sarah + dan | a classic spring engagement in mt. vernon baltimore

While planning their engagement photos, I knew there were 3 things that were important to Sarah and Dan:

1. catching the magnolia trees in bloom in Baltimore (they’re Sarah’s favorite!)

2. including Maple, their adorable poodle and #urbanrowpup, for a few photos

3. having fun and being themselves (scroll down to see how they celebrated at the end of the shoot with some bubbly to ensure fun was had! ;))

You two have been such a pleasure to get to know, your genuine love for each other shines through every moment! Your sense of style and attention to detail has been SO MUCH FUN to see come together during the wedding planning throughout all of our conversations…

I can’t wait for your gorgeously chic, industrial Fall wedding at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House but in the meantime, am so excited to share some of these favorites from your spring engagement session in Mt. Vernon! Every urban engagement session should end with riding downhill on a scooter… :)

Read their proposal story:

Some of Dan's friends were planning a trip to a beach house in Massachusetts and Dan decided that would be where he pulled the trigger (he had already had the ring for a few months and he was getting dangerously close to spilling the beans). Sarah almost figured it out when Dan suggested they buy new outfits for the trip and insisted on getting up for sunrise at a nearby lighthouse. One of Sarah's friends, Katherine, was key in shaking Sarah off the trail; "Dan likes clothes and hasn't bought any since he started working from home, and you like cheesy pictures."

They drove up to Mass on Saturday, when Sarah realized that she chipped her new nail polish, Dan deadpan looked at her and said, "Well its not like anybody is going to be looking at your hands," and the conversation ended.

The next morning, they woke up at 4:30 to get ready for pictures - the sun rose about 30 minutes sooner in Mass than it did in Baltimore. After taking a bunch of snaps, Dan went to get the ring from his back pocket, but the ring box got stuck. Sarah looked on like he was a crazy person as he jumped up and down trying to find an angle where his pants would allow the box to escape. "My wallet is twisted in my pocket and it feels super annoying!" and she bought the excuse! He freed the ring, got down on one knee, where she quickly joined him and said, "yes."

Sarah + Dan, your wedding is finally only DAYS away!!! You’re going to be married and it’s only going to get better from here! I can’t wait to celebrate alongside you both, you make such a great team and parents to Maple… here’s to lots more love, laughter, beautiful blooms and dancing at the Dye House!

xoxo,
Naomi

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

elizabeth + donald | a classic mt vernon engagement

When Elizabeth and Donald are together, they exude calm and gentle love one minute and adorably sweet laughter the next… these two are the perfect blend of fun, sophistication and classic style with a love of city life!

We started in Mt. Vernon since the Walters holds a special place in their love story and finished by the water in Fells Point… you don’t want to miss Donny’s incredible proposal that involved a Faberge egg exhibit, one of Elizabeth’s favorite things to see at the Walters Art Museum!

In Elizabeth’s words, this is how it all started…

”At a coworker’s going away party, a few people from my office got together at Ryleigh’s in Federal Hill and each coworker brought friends along. We met briefly and then Donny left and went to the bar next door. I went to the guy that brought him and said “…where did your cute friend go? …bring him back.” And Donny came back. A few fireball shots is all it took and since that night, we have been together.”

And as for the proposal?

”It happened at the Walters Art Museum. We had an action packed weekend with Happy Hour and dinner with friends planned but before it all started Donny suggested we go to brunch and he had a surprise for me. First instinct, I asked if we were going to SPCA to be annoying and get another dog since I would like another... he said no, its a surprise. We pulled up to the Walters and we were just there a few weeks before so I was suspicious why we were here again, since he knows this is one of my favorite places in Baltimore. But he said there was a Faberge exhibit so I really believed we were going to see this and the suspicion went away. Then he asked if we could go to the Chamber of Wonders and in there he got down on one knee after asking what was my favorite thing in the room. Afterwards we still went to HH and dinner with friends and were able to celebrate with them!”

I’m so excited for their wedding day one month from today at the Baltimore Country Club in Roland Park; I can’t wait to share their engagement session with you since Jayce, their cute little pug was the most perfect dog model!

We CAN NOT wait until your wedding day is finally here, lovebirds!! It’s going to be such an incredible moment when you become husband and wife!

xo,
Naomi