camille + alex | an intimate, memorable wedding at rawlings + bluebird cocktail room

Celebrating their unique love story in a serene and intimate way that was “easy but elegant, laid back but still polished”, Camille + Alex’s micro wedding at Rawlings Conservatory and the Bluebird Cocktail Room was exactly that and more…

In 2018, they found themselves volunteering side by side at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. Alex, dedicated to the fire and rescue side, and Camille, tirelessly serving on the EMS team, shared Sunday nights together. Yet, their paths rarely intersected until fate intervened.

Fast forward to 2020, when Alex’s life took an unexpected turn. He accidentally adopted Boris, a spirited German Shepherd who became a catalyst for change. One Monday morning, Alex invited Camille for a hike—a simple invitation that would alter the course of their lives forever.

Their morning hikes became a tradition and with each step, they discovered more about each other—their dreams, fears, and the quiet spaces where love takes root. The trails grew longer and as the seasons changed, so did their hearts.

Camille + Alex’s micro wedding was an ode to simplicity and authenticity. These were some of my favorite moments:

1. Alex wore a three piece dark green suit from Spier and Mackay while Camille wore a modest v-neck dress with a simple waltz length veil.

2. Alex’s family surprised him by flying his grandmother in all the way from Poland to witness their wedding ceremony. It was absolutely heartwarming to see the love and excitement they shared!

3. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Boris walked down the aisle, his eyes (and tail) smiling in approval.

4. Camille and Alex exchanged vows against the glass walls of the historic Rawlings Conservatory with trailing greenery hanging above and an heirloom family ring box to hold their rings.

5. The ceremony echoed with laughter, tears, and promises as they sang two short celebratory songs from Camille and Alex’s childhood: the Shehecheyanu, a traditional Jewish prayer and Sto Lat, a traditional Polish song, at the end of the ceremony. Both are sung to celebrate special occasions, express gratitude and bestow good wishes, good health and long life.

6. Alex stomped on the glass as done in the Jewish tradition and all 16 guests shared in a champagne toast at the end of the ceremony.

7. Camille’s aunt Betsy made a small wedding cake dripping in chocolate ganache and adorned with fall flowers.

As the sun began to set, the celebration moved to the Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden for drinks, cocktails, mingling and dinner. Drinks were flowing, laughter was echoing across the room and charcuterie was enjoyed before friends and family toasted Camille and Alex with stories, memories and words of wisdom.

Camille and Alex, the joy you radiate towards each other and also among your family and friends is so heartwarming and refreshing. You’ve shared so much together but the best is truly yet to come - I can’t wait to see all the adventures you embark on together (with Boris)! Being a part of your wedding day was incredibly meaningful, special and rewarding in more ways than one; thank you for making me feel like a part of your families!

L’Chaim and Moje Gratulacje!

xo,
Naomi

rachel + daniel | a relaxed october wedding at historic london town gardens

Rachel + Daniel’s wedding was overwhelmingly full of love, sweet details and one of the best dance floors I’ve seen all year! Their gorgeous venue had waterfront views, historic significance and gardens that despite the rain, were still stunning and lush.

Asher walked down the aisle, joined them for portraits on the main lawn and stayed in the getting ready suite, hanging with their wedding party until it was time to get married — he was the best #urbanrowpup.

It was seriously the best and most relaxed day, even with the rain moving the ceremony inside the Waterfront Pavilion. Rain on your wedding day means good luck, right? With all of the love Rachel and Daniel share, I don’t know if this adventurous couple needs anymore luck, but I’m sure happy that they got some!

The weather might have forced us to move inside to Plan B for Rachel + Daniel’s London Town wedding, but the entire day was still so full of love, happiness, and so many laughs. It was also a great excuse to bring out the clear umbrellas I always have on hand! Being prepared and flexible is the best way to be on your wedding day…

8 Favorite Moments and Details at Rachel + Daniel’s Historic London Town & Gardens Wedding

1. Getting married at Historic London Town and Gardens outside of Annapolis meant a historic waterfront venue with some of the most lush wildflower gardens ever.

2. Rachel wore a simple silk gown with an intricate lace v-neck top and her hair in a half up / half down style. Daniel wasn’t leaving all the style to Rachel, though! He also looked incredible in his gray suit, red tie, and amazing long, straight, blonde locks.

3. One of my favorite things about their wedding was that they had bridespeople and groomspeople. Gender doesn’t matter when it comes to supporting the people you love! 

4. When it came time for everyone to see Rachel, her first first look was with her grooms and brides people, followed by her dad and finally with Daniel… each one was met with happy tears, smiles the size of the room and overflowing love.

5. The ceremony was held in the Waterfront Pavilion, an elegant indoor space with big bright windows and a warm wood ceiling. One of Rachel + Daniel’s good friends officiated — he added so much personality and lighthearted fun to their ceremony!

6. Their pup Asher, stole the show. I’ve had quite a few dogs come to my couples’ weddings for pictures, but not many dogs can handle the stress of walking down the aisle; Asher rocked it! He was such a good boy and everyone loved him. A huge shout out to BeMore Pet Care for being on pup patrol for the big day!

7. Dinner was held under a romantic draped tent connected to the pavilion with an epic entrance as they ran from one covered space to the next, in the rain and full of unbridled joy. The favors they gave all of their guests were glass jars full of honey from Rachel’s dad’s bees — so sweet!

7. After dinner, the party really got started but not before Rachel had a chance to change into a short sequined dress and white sneakers to dance the night away. I always love it when brides have a wardrobe change for the reception!

8. Man, this couple knows how to party! DJ Little Rock from Mixing Maryland started at 100 and kept the vibe going through the entire evening. With the LED foam sticks at the end, it really felt like a club atmosphere. I know everyone will remember this night for years to come!

Rachel + Daniel, the gloomy clouds might have dampened the gardens, but they sure didn’t dampen the excitement on your big day. Everyone was just so happy to celebrate you and your love. You are so optimistic, positive, and fun that it’s easy to see why! Thank you for letting me be a part of the first day of your official new married adventures!

xoxo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue : london town weddings
planning : social graces events
photography: urban row photography
videography : fordham films
caterer : zeffert + gold
lighting : event dynamics inc.
lounge, rentals, arbor : honeywood rentals
florals : something borrowed blooms
dessert: blue crab cupcakes
dj : mixing maryland djs + dj little rock
beauty : swept llc
pet care : bemore pet care
dress : anthropologie weddings
groom’s attire : suit shop

rachel + daniel | a downtown ellicott city engagement with their dog

On a bright and beautiful Fall day, I explored downtown Ellicott City with Rachel, Daniel and Asher, their incredibly well-behaved and photogenic #urbanrowpup! We walked near the B&O Railroad Museum, downtown Main Street and some of my favorite woodsy spots along the old trolley trail.

I couldn’t get enough of our time together — Rachel and Daniel are so naturally at ease with each other and always full of the biggest smiles! We bonded over dog training conversations because Asher is the best and including him in their engagement photos was a priority! He’s also going to be at their wedding and I am SO EXCITED FOR IT! :)

The cutest story of how these two met and became soulmates, in Rachel’s words:

“As two chronically injured athletes, we were regulars in the athletic department's training room. Daniel was recovering from hip surgery while Rachel had stress fractures in her shins. The trainer who both helped us through our recoveries would always talk about the other person, trying to set us up. Over Thanksgiving break, Daniel had a friend to start a conversation on Facebook for him, starting with the smooth opening line: "Hey, haven't seen you around the training room recently" Luckily, Daniel eventually took over the conversation and we've never stopped talking!”

I love their proposal story, and how it happened during one of the things they love doing most: travel!

“After canceling so much travel in 2020 due to Covid, we finally were able to start traveling again, something we love doing together. We went out to California to see Big Sur and San Francisco. The day we were leaving the resort in Big Sur, we took one final picture overlooking the Pacific Ocean and next thing I know, Daniel was down on one knee! It happened so fast and right when it was over, we hopped in the car to drive up the coast to San Fransisco.”

Rachel and Daniel, the way you are together is so effortless, comfortable, confident and genuine — it’s been such a joy to witness your love story unfolding and I can’t wait to see you both officially married (with Asher there to witness!) at Historic London Town & Gardens!!

xo,
Naomi

sam + brian | a relaxed accelerator space wedding with 2 dogs + lush blooms

One of my favorite aspects of being a wedding photographer in Baltimore is hearing the stories of how my couples met. Sam + Brian’s chance meeting in Fells Point feels like a rom-com movie, complete with two of the cutest #urbanrowpups!

These two lovebirds met while walking their dogs, Xander + Dobby, along the promenade. In Sam’s words, “we stopped to let our dogs say hello and immediately started to laugh about how similar they looked (both little, mostly all black mutts). I started to snap a few pictures of the dogs wrestling and Brian asked if I could send him the pictures to smoothly get my phone number…”

Since their dogs are such a big part of their love story, Sam infused the day with a lot of doggie-related details. And if you know me, you know the only thing I love more than weddings is a wedding day spent with cute pups! 

From the details of the gorgeously lush hanging floral ceremony installation to the guests’ Baltimore-themed goodie bags to personalized doggie drink stirrers, Sam put a lot of thought and effort into ensuring every little detail was taken care of.

Brian’s only concern? Ensuring Sam’s happiness. She had worked so hard to make the day perfect, and Brian just wanted his beautiful bride to enjoy it.

Their wedding was a lot like their relationship – relaxed, joyful, celebratory, and full of love.

13 Memorable Moments and Details from Sam + Brian’s Wedding at The Accelerator Space:

1. Sam + Brian both got ready at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Many of my couples choose this location, so I know it well, especially all of the best spots! This is one benefit of working with a local wedding photographer: if it’s windy, rainy, or too crowded, I always have a Plan B in mind.

2. Sam told me that she wanted a gown that was classic yet modern, with a really good twirl. She definitely achieved that! The fitted top portion of her gown, with lace details and an open back, brought a modern touch to her look and the a-line ball gown provided the perfect amount of classic bridal twirl!

3. Sam + Brian had their first look down along the promenade, with views of the harbor skyline behind them. The water + pups that introduced them, helped frame some of my favorite shots of this quintessential Baltimore couple.

4. After their first look, we headed to one of my favorite wedding party portrait spaces – the open areas near the Homeland lakes. I live closeby, so I walk there often and am always thinking of different ways to document my couples in its gorgeous surroundings. The fact that it’s so close to The Accelerator Space is just a bonus!

5. Sam + Brian’s close friend was their officiant, and he added such a personal touch, filling their ceremony with little stories and anecdotes of their love.

6. As much as their officiant did a wonderful job, I have to say that the flower girl, Parker, and her sweet floral crown really stole the show!

7. Their ceremony was held in the front part of the Accelerator Space, near the large glass black metal doors. Thurman + Fig designed a romantic floral installation of hanging carnations in various shades of whites, reds, blush pinks, and maroons to soften up the industrial feel of the space. This gorgeous floral installation was then repurposed as the backdrop of their sweetheart table.

8. As their guestbook, they borrowed Brian’s mom’s old college typewriter. Guests used it to type out notes of love and advice to the happy couple. It was a fun twist on a classic wedding detail!

9. The guests found their seating arrangements thanks to a huge golden mirror with white letting and black acrylic table numbers that Sam had handmade. Each guest’s seating assignment was stamped on copper bookmarks with black tassels that they had also made themselves. They were so neat — I was kind of jealous that I didn’t get one!

10. Pretty Little Wedding Co. provided a gorgeous honey colored wood bar with a honeycomb pattern that served as a focal point of the reception space. I hadn’t seen anything like it before!

11. Remember the #urbanrowpups that brought these two together? They made a reappearance as the two signature cocktails! I especially loved the drink stirrers with the dogs’ faces.

12. The buffet dinner was catered by one of my favorite Baltimore caterers, Zeffert and Gold. Always a hit, the guests loved the display of Argentinean meats and the catch of the day. When it was time for dessert, their famous mini donuts and delicious espresso martinis covered the tables.

13. Sam + Brian were the picture of wedding perfection in the golden hour shots we got – especially on the ramp against the glass garage doors!

Sam + Brian, your meet-cute is one of my absolute favorites, and it was an honor to photograph your first official day as a married couple. The love between the two of you is so genuine, relaxed, and honest. I wish you, Xander, and Dobby nothing but the best as you begin your happily ever after!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

planning + coordination: 1423 events
getting ready space: baltimore marriott waterfront
venue: accelerator space
photography: urban row photography
florist: thurman + fig
design: pretty little wedding co.
catering: zeffert and gold catering
dj: rmr entertainment + dj slinger
gown: paloma blanca
boutique: betsy robinson bridal
bridesmaids’ dresses: birdy grey
groomsmen suits: suit shop
permanent jewelry: charm city links
lighting + draping: event dynamics
beauty: brushed beauty
cake: grauls market

lizzie + jon | a heron room wedding full of muted + modern textured details

Lizzie and Jon are not only the best parents to their #urbanrowpup, Molly, but they have a killer sense of style, an impeccable eye for design and hosted an unforgettable wedding day that was intimate, modern, gorgeous, industrial and fun.

Living in Clipper Mill (my favorite historic + industrial neighborhood in Baltimore!), we took both their engagement photos there and Jon getting ready with his groomsmen and Molly, of course. :) The vibe of the entire day was relaxed yet excited, which led to some incredible candid moments with everyone!

Enjoy these early favorites from their wedding, 2+ years in the making… I am SO happy for you two and constantly want to relive this day!!!

6 memorable moments and details from Lizzie and Jon’s Heron Room wedding

1. The modern, muted and natural palette of organic texture, lush florals and mixed metals. The velvet dress that Lizzie’s sister Catherine wore, paired with the beading on Lizzie’s gown beautifully complimented and softened the historic brick and stone buildings of the old Mill.

2. Their pup Molly, was a huge part of the day bringing lots of smiles to everyone!

3. Jon looked so dapper in his crisp navy suit with a polka dot tie. When he and his groomsmen put on their sunglasses, I felt like I was on the set of a GQ photoshoot.

4. All of the lush, greenery combined with the textured brick and cobblestones at the Heron Room and the Mill No. 1 complex along the Jones Falls made it feel like we were in a tiny, cozy European city.

5. The floral arch by Emma of Steelcut Flower Co. was not only a gorgeous backdrop for their ceremony, but was able to be repurposed as their seating chart that Lizzie made in varying shades of pink to compliment the warm tones at the venue.

6. Forgoing the traditional parent dances, they instead had 5 toasts and speeches that brought everyone to tears and then kicked off a dance party that never stopped!

Congratulations, Lizzie + Jon! I can’t express how happy I am for you both and your families and how grateful I am to have been able to document this day… all the stars aligned to make your wedding day happen in a beautifully, relaxed and intimate way with your favorite people next to you!

Here’s to so many more moments together with Molly, dance party beats and the most beautiful memories, both big and small…

xo,
Naomi

kudos to this talented vendor team!

venue: Heron Room
caterer: Copper Kitchen
photography: Urban Row Photography
florist: Steelcut Flower Co.
DJ: CTL Entertainment
gown: BHLDN Sanders Dress from BHLDN Bethesda
bridesmaid dress: BHLDN Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Maxi in English Rose
shoes: Steve Madden
groom and groomsmen’s attire: J Crew and Tie Bar
rings + groom’s watch: Radcliffe Jewelers
beauty: Autumn Estelle Artistry
officiant: Ben Dunn (friend)
invitation: Minted
escort display: DIY by bride + repurposed floral ceremony arch
custom flasks: Smathers & Branson

catherine + joey | a garden-inspired tented wedding with bright, colorful florals

The florals were bright and colorful, the sky was a bright blue and yet, Catherine and Joey’s smiles were the brightest and most radiant sight all day long. I can’t say enough about how beautiful their summer, garden-inspired wedding was!!

With more than one surprise confetti cannon sendoff, this vibrant backyard tented wedding had the most stunning and lush florals (the floral chandelier was my favorite!) and a tent full of bistro lights to provide the perfect glow as it got dark - enjoy these sneak peeks of Catherine and Joey’s September wedding day!

5 of the most memorable details and moments from Catherine + Joey’s wedding:

1. Her flower girl wore a dress that is a family heirloom and Catherine wore when she was that little.

2. The pops of blue in all of the details… from Catherine’s Loeffler Randall blue bow shoes to her bouquet, the bracelet Joey gave her and the textured invitation suite with blue lettering. The linens on the cocktail tables paired with the cozy wood lounge seating and simple blue and white seating chart, culminating in blue glass goblets and knotted napkins at each place setting were all so perfectly designed!

3. The surprise confetti cannons thanks to Lauren Corrigan Events and her team ensuring they were going off at exactly the right time at the end of the ceremony and on the dance floor!

4. Their #urbanrowpup Mosey, was able to join the fun before the ceremony got underway since they got married at Catherine’s childhood home.

5. The love and immeasurable joy that was felt throughout the day with each speech, warm glance and embrace that was shared.

Congratulations again, newlyweds!! Your wedding celebration was absolutely breathtaking every step of the was; it felt like a dream to be a part of and I hope you continue to always celebrate with confetti sendoffs from now on! ;)

xo,
Naomi

huge thanks to this incredible vendor team!

planning + design: Lauren Corrigan Events
beauty: Soiree Salon
florals: Crimson & Clover
band: Bachelor Boys
caterer + desserts: Copper Kitchen
paper goods + signage: Lauren Corrigan Events and Steph G Calligraphy
wedding dress: Peter Langner Chloe
boutique: Gamberdella
bride’s shoes: Loeffler Randall Dahlia Blue Bow
getting ready: Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point
venue: private residence
rentals: White Glove Rentals
linens: Select Event Group
tent: Loane Brothers
transportation: Extraordinar

rachael + guido | a modern wedding at Anthem House, Blue Pit BBQ + Clipper Mill

It was a bright and beautiful sunny day when Rachael and Guido were finally married! You could absolutely feel the love and excitement in the air — and how long they’d been waiting for this day to come!!

One of the first things Rachael ever mentioned to me about their wedding was that Ode, their pup, was going to be with them the entire day. I was beyond giddy and Ode proved to be on his bestest behavior from the minute I walked in.

We took portraits at Under Armour’s promenade on the water and then traveled up to Clipper Mill to include weathered stone + metal industrial walls. I could have photographed these two (well, 3 with #urbanrowpup Ode!) all day long — they are just the perfect combination of sweet and silly souls who happen to be the most loving pup parents!

6 ways this fun Baltimore couple made their wedding day their own…

1. Including Ode every step of the way from getting ready together with the groom and groomsmen to including him as one of the wedding party’s VIPs (very important pup! ;))

2. Embracing their love of delicious food and drink and having Blue Pit BBQ as their caterer and venue in the Woodberry neighborhood.

3. Rachael did her own hair and makeup…! I loved her simple braid with tucked wildflowers.

4. She and her bridesmaids carried single monstera leaves and greenery with one calla lily. Rachael’s bridal bouquet included a single king protea.

5. They got ready in Locust Point’s Anthem House then took portraits at Under Armour’s promenade and Clipper Mill in Woodberry… so much variety in their photo backdrops!!

6. Rachael walked down the aisle to the Circle of Life from the Lion King.

Congratulations again, newlyweds!!! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and lots of love to Ode - it was such an honor to be a part of your big day, thank you for trusting me to capture all of these memories for you!

xo,
Naomi

planning: The Wedding Ninja
getting ready location: Anthem House
ceremony, reception venue + catering: Blue Pit BBQ
florals, hair, makeup: the bride, DIY
DJ: Dapper DJs

victoria + nial | a colorful mini wedding in downtown baltimore

Victoria and Nial have a love story that all started on a Baltimore bench (after initially meeting on Bumble!). These two share the sweetest love and admiration for each other while also appreciating the importance and love of family, connection and good food. I’m SO excited to share their micro wedding and courthouse elopement with you!! It’s full of tons of color, modern details and my favorite portrait locations in Baltimore!

“On New Years Eve we were going to a comedy show and I told her we would walk to this taco spot before for dinner. She didn’t know this would happen and she invited a friend to join us. I told him the plan and asked him to try to get some photos. Then while passing our bench I asked her to take a picture with me on the bench and then proposed.

She was surprised. Speechless for a bit. And said YES! We went to eat tacos and the comedy show. I don’t think she could stop smiling. She cried only as it sunk in, as we were having tacos. She didn’t want the tears to ruin her makeup…”

How incredibly gorgeous is Victoria’s bouquet?! So colorful while also being soft, elegant, romantic and not too bold… LOVE!!!

OBSESSED, actually.

A beautiful day for a stroll and some portraits in Patterson Park near the pagoda, just down the street from where they call home… city life and love at its finest.

After leaving Patterson Park, we stopped at this bench on the corner of Eastern + Wolfe St. in Upper Fells; this is the same bench where Victoria + Nial first met and later on, where he surprised Victoria and proposed! It was only fitting to have it flowered and full of lush color and a super romantic look for photos, by Steelcut Flower Co. Their #urbanrowpup Raffi even got in on the blooms with his own floral collar!

Our last stop of the day was in Fells, for portraits on the water at Broadway Pier before the happy couple celebrated with cocktails and dinner at the Pendry. But first, what celebration would be complete without popping champagne?!

Sending you all the love and congratulations as you continue getting used to calling each other husband and wife, Victoria and Nial! You planned such a flawless day with so many lovely ways to celebrate how your Baltimore love story came to be!

xo,
Naomi

…huge thanks to this talented team!

florals: Steelcut Flower Co.
dress: Calvin Klein
suit: Calvin Klein
videography: Adam Green
dinner reception: Sagamore Pendry
ceremony: Baltimore City courthouse

guienen + ed | a romantic summer mini wedding on the bay

Guienen and Ed were married at Herrington on the Bay during one of the hottest days of the year, but you’d never know it! They were such an incredibly patient couple with all of my ideas for portraits at this beautiful garden venue on the Chesapeake Bay… July weddings aren’t for the faint at heart when it comes to the humidity and heat!

I loved this spot for their first look - Ed was such a calm and cool groom waiting for his beautiful bride!!

Sadie, was the best flower pup in all the land! She set the bar high for all future #urbanrowpup wedding party members; we couldn’t have done it without the help of the Furever & Fur Always dog care team!!

Guienen’s bridesmaids wore stunning summer sage green Jenny Yoo Inesse dresses in a watercolor floral print paired with bouquets of a single flower variety: ranunculus, lisianthus and roses to complete the modern, elegant and romantic bayside look.

The beaded detail on Guienen’s Enaura gown was absolutely stunning while shimmering and sparkling in the sun; the pattern added a soft, subtle, whimsical touch to her bridal look!

I loved Guienen’s color palette and vision for the intimate dinner tablescape; farmhouse tables paired with white chiavari chairs, white vases, white flowers and white hand-lettered (all by the bride!) hosta leaf escort cards, brought the modern bayside look together in an understated and elegant way! The focaccia provided just the right pop of mustard yellow to coordinate and compliment the vases.

Cheers, newlyweds!! Can’t wait to celebrate together even bigger next July!

xo,
Naomi

gown: Enaura Bridal Style #Beau from Garnish Boutique
bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo Inesse dress in Morning Mist Multi from BHLDN
flowers: Love & Luster Floral
groom and groomsmen attire: Tuxedo House
hair and makeup: Up Dos for I Dos
wedding day dog care: Furever & Fur Always
Sadie’s flower collar + ceremony scrapbook: bride’s mom, Colleen Barrett
venue + caterer: Herrington on the Bay
personalized family name sign: mrc wood products

lauren + matt | industrial garden wedding at the Accelerator Space

Lauren and Matt are such a fun-loving and creative, happy couple that it was no surprise to me that they wanted to celebrate their love of Baltimore and their neighborhood as much as possible on the day of their wedding! They had their first look at the rowhouse they owned less than a block from Patterson Park (and one street over from where Anthony and I used to live!)… you may remember their engagement photos we did in Patterson Park and Fells Point; to this day, I’m still obsessed with Lauren’s vibrant and carefree colorful dress paired with a denim jacket and mustard heels.

I’ll never forget the first time we met at R House; we bonded over a love of being outside, city life, upstate NY travel and rowhouse renovation stories. I was so excited to see their Baltimore wedding come together celebrating so many local, talented vendors and Lauren’s love of flowers and a garden-inspired aesthetic to soften the structure of their industrial chic wedding venue!

Lauren wore 2 BHLDN gowns throughout the day and 3 different pairs of shoes (the Rifle Paper Co x Keds were my favorite!). The vintage suitcase she used to hold all of her details as she gathered them throughout the wedding planning process was a gift from a family member that was so functional and beautiful, we had to feature it in her getting ready photos!

Want to know a huge bonus to getting ready at your house? The ability to easily include your dog! Penny, their sweet little pup got to be a part of the photos and even, their first look!

Matt and his groomsmen treated themselves to a day at the Pendry while they got ready there. The courtyard is all sorts of groomsmen goals…!! That architecture and dark steel softened by the lush greenery…

Quite possibly my favorite first look ever.

When you live steps from Patterson Park, portraits in the park are a must do. The bouquet from Lucky Penny Floral Co. had just the right touch of blue with an incredible texture and shape to it!

I loved how they changed up the order of their day to allow for time to mingle with their guests BEFORE the ceremony. Yes, cocktail hour preceded the ceremony at the Accelerator Space! Hint, hint… more couples should do this! It was such a fun, casual way to allow the bride and groom to interact with their guests before the actual formal events started. Notice Lauren’s second dress and pair of shoes of the day! How cute, sparkly and festive is it with her earrings from J’Adorn Designs and that clutch and signature cocktail!??!

The reception details and tablescape elements were all handmade by Lauren (menus, favors) and the ceremony backdrop was designed and installed/hung by Matt, an engineer.

They danced the night away with the help of Bachelor Boys Band after enjoying a local meal by Tablefield Catering, Taste this Cake and Pietime, all vendors at Bmore Kitchen, the food incubator directly below the Accelerator Space.

Cheers to you, adorable lovebirds!! We are so honored to have been part of your wedding and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both!

xo,
Naomi

Vendor Team
venue: Accelerator Space
florist: Lucky Penny Floral
wedding gown: Catherine Deane
dress boutique: BHLDN Georgetown
veil: Noon on the Moon
shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson, Keds x Rifle Paper Co
bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
earrings: J’Adorn Designs
rings: Nelson Coleman Jewelers
hair / makeup: Haute on Wheels
groom + groomsmen attire: Indochino
caterer: Tablefield Catering
dessert: Taste This Cake + Pietime
band: Bachelor Boys Band
invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
favors / centerpieces / reception decor: Lauren, the bride ;)
transportation: Martin’s Sedan and Limo Service

unique and fun ways to personalize your wedding day

If there’s one thing I constantly hear from couples it’s that they want their wedding to be fun, memorable and a great experience for their guests who are traveling far and wide to celebrate their relationship…

But you know what I hear just as often that makes me even more excited for what’s to come in this industry? NON-TRADITIONAL details, elements, approaches and experiences making their way into wedding days like never before. HECK to the YES, PLEASE!!

Notice the custom hanging metal sculpture behind Megan + Chris below!? A super talented metalworker friend designed and fabricated it for them! *note to self: brainstorm how to incorporate friends talents…*

There are so many great ways to personalize your wedding and ensure stunning and sophisticated photos. Here are just a few of the favorites we’ve seen in 2018 paired together as opposites to show you all the creative ideas out there… if there’s one thing I’m all about, it’s visual inspiration! Some bright, bold and vibrant, others moody, monochromatic and minimalist… ALL beautiful and part of the story of your best day ever!!

Let’s begin with where it officially starts for you, the RING! So many choices to hold your precious diamond… are you a Kate Spade lover? Or a Mrs. Box collector (so many colors to choose from!)? Or something with more of a handmade, textured feel?

Which pup has the best style?! ;) 1000% YES to having your dog at your wedding! Furever & Fur Always is a great resource for all of your wedding day doggie care needs!

Are you envisioning blush floral print dresses for your girls (BHLDN/Jenny Yoo style) or more moody jewel-tones with some sparkle and beading? Maybe cool blue/green tone variations or preppy striped navy bridesmaid dresses?! Either way, mix and match looks have my heart!

The grooms and their guys have definitely been stepping up their style game too! Most popular continues to be gray and navy suits…

I can’t help but love slate blue suits as well, especially against an industrial backdrop like this metal wall at the Accelerator Space! This combo of light blue ties for the guys with a floral tie for the groom is making me swoon… or are you team black tie with classic black tuxes and bowties like Miles and his men?

What about fun custom shirts for your squad? Loving the preppy look of personalized pajamas and monogrammed floral robes!

Florals… aka I never met a bouquet I didn’t love. What’s your favorite when it comes to flowers? Do you love a certain style or shape of bouquet?

Speaking of flowers and greenery… what kind of portrait backdrops do you love? Ivy walls are always so classic and lush but mosaics add a fun artistic twist! Hint, hint: the American Visionary Art Museum has both and is one of the most unique venues I’ve ever seen that just happens to be steps away from downtown Baltimore and the waterfront… ;)

Have you considered custom invitations for your wedding? MLC Designs created this elegant and comprehensive suite for our December couple (below) and it was the perfect way to set the tone for their festive winter wedding at the Baltimore Country Club! Programs, napkins, escort cards, drink menus and other reception signage are all additional ways to make a statement with your day of details!

An October wedding at Holly Hedge Estate incorporated a subdued rustic theme while the whimsical vintage invitation by Hello Tenfold (with the fox save the date below) carried a botanical aesthetic throughout the suite for our Richmond, VA couple.

Loving this splash of color in a bright, garden inspired floral invitation suite paired with the floral lace on the bride’s veil! Another floral look focused on a soft romantic feel with Lauren’s lavender and gold invitation suite.

PRO TIP: Want an easy way to bring variety to your bridal look without breaking the bank? Some brides have 2 dresses but even more frequently I’m seeing 2 totally different pairs of shoes and I LOVE IT! Shoes can easily be worn again after your wedding and they’ll make your feet smile when you change into flats to dance the night away! ;)

The hardest part is going to be narrowing down your choices…

First looks! Inside or outside, I LOVE when couples take advantage of them… more time together means more photos before the day gets away from you, more intimate emotions and quiet moments to make memories of just the two of you…

Chuppahs and ceremony backdrops designed with lush flowers and natural elements or more minimally designed with copper tubing to accent a venue full of unique architectural features… which do you prefer?

There are so many creative ways to feed your guests! Oyster bars, mashed potato bars, brunch bars… you dream it, it can be fed to you.

Eleven Courses Catering (below) is one of the most talented caterers I’ve worked with and not only presents their food in artistic and beautiful ways but also ensures it tastes better than you’d ever imagine a catered dinner could taste!

Donut towers, custom cotton candy flavors, cookie tables, smith island cakes, cinnamon rolls… who wants just cake anymore?

Ombre tablescape, anyone? Crimson + Clover Floral Design CRUSHED this one!!

Lighting can make such a difference in a space! When it poured at the end of Lauren + Matt’s wedding, we still were able to go outside for some epic shots on the patio at the Accelerator Space since it was tented and they had hung string lights to enhance the twinkle effect!

At Lauren + Jeff’s Holly Hedge Estate wedding, mother nature played a role in their portraits at the end of the night and I loved the opportunity we had to take advantage of creative lighting in the rain!

Exiting at the end of the night is another way to have fun and create a lasting memory for your guests with sparklers, confetti, bubbles, lanterns or simply a fun getaway car!

Here’s to making your wedding the best celebration it can be, full of as much personality as the two of you!! I’d love to hear from you… leave a comment with some of the unique details and elements you’re thinking of including on your day!

kathryn + casey | vibrant fall wyndridge farm craft brewery wedding

These lovebirds are absolutely beautiful people inside and out; I’m SO excited to share Kathryn and Casey’s vibrant fall wedding day with you! Their September wedding date held so much meaning because Kathryn’s grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at that same time!!!

You need to read on to learn about the prominent piece of her wedding jewelry that her grandma made over the course of 20+ years… it made me tear up when I first heard it, such a beautiful way to incorporate a tangible family heirloom over the years!

But first, a quick recap of how their love story began…

Having been together since high school, Kathryn + Casey officially started dating in 2009 over Qdoba and Blockbuster (movie + mexican food?! ...my kind of date night!) and have bonded over a love of being outdoors, part of a close knit family, their furbaby, Cooper (who may or may not have his own Insta...) and spending summer nights enjoying a cold beer outside on the patio with cafe string lights above. These are my kind of people!!!

When Kathryn told me their wedding venue was going to be at Wyndridge Farms in Dallastown, PA, I knew it was THE perfect place for them… I also did a happy dance because of all of the unique and beautiful backdrops I knew we’d have for portraits: a modern red barn, metal brewery architecture, idyllic rolling hills and an incredible outdoor chapel to start!

The back of Kathryn’s Essense of Australia wedding dress was exquisite and fit her perfectly… I love how all the color and texture in her elegant garden-inspired bouquet compliments the dress too! You’ll also notice all of the hand-lettered calligraphy and signage throughout the ceremony, reception and paper goods that the bride did herself!! I’m honestly in awe of the vision Kathryn had and how beautifully it all came together.

Side note: one of our previous Urban Row brides is the bridesmaid buttoning Kathryn’s dress in the photo below (hi Abby!) and one of our future Urban Row brides is also a bridesmaid (hi Marissa!)… all 3 of these ladies share a love of dogs like I do and have included their #urbanrowpup in either their wedding or engagement photos!

Venues that have separate and spacious getting ready suites for both the bride AND the groom are hard to come by, but you can find them here! Wyndridge maximizes the natural light that pours into each space so each side of the bridal party has a ton of room to relax, prep and look their best in, not to mention easy access to outside AND the upstairs reception space… and DOG FRIENDLY facilities!!!

Hello, Cooper… the BEST golden doodle dog of honor there ever was!

Kathryn’s grandma started her pearl necklace the day she was born and added a pearl to it on each birthday, culminating in the final pearl in the strand for her wedding day…! Hello meaningful bridal jewelry, I want more of you! (*hint, hint, future Urban Row brides*)

This might be my favorite image of the first half of the day mainly because every single person is so full of genuine joy… and those colorful bouquets completely POP against the mix of dusty blue and green Show Me Your Mumu bridesmaid dresses!

Sparkler exits are such a fun way to end the best day of your life with everyone cheering you on! Wyndridge makes it so easy to capture with their outdoor patio forming a perfect path to exit and kiss your best friend in front of all of your family and friends.

Kathryn and Casey, we couldn’t be happier to have been a part of the official start to your incredible love story, 10 years in the making… CHEERS to the best paw-rents Cooper could ask for! We love you both and are constantly wishing we could do it all over again... how about a first anniversary trip back at the farm? :)

venue: Wyndridge Farms
flowers: Flowers by Bauers
dress: Essense of Australia
dress boutique + veil: Claire's Fashions
bridesmaid dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
bride's shoes: Jack Rogers
ring: Saxon's Diamond Center + Kay Jewelers
bride's makeup: Lauren Merrick
bridesmaids' makeup: Jaclyn Kelly Price
hair: Colleen Kelly
officiant: Mike Antinozzi
suits: Generation Tux
ties: The Tie Bar
DJ: Club Ouzo Entertainment
invitations/signage/decor: Kathryn, the bride :)
desserts: Lancaster Cupcake

elizabeth + donald | a classic mt vernon engagement

When Elizabeth and Donald are together, they exude calm and gentle love one minute and adorably sweet laughter the next… these two are the perfect blend of fun, sophistication and classic style with a love of city life!

We started in Mt. Vernon since the Walters holds a special place in their love story and finished by the water in Fells Point… you don’t want to miss Donny’s incredible proposal that involved a Faberge egg exhibit, one of Elizabeth’s favorite things to see at the Walters Art Museum!

In Elizabeth’s words, this is how it all started…

”At a coworker’s going away party, a few people from my office got together at Ryleigh’s in Federal Hill and each coworker brought friends along. We met briefly and then Donny left and went to the bar next door. I went to the guy that brought him and said “…where did your cute friend go? …bring him back.” And Donny came back. A few fireball shots is all it took and since that night, we have been together.”

And as for the proposal?

”It happened at the Walters Art Museum. We had an action packed weekend with Happy Hour and dinner with friends planned but before it all started Donny suggested we go to brunch and he had a surprise for me. First instinct, I asked if we were going to SPCA to be annoying and get another dog since I would like another... he said no, its a surprise. We pulled up to the Walters and we were just there a few weeks before so I was suspicious why we were here again, since he knows this is one of my favorite places in Baltimore. But he said there was a Faberge exhibit so I really believed we were going to see this and the suspicion went away. Then he asked if we could go to the Chamber of Wonders and in there he got down on one knee after asking what was my favorite thing in the room. Afterwards we still went to HH and dinner with friends and were able to celebrate with them!”

I’m so excited for their wedding day one month from today at the Baltimore Country Club in Roland Park; I can’t wait to share their engagement session with you since Jayce, their cute little pug was the most perfect dog model!

We CAN NOT wait until your wedding day is finally here, lovebirds!! It’s going to be such an incredible moment when you become husband and wife!

xo,
Naomi