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

ally + doug | an ellicott city wedding full of love + puppies

It may have been a cold and dreary March day when Ally + Doug got married but you would never know it by looking at their photos — they were full of love, energy, and happiness all day long. A little rain wasn’t going to keep them from making the best of their big day! 

This Ellicott City wedding had it all – including a visit from the most handsome, tuxedo-wearing pups that brought out the biggest smiles from Ally + Doug!

Ally + Doug’s wedding was the perfect mixture of time-honored traditions and their unique personalities. They incorporated their families into their special day while still keeping it centered on their relationship. From where they got ready, to the church they got married in, the sentimental details they incorporated really added a unique feel to this wedding.

11 Memorable Moments and Details from Ally + Doug’s Ellicott City Wedding:

1. No other wedding has given me this unique opportunity: the chance to document a joyful and down-to-earth couple at Merriweather Post Pavilion before heading to the church and Main Street Ballroom for their reception.

2. Both Ally and Doug got ready in the dressing rooms of this concert venue, which made for the most unique getting ready photos!

3. Before she put on her wedding dress, Ally had a special surprise for her mom. The family had a wedding dress that had been worn by Ally’s grandmother and her mother at their weddings. It also played a role in Ally's sister’s wedding and other family milestones. Originally, Ally had planned to wear it but, even after getting it professionally cleaned, it had yellowed too much for her taste. Rather than not include it, Ally decided to surprise her mom by putting it on before her actual wedding dress. When she emerged from the dressing room, her mom was moved to tears. It was so heartwarming to see Ally, her mom and sister all sharing this special moment together.

4. After surprising her mom, Ally changed into her actual wedding dress, which was a beautiful layered tulle and lace gown. She paired it with her mom’s lace wedding shoes but also had pearl studded Betsey Johnson platform sneakers ready to change into for the reception.

5. Unfortunately, Doug + Ally both lost their fathers during their teenage years. This was something they bonded over and Ally knew she wanted to include her dad in their ceremony somehow. As her something blue, she used a piece of one of her dad’s old shirts as the ribbon on her bouquet of fresh white, blue, and green flowers.

6. Merriweather Post Pavilion provides so many unique backdrops for photos, but we decided to keep it simple for their first look. Taken against a stone wall, these portraits are simple, timeless, and classic – with one addition of course! The couple’s cute little pups, Brantley and Jackson, joined them for their first look (thanks to the amazingly helpful team at Furever and Fur Always!). Donning little tuxedos, they were ready to party and added such a sweet addition to their first look photos.

7. St. Paul’s Catholic Church atop a hill in Ellicott City, Maryland plays a huge role in both of their families. Doug’s parents, as well as members of Ally’s family, have been married in this historic church. Ally’s great-uncle is also a member of the Parish staff and officiated the wedding.

8. Since it was still raining when we arrived for their reception at Main Street Ballroom, we grabbed a few clear umbrellas (I always keep them on hand in my car!) and walked around the venue to take a few rainy yet adorably romantic photos with painted brick walls and string lights above. 

9. Their cute little pups popped up again a few times at the reception… on the cake topper and on their personalized koozies. I always love these little personal additions #urpcouples include in their weddings!

10. Since Ally’s father was not with us, her 5 uncles stepped in for the father-daughter dance. It was so much fun to see her go around the dance floor, floating from uncle to uncle. There was just so much happiness in the room!

11. Finally, as the night was winding down, Ally + Doug went outside with me to get some cool end-of-the-night photos. I love when couples choose to do this for two reasons: 1. We get some really fun and festive photos at your venue in a different light AND 2. It allows you to take a break from the craziness of your wedding and spend a few moments with just each other (+ my camera of course!) to really soak in the fact that you are now a married couple!!

Ally + Doug, you are such a beautiful, strong, and incredible couple. Your love of family traditions was inspiring to see and I know that you’ll continue to laugh together everyday in the future. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I wish you all of the happiness in the world!

xoxo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

planning + coordination: Simply Created Events
getting ready venue: Merriweather Post Pavilion
ceremony: St. Paul’s Catholic Church
reception venue: Main Street Ballroom
photography: Urban Row Photography
catering: Absolutely Perfect Catering
florist: Radebaugh’s
beauty: Happily Ever After
gown: Casablanca Bridal
boutique: Love it at Stella’s
DJ: Thiery Banks of Red Carpet Entertainment
cake: Sugarbakers
wedding day dog care: Furever & Fur Always
bridesmaid dresses + groomsmen ties: Azazie
groom’s attire: Jos A. Bank
invitations: Minted Weddings

rose + ryan | a rustic industrial black and white wedding at main street ballroom

On a perfectly cozy November evening in Ellicott City, MD, Rose and Ryan were married at Main Street Ballroom and looked pretty freakin’ incredible while doing it… actually, they made it look easy because they’re just that cute together.

I knew as soon as we were together at their engagement photos, that these two love to laugh, but what I didn’t know was how much they love to cry happy tears together too! Their November wedding was classic with a modern twist, fun, sentimental, heartfelt, unique and full of so much love… I don’t know how your celebration could have been any better!

Enjoy these favorites from their day… you may need a tissue nearby! ;)

10 MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND DETAILS FROM THIS BLACK AND WHITE, INDUSTRIAL CHIC MAIN STREET BALLROOM WEDDING:

1. Rose’s oversized white and greenery-filled bridal bouquet with a king protea as the focal point and palms framing the outer edges; so much texture!

2. The enormous and lush hanging floral installation over the dance floor and the white rose petals lining the aisle created such a romantic feel

3. The pearls that cascaded down Rose’s cathedral veil

4. Ryan’s Spongebob Squarepants socks and all of the grooms wearing different cartoon socks with Ryan in a white jacket with a black lapel

5. Rose’s emotional first look with her dad before seeing Ryan

6. Seeing each other for their first look as their wedding party watched from behind the window… TEARS x a million!!!

7. Their signature drink, “dos hermanos” named for their 2 #urbanrowpup (s); a spicy margarita

8. The seating display and welcome signage in black acrylic: crisp, clean and modern

9. The elegant and luxe black and white table decor combined with the rustic nature of the driftwood on the long wood head table.

10. Skeeball, Taco Bell and a donut bar to end the night!

There are no words to describe their emotional first look… happy tears were flowing from every single corner and I’ve never seen two people so genuinely overwhelmed with joy, emotion, love and excitement to see each other and get married! It was absolutely incredible and don’t worry, there were also more tears while walking down the aisle!

I loved how Rose’s bridesmaids hid her inside until we were ready for her to see Ryan! Group hug or hiding the bride? ;)

Rose and Ryan, your wedding is one that I will never forget; you’re the perfect team and compliment each other so well. You have an incredible sense of style (…obsessed with both your wedding dress and silk jumpsuit!) while also keeping it real and fun (cartoon socks for the win!)...

I miss being around you and seeing the effortless way you make each other smile - it’s the sweetest! Give the pups a hug for me and don’t ever stop making each other laugh; the way it comes so easily is your superpower!

xo,
Naomi

HUGE THANKS TO THIS AMAZING VENDOR TEAM:

venue: Main Street Ballroom
planning: The Otherside Creatives
photography: Urban Row Photography
catering: Zeffert & Gold
beauty: Bridal Glow with Victoria O
florist: Thurman & Fig
DJ: District Remix
wedding dress: Pronovias
dress boutique: Garnish Boutique
bridesmaid dresses: Lulu’s Bridal
shoes: Kate Spade
groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse
signage: Steph G Calligraphy
rentals: Barnes Farm Tables, Honeywood Rentals, The Otherside Rentals
skeeball: Talk of the Town Events

cynthia + dave | an intimate and emotional main street ballroom wedding

On a picture perfect September day, Cynthia and Dave got married at Main Street Ballroom in front of 18 friends and family members. The emotion and anticipation of seeing each other during their first look came over them both at the same time… it was so genuine and beautiful to be a part of; the same thing happened during their heartfelt vows (I love it when couples write their own vows - cue all the happy tears and sentimental laughter)!

Their love story began 8 years ago at UMBC (see more here); finally being able to have the intimate wedding they had dreamt of for so long, meant so much, especially after everything they’ve gone through in having a pandemic uproot their original plans!

I’m SO happy we not only had amazing weather, but made time to walk along Main Street during sunset… the golden glow was perfect and it was the one thing missing from their engagement photos so we took advantage and definitely made golden hour magic along a historic street that is full of incredible portrait locations!

Cynthia and her bridesmaids started the day getting ready at a cute airBnB full of charm and personality in Federal Hill while Dave got ready at Main Street Ballroom. There were 3 sets of dresses and shoes that made up Cynthia’s wedding day look and each one was so perfect for that specific part of the day…

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT C+D’S MAIN STREET BALLROOM INDUSTRIAL CHIC WEDDING:

1. Cynthia’s main look was a timeless and chic Allure Bridals gown with a deep v-neck in the front paired with classic white Cole Haan heels and a BHLDN veil; for the tea ceremony, she wore this red lace Lulu’s dress with red heels and for the dinner reception at the Elkridge Furnace Inn, she paired comfort with style while wearing sparkly white Keds and a shorter fitted white dress.

2. This was my first time photographing a tea ceremony and it was so lovely! The double happiness symbol on the tea set paired with all of the gold jewelry that Cynthia’s mother passed down to her was such a memorable and respectful ceremonial tradition that made for joyful and relaxed photos with both of their parents.

3. Dave and his groomsmen showed off their personality with custom Star Wars socks and embroidered monogrammed fabric inside their Indochino tuxes.

4. After all the family and wedding party portraits, they popped champagne on the patio together… more post-ceremony champagne explosions please!

5. Despite having a small number of guests, they still came up with the most adorable and unique wedding favors; I have never seen anyone do this before and am completely obsessed! “Thank you for everything (but the bagel)…” Everything but the bagel spice in little glass jars!!!! Scroll down to see!!

When it was time for their intimate ceremony to begin against the white barn doors and chandelier above, the floral arch that Wander and Whimsy created, framed their love and provided a perfectly lush yet minimal backdrop to all of their photos…

Their traditional tea ceremony was full of love, laughter, lots of festive red and black details and an outfit change!

After cutting the cake and enjoying champagne (not the popped bottles, that came later!), it was time to head out for golden hour portraits and oh man, was it goooood… just look at how we started, with that light coming around the corner of the venue as Cynthia and Dave just happened to be walking up the hill. I saw them standing this way completely naturally and freaked out, telling them “DON’T MOVE! STAY RIGHT THERE and SLOW YOUR ROLL!” Haha, but for real… Cynthia had a few key spots where she wanted to take portraits and I honestly don’t know how to choose a favorite!

Congratulations again, cuties! From your proposal full of plushies to your party full of the people you love most, I am so excited for you both and can’t wait to celebrate with you again in 2021!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR LOVE:

venue: Main Street Ballroom
photography: Urban Row Photography
florals: Wander and Whimsy
beauty: Poetically Brushed by Kim
gown: Allure Bridals
dresses: BHLDN Damaris dress and Lulu’s red lace dress
accessories: BHLDN floating flowers veil, BHLDN fairyn earrings and Etsy flower comb
boutique: The Bridal Boutique in Columbia
bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
groom’s attire: Indochino + The Tie Bar
Star Wars socks: Etsy
cufflinks: Hello Sunshine
teaset: Double Happiness Red Wedding Tea Set
shoes: Cole Haan
invitation: Minted

julia + keegan | a classic Fall wedding at main street ballroom

Julia and Keegan have known each other since 2012 and their adventures have taken them to college in different states and work in different countries... but if there’s one thing they both knew without a doubt, it’s how special of a bond they truly have and THAT is worth celebrating everyday.

On one of the most perfect holiday wedding weather weekends (Labor Day during a pandemic!), these cuties got married at Main Street Ballroom in Ellicott City and were able to enjoy not only celebrating with their friends and family, but throwing an epic party you have to see to believe!

The 5 unique ways Julia + Keegan designed their wedding to be full of classic, historic elegance and a fun, memorable experience for their guests:

1. Keegan wore a black tux with tails, a white vest and an all-white bowtie while Julia’s satin ballgown was chic and minimal with a deep curved v-neckline, hidden pockets (ALWAYS a fan of wedding gowns with pockets to make twirling more fun) and the same veil her sister wore at her wedding.

2. Julia’s bouquet was made up of burgundy, cream, magenta, blush and peach colored flowers interspersed with eucalyptus leaves; the heirloom silver balls that both her grandmother and sister carried in their wedding bouquets added a level of meaning and shine to what she carried with her.

3. Hosting their wedding in an industrial warehouse turned event space in historic Ellicott City, MD that has original windows, high-gloss concrete floors and exposed stone walls made for endless portrait locations with natural light near the front, a moody and private feel to getting ready photos and a beautiful patio space for cocktail hour, dancing, lawn games and portraits.

4. Keegan’s dad made personalized cornhole boards for everyone to enjoy playing during cocktail hour and even after dinner since the dance floor was closest to the front doors - it made it easy breezy for guests to dance and play!

5. Julia made their mini wedding cake herself with no professional or prior formal baking experience; it was an exercise in edible creativity and Keegan was more than happy to have to taste-test each version. ;)

6. The sparkler exit was one of the things Julia was most excited for at the end of the night and it’s easy to see why: with all of their guests lined up cheering them on, there was so much energy, romance and excitement as they left for the first time as husband and wife!

Julia + Keegan chose to have their first look in front of the classic white barn doors at Main Street Ballroom and their reactions say it all…

And then it was time to head out to explore historic Ellicott City and all of the incredibly unique backdrops along Main Street; the red bridge marking the entrance, the trolley museum, the rock wall, and so many beautiful stone, brick and painted wood alleys provided tons of creative photo ops!

This is the third wedding I’ve photographed at Main Street Ballroom (the first two are here and here!) and each time, the ceremony and reception setup has been different! I love when a venue has an endless number of layout options to truly design the day to be what best suits you.

Julia and Keegan chose to host their ceremony in the annex space off to the side of the main ballroom with a circular arbor structure adorned with greenery and florals by Everyday Rose Events. It was a stunning setup that allowed Julia to enter through the side door stairwell of MSB and have a long walk down the aisle and through the barn doors…

After the toasts during dinner, we went outside to take advantage of golden hour and all of the glowy light around the venue! These always end up being some of my favorite photos of our time together… you’re relaxed and married, your guests are eating, you’ve had a few drinks and the light is soft, romantic and the night is young!

I love the series of photos below because it shows the same moment captured in a very different way (having a second photographer has its perks)! And, how fun is that heart and black and white awning behind them!?

Congratulations, lovebirds! You’re officially married and looked incredible while doing it!! I hope your marriage continues to have as much sparkle as your wedding exit did!!

xo,
Naomi

the talented vendor team:

venue: Main Street Ballroom
florist: Everyday Rose Events
DJ: Frank of My Deejay
beauty: Vintage Veils
gown: Essense of Australia style D3080
boutique: Posh Bridal
bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey
veil/headpiece: Clarissa Boutique
catering: Carterque BBQ + Grilling Co.
cake: the bride!
cupcakes: Wegmans

erin + nick | a floral-filled and heartfelt backyard wedding in maryland

There were so many incredible moments and details to love about Erin + Nick’s micro wedding, but my favorite may be how far they’ve come together, from their first meeting in sixth grade! 13 years later to the day they officially told each other how they felt, they were married in the backyard where Nick grew up and his parents still live.

6 UNFORGETTABLE ELEMENTS OF THIS
BACKYARD WEDDING:

1. June 13, 2007 was their first date. June 13, 2020 was the day they got married. 13 is Nick’s lucky number… and probably Erin’s a bit now too ;).

2. Erin’s floral print wedding dress from Lulu’s (it’s this one!)

3. The hanging white flowers atop the gazebo made for such a stunning ceremony backdrop - love the simplicity of all white florals.

4. They asked each guest to write them a message and include a photo so that they could all “be there in spirit with us” (scroll down to see the seated porch photo!) and their family assembled and arranged everyone of them into a book.

5. Nick’s best friend Ethan officiated the ceremony… they’ve known each other since 2 years old, when they moved to the same street.

6. Erin + Nick recited their own vows and then each of their parents read at the ceremony. Nick’s brother made a toast. With smaller weddings, meaningful and personalized details like that are possible! No rules anymore!

Congratulations again, Erin + Nick!! I couldn’t be happier for you two and am honored to have been able to document your incredibly sweet love story! Here’s to your first of two wedding day celebrations!

xo,
Naomi