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:
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
Dave and his groomsmen showed off their personality with custom Star Wars socks and embroidered monogrammed fabric inside their Indochino tuxes.
After all the family and wedding party portraits, they popped champagne on the patio together… more post-ceremony champagne explosions please!
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!!