rachel + jordan | baltimore clock tower engagement + colorful fun at nacho mama's
/“Nachos are our love language.”
As soon as I learned this fact about Rachel and Jordan, it was a no-brainer that we’d have to recreate the start of their first date with a stop in front of Lee’s Pint and Shell, ending with an enormous plate of nachos at Nacho Mama’s in Canton! We even met up with their close friends, just like the night of their first date…
But first, we started at the Bromo Seltzer Clock Tower for some portraits of these lovebirds in formal attire with a modern, neutral and monochromatic look.
Everything about their engagement session date night was colorful, fun, unique, memorable and one of the best ways to celebrate their love of all the quirky charm that earns Baltimore it’s Charm City nickname. With that, I can’t wait to share some of my favorite photos from Rachel + Jordan’s fun and formal engagement session at the Bromo Seltzer Clock Tower and along the Canton square and waterfront!
I love their meet-cute story! Here it is in their words…
“One summer night in August of 2019 Rachel was playing dating app roulette with a friend when she came across Jordan's profile and messaged him to come meet them at the bar they were at in DC. Unfortunately, Jordan was out of town that night. They traded phone numbers and began trading messages, Rachel making sure he didn't go to THE Ohio State University and Jordan making sure Rachel could pass the "sloth astronaut" humor test [when they first connected, Jordan sent Rachel a picture of a sloth dressed as an American Astronaut. Rachel then sent the picture to their mutual friend Naomi (Rabbi Howard's wife) because she thought it was weird he sent that picture "no context". Naomi responded that it was a little weird but he's a really great guy and his parents are her favorite people. Rachel then responded to Jordan, is this what you send girls to see if they have a sense of humor? and Jordan responded "it's objectively funny". Jordan now shows sloth astronaut to everybody (he's Jordan's phone background) and everybody laughs and Jordan continues to prove to Rachel that she was wrong and everybody thinks it's funny].
Soon after, Jordan was at a birthday party for the child of a family friend who went to the University of Michigan. Remembering that Rachel went to Michigan, Jordan asked if they knew each other and as it turns out they were close friends from college.
Deciding this was a sign they should meet in person they arranged a date on a night that Rachel had dinner plans in Baltimore. After meeting each other for a pretty typical first date drink at Lee's Pint and Shell, Jordan walked Rachel across Canton Square to Nacho Mamas where she was meeting her friends for dinner. To both of their surprise, Rachel's friends invited Jordan to join. He agreed and the date continued as a double date kibbitzing over Nachos. After such a successful first date they decided to see where things would go and began seeing each other weekly sometimes in Baltimore and sometimes in DC. Then, in March 2020 the pandemic of a century arrived and Rachel, anxious about what was to come, announced that she would rather quarantine together than apart. Jordan agreed and showed up at her apartment with a month's worth of clothes, a jumbo pack of toilet paper and three pizzas and said everything was going to be ok.”
And the proposal story… (peek Rachel’s adorable ring dish below!)
“On a crisp fall evening, Jordan made dinner plans with another couple at an Argentinian Steak house they had been eager to try. Unbeknownst to Rachel, this was just a yummy diversion because as they were out to dinner, other friends were at Jordan's house decorating the rooftop deck.
After dinner, Jordan suggested that since they were having so much fun, the other couple should come back to his house for drinks on the roof. As they got home, Rachel climbed the spiral staircase ahead of the rest of the group and gasped as she saw the beautiful rooftop scene. As she took in the stunning decorations - red roses, rose petals and candles - Jordan got down on one knee. When Rachel turned around they held hands as he proposed. After Rachel said 'Absolutely!' cheers began from a neighboring rooftop. She looked over to see the friends who had secretly decorated climbing over from their hiding spot on a neighbor's roof to celebrate the engagement.
Prosecco was popped, calls were made and tequila shots were had. With COVID restrictions lifting, a local Karaoke bar, Waltz Inn - a favorite of both Jordan and Rachel that they had never been to together - had just reopened and the group continued the celebration with jello shots, and singing and dancing into the night.”
Cheers, cuties!! I can’t wait for your wedding at The Belvedere in just a few weeks… getting to know you both has been such a joy! Rachel, your impeccable sense of style, love of delicious food and travel and Jordan, your sense of humor and thoughtful kindness are just some of the ways your love story continues to inspire me… here’s to your best day yet, happening SO SOON!!!
xo,
Naomi
catherine + joey | a fun, historic main street engagement in Westminster
/When your favorite thing about each other is basically the same quality/feature, you know you’re soulmates… when I asked Catherine and Joey to share their favorite thing about their fiance, they both said this:
Catherine about Joey: “His laugh - it never fails to cheer me up. I actively try to make him laugh as much as I can because it feels me with pure joy.”
Joey about Catherine: “Her smile - because it lights up the room.”
I love the love these two share! They chose to take their engagement photos in Westminster, MD (where they currently live) because the town holds lots of history and meaning for Joey and his family - bonus that it also has the sweetest classic Americana vibes, adorable tree-lined streets, quaint architecture and beautiful pocket parks!
I love the way their love story began over margaritas and burritos and business school…
“We were classmates in business school at Georgetown when we first met. Neither of us recall actually meeting for the first time - but we spent our entire first semester of school sitting across from one another (in a semicircle shaped lecture room). Our first date was on a Sunday evening - we went to a local taco shop and there was some confusion on whether we were just getting drinks or eating dinner... so Catherine ate beforehand and drank a margarita while Joey housed a burrito. That's how it started.”
Catherine and Joey are so full of joy and smiles that light up a room — it’s easy to see their chemistry and the love they have for each other, their families and Mosey, their adorable #urbanrowpup!
And how sweet was Joey’s surprise proposal?!
“We had really nice dinner at a lovely restaurant/hotel in Taneytown, MD called the Antrim. When we returned home, Joey sent me on a (short) scavenger hunt that involved finding some sparklers, putting together a mini puzzle of our dog and ending on our back porch - where flowers, champagne and balloons spelling "CFG MARRY ME?” were strung up. It was just us, at home (with our dog) and it was perfect.”
Talk about perfect… I’m OBSESSED with Catherine’s unique engagement ring!
Exploring downtown Westminster with you two was so much fun (I could have spent an entire day there!) and I can’t wait for your gorgeous wedding!! You’ve planned and designed such a beautiful day with Lauren Corrigan Events, I’m honored to be a part of it and can’t wait to celebrate you both!
Cheers, lovebirds!
xo,
Naomi
jessie + will | a Bmore Licks, Patterson Park + Fells Point engagement
/“Moving away has shown us how much we love the city! We are really looking forward to kicking off our return to Baltimore, starting with our wedding…”
As soon as I first chatted with Jessie and Will, I learned 4 things very quickly:
We share a love of cheese, pizza (from Verde), and ice cream (from Bmore Licks of course!)… all of the most important dairy-filled foods!!
They love to make each other laugh and are one of the most down-to-earth couples to be around. I honestly wanted to hang out with them ALL DAY - they are ADORABLE, gorgeous and the perfect compliment to each other.
I am honored and incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to document their love story. Seriously, how did I get so lucky with these two!? #couplegoals 100%
The vision for their Mt. Washington Mill Dye House wedding is one that will celebrate their amazing sense of style in a simple, elegant, genuine and fun way…
They chose to focus their engagement session in and around my 2 favorite neighborhoods in Baltimore: Patterson Park and Fells Point… there was no shortage of genuine fun! ;)
I absolutely love their love story and had to share it with you…
“We both went to Loyola. Will was a year older, finishing up his extra semester and coaching golf, and I was a senior. We had never met or really even crossed paths during our college careers until early in the school year of our last year. Will bravely introduced himself on the dance floor of Ropewalk Tavern on a Thursday night out (Thursdays were always our favorite night in college and boy do we miss them!!). After exchanging numbers at Ropewalk, the weeks to follow were filled with many anxiously typed texts back and forth trying to make the perfect impression. We started to spend more and more time together and cross paths on campus after the night we met. We aren't ashamed to say that many of our early moments together were in Ropewalk Tavern or Zen West Cantina, two of Loyola's best known bars, having a little too much fun but that's what senior year is for! Over several months our relationship evolved from the guy or girl we both hoped to run into at the bar to each others best friends. As the end of senior year approached and Jessie had plans to go to dental school at Creighton in Omaha NE there were many difficult and teary eyed decisions which ultimately ended in Jessie moving to Nebraska and Will working and living in Baltimore. We spent more weekends in airports that first year of dental school than either of us ever anticipated. The weekly Omaha to Baltimore commute became evident that we had something really special. As hard as that year was, for as many tear-filled phone calls, and for all the heavy hearts as we flew back to our respective places we grew A LOT and learned even more about each other and how much we were in love. After tons of job applications many that seemed to be pushed aside considering the difference in location, Will finally landed a job at Gallup in Omaha and moved this past May. We are now happily living together and learning even more about each other every day. We feel extremely lucky that we "found" each other and will be forever thankful for dance floors way too late on Thursday nights in Baltimore.”
I remember when they described the proposal to me… it brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart (and stomach). ;)
“After I moved to Omaha and we were settled in our new apartment; the timing truly felt right. We spent an entire year commuting back and forth every weekend and it seemed fitting to take some time to cherish how far we had come. On the morning of July 3rd, Jessie went for a run and when she came back I had made a full breakfast that was ready and waiting for her. I knew this was the time and I was so excited for the feeling of this step forward that I could not wait any longer. I don't think either of us actually remember what came out of my mouth while asking to Jessie to marry me, but I will never forget the feeling that we had that day. A big part of what made it so special was our commitment to each other during challenging circumstances and an unwavering belief that we had each others backs through anything.”
We had the best time together walking, laughing, dancing, eating ice cream and enjoying a beautiful day in Baltimore… these lovebirds are THE BEST. They were nervous at first (I know that’s hard to believe!) but chose the cutest set of outfits and I can honestly tell you, they were MODELS every step of the way!!
Jessie and Will, your love for each other is an inspiration to so many! You are destined for big things together and I can’t wait until you’re back in Baltimore to officially become husband and wife in front of so many friends and family - your wedding day can’t come soon enough! For now, I hope you enjoy all the memories of your favorite Baltimore spots!
xo,
Naomi
lisa + kyle | a colorful blagden alley dc engagement session
/There was so much to love about my time with Lisa + Kyle during their Blagden Alley engagement session in DC!
Here are a few of my favorite moments from our time and the reasons why I love couples that aren’t shy in sharing what makes their relationship so special… it’s so easy to see how happy these two make each other!
4 REASONS WHY THIS BRIGHT AND COLORFUL BLAGDEN ALLEY ENGAGEMENT SESSION WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:
Their photos are a blend of fun, vibrant, colors within the LOVE mural in Blagden Alley contrasted with neutrals and greenery among nearby alleys and street corners in Logan Circle.
2. The genuine love and laughter they share is heartwarming and immediately smile inducing!
3. The rose gold engagement ring Kyle gave Lisa is so intricate and unique!
4. This adorable couple knew they wanted to incorporate their love of the architecture in and around where they live, so we specifically spent time finding unique buildings and backdrops that complimented their outfits and dynamic personalities!
No shortage of laughs and silly yet sweet moments being playful and enjoying this time together; I always encourage my couples to just be in the moment and not think too much about what I’m there doing… Lisa and Kyle NAILED it!
Lisa and Kyle, I absolutely adored our time together exploring some of your favorite DC spots! I hope you both continue to encourage each other to laugh and dance in the streets long after you’re married - it’s the best way to keep the spark alive!
xo,
Naomi
heather + jordan | baltimore street art + union craft brewery engagement
/When you share a love of laughter, local craft beer and breweries, industrial, colorful murals and happiness through ice cream (thanks to The Charmery for that perfect tagline), you know you’ve found your person, or people, in my case.
I met up with Heather + Jordan in Hampden on the Avenue to start our adventure in and around Baltimore’s best engagement photo locations and I can’t wait to share all the fun we had with you…
Here are some of the places we visited together to be sure we documented their engagement with a backdrop of fun, colorful murals and plenty of liquid courage along the way!
The Charmery’s original location on the Avenue in Hampden
The Stay Humble mural in Hampden
The Hampden mural at Hampden Elementary School
Woodberry murals (huge shoutout to Anna of The Otherside Creatives for helping us find these, some of the best murals in Baltimore!)
Union Craft Brewing at Union Collective