ashley + jake | a joyful garden party wedding at the mt. washington mill dye house

If I could have one wish, it would be that everyone gets to experience a love like Ashley + Jake’s: comfortable, cozy, cute and confident.

These two lovebirds have been together for 10 years, ever since they met as college freshmen at Emory University. Their wedding was so full of love and happiness — the comfortable kind that comes with a decade-long relationship. The videographer and I joked about how easy the day felt, and I honestly think it’s because Ashley + Jake’s ease around each other put everyone else at ease, too.

There were so many fun, unexpected moments at this early summer wedding. From the special decor elements that Ashley made to the greenery and industrial garden party vibe throughout the venue, I loved every minute of documenting A+J’s June wedding at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House!

17 Memorable Moments and Details from Ashley + Jake’s Dye House Wedding:

1. Ashley + Jake got married at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House, a venue I’ve photographed at many times before! In true Dye House fashion, this couple made it their own. The garden-y feel of their floral arrangements against the industrial backdrop of the venue felt so cozy and magical.

2. Instead of traditional boutonnieres, Jake and his groomsmen had floral pocket squares. They looked incredible against their crisp black suits; I wish more grooms did this! They’re easier than boutonnieres to set into place (no sharp pins to figure out and no flopping or falling apart by the end of the day!), much fuller and lush looking, and elegant.

3. Ashley dried hundreds of orange slices to use as guest placecards, on the cake, and incorporated throughout the table greenery. It was a really unique way to tie the whole wedding together. I took full advantage of these gorgeous dried orange slices when I put together the flat lay photos of her invitation suite.

4. Since Baltimore has played such an important role in Ashley + Jake’s relationship, Ashley ordered a hand-drawn custom map of the city from Etsy. She had the artist highlight all of the locations in the city where important memories happened throughout their decade together.

5. Speaking of Ashley’s creativity and crafting skill, she also embroidered sweatshirts with her bridesmaids names on the sleeves to wear while they got ready. Such a great way for her friends to remember this day when they wear them in the future!

6. When it was time for their first look, the promenade near the Four Seasons was the perfect spot that was perfectly empty and very photogenic! The smiles on their faces say it all…

7. Before their ceremony, we spent some time outside in the courtyard Mt. Washington Mill Dye House taking portraits as a group and just as a couple - there are SO many gorgeous backdrops within reach, it was such an efficient way to spend our time with the wedding party in gorgeous natural light!

8. Their ceremony incorporated the evolution of their relationship from college babies to confident and compassionate adults. It was heartwarming to follow their timeline as friends and families witnessed and celebrated their love! Ashley + Jake wrote their own vows, which they didn’t show each other beforehand and they were so similar!

9. For their guestbook, they had everyone sign a book full of their engagement photos — I wish more couples did this! It’s such a great way to tie your engagement photos into your wedding.

10. Speaking of the guest book, handlettered signage by Lynn Cipollone elevated the look of the signs on the guest book table and for their signature drinks. Her work is so elegant and effortlessly flawless!

11. A+J also tied their decade theme into a shelf displaying one picture from each of their ten years together. Everyone loved looking back on their time together. It was so much fun to compare where they started to where they are now!

12. The enormous head table at the end of the reception space provided such a stunning backdrop with greenery hanging behind them on the textured brick + stucco wall of the Dye House. It was so fun to see them experience a room reveal and get to stroll through the space taking it all in while also enjoying a private practice of their first dance!

13. Ashley and her mom had a mother-daughter dance to Dancing Queen, which was so much fun! You could completely feel the love and joy between the two of them.

14. Watching Jake’s mom dance with Ashley’s mom dance together brought tears to my eyes… not to mention when Jake’s grandparents got up on the dance floor together!

15. Their wedding was catered by Copper Kitchen, who always blows me away! They had two buffet lines with one featuring Greek and Mediterranean food, whereas the other had all types of tacos and a make your own nacho station. It was incredibly delicious!

16. Right at golden hour, we snuck out to grab some portraits on the bridge next to the venue. Between the stone walls, bricks, trees and romantic radiant light, the portraits we got here are simply breathtaking and some of my absolute favorites!!

17. The last personal touch that I really enjoyed was the custom neon sign that said “You’re My Favorite.” As a nod to one of their favorite things to say to one another, it made the perfect backdrop for their unique “photo booth”.

Ashley + Jake, you are an amazing couple!! Your love for each other is so genuine, confident, and inspiring. I loved how much work you put into making your wedding so special and true to the two of you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a small part of your incredible love story!

xo,
Naomi

Vendor Team:

planner: The Otherside Creatives
catering: Copper Kitchen
photography: Urban Row Photography
video: Rivion Films
venue: Mt. Washington Mill Dye House
officiant: Taylored Vows
hair and makeup: Brushed Beauty
florist: Violet Floral Designs
dj: Cubie of Mixing Maryland
ceremony: Synapse Duet
hand-lettered signage: Lynny C
gown: Casablanca Bridal Maren Style BL539
boutique: Icon Bridal
bridesmaid dresses: Revelry mixed styles in Silver Sage Satin
rings: Nelson Coleman
groom's attire: The Black Tux
rentals: The Otherside Rentals, Select Event Group, Pretty Little Wedding Co.
transportation: Thoroughbred
custom neon sign: House of Rounds
custom Baltimore map: Virginia Brown Art