kelly + colin | a modern wedding with old-world charm at the heron room + cosima

Held at one of my favorite Baltimore wedding venues, the Heron Room at Mill No. 1, Kelly and Colin’s October wedding felt romantic and modern yet industrial and old-world all at the same time…

I can’t lie. I was nervous when the day first started. The weather was gloomy and rainy – nothing at all like Kelly + Colin’s vibrant and warm personalities, not to mention, the bright and happy day they deserved. Luckily, a few minutes after I arrived to the venue, the sun came out, the clouds gave way to a bright blue sky, and everything dried up right as we were starting to capture their portraits.

Kelly + Colin’s love is honest, down-to-earth, and relaxed. After being together for six years, they’ve seen each other through so much and complemented each other so well! There was a comfortableness about them that can only come from years of love and happiness. It’s clear to anyone who knows them that they are truly soulmates.

12 Memorable Details and Elements from Kelly + Colin’s Heron Room + Cosima Wedding:

  1. Part of an old mill complex, the exposed brick and stone walls, the cobblestone courtyard, and the proximity to Jones Falls give it a lush, old-world, European feel that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. Surrounded by soft greenery and nature yet also industrial and historic, this venue honestly has it all and I love that couples and their guests can easily take advantage of all of it here!

  2. Kelly and her bridesmaids got ready in the loft apartment at Mill No. 1. The lobby was full of natural light as her bridesmaids saw her for the first time — with the huge black and white letters of Mount Vernon Mill signage behind them, it was such a perfect space for these moments!

  3. After that, it was time for another first look, this time with her dad. Cue the tears! This was the most emotional father-daughter first look I’ve ever had the honor of witnessing. I hope my husband gets this emotional on our daughter’s wedding day! It was just the sweetest.

  4. Kelly + Colin had their first look outside on the cobblestoned courtyard adjacent to the Jones Falls. They shared personal vows with each other, taking a minute to just be present before the craziness of the day started. I thought her reveal with her dad was emotional but boy, this one had me crying behind my camera…

5. Kelly was exquisite — she honestly looked like a real-life Barbie. Her gorgeous blonde hair hung down in perfect waves around her shoulders, which really complimented the tiny straps, low back, and scoop neckline of her gown. The simple, modern embroidery of large flowers on her Jenny Yoo gown from Garnish, completely took my breath away when she put it on. It looked like it was 100% made for her!

6. Colin also looked amazing, of course! He wore a black suit with a pocket floral and a gold tie clip that was a surprise from Kelly… but the best part of his outfit was the big smile that spread across his face as soon as he saw his bride.

7. The entire bridal party was also dressed in black, which made the bright autumn flowers of their flower arrangements really pop.

8. Their outdoor ceremony took place in the cobblestoned courtyard and was officiated by a good friend. After they were officially pronounced husband and wife, they recessed down the aisle through a white rose petal toss. What a romantic and joyful way to end this sweet ceremony!

9. After cocktail hour on the patio, the party moved to Cosima for dinner + toasts. The family-style, Mediterranean meal felt intimate, relaxed, and comfortable – just like the love story we were celebrating!

10. My favorite detail of the reception was the cocktail napkins with their pets faces on them. What a great way to pay homage to the #urbanrowpup that connected them in the first place, Colin’s dog, Goldie!

11. Before dinner and speeches, we quickly went outside to grab portraits during golden hour. Mill No. 1 has a really amazing bridge that connects Cosima with another old mill building. We got some fun photos of K+C on the bridge looking back at their beautiful wedding venue. With the old brick building, rusted metal shutters and wild greenery of Jones Falls, it really felt like something out of a fairytale.

12. I loved working with fellow mom entrepreneur Olivia Hill for videography, and DJ Chris Legend of Gold Event Group, who kept the party going nonstop all night with a non-traditional all-white speaker and booth.

Kelly + Colin, I hope everyone finds a love as comfortable and supportive as the one you two share!

The way you care for each other is such an inspiration to those around you and it’s so obvious that everyone was so excited for the two of you to tie the knot. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your big day — I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both! Don’t be strangers, I miss your energy already!!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue: heron room at mill no. 1
dinner reception: cosima
planning + coordination: modern social events
photography: urban row photography
videography : stories by olivia hill
florist : hiddenvale flowers
dj : gold event group, dj chris legend
beauty : bridal glow with victoria o
gown : jenny yoo
boutique : garnish boutique
rings : radcliffe jewelers + brilliance in diamonds
groom + groomsmen’s attire : the black tux

allie + hunter | a joyful waterfront wedding at frederick douglass

When you think of a picturesque Baltimore wedding, can you imagine anything more perfect than a pier-side ceremony with sailboats filling the harbor and an epic golden hour sunset? 

That’s exactly the vibe Allie + Hunter achieved when they got married in October in Baltimore at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum. Full of water views, sailboats, and a waterfront cocktail hour on the patio, it was the most picturesque backdrop for guests to experience…

With temperatures in the high 60s, no clouds in the sky, and a light breeze, guests watched Allie + Hunter marry at the end of one of the most photogenic piers in Baltimore in front of a circular wooden arbor, adorned with lush greenery and ivory roses, anemones and peach colored blooms. The backdrop of sailboats and the Domino Sugar plant combined with constant laughter and candid joy — so many opportunities to document photos of family and friends with a photojournalistic feel! It was an incredible day for these two super sweet soulmates!

10 Memorable Moments and details from Allie + Hunter’s fall Wedding at frederick douglass maritime park:

  1. Allie + Hunter both got ready at one of my favorite modern Baltimore hotels: the Canopy Hilton at Harbor Point. This contemporary, clean, and crisp hotel is full of natural light in every room, uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling waterfront views and a design that celebrates mid-century modern finishes in an elegant and luxe way.

  2. Speaking of getting ready, Allie and her 7 bridesmaids incorporated confetti and personalized Chambongs, while they were getting ready. They had zero fun with these, lol. ;)

  3. Favors for their guests were custom-made wooden coasters that featured a picture of their cute pup, Bruce, and their names. The fact that they were made by Hunter’s brother made them even more special!

  4. One of my favorite moments of the day was Allie’s first look with her dad. Allie had told me that her dad gets very emotional and man! The emotions were sure flowing during this first look! Both Allie and her dad were crying happy tears when they saw each other.

5. Allie + Hunter’s first look went a little … differently. This fun-loving couple have an inside joke involving Guy Fieri so it only made sense that the chef made an appearance – sort of. During their first look, when Hunter turned around, he was shocked not to see his beautiful bride but, instead, a cardboard cutout of Guy! The laughter helped calm Hunter’s nerves and he was all smiles when Allie jumped out from behind Guy for their real first look.

6. The flowers, by Wanton Poppies, featured beautiful, textured fall florals complete with roses, dahlias, and anemones: beautiful, organic, and natural.

7. Allie’s seven bridesmaids all wore hunter green (get it? Hunter? ha!) floor-length gowns in various styles and the groomsmen wore navy blue suits. The colors really popped against the cobblestone streets and historic buildings in Fells Point.

8. Taking the time to enjoy a first look at your reception space is a new trend and I love when couples take advantage of it! Allie + Hunter took a moment away from the excitement of cocktail hour to peek at the reception they worked so hard to design, before it was full of happy guests. They got to practice their first dance and just enjoy a moment to themselves before getting back to their excited guests.

9. #urbanrowpup Bruce made another appearance once we got to the reception. The couple hired Lynny C to paint a photo of him on the signage for their bar. Their signature drinks also tied in their beloved pup with names like “Goodest Boy” and “Wonky Paw”. I just love when couples include their furry family members in their big day!

10. The cherry on the top of their perfect reception was when we snuck out to grab photos during golden hour. This sunset was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in Baltimore before! We timed it perfectly and got some really vibrant and radiant sunset photos right along the water.

Another reason having a wedding at Frederick Douglass Maritime Park is one of my favorite spots? The sunset views here are better than anywhere else in Baltimore. Yup, I said it!

10. What’s a Baltimore wedding without Berger cookies? Instead of a cake, Allie + Hunter cut a Berger cookie cheesecake while their guests enjoyed Berger cookie cheesecake bites, Smith Island Cake bites, and vegan key lime tarts! Zeffert & Gold crushed it with dinner, desserts AND drinks. DELICIOUS.

This Baltimore wedding was overflowing with love and laughter – even “Guy Fieri” got on the dance floor to party the night away in celebration of Allie + Hunter!

Allie + Hunter: you were an absolute dream to work with. Your love and laughter is contagious and it was obvious throughout your special day that every single guest was so excited and happy for you to start your lives together. I just know that you (and Bruce!) will be very happy for years to come. Thank you for allowing me to capture your wedding at Frederick Douglass Maritime Park - I can’t wait to see where all of your adventures take you!

xo,
Naomi

Vendor Team:

planning + coordination: The Otherside Creatives
venue: Frederick Douglass Maritime Park
hotel: Canopy by Hilton, Harbor Point
photography: Urban Row Photography
caterer: Zeffert & Gold
florist: Wanton Poppies
DJ: Mixing Maryland
beauty: Brushed Beauty
videography: Shutter & Sound
wedding gown: Maggie Sottero, Holly by Rebecca Ingram
boutique: Elite Secrets Bridal
bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey
veil: Jill Andrews Gowns
groom and groomsmen attire: Generation Tux
invitation: Minted
calligraphy: Lynn Cipollone
wood coasters: Groom’s brother, Chapel Creek Customs
lighting: Event Dynamics

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.

A group of bridesmaids and groomsmen standing in front of a brick building.

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!

A bride and groom kiss in front of a petite wedding cake topped with dried orange slices at their Mt. Washington Mill Dye House wedding.

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

the loom baltimore | a new modern, intimate industrial mill wedding venue

The Loom is one of Baltimore’s newest event space and a sister venue to the Dye House and Winslow, two of my favorite industrial wedding venues in Baltimore!

exterior view of new industrial baltimore wedding venue the loom
interior view of new white industrial baltimore wedding venue
views of new industrial baltimore wedding venue the loom

One of the major differences you’ll notice at The Loom is how both light and bright the space is while at the same time, having an edgy, modern, industrial aesthetic from the exterior and when you first step inside.

These 3 elements featured in the design are my favorite:

The built-in 360° bar creates quite a focal point to the space and makes for quick and easy service. 

view of the built in 360 bar at the loom in meadow mill baltimore
opposite view of the built in 360 bar at the loom in baltimore

The “secret bar” can be used either open as an additional bar or food service station, or closed, becomes a fun backdrop for décor or photo booth. 

The gas fireplace in the front courtyard makes for cozy cocktail hours in the cooler months.

ABOUT THE LOOM AT MEADOW MILL:

Dating back to the mid 1800’s, Meadow Mill was one of Hooper’s Woodberry Manufacturing Company located in the Jones Falls Valley. The mill was first intended for the manufacturing of twines and cotton duck (a heavy canvas used primarily for ship sails). After a long life in the textiles, the mill was sold to Londontown Manufacturing Company in the 1960’s and became home to the famous London Fog Raincoats. Today Meadow Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Included below are quick facts about capacity, logistics and what truly makes The Loom a unique Baltimore wedding venue; hope you find it to be a helpful resource! 

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT THE LOOM? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

What makes The Loom unique as a new wedding venue in Baltimore?
The Loom is a beautiful blend of industrial and historic details, yet full of natural light and modern.

How many guests can be accommodated for a seated dinner and dancing?
120 guests for ceremony, cocktails, seated dinner, DJ & dancing (100 guests with a band). The exterior courtyard provides seating for approximately 60 guests.

view of ceremony chairs setup at the loom

Where do guests park?
On-site parking is located adjacent to the venue.

How many events are hosted per day? 
We host just one event per day.

interior ceremony setup at the loom baltimore

How early do couples have access to the space on their wedding day?
Clients have access to the venue starting up to 1 hour prior to the event start time for use of the on-site suite and photos both inside and outside.

Are there spaces for the wedding party to get ready on site?
We have a small suite that is available for use starting up to 1 hour prior to the event start, and then through until the end of the evening.  Wedding party should plan to come with hair & makeup already completed.

Are outside caterers permitted? 
The exclusive on-site caterer for the Loom is Copper Kitchen.

Is a representative from the venue going to be on-site for the duration of the event?
Yes – we have a venue manager on-site from vendor set up (3 hours prior to event start) through the duration of the event, and for the 1 hour of vendor clean up at the end.

What does it cost to host a wedding at The Loom?
Saturday 2023/2024 rental rate is $7000, $6500 for Fridays/Sundays (non-holiday rates).

What is included with the rental of the space (tables, chairs, other specialty furniture / items, etc)?

  • 3 hours for vendor load in/set up, 4 hours of event time, 1 hour for vendor clean up.

  • Use of the suite

  • 16 60” rd dinner tables, 6 cocktail tables, 1 48” rd table, and 150 Willow Back wood chairs

Is the venue accessible?
Yes — all areas of the venue except the private suite and coat room are accessible.

Is the venue climate controlled?
Yes — the interior of the venue is fully climate controlled.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS

Website: The Loom Baltimore
Directions: 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410-779-1217
Email: events@loombaltimore.com
Contact: Michele Coziahr, Director of Events