kylie + nate | a classic mt vernon wedding at the belvedere in may

Classic and chic like their wedding, Kylie + Nate are so happy and in love!! They were a joy to photograph during their engagement session and their wedding was no different! Just one look and they make the other burst into happy laughter. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever attended a wedding that had more loving glances and laughter than this one! 

Having met at Johns Hopkins University and spent the past few years renovating their home in Mt. Washington, every chapter of this couple’s love story has been touched by the city of Baltimore. It only made sense that their wedding portraits featured their tight-knit group of friends and family, gorgeous city brownstones, the Washington Monument, and one of the most popular festivals in Mount Vernon: Flower Mart.

Kylie + Nate tied the knot at The Belvedere in early May. We were blessed with a gorgeous, sunny day with a high of 65 degrees and absolutely no threat of rain. We took some of my favorite portraits in and around Mt. Vernon, capturing their love for each other, their families and friends, and the urban feel to where they fell in love.

11 Memorable Moments and Details from Kylie + Nate’s Belvedere Wedding in Mt. Vernon:

1. Kylie got ready at one of my favorite hotels: the Revival. This boutique hotel is just so unique, full of personality, a super comfy place to relax AND right across the street from Mt. Vernon square, making a first look and portraits with the park as your backdrop, super easy!

2. Nate got ready at their home in Mount Washington, which was really special considering how much time they’ve spent renovating it and making it their own. I loved that they included their private home in their wedding portraits AND at-home engagement photos!

3. Kylie got ready in the Miss Mary Suite with her bridesmaids and family. Her dress transformed multiple times, giving her a few different looks throughout the day and her Mavette shoes in shades of pink and burgundy matched her bouquet perfectly! Paired with all of the heirloom jewelry she wore and the special wedding band that Nate gave her, she looked like the quintessential Baltimore bride, straight out of the gilded age (just like their venue!).

4. After Kylie’s mom helped her put on her dress, she did a bridesmaids reveal in the spacious suite, where her friends saw her for the first time. She also did a groomsmen reveal, where all of her groomsmen and both her and Nate’s dads saw her for the first time. It was a really fun way to include the entire bridal party in a first look!

5. Speaking of first looks, Kylie + Nate had their first look in the east quadrant of the square, with the Washington Monument behind them. Their faces lit up at the sight of each other! Finding a quiet spot in the park was a bit of a challenge with Flower Mart going on at the same time, but thanks to the help of LynnAaron of Nouvelle Weddings scouting it out in advance with me, we were able to find a perfect private and shaded spot away from crowds and vendors.

6. We also took full advantage of Flower Mart for cute candids of Kylie + Nate walking around and enjoying those iconic Baltimore lemon peppermint sticks in front of the monument and some wine! It was the best way to capture their love of Charm City during one of the most beloved and historic spring festivals.

7. When it was time to head to the Belvedere for the ceremony and reception, we made sure to carve out time to take wedding party and couple’s portraits under the marquee sign. It’s a must, if you’re having your wedding at the Belvedere, if you ask me!

8. Walking down the aisle in the Grand Ballroom created such a dramatic and memorable processional with their parents by their side; both Nate and Kylie as well as their friends and family were full of happy tears!

9. As guests walked into cocktail hour, they were handed glasses of champagne with a floating edible monogram, a K & N. I’ve never seen something like that! It was such an unexpected, delightful touch to their classic and elegant wedding!

10. We also made some time during cocktail hour to sneak out for urban golden hour portraits along the street with the Washington Monument in the distance as they crossed the street. But first, photos in the Owl Bar and gold-trimmed elevators: textured, gilded and full of sneaky smooches! It was so fun with Kylie & Nate being so relaxed, enjoying the start of married life in a carefree and effortless way! We had to also get a night shot out of the second floor window, of course!

11. Since the ceremony and reception were both held in the Grand Ballroom at the Belvedere, all of the ceremony flowers and greenery were repurposed to frame the stage where the band, Spectrum from Washington Talent, performed and kept the dance floor rocking all night. The white drape and twinkle lights behind the band created a soft and romantic atmosphere… I loved this idea as a way to make the band backdrop purposeful, well-designed and integrated into the overall vibe of their day!

Kylie + Nate, you two are going to take on the world together and I can’t wait to see all of the incredible things you accomplish! Thank you for letting me be the one to document the beginning of your married lives together. It was truly the biggest honor!!

xo,
Naomi

Huge thanks to this incredible vendor team:

planning + design: LynnAaron of Nouvelle Weddings
photography: Urban Row Photography
venue: Belvedere & Co. Events
florals: Stacy Bowen Floral Design
getting ready: Revival Baltimore
beauty: Behind the Veil Beauty
cake: Cake by Jason
band: Washington Talent’s Spectrum Band
dress: Enzoani
shoes: Mavette
boutique: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
groom’s + groomsmen attire: The Black Tux
officiant: Ceremony Officiants
invitation + paper goods: mlc designs
welcome bags: The Tradition Begins
calligraphy: Lynn Cipollone
lighting / drape for band backdrop: Event Dynamics
rentals: Select Event Group

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

an unconventional + fun accelerator space wedding

Inspired by a love of craft beer, The Avett Brothers and enjoying each other’s company while laughing wholeheartedly, Heather + Jordan’s Accelerator Space wedding was full of personal details, intimate moments, eclectic decor and an edgy, modern aesthetic that complimented their love story and personalities in every way… not to mention, making time to take photos at Baltimore’s best industrial spots!

Holding their wedding on Leap Day was just one of the ways these lovebirds designed a wedding that was totally unique, fun, memorable and full of photo ops everywhere you turned. February weddings are not for the faint of heart… H+J braved frigid 28 degree temperatures for not only their first look, but portraits with their wedding party in Clipper Mill; our hands were frozen and our cameras took their time focusing, but these cuties won so many awards in my book - you’d have no idea how cold we all were!

Jordan’s reaction when he saw Heather for the first time says it all…!!!

Heather + Jordan’s modern industrial yet intimate and romantic Accelerator Space wedding was the best way to kickoff 2020… enjoy these sneak peeks, some of my ABSOLUTE favorites from their winter wedding in Baltimore!

9 FUN FACTS + HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Jordan wore a maroon plaid sport coat paired with black converse and a black cap while Heather wore a blush fur stole to keep her warm with white converse that were embroidered with her new last name!

2. H+J got married on Leap Day, which happened to be the same anniversary as her grandparents.

3. They shared their first date at a local craft brewery in Baltimore and as a homebrewer, their signature drinks were 2 of their favorite local craft brews (Bells Two Hearted Ale + Union’s Duckpin) and their favors were pint glasses that said ‘Love is Brewing’, so fun!

4. The Otherside Creatives and Lynn C designed an escort card display inspired by their love of beer: individual mini glasses of beer with hand lettered table assignments and a 6’ black acrylic Avett brothers sign with their favorite lyrics…

5. To maximize dancing with their guests, there was nothing but open dance floor after the MOH and Best Man gave their speeches - no formal / first / parent dances

6. Zeffert & Gold created the most delicious dinner stations which meant minimal lines while guests went up to get their food and tons of tasty options: a street taco bar with allll the toppings and sauces, lamb + flank steak with mashed potatoes and mushroom ravioli and chicken in a creamy garlic sauce

7. Thurman & Fig collaborated with The Otherside Creatives to create a hanging dried floral installation for the ceremony which was EPIC. It was able to be repurposed to go above the photo station with the couch and fern wall after ceremony was done.

8. Who needs a photo booth when you can design a photo lounge for guests to use??

9. Heather’s bouquet was full of king protea, tulips, roses, eucalyptus, ranunculus and palm elements… texture, burgundy, blush and amazing smells!

Starting the day getting ready at the Inn at the Colonnade meant we were really close to Clipper Mill and ultimately, the Accelerator Space. My texture loving heart was OBSESSED with all of Heather’s details!! Her dress had gold sparkles in it!

Once we couldn’t feel our limbs anymore, we headed back to the Accelerator Space to get ready for the ceremony with a stop at Full Tilt Brewing, just below. Love the colorful, unconventional and urban feel this space had to it!

We had never photographed a ceremony in the den space yet and I can tell you, it’s pretty amazing!

Cheers to you, newlyweds! Here’s to have and to nornhold forever and ever… we were so honored to document your wedding and all the emotion and excitement behind it!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM LOVE

planning: The Otherside Creatives
photography: Urban Row Photography
venue: Accelerator Baltimore
music: Bachelor Boys Band
HMU: Pretty Weird Beauty
florals: Thurman & Fig
rentals: Something Vintage Rentals
catering: Zeffert and Gold
lighting: Event Dynamics Inc
calligraphy + signage: Lynn Cipollone

chinnu + suganth | burgundy, pink and gold indian wedding at the belvedere hotel

When Chinnu and Suganth described their Belvedere Hotel wedding day as an Indian American wedding celebration with traditions from both cultures, I couldn’t stop smiling!! I immediately knew that this, our first Indian wedding and first time capturing the incredibly rich Belvedere Hotel ballrooms, was going to be so memorable and filled with meaningful details and traditions… I wasn’t wrong. ;)

While watching Chinnu and her family get ready at The Lord Baltimore Hotel, I was in awe of the beautiful jewelry, the colorful saris and rich textures and patterns present in every detail of their garments. The henna was incredible! I loved that Suganth also had Chinnu’s name on the inside of his palm… (this detail was also included in Baltimore Weddings’ It’s All in the Details feature in their new 2019 print magazine)!

This… one of my favorite moments from their entire day happened during their first look in Mt. Vernon. I asked them to turn towards each other and share all the love they were feeling at that moment and among the excitement of the day… and helllloooo, there it was: the most adorable, joyful and genuine smiles.

Crimson and Clover Floral Design added SO much soft, natural beauty to their wedding - it was the perfect touch. The mandap was literally covered in and dripping with such lush and rich flowers! Burgundy amaranthus, light pink roses, white hydrangea and eucalyptus perfection!

The Belvedere Hotel’s Grand Ballroom was literally glowing with gold trim, enormous crystal chandeliers, elevated floral vessels and sparkling gold candlesticks to tie it all together. Mahogany chiavari chairs completed the luxurious look at a mix of round tables and a long head table for the bridal party and newlyweds to have a prime dance floor view!

When Chinnu changed after the ceremony into a lighter look, she transformed into a stunning gold and light blue princess with a touch of sheer light pink wrapping around her… her soft curls cascaded down to allow for a completely different look to end the reception!

C+S, it was such an honor being part of your joyous and family-filled wedding day! We’re so grateful you came to us from a mutual friend (heyyy Lost Note Productions!) and wish you all the best!!

xo,
Naomi

getting ready location: Lord Baltimore Hotel
ceremony + reception: Belvedere & Co.
florals: Crimson & Clover Floral Design, Inc.
DJ: Dynasty AV & Entertainment
HMU: Styles By Swati - Salon SBS
Caterer: Rupa Vira's The Signature - Finest Indian Cuisine
Desserts: Patisserie Poupon Bakery