afryea + shaquille | a spring elopement in downtown baltimore and druid hill park

Afryea and Shaquille are the definition of soulmates that compliment each other in every way!

Their intimate Baltimore elopement took place on one of the coldest days we’ve had this spring so far (it was 36 degrees and flurried earlier that morning!), but you’d never know while looking at the photos… they exude joy, happiness and respect for each other, while being the perfect amount of quiet and thoughtfully contemplative (Shaquille) combined with energetic excitement and bubbly radiance (Afryea).

The sun was shining bright and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to document a love story like theirs! The world needs more of their kind of love.

Afryea and Shaquille got ready and had an intimate, heartfelt ceremony at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront downtown with their families witnessing the love, excitement and memorable vows they shared.

I was OBSESSED with both the minimal yet gorgeous pearl jewelry Afryea incorporated into her bridal look, complimenting the low back, soft lace dress she wore as well as Shaquille’s powder blue suit and floral tie.

Shaquille’s close friend Jim officiated and there was no shortage of laughs, happy tears, warm blessings by each family member and excitement for their future together. All of their words brought me to tears behind the camera!

Their expressions in the photo above (one of my favorites!) was brought to you by the best comment by Afryea’s dad: “you all could be a toothpaste commercial!” He’s not wrong!!

After the ceremony we took portraits in Druid Hill Park which had so many beautiful spring buds and blossoms opening up and matching blue skies to Shaq’s suit… it was almost like they planned it that way! ;)

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and never-ending joy together as you continue to grow as a couple and start your life as newlyweds in New Orleans; you already have an incredible foundation with all the love from your families and your roots in Baltimore and NY!

Thank you for trusting me to document your wedding day - it was an absolute honor!!

xo,
Naomi

nakeia + chris | a micro wedding with an old world feel in dickeyville, baltimore

Nakeia + Chris are still planning a larger party in the future but for now, they embraced the idea of a small and memorable intimate wedding at a historic home with their closest family and friends and it was absolutely PERFECT! The Dickeyville neighborhood where they celebrated, felt like it was MADE for them: it was relaxed, quiet, beautiful, full of charm and tons of character!

These lovebirds designed and planned their wedding to take place in one of the larger homes in the neighborhood on one of the 2 main historic streets; the upstairs bedroom served as Nakeia’s getting ready space, while the large gathering space on the first floor held the ceremony and was later transformed into a dinner reception.

We took advantage of the backyard full of greenery for family portraits and then explored the neighborhood together for their adorable just married, golden hour portraits (my favorite time of day)!

SIX UNIQUE AND MEANINGFUL DETAILS NAKEIA + CHRIS INCORPORATED INTO THEIR CANDID AND INTIMATE WEDDING:

1. Nakeia’s off the shoulder crepe dress had buttons running the entire way down her back as well as on her sleeves. So classic and modern all at once.

2. The baby’s breath in her updo added a romantic, whimsical and soft, textured look - the perfect way to tie in garden elements!

3. Nakeia’s Uncle Terry walked her down the aisle and was beaming the entire way; it was absolutely heartwarming.

4. They jumped the broom to symbolize starting their lives together!

5. The wedding party wore burgundy colors with orange ribbons tying the hydrangea bouquets together to represent Virginia Tech, the groom’s alma mater… Go Hokies!

6. Nakeia and Chris loved the Dickeyville aesthetic, so they prioritized portraits during golden hour… (more on what unfolded, below)!

Nakeia met her Uncle Terry at the bottom of the stairs and this moment of him beaming at her, makes me so happy. So much pride and joy!

We walked along the tree-lined streets, stopped in front of stone knee walls from the 1800s and ivy covered garden residences marveling at how quaint and cozy this hidden gem felt - it was like we were in a tiny European village (definitely reminded me of Cinque Terre in Italy!) as neighbors shouted down from open windows and came out of their homes to share in the excitement of their newlywed status!

Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Gardner! Your easygoing, relaxed and fun personalities were a joy to document - I can’t wait to see how you continue to celebrate your love next year and make memories together for decades to come!!!

xo,
Naomi