whimsical September wedding…

6 MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND DETAILS FROM THEIR HAVEN STREET BALLROOM WEDDING:

1. A surprise temporary tattoo reveal of their #urbanrowpup Nyla, on their close friends’ arms and legs

2. A bubble jump sendoff at their reception

3. A bet as to how many times that day, Lily’s dad would cry happy tears 🥹

4. Matching socks that L+A both wore with Nyla’s smiling face on them!

5. When Andy and his groomsmen (and both dads!) decided to have fun in the hotel room and jump on the bed for some super casual and candid getting ready photos with their personalized beer steins! :)

6. Lily’s bridal hairstyle was so unique and pretty! She had a braid on both sides that led to a ponytail with pearls woven into the braid.

Congratulations again, Lily + Andy! You two are destined for big things and so many incredible adventures together, the best is truly yet to come!! Thank you for giving us the honor of documenting such a fun and memorable day with you and your families… I hope you continue the jumping photo tradition for decades to come (every jump left me speechless)!

VENDOR LOVE

venue: Haven Street Ballroom
planning: Event Planning DC
photography: Urban Row Photography
catering: Zeffert and Gold
florals: Wander and Whimsy Floral
officiant: Ceremony by Rachael
beauty: BTV Beauty
DJ: DJ Steve of DJ Jimmy T
dress: Wonder Dress from Vow’d Weddings
groom’s attire: Indochino

2019 In Review | candid, fun and vibrant wedding photography for modern couples

Getting married is definitely one of those pinch-me moments in life, but I continue to pinch myself after 10+ years of marriage because I am lucky enough to document authentic love stories, full-time. I truly mean that; I feel so lucky every single day to celebrate love and document memories for future generations as my career and passion.

2019 was quite a year… I’m going to let these photos do the talking since they do a better job than my words ever could. The joy and energy that our couples bring to every interaction I have with them is refreshing, energizing and so full of love and personality. I was honored to be the wedding and portrait photographer for these fun, genuine and passionate couples and families, with even more Baltimore and Maryland weddings to come in 2020!

Here goes… enjoy these highlights from the year, all chosen to show off a variety of locations, light and love.

kathleen + ryan | an inverness brewing golden hour engagement session

Kathleen and Ryan wanted to try this photo during their engagement session at Inverness Brewing about 3 minutes after we arrived and got warmed up. It speaks volumes about their personalities and how perfectly in sync they are; while not our first take, this photo (that isn’t photoshopped!) only took 3 tries - timing truly is everything! ;)

Don’t take my word for it though, keep reading to hear their ‘how we met’ story to really understand why…

This golden hour magic came shortly after… how adorable are they? They literally fit together and complement each other in every way. Silly, sweet, sultry… they were such a dream and photogenic duo! I CAN. NOT. wait for their festive wintry wedding at Haven Street Ballroom!!!

In Kathleen’s words, how they met:

Flash back to 2012: Kathleen is living a quiet life with her friends Taylor and Michelle as they try to make it out of nursing school alive. Ryan is having the time of his life in Blacksburg, peaking in his college years with his friends. CJ, one of Ryan's Hokie friends, was high school sweatheart to Kathleen's friend Taylor. When visiting in Baltimore, CJ made sure to travel with 10 of his best Hokie friends, who always guaranteed a good time. It was during these fun Baltimore weekends, including New Years Eve and a Ravens SuperBowl win, that Ryan and Kathleen met.

Fast forward to 2014: Kathleen and Ryan hit it off on the dance floor at Taylor and CJ's wedding reception! However, the two failed to exchange phone numbers before parting from the wedding weekend. A few weeks later, as Kathleen was "showing her nightshift coworkers how Tinder works," she came across a mustachioed face that she recognized - none other than that of a sombrero-ed Ryan McGrath! Kathleen swiped right and the rest is history!

You have to hear the details of the super sweet Patterson Park engagement at the pagoda that Ryan planned…

“The proposal took place in the Pagoda in Patterson Park, just a few blocks from our house. We had always talked about checking out the inside of the Pagoda, and walked by it a zillion times, but we never timed it right during visitor hours. Ryan had planned a post-engagement brunch with both his and Kathleen's parents under the guise of Ryan's mom "just wanting to get everyone together because it had been awhile." Kathleen's parents threw her off by feigning to decline the invite, so suspicions were low.

On the morning of the brunch, we agreed to walk to brunch through the park. On the way, Ryan noted that there was someone attending the pagoda and suggested that we finally go inside to check it out (Ryan had arranged ahead of time for a special opening). On the way down from exploring the pagoda, Ryan escorted Kathleen to what he had determined would be the best spot for a photo op, as our friend Taylor (who introduced us, see above) was hiding in the bushes to capture the whole thing! Ryan dropped down on one knee, Kathleen gushed, and then we celebrated all day long, first with our parents at Mama's on the Half Shell, then with our friends at Fell's Fun Fest (Kathleen inadvertently planned her own engagement party by generating FFF hype).”

Here’s to snuggling up together as husband and wife VERY SOON! We can’t wait to celebrate alongside you and capture all the special details you have planned with the help of the one and only, The Otherside Creatives!

xo,
Naomi

haven street ballroom | industrial warehouse baltimore wedding venue

Looking for a space to celebrate? Let me introduce you to Haven Street Ballroom, Baltimore’s newest industrial, airy (the inside is all white!) and quirky event venue designed with your wedding day in mind.

From the founder of Main Street Ballroom in Historic Ellicott City, Haven Street Ballroom is nestled between a brewery and an axe-throwing bar in the heart of an industrial neighborhood easily accessible from I-95 and right down the street from my favorite East Baltimore neighborhoods, Patterson Park and Canton.

If you know me at all, you know I love my venues to have history, character, pops of color yet still neutral overall and all the quirks! Their tagline of “a blank slate with character" couldn’t be more true…

VIDEO BY TEN TWENTY SEVEN FILMS

Currently under construction but accepting bookings for events on or after May 1, 2019, I had the opportunity to capture these branding images with real Baltimore brides and it couldn’t have been more fun! Think champagne opened with axes (I stayed back!) after learning the ropes next door at Urban Axes and ending our time with a beer at their other next door neighbor, Monument City Brewing.

That’s pretty much how I envision a wedding day unfolding here: the guys hanging at Urban Axes to expend nervous energy and the after party spilling over to Monument to enjoy their unique and hand-crafted brews. Anthony and I will meet ya there for a 51 Rye (his favorite), while I’ll sip a sour... ;)

ABOUT HAVEN STREET BALLROOM

Designed with photography in mind, all couples are welcome at Haven Street Ballroom. This historic warehouse will continue to have an industrial feel once renovations are complete, that celebrates its eclectic look and truly is a blank slate with character, the perfect place to bring your vision to life and celebrate your wedding day in Charm City!

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT HAVEN STREET BALLROOM? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

With warehouse venues and industrial chic weddings becoming so popular, what makes Haven Street Ballroom unique?
The minimalist policies and flexibility allow you to make the venue all your own. The flexible indoor/outdoor floorplan and unprecedented rental window of 8am-midnight, add value to your special event by giving you the freedom and creativity to create a truly customized celebration.

How many guests can be accommodated for a seated dinner?
200+ guests can be comfortably accommodated for a seated dinner with room for a dance floor, but the space is also easily divisible for smaller events.

Where do guests park?
In a private gated, surface parking lot, just steps from the front door.

How many events are hosted per day?
If you book the entire venue, then you are the only client on the day of your event.

How early do couples have access to the space on their wedding day?
As early as 8 a.m. for set up and as late as midnight for cleanup... and there is no charge for that extra time.

Are there spaces for the bridal party to get ready on site?
A private, fully-furnished bridal suite will be available with a private dressing area and hair & makeup stations.

Do couples have access to the entire facility on their wedding day?
Yes!

Are chairs and tables included with rental of the space?
Tables and chairs for 120 guests are included with the rental of the space.

Are outside caterers permitted?
All licensed and insured caterers are welcome at Haven Street Ballroom.

Is a representative from the venue going to be on-site for the duration of the event? 
Yes, an on-site venue manager will be with you throughout your event.

What does it cost to host a wedding at Haven Street Ballroom?
Introductory pricing is exclusively for clients who book their event while the Ballroom is still under construction. See early 2019 rates here.

Is the facility handicapped accessible?
Yes, the venue is 7,500 square feet of indoor space and 3,500 square feet of optional outdoor space all on one level.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

Haven Street Ballroom website: www.havenstreetballroom.com
Directions: 1 North Haven Street, Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410.600.7780
Contact: Kate Ansari

Videographer: Ten Twenty Seven Films 
Signage: White Coffee Creative
Glam: Kate Face Beauty and PSC Hair Artistry
Brides: Melissa Long, Simona Noce, Jessica Jenelle,
Cashmere Jefferson, Tanaya Moore