katie + zach | an intimate outdoor micro wedding in maryland

When Zach mentioned one of the many things he loves about Katie, I’ll never forget his response being: “When Katie smiles, she smiles so much that her eyes close shut.”

You can see exactly what Zach’s talking about, in the moment when they were officially announced as husband and wife at their intimate elopement and micro wedding ceremony (on their original Memorial Day weekend wedding date!). Katie’s entire face lights up and fills with so much joy, it’s absolutely contagious to everyone in her presence…

Let’s back up a minute though because their love story and journey to this May wedding day is one to celebrate in and of itself! If you haven’t already seen their Bmore Licks + Fells Point engagement photos, check them out HERE - make sure you read the story of how they met and how Zach proposed; it involves a scavenger hunt through Baltimore that ended with the sweetest handmade wooden ring box made by Zach + Katie’s dad together!

Here are 6 moments from Katie + Zach’s heartfelt mini wedding ceremony in Maryland, that will give you all the feels (you’ve been warned!):

1. Zach’s emotional reaction as Katie walked down the aisle brought me to tears - as recent graduates from medical school while dating long distance, they found out a few weeks ago that they matched for residency at Johns Hopkins and will be able to work and live together in the same city for the first time in 3.5 years!

2. Their brief ceremony was officiated by their pastor, Ian of St. Moses Church in Baltimore, and was the perfect compliment to their personalities and relationship; weaving elements of religion, humor, love and kindness.

3. The wood arbor they got married under overlooked the waterfront in Cecil County and reminded them of where they got engaged, on a bench in Fells Point, overlooking the Baltimore harbor.

4. Both Katie and Zach’s moms contributed heirloom elements from their own weddings to incorporate in the celebration, including a vintage cake topper, the lace flowers incorporated on Katie’s veil, sapphire earrings made from her grandmother’s ring, a wood card box Katie’s dad made for the occasion and cupcakes for the small gathering of family and friends, since cupcakes have been a part of their relationship since the beginning.

5. Katie surprised Zach with a meaningful engraving inside his ring and a beautiful new wooden watch.

6. Right after they were married, both moms and dads got the biggest hug from both Katie and Zach and I just love how much heartfelt and warm energy the entire elopement had among it! The photo below of both moms walking up to congratulate them is my absolute favorite.

After the ceremony, they walked down the mini aisle and were greeted by a small group of friends and family there to help them celebrate (safely distanced and with masks on) their newlywed status!

Congratulations again, lovebirds, I was honored to be a part of your mini wedding and elopement!! I love that you were able to get married on your original wedding date and will now have this as your official anniversary in addition to the future party planned at Rosewood Farms!

xo,
Naomi