noey + peter | a locust point engagement with their corgi pup

Having met at Loyola their senior year, Noey + Peter share a deep love of Baltimore — buying a house in SoBo meant finding themselves in a new neighborhood to explore with their adorable dog Sasha…

Noey + Peter both have gorgeous, contagious smiles and a sweetness about their relationship that was so much fun to photograph; I was so excited when they decided to take their engagement photos in Locust Point near the Domino Sugar mural and factory, Little Havana and the waterfront promenade! Their stomping grounds are places that are very familiar and near and dear to me too since I used to work in Locust Point (during my architect days!) and love it when #urpcouples choose spots that are meaningful to them AND allow us to easily have their adorable pup involved!

“Peter and I met at Loyola University in Maryland. It was a relatively small school, so we were peripherally aware of each other since our freshman year, but we never spent time together or had the opportunity to become friends. But then Peter studied abroad in New Zealand with a few of my closest friends during our junior year (I studied in Spain), so we saw each other a lot more often at parties and social events when we all returned to campus for our senior year. After running in the same social circle for a while, Peter and I started talking, and the rest is history!”

And their proposal story as told by Noey!

“Peter's parents have a home in Long Beach Island in New Jersey; Peter and I spend every 4th of July weekend there with his family and friends. Last year, Peter invited my parents to join us up there for the holiday (this probably should have tipped me off that something was up, since they live pretty far away, but I didn't catch it!). We took that Friday off from work to enjoy the beach, but unfortunately, it was raining on-and-off, so we were a bit cooped up. Peter asked if I wanted to go for a walk on the beach, but it was raining, so I said no thank you (this should have been another tip-off, but nope!). A bit later, Peter's mom asked us to go to the beach to collect some shells for a baby shower we were going to the next day; I agreed since at least we had a reason to be out in the rainy weather now. So, Peter and I walked over to the beach in a mist of rain and wandered down to the surf to look for some shells. At some point, I walked ahead, and when I turned around, Peter was down on one knee! When he asked if I would marry him, I actually said "Are you sure?" instead of yes at first. Since it was raining, it was just us on the beach, which made it even more special. When we got back from the beach, the house had been decorated, and our families were waiting to congratulate and celebrate us. We spent the rest of the day surrounded by family and friends, and it will always be one of my most favorite days.”

“My favorite thing about Peter is the way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles.” :)

”My favorite thing about Noey is her thoughtfulness and genuine kindness/care that she puts toward all aspects of her life.”

…those are my favorite things about both of you too! :) I can’t wait to photograph your wedding day at Loyola University and the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House with all your nearest and dearest family and friends coming together to celebrate. It’s going to be an amazing day in Baltimore!!

xoxo,
Naomi

lauren + tony | a romantic kitchen engagement session in harbor east

Lauren and Tony are two of the most genuine, beautiful, down-to-earth, sweet and fun-loving humans that honestly made my job so easy and enjoyable!

By the end of our time together, we had chatted about charcuterie, dogs, city life, pandemic dating and what it’s really like to move in together (laundry woes, lol)… and I didn’t want to stop hanging out with them! I love that they wanted to honor and celebrate the way their relationship came to be: in the kitchen, with wine, charcuterie and lots of cozy conversations.

Enjoy these favorites from Lauren and Tony’s Harbor East waterfront engagement session in Baltimore!

5 OF MY FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THEIR IN-HOME + WATERFRONT ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

1. The personalized red wine bottle their friend hand-lettered and they enjoyed sips of during their photos

2. The charcuterie platter Lauren assembled herself (it was so beautifully put together)!

3. Lauren’s custom denim Mrs. Assadi jacket adorned with pearls

4. The way Tony looks at her and makes her laugh

5. The gorgeous cotton candy sunset that created a perfect rainbow-colored reflection on the harbor buildings behind them!

You two are so perfect for each other and have such an incredible bond. I can not wait to see you again; thank you for allowing me the opportunity to continue to photograph your love story as you begin life as a married couple, Lauren and Tony!!

xo,
Naomi

lucie + chris | a sunset engagement at guinness brewery + baltimore waterfront

I will always say yes to taking engagement photos at a brewery… and for this adorable couple, it was extra meaningful since it was the site of Lucie + Chris’ first date! Read more about these cuties below!

Lucie + Chris met on the app, Coffee Meets Bagel, in November 2018. Here’s what happened after the initial match, in their words…

“We matched right before Thanksgiving and went on our first date to Guinness brewery. It was the Monday night before Thanksgiving and Lucie was supposed to be flying out to Portland, OR the next morning and still hadn't packed. We went and had one beer before we parted ways, both knowing that we had really enjoyed ourselves. Lucie told Chris that she might not text him a ton because she was going to be with family, but he knew she liked him because she ended up texting him a bunch… :)”

It’s pretty clear to me that Guinness should hire you two as models for their next ad campaign… just sayin’. :)

Proposal stories like this make me so happy…

“We had talked about getting a ring in general and Lucie did know the engagement was going to be happening most likely before the end of the year. It ended up happening on a Wednesday (12/9). Earlier that week, Chris had suggested that they go to National Harbor in DC to the ferris wheel. Lucie caught on and had assumed that he was going to proposal so she started getting super nervous all week. Chris picked up on this. We ended up taking a walk on Wednesday night, after a late work night for Lucie. Chris had intended for the walk to be around sunset but because Lucie had worked later that night, it was already dark for the walk. We still ended up going and walked to the harbor, right next to Baltimore Museum of Industry, which is a spot we often went. Then Chris said a bunch of nice things and proposed! Lucie had to get her phone flashlight out to check out the ring! LOL!”

After our time at Guinness, we chased the sun to West Covington Park to end along the water, where Lucie + Chris often take walks together. The weather was incredible, we got so lucky with the best night for an engagement session in Baltimore: it was breezy and the sky was definitely showing off!

Let’s get you married, Lucie + Chris!! I can’t wait for your intimate wedding at Cielo Verde on the rooftop of AVAM - it’s going to be the best day for so many reasons!

xo,
Naomi

guienen + ed (+ sadie!) | an industrial baltimore waterfront engagement

While living in Baltimore city near the Natty Boh tower, Guienen and Ed have a playful, sweet and loving relationship that often finds them on outdoor adventures by the water with Sadie, their pup! I have to say, Sadie was a PRO at modeling - her multiple colorful and floral bandanas were the perfect compliment to her parents’ happiness!

I love it when #urpcouples include their dog in engagement photos, it makes everything more fun! Believe me, I’ve worked with all sizes and types of dogs; most are energetic and excited so I’ve learned to work fast to make sure I can document amazing moments as soon as they happen!

Under Armour’s waterfront campus at Tide Point / Locust Point is one of my favorite locations for engagement sessions; the brick architecture of the historic warehouse buildings speaks to the look and feel of much of Baltimore city while the waterfront promenade facing the Domino Sugar factory has views back to Fells Point and Canton across the harbor, making it quite a unique and photogenic spot.

With extensive gardens in bloom, stone paths and waterfront views throughout the property, Guienen and Ed’s intimate waterfront wedding at Herrington on the Bay is going to be a perfect summer soiree - I can’t wait for their intimate guest list (+ a Sadie as their flowerpup) at the celebration!

Here’s how they met in Guienen’s words: (I love their sense of humor!)

“We met online! Which I actually tend to forget since it seems such a distant memory now. I do know I messaged him first. Ed had nothing written in the little blurb area and only two pictures - usually that would be an automatic left swipe for me so it’s a good thing he’s really cute… our first date was at 13.5 Wine Bar in Hampden. He left to go visit his parents in North Carolina a couple days later so he actually called me on the phone while he was driving back to Baltimore. Apparently I sounded like I would rather be doing anything else but talk to him! I was just so taken aback that he would actually call instead of text. We set up our second date then - and he continued seeing me after I ate a salad with no dressing because I happened to be doing Whole 30 at the time.”

And the proposal of course involved Sadie (who will be their flower girl/dog at the wedding!):

”It was actually the weekend before my birthday and we had plans to have people over for the Super Bowl as a birthday celebration. So we went out to dinner just us that Saturday night. When we got home I immediately changed because I was wearing all black and we have a dog who sheds like it’s her full time job. I got a little suspicious after coming downstairs in my pajamas because he called Sadie to come upstairs with him (she follows me around 85% of the time). A few minutes later Sadie comes back downstairs, making a bit of a racket on our twisty staircase, because she had a chalkboard tied around her neck with “say yes” written on it, as well as the ring box. She executed her role perfectly and came right over to me, followed by Ed, of course. And then I had to go back and put real clothes on so we could take a few photos and video call with our families. Also the visual of Ed wandering around in Michael’s buying craft supplies cracks me up every time I think about it because he’s so not crafty - so of course I kept the chalkboard and it’s displayed on the bookcases around our entertainment center now.”

Can’t wait to photograph you both (actually, 3 including Sadie!) again on the water, but this time as newlyweds at Herrington on the Bay!!

xo,
Naomi

ashley + nat | a patterson park + fells point sunset engagement

Ashley + Nat are huge soccer fans… so much so that they traveled to London to watch their favorite team play a match which (unbeknownst to Ashley), was the same trip Nat was going to propose on! So, naturally they began their engagement session in Patterson Park wearing those same soccer jerseys and Chucks… the perfect way to lend a carefree and energetic feel to their date night in the park with me tagging along!

Movement and an active lifestyle have been a part of their relationship from the beginning: “We me while Ashley was working at the gym - she was behind the front desk on the days that I went to work out. One of the first things I remember, is her kicking me off the squash courts while I was playing with a friend. From there, we met randomly out on Halloween weekend in 2013 and I knew that I wanted to be with her…”

6 REASONS THIS PATTERSON PARK AND FELLS POINT ENGAGEMENT SESSION WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:

1. Their smiles say it all. Ashley + Nat were so fun to be around and relaxed together while exploring the most photogenic parts of Patterson Park! The pond, the pagoda and the boardwalk are such perfect late summer evening spots.

2. Their outfits created such a fun pop of bold, vibrant color against the greenery within the park and the Fells Point waterfront.

3. Ashley wore chucks since she’s most comfortable in them (always DO YOU!) and will be wearing them at their wedding too!

4. What Nat loves most about Ashley: “…her loyalty to me through thick and thin, her constant support for me and no matter her age, she is still a child at heart. She is funny and doesn't know what makes her funny... I love to laugh with her.”

5. What Ashley loves most about Nat: “the way he goofs around with me and watches all my silly shows. He is my go-to when I don't know how my outfit looks or even what to wear that day. But most of all, I love that when I have a bad day at work or I am sad, he gives me a big hug and everything seems a little bit better.”

6. We ended our time in Fells Point on the Broadway Pier with the marquee ‘city pier’ sign at the Pendry in the background; it felt like they were all alone in Fells at that moment, illuminated only by the streetlights!

Here’s the proposal story in Nat’s words; I love how much it shows off both of their personalities and their genuine excitement for this fleeting time in their lives!

”We went to London to see our favorite soccer team play a match. We decided to make a long trip of it and go to London for 4 days and Paris for 3 days. On the second full day in London we went to Westminser Abbey in the morning and I had purchased tickets to go on the London Eye. Late in the evening the night before, I decided that I was going to purpose on the Eye. So I purchased the VIP champagne experience. We were escorted to our capsule and got right on. About a quarter of the way up, I worked up the nerve to do it. At first, she had no idea what happening. All of the sudden she figured out what was happening and started crying which made me emotional; finally I got down on one knee and opened the box. Ashley being Ashley...she reached in and grabbed the ring from it before I could put it on her. We then got to celebrate the rest of the ride with champagne and a complete view of the city. I spent the rest of our trip telling everyone that we got engaged. It didn't matter who they were, they were finding out.”

We can’t wait to be at Wyndridge Farm to celebrate with you, exactly 2 months from today!!!

While we’ve documented weddings at Wyndridge before, this will be our first time taking advantage of The Inn for all the getting ready portraits… so excited for all the spaciousness, natural light and endless views from the patio!

xo,
Naomi

kim + brian | a sandlot baltimore waterfront engagement

“Brian's favorite thing about Kim is her positivity. Kim doesn't really care for Brian, but likes his height, and his face is alright… our actual favorite thing about each other is our senses of humor!” ;)

And one of my favorite things about these two is how they prioritized a fun, dog-friendly and waterfront location for their engagement photos. Sandlot Baltimore checked off all of those boxes and then some!

4 reasons why this fun Sandlot Baltimore beach engagement was so memorable:

1. Dale was the most relaxed pup I’ve ever met! He would hang nearby and sit patiently waiting for his pawrents to take a few photos, no big deal…

2. Despite a threat of storms, imposing clouds and a few sprinkles, the rain held off and ended in a beautiful bright, warm golden sky!

3. Kim and Brian were so at ease and relaxed while we found the most picturesque waterfront backdrops Sandlot had to offer; while living near DC and planning a Baltimore wedding at Habitat Seya, I love that they prioritized spending time in Baltimore together.

4. Pairing summer engagement photos on the water with fall wedding photos in Patterson Park and an industrial chic wedding venue in Baltimore allow them to have two very different looks within their photos and a variety of memories to relive and hang up on their walls!

Kim and Brian, we can’t wait for your Habitat Seya wedding!! Surrounded by so many friends and family who live all over the country, being able to get all of your favorite people in one place is going to be cause for a celebration in and of itself!

xo,
Naomi

steve + joe | a bolton hill + brewer's art sailboat engagement in baltimore

Steve + Joe are such a perfect compliment to each other. This thoughtful, fun-loving couple incorporates a sense of spontaneous adventure and a love of art, architecture and culture into their busy lives. Knowing that, it was no surprise that they chose Bolton Hill, one of Baltimore’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods, for the start of our engagement session together with their #urbanrowpup, Luther (always include your furry friends, please)!

Between the park they live near and the collection of magnificently restored 19th-century brick rowhouses on tree-lined streets among pocket parks and garden residences, Bolton Hill set the bar pretty high when we started out! We stumbled on my favorite urban backdrop: an ivy-covered brick wall that perfectly framed these two and set the tone for a relaxed, urban oasis feel to their Baltimore engagement session…

In Joe’s words, the story of how they met…

“We got together for our first date at Max's in Fell's Point. Steve had been running around for work the entire day and I had been planning to meet some of my friends from my masters program at Bad Decisions around the corner for drinks after my date was over. And then the date didn't end. We went for a walk along the waterfront (Early November so I'm sure it was chilly but I don't remember being cold) and had our first kiss on a secluded stretch between Fell's and Canton. Then we saw each other the next day and the next…”

With Brewer’s Art being one of their favorite local bars with Baltimore brews, we had to stop there on the way from Bolton Hill to Fells, where Steve’s boat was docked and waiting for us. I’m so glad we did - what an incredible place to enjoy a beer!

TIME OUT. Why are sunsets from a sailboat that much more amazing!? The breeze, the colors, the smells… life is so much fun while enjoyed by the water. I’m so glad Steve suggested incorporating his boat during our time together; it was the absolute perfect way to end a gorgeous summer night on the harbor!!

As if that all wasn’t enough, they were featured on Equally Wed, and I couldn’t be happier to have their love story and engagement photos shared with the world. Their vision of celebrating their life and love in Baltimore both during their engagement session and at their upcoming wedding at Mt. Vernon Park and The Assembly Room is simply perfect.

We are incredibly honored to be a part of your wedding day and can’t wait to capture all the urban art and industrial love you share with so many friends and family!!

xo,
Naomi

lynn + nick | tide point baltimore waterfront engagement

I’m not sure if you can tell how much fun Lynn and Nick have together from their engagement photos we took at Tide Point at the Under Armour headquarters… these two didn’t stop smiling, laughing, snuggling and dancing as the sunset and I loved capturing it all!

It’s making me even more excited to capture their outdoor July wedding at Wyndridge Farm in Pennsylvania!

Here’s their proposal story in Lynn’s words, isn’t Nick the sweetest ever!?

”Nick proposed in Seville, Spain during sunrise. It was a complete surprise! We were up early and went for a walk across the city bridge. It was on the 7th day of our trip and I actually was not feeling too well the day prior (I got too excited with the Spanish food and ate too many unfamiliar things). I even said to Nick "I want to go home". While we were walking by the river, Nick goes to grab something from his backpack. Nick loves candy, so I of course thought he went to grab chocolate from his bag. I was thinking "Really Nick?! It's 8am in the morning, candy at this hour?!"

But then he pulls out a small box! I was so surprised...my exact response was "NO NO WTF!". This was not the beautiful "I love you" response I had imagined but I had no clue and was thinking - How did I not know this was happening?! Nick got on one knee and asked "Will you marry me" and I responded "Of course!!!". By this point my stomach ache went away completely and I was so happy.”

Let’s get you two MARRIED… Wyndridge Farm, here we come!! It’s going to be a beautiful midsummer’s night among the rolling hills, craft ciders and beautiful scenery of this unique farm brewery. We can’t wait for another Wyndridge wedding among all of your closest loved ones and District Remix mixing it up on the dance floor!

xo,
Naomi

marissa + brooks | historic fells point baltimore engagement

What’s the only thing better than new Urban Row couples that are best friends with past Urban Row couples (heyyyy Kathryn + Casey!) and dog lovers too?

When they meet simply because the groom’s family bought a house across the street from the bride’s family (literally across the street) and when their parents start talking, they discover that they were both going to be seniors at Stevenson University that upcoming fall. Marissa told me it's still up for debate who was peeking at who through the windows across the street. ;)

Everything about Marissa + Brooks’ Fells Point engagement session left me wanting more… their bright and colorful outfits, their adorable golden retriever (#urbanrowpup), the way they look at each other completely head over heels in love and the way Marissa twirled as the water glistened outside the Pendry hotel and Main Street in Fells Point was glowing…

And how sweet is their first date tradition?

”When we moved back to school for the fall of our senior year, we decided that one evening after my lacrosse practice and Brooks' baseball practice, that we would go to Five Guys for dinner. I guess that was our first date because Brooks generously paid for me. Every year on September 27th, we go to Five Guys to relive our first date. This September will be our 5th year together!”

I LOVE how much of a surprise Brooks’ proposal truly was! In Marissa’s words, here’s how it unfolded:

“I was always confident that I would know when Brooks was going to propose, he’s terrible at keeping secrets and I'm pretty good at finding things out! I was planning my mom a surprise birthday party but little did I know that Brooks and a select few that were also going to be at the party were planning the proposal. As the party was coming to an end, so I thought, my mom, step dad, and I were told that there was one more gift and that we had to leave the room for a minute. When we came back, Brooks had a huge sign made that read "Marissa will you marry me?" Not many people knew this was happening so everyone was just as shocked as I was. Brooks even arranged for my dad and brother and sisters to be there and snuck them in the back door. I was truly shocked and had no idea this was coming. To have my whole family along with close friends there to celebrate really made the moment even more special.”

As the sun was setting, they changed into a classic and dressier outfit to end our time together; I love when couples incorporate an outfit change since it allows you to have more diversity in your photos and treat it as a really fun and fancy date night with your love!

Marissa and Brooks are getting married at Musket Ridge Country Club in June and we can’t wait for the gorgeous Catoctin Mountain views, clean lines of the reception space at Catoctin Hall (think vaulted ceilings, light walls and walls of windows with views of the golf course) and seeing them finally getting to celebrate after so many years of being together!

Let’s do this, cuties!!!

xo,
Naomi

erin + greg | tide point baltimore waterfront engagement

With winter allowing me some time to breathe and catch up with all the things, I can’t wait to finally share warmer weather vibes and all the madly in love 2019 urban row couples that I haven’t shared yet!

Before we dive into how wonderfully matched Erin and Greg are, I have to say how grateful I am not only for fun-loving couples like them, but how they came to be part of the Urban Row Photography family... Mandi and Miles, one of our 2016 couples (see their incredible July waterfront wedding in Baltimore here!), are good friends with Erin and Greg and connected us soon after they got engaged. Referrals like this mean the absolute world to us - there are not enough words to express how much we appreciate knowing you felt that comfortable and confident in sharing our work and your experience with your best friends!

Meeting up with Erin + Greg at Tide Point was the perfect spot to capture their love story since it all begin by the water!! I’m always amazed to hear stories like theirs! If this doesn’t make you believe in fate, I don’t know what will…

“We met at Seacrets in Ocean City! An unlikely spot! Greg was visiting Ocean City with a group of guy friends. It was the weekend he was supposed to be in Vegas for a friend's bachelor party. When that friend's wedding was called off, they decided to go on a quick trip to Ocean City instead of going to Vegas. Erin was staying in Fenwick DE (not far from OCMD) with her friend (and maid of honor) Maddy. Both groups ended up at Seacrets on Friday night. Maddy was dancing with one of Greg's friends, so when Greg saw Erin alone, he asked to buy her a drink. We exchanged numbers at the end of the night and have been texting daily ever since!”

As soon as we started, Erin and Greg fell into such a groove, they were complete naturals in front of the camera and if they didn’t feel like it, I definitely couldn’t tell… (that’s always the goal: I want you to have fun, be silly and belly laugh as much as possible… just so ya know!)

Erin’s favorite thing about Greg makes me smile since I could totally see it during their engagement session! Their faces both light up whenever they look at each other… “My favorite thing about Greg is his laugh. It sums up his care free attitude and overall "fun to be around" spirit. And, it's what stood out about him the first night we met.”

Their proposal story gave me butterflies and also involved a view of boats and Baltimore waterfront sunset perfection!

“Greg planned to propose at Erin's family's cabin on the Susquehanna River. They were supposed to spend a Saturday there so Greg could help put the docks in the water for the season. However, Erin was asked to go to Los Angeles for work last minute and booked a flight home the Saturday he planned to propose, so that plan wouldn't work. Greg says he couldn't wait until another weekend, so he decided to propose the night before Erin left for Los Angeles, on Wednesday evening. They went to dinner at Blair's on Hudson (favorite neighborhood spot where we always order the same thing - Guinness Filet!) and went for a walk on the water afterward. Greg proposed on the waterfront in Canton when the sun was setting. It was a beauuuuutiful early May evening. It was a pretty private spot, but after he proposed, a few people sitting on their boats docked in the water nearby started cheering! They continued walking to Fells Point for a celebratory drink and started making calls to family and friends to share the news.”

You both are the sweetest and we can’t wait to capture your wedding at the Accelerator Space in April! If you bring your best laughs and adorable carefree love, it will be a day to remember like no other!

Cheers to 2019 being your best year yet!

xo,
Naomi

courtney + dustin | rye street tavern cozy fall engagement

If this isn’t the best answer to what Courtney’s favorite thing about Dustin is, I don’t know what is… “just one?! I love that we compliment each other. We are opposites in the right ways and the same in the right ways.”

One of my favorite aspects of being a photographer is learning about what means the most to my clients (both in love and in life) and capturing the joy of their relationship TOGETHER in an effortless way. While Courtney told me numerous times how they are awkward in front of the camera, I beg to differ… these two ROCKED their photos and chose an amazing Baltimore location, Rye Street Tavern, adjacent to the Sagamore Spirit Distillery, to enjoy a gorgeous October night overlooking the water!

After I first connected with Courtney on Instagram, we’ve bonded over our shared love of wine, cheese, healthy and easy recipes, female small business ownership, a lifestyle full of approachable wellness, growing up in the tristate area… and the list goes on!

Here’s the story of how they met, in Courtney’s words:

“Dustin and I met at a bar on the University of Delaware campus. In my mind, it was a much more 'meant to be' moment than just meeting some random guy in a bar might sound. I went to UD for undergrad and when I stayed for grad school, I moved out of the college town and was alone with no friends in the area. There was a new grad student orientation happening my first true night 'alone' and my mom encouraged me to go. She called me and said she was worried about me and I better not be home alone all night. I was not planning to go to this event, I thought it was so silly because I had just spent four years at the school and I knew my way around. But I went in the hopes that maybe I would make a friend. I did meet a few people and had a nice time. At the end of the event, the organizers / leaders of the event invited us all to meet them at a local bar to hangout. It was still early in the evening and I called my mom to tell her about how I was glad I went to the orientation. I told her about the bar gathering but said I didn't think I would go. She told me I should go for at least 15 minutes if I had a good time because having some friends for this stage of my life was important. I said fine. I went and felt awkward but almost immediately one of the leaders, Ryan, came up to me and said hi and that he recognized me from the event and he was glad I came. He was very nice and was trying to make me feel comfortable. After a few minutes of talking a guy walked into the bar and up to us and Ryan introduced him as his roommate, Dustin. I immediately thought he was super attractive and I hadn't gotten a drink yet so the two of us talked while Ryan moved on. We ended up standing at that bar and talking for almost 3 hrs. I found out he liked Bruce Springsteen and was from Kentucky; being a Jersey girl, I was sick of east coast guys and had a love of Bruce. I thought he was funny and easy to talk to. We exchanged numbers and I went home. On my way home I called my mom and told her I met a 'really nice guy'...”

And then the most thoughtful clue-filled proposal…!

”We had a day trip to DC planned to see the cherry blossoms. I was running late (per usual) and we had a train to catch. Dustin was upstairs because I asked him to help me with my outfit choices. Once I was dressed, he came over and gave me a hug and said I looked nice and there was something he wanted me to do before we left. He reached into his pocket and picked out a slip of paper. It was a clue! I immediately knew what was happening and got all shakey. Clue 1: ‘You let me eat these when I have a sweet tooth (it was a box of sugary cereal)’. Inside that box was another slip ‘Thank you for feeding me nutritious foods and helping me be healthy.’ Clue 2: ‘We took one of this the first day we met' (a shot… it was a shot glass on our bar). Next slip said: ‘I love that you are fun and adventurous with me’. Clue 3: ‘This is where you organize all of your days, like today (my planner)’. Next slip said ‘I admire your ambition and I know it will pay off big soon’. Clue 4: ‘It's under the thing I worked on for six years (his PhD which is framed above our office desk)’. Next slip said: ‘Thank you for always supporting me and being there for me, even during hard times’. Clue 5: ‘hiding under your favorite sleep companion’ said "I want to be with you for all days" and when I turned around Dustin was there with a ring box open - just looking at me, for what felt like FOREVER. I was so tempted to speak but I didn't, I just smiled and nodded like come on, ask me, hahahaha and he asked "Do you want to get married?" in a Dustin fashion I would expect, and I said yes, and then we went and had a fun day in DC.”

Your wedding at Mt. Washington Tavern is going to be absolutely incredible - we can’t wait to be a part of it! I already love how your wedding date is the EXACT date you met… 1000% meant to be!!

xo,
Naomi

styling: Kristi Stevens of Shoptini
location: Rye Street Tavern + Sagamore Spirit Distillery
approachable wellness: Real Food Court