a modern industrial + boho chic wedding in dc | mess hall dc wedding

It’s rare that I have the opportunity to be a second photographer, but when the stars align and there is a venue, couple and date that aligns perfectly with my aesthetic, personality and schedule, it’s pure MAGIC.

Industrial warehouse vibes with a fun and modern, laid-back couple who wanted tons of candid and photojournalistic photos at their October wedding? YES PLEASE!

Ben had all of his DJ equipment setup so naturally (or maybe because that was the most naturally light space… ha), I had to setup his details there! I loved hanging out as they got ready since I never usually get to hang with the guys, so with that came a whole new aesthetic to document. Perfect example, I overheard this from one of the groomsmen: “we have all this time to just hang out here and drink whiskey?”

I started the day with Ben and his groomsmen at his apartment and we met up with the rest of the crew at the Mess Hall right before the ceremony. With that area of DC being full of industrial grit, Hannah’s botanical boho-inspired wedding dress was such a gorgeous balance, complimented by an asymmetric, organic and wild, moody bouquet. The bridesmaids all wore different dresses and even a pantsuit (YESSS!) in neutral and metallic shades while the men looked sharp in navy suits.

my favorite 6 unique and memorable elements from Hannah + Ben’s DC Mess Hall wedding in October:

• the overall raw industrial and urban graphic aesthetic softened with a natural chuppah held in place by loved ones and made up of birch poles with hanging greenery

• the variety of recycled gin and whisky bottles filled with flowers and used as table centerpieces and reception decor

• the mismatched neutral + metallic bridesmaids dresses/outfits

• Hannah wore her hair down with loose waves, embracing a natural and boho chic bridal look

• tons of blank walls, colorful murals and green space along the railroad tracks to use as portrait backdrops (what more could a photographer want?!)

• the brunch buffet for dinner (!) and how their guests mingled and danced all night long with intimate rooms and spaces that were all next to each other

Cheers to you, newlyweds! It was such an honor to be able to assist in documenting your Mess Hall wedding in DC… I hope your free spirited love continues to bring you to amazing places that make memories for many years to come!!

xo,
Naomi

sneak peeks | kelsey + bryan's modern gray wedding at frederick douglass

One look at these two together and your heart just melts! The vibrant, contagious smiles on both of their faces stayed there all day; we couldn’t have been happier to be a part of Kelsey + Bryan’s modern waterfront wedding at Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore, one of the city’s oldest existing waterfront industrial buildings.

To say their day was perfect is an understatement! Here are 7 reasons why this September wedding is one I’ll want to repeat over and over:

1. dramatic clouds with no precipitation, no squinting and no harsh shadows; we had our pick of portrait locations because the clouds provided such even light

2. a gentle breeze coming off the harbor as they recited their vows on a historic pier between two absolutely stunning sailboats, Lady Maryland and Sigsbee

3. family that traveled from across the country and the pond to witness the beginning of their marriage together (some had never been to a big city like Baltimore!)

4. a wedding party that helped us run ahead of schedule the entire time which rarely happens and made me so happy for them and the endless amount of photos we were able to take… my favorite of the day was when we found scooters right in front of the metal doors at Frederick Douglass and this too-cute-for-words couple, hopped on for a photo like it was their JOB!

5. the ice cream sandwich bar with cookies made by the groom’s mom and ice cream by Taharka Bros… we won’t talk about the mini donut burger appetizers that Copper Kitchen provided during cocktail hour (!)

6. the bride’s dad built wooden lanterns that were the perfect ceremony and cocktail hour decor filled with eucalyptus, greenery and anemones.

7. and if all of that wasn’t enough, guests enjoyed a prime view of fireworks across the harbor from the dance floor during the reception (that were completely unexpected and a happy accident, thanks to Fort McHenry’s Defenders Day)!

We are so happy and honored to have gotten to know you two over the last year and hope you have the most memorable and relaxing honeymoon in Key West! Here’s hoping they can make you a Camden Crush to sip on the beach!! ;) Cheers to the new, #marriedmacks!

shoutout to the incredible vendor team!

venue: Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park
photography: Urban Row Photography
florist: Bay Blossoms
DJ: Paul Parrinello
Officiant: Rev. Lauren Muratore
catering: Copper Kitchen
dessert: Taharka Bros. Ice Cream + cookies by groom’s mom
hair: Allison Harper & Co
makeup: Swept LLC
wedding dress: Casablanca
dress boutique: Savvi
groomsmen attire: The Black Tux
groomsmen accessories: The Tie Bar
invitations: Etsy + couple DIY
reception decor: Event Dynamics
transportation: Apollo Transportation