ilana + ben | elegant garden wedding at Tusculum Farm

As soon as I arrived at Tusculum Farm for Ilana + Ben’s intimate wedding, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. The gardens were lush and in bloom, the sky was full of fluffy clouds and Ben’s dad happened to meet me as I parked my car.

Shortly before my first conversation with Ilana and Ben, I had recently photographed a wedding here. I mentioned it to them since they were still looking for a venue to get married that would allow their closest family and friends to stay and relax in a serene setting for a few days. Ben’s dad mentioned to me how grateful they were to have found this incredible wedding venue / family retreat after I suggested it… I’m just so glad it resonated with them!

The idea of a wedding as a relaxing retreat with your favorite people is the best thing ever — isn’t it?! While at Tusculum Farm, it truly feels like an escape from the rest of the world. I’m so excited to share Ilana and Ben’s wedding with you that was full of SO many memorable and magical moments unique to them, their values and beliefs.

These two beautiful souls share immense joy in just being present and it’s so easy to see how they are better together. Ben’s calmness is a perfect compliment to Ilana’s joie-de-vivre; at their engagement session, Ilana surprised Ben with a chess board because he loves games, strategy and puzzles. They share such a deep love of food, family and togetherness; I hope you enjoy these moments from their elegant farm wedding!

8 DETAILS FROM ILANA + BEN’S TUSCULUM FARM WEDDING THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:

1. Ilana got ready in the Fox Den suite of the modern farmhouse while Ben got ready and enjoyed time with his family during the Tisch in the Hay Barn. Both settings were incredibly relaxed, spacious and comfortable.

2. They wed under a chuppah that Ilana hand-painted, her veil was made from French lace that had been worn by 4 generations before her and Ben’s kittel was also passed down to him.

3. A whimsical garden feel was woven throughout their details; Ilana’s gown was modern, elegant and full of lace florals while her heirloom lace veil had the most intricate detail - I couldn’t stop staring at it!
   
   Ben and his brother / best man, both wore floral shirts from Paisley & Gray.
   
   Ilana’s wildflower bouquet, chuppah florals and bud vases at the reception from Lucky Penny Floral were the perfect variety of scale, color and texture.

4. While seeing each other for their first look, they chose to read notes to each other. Ilana mentioned that hers wasn’t fully complete yet; the full version was on the computer, she just didn’t get to finish writing it all out… made for such a fun, honest, laugh between them!

5. The ketubah signing was followed by the bedeken and prayers for both Ilana and Ben by each of their parents. Since the veil was so long, Ilana got tangled up in it and it made for such a fun sequence of photos (see below)!

6. With such an intimate group, they invited most of their guests to come up individually and say a blessing during their ceremony.

7. Guests waved fabric streamers at the end of their ceremony to celebrate as they recessed down the aisle; colorful ribbon was also strung from the barn and the back of their chairs, to add a festive touch to the outdoor reception!

8. Cocktail hour was held by the pool, dinner was held under the stars overlooking the fields and dancing began as the full moon rose. There are SO many places to take photos (I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since they own 500 acres!), I could have easily spent all day taking their portraits… at the pond, near the greenhouse garden, the courtyard and gardens behind the house, the pool, the large lawn with the enormous trees, the Hay Barn, the rolling hills and fields…

I’m not sure if you can tell how much I loved this 3 level staircase…

Congratulations, lovebirds! I was so honored to document your intimate wedding at Tusculum Farm and witness all of the love, pride and joy your family and friends have for you. I wish you both nothing but a future full of simchas!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM

venue: Tusculum Farm
planning: Vanessa of Little Black Book
photography: Urban Row Photography
videography: Isabel Studios
catering: Get Plated
florist: Lucky Penny Floral
officiant: Rabbi Daniel Burg
hair and makeup: Carla Pressley
band: The High and Wides
invitation: Greenvelope
ketubah: The Delicate Brush
gown: Made with Love - Stevie
shoes: Bryr Studio
groom’s attire: Paisley & Gray, Baltimore Custom Clothiers
cake: Taste This Cake

emily + tim | an Italian-inspired garden soiree wedding under the stars

From the moment Emily’s mom reached out a week before their intimate wedding to see if I was available, I felt like a part of the family.

Since their original plans of a destination wedding in Italy had to change, this front porch wedding at the bride’s aunt and uncle’s home in Roland Park was not only planned in a few short weeks, but was an incredibly intimate and heartfelt ceremony that celebrated what really means the most: being able to gather together with immediate family (the bride has 4 brothers!) and enjoy a relaxing meal under the stars, on a warm summer night.

Emily got dressed and ready in her mom’s home; as soon as I walked in to see this grand staircase in the foyer, I knew portraits needed to happen here. I honestly have no words… Emily, you were such a stunning bride in that modern yet timeless low-back dress.

One of the benefits of having such a small and intimate ceremony at home is the ability to take portraits with your dog before leaving for the ceremony! Emily’s dog was the perfect pup - so excited to be with her and so sweet and photogenic!!

Are they not the most beautiful couple with the most classically elegant style!? Loved having the wraparound porch behind them for photos where the ceremony took place among lush white and green florals and white lanterns leading up the steps. Their ringbearer nephews definitely stole the show (and my heart)!

All of the guests were seated at one long table in the garden with gold votives and candleholders, white candles in glass hurricanes, greenery garland, cream-colored roses, eucalyptus, white peonies, magnolia leaves and more white blooms making up the lush floral centerpieces. Menus at each placesetting were tied with a white bow and tucked with a sprig of rosemary; as a nod to the bride’s Italian heritage, each menu course was listed in Italian (aperitivo, primi, secondo, dolce).

This adorable wedding cake was made by Bramble Baking Co. and decorated with herbs, fresh edible flowers and white ranunculus and baby’s breath along the base.

Congratulations again Emily and Tim!! I was so honored to document your intimate wedding and be a part of your family’s celebration! The details were exquisite, the heartfelt speeches brought tears to my eyes and the love shared was palpable.

Wishing you perfect weather and festive family-filled Italian meals together for decades to come! Salute!!

xo,
Naomi

beauty: No Filter Glam
gown: Agnes by Peter Langner
custom veil + dress boutique: Gamberdella Boutique
cake: Bramble Baking Co.