jessica + mike | a vibrant engagement at the waterfront arches in baltimore
/Jessica and Mike, your relationship is an inspiration to so many… I have a hunch that these qualities are part of the reasons why. ;)
Jessica: “My favorite thing about Mike is his total, complete lack of arrogance. It shines in so many contexts—in his curiosity for learning new things, from anyone he meets; his willingness to listen and empathize with people's feelings and experiences; his humility regarding his own gifts and talents; and his celebration of the people he loves and all their triumphs. There is not a self-serving bone in his whole body.”
Mike: “My favorite thing about Jessica is how she believes in me and us relentlessly. The way that she gives herself to people without expectation of reciprocation, and without bounds. The way that she can make you feel like the most powerful, capable, and loved man in the world but somehow still finds a way to remind you she's running the show, and you may suddenly remember how ludicrous the dreams you've now achieved sounded out loud before you met her. I love her persistence, her soft spots for those she loves, and how she allows me to see a little more of her that nobody's ever seen everyday.”
Here’s the story of their meet-cute:
“We met at a local gym—Mike was a personal trainer and Jessica taught yoga part-time. We crossed paths in the morning, when Jessica started noticing Mike reading books in the office, in between seeing clients. After a few inquiries, Jessica found out that Mike was recently single (and another coworker suggested that he "had a line" of women awaiting his attention). Jessica found that a little off-putting, but she gently touched his arm one morning after an awkward conversation anyway— which was perhaps the only sign that Mike registered as a potential indicator of romantic interest. Several days later, Jessica stopped going to the gym due to the emerging pandemic, but she had a book that Mike had loaned her and thought that she may see him again one day. After the gym shut down, Jessica noticed that the avatar on Mike's private-setting Instagram profile had changed from a photo of his late dog, Sophie, to a photo of his very handsome face. She took it as a sign that he was maybe ready to start dating, so she sent him a friend request and he immediately accepted and slid into those DMs. Two days later, Mike invited Jessica to stop by and take a break from the cold while she was on one of her COVID-season walks around the Inner Harbor. We ended up spending over three hours talking that first Sunday... and even though Jessica refused to touch any surfaces in Mike's apartment or come closer than six feet, we knew we had found a connection. We've been together ever since— with the exception of a couple "I might have been exposed, see you in 7 days" apart.”
And the proposal, which I can’t read without happy tears streaming down my face:
“In January 2021, Mike surprised Jessica with a birthday present... that would not arrive for 9 more months. He had planned a trip to Jessica's favorite place in the U.S.: Acadia National Park. At the end of semester, we set off on the trip, taking a long roadtrip to Maine. We spent two days hiking in Acadia and tent camping at Blackwoods Campground. On a rainy, foggy Saturday morning, we left the campground and headed into Bar Harbor, where Mike had booked a luxurious suite in Jessica's favorite bed-and-breakfast, the Saltair Inn. What could have been a very happy morning was actually quite grumpy for Jessica, who was tired and annoyed with some loud campers from the night before. Unbeknownst to her, Mike was walking around with the largest ring box known to man inside his shorts pocket. He kept looking for moments to propose, but Jessica kept spoiling each second with general grumpiness. It wasn't until Mike suggested they walk along the Bar Harbor Shore Path that her mood—and the rain clouds—started to lift. Mike asked to see her favorite rock—the one she used to crawl out to and spend her afternoons on when she used to visit Acadia on her own, several trips prior. They found the big rock and crawled out onto it and began to enjoy the view of fog-covered islands against a beautiful backdrop of purples, blues, and pinks in the sky. Then, Mike asked the most annoying question known to man: "Can I take your picture?" Jessica, who hates having Mike take her photo—because he loves her so much that she could be sprouting a mushroom-covered dinosaur from her head and he would still say she looks great—promptly refused. After Mike persisted and reassured Jessica that she didn't even have to look back at the camera, she begrudgingly agreed, looked out over the water, and waited. As she grew increasingly agitated, Mike got into position and then, in typical Mike fashion, poked her in the butt. Jessica turned around to find Mike waiting on one knee. When he asked her to marry him, she even forgot to say yes before she knelt down to hug him and began to cry.”
Jessica and Mike, I’ve been looking forward to your wedding from the first conversation we ever had. Jess, your love for food and your furbaby Waffle, vibrant color, organization, design, clarity and kindness in everything you do and touch is an inspiration (seriously, I don’t want our time together to end!) -- and Mike, you compliment Jessica in every single way with a genuine love and respect that makes it so clear to see why you’re soulmates.
I can not wait to celebrate you both and document every glance, moment, touch and festive twirl that your wedding day brings. It’s going to fly by so I recommend lots of deep breaths as you take it all in from the mezzanine at The Winslow. ;)
xo,
Naomi
kim + ryan | patterson park + gunther & co engagement with their adorable dog
/To say I’m looking forward to Kim and Ryan’s wedding at the Belvedere would be an understatement!! These lovebirds are two of the most beautiful souls, inside and out… the foundation of their love story was built on kindness, respect, a love of good food and drink and being the best parents to Millie, their super sweet and adorable #urbanrowpup who will be with us for portraits on their wedding day — I CAN NOT WAIT!!
But first, let’s relive this beautiful Fall evening at Gunther & Co and in Patterson Park for their engagement photos. It was golden, glowing, and full of gorgeousness!
Their meet-cute is literally the cutest story I’ve ever heard… here’s how Kim tells it:
“I was out in Federal Hill with my girlfriends when one of them (Casey) introduced me to her cousin (Ryan) who had just moved home from New York. Over the next few months we kept running into each other, since Ryan and Casey have a very close relationship! We became very good friends. One day I was at Nordstrom Rack with another girlfriend of mine, Jenny, and I had asked her if she thought it was weird if I was starting to have feelings for Ryan. She replied, "Omg no, not weird at all! He's so cute!" A few more weeks pass, and Ry and my friendship grows stronger. Then, FINALLY, we are out to brunch with a group of our friends, and this older man starts to hit on me and make me really uncomfortable. Ryan could see that I was getting very grossed out and quickly comes over. He says to the creepy man, "I see you met my wife! Isn't she beautiful? We're leaving for our honeymoon in just a few days." (I'm basically on the floor at this point in awe...) And then BOOM he plants a big smooch on my lips. The rest is history…” :)
And the proposal… I love that we got to take their photos in Patterson Park near where they actually got engaged!
“One of our favorite things to do is go on long walks around Canton. By far our favorite location is Patterson Park! One Saturday in December, Ryan wanted to go on a long walk to Harbor East for dinner, and stop off at Patterson Park since it was on the way. Halfway through our walk at the park, Ryan guided us to a pebble stone path, dropped down on one knee, and popped the question! I said yes, of course! Afterwards, we walked back to our apartment where Ryan had organized a surprise engagement party with both of our families. He did great!” :)
Cheers to celebrating your love with all of your family and friends in one room, finally, Kim + Ryan! I can’t wait to see all the dance moves you’ve been practicing!! ;)
xoxo,
Naomi
lizzie + jon | an urban industrial engagement session at clipper mill
/Lizzie and Jon are one of the most laid-back, down to earth, and kind couples you could ever hope to meet. Lizzie’s smile lights up a room and Jon’s sense of humor is the perfect compliment.
These cuties are parents to the sweetest #urbanrowpup Molly, who of course had to be included in their engagement photos and will be at the wedding too (SO EXCITED)! I’m so glad Covid had other plans in mind for their original date since it meant I will be able to document all of the gorgeous elements they have planned: mixed metals, muted neutrals, plenty of textures and organic / natural flowers to play off the natural beauty of the industrial venue... 100% MY. KIND. OF. PEOPLE!
Cheers to celebrating your love story with all of your favorite people, FINALLY! I had so much fun with you both (+ Molly!) during our time together and can. not. wait for your wedding!!!
xo,
Naomi
kate + cody | a laughter-filled clipper mill engagement
/I met up with Kate and Cody for their engagement session 3 days before everything shutdown due to Covid… since they were visiting for a few days on a break from life in Texas, we were so lucky to have spent the afternoon exploring Artifact Coffee together and the Clipper Mill and Woodberry industrial buildings before life changed dramatically!
These two are such a beautiful breath of fresh air to be around! Their energy, laughter, lighthearted and easygoing nature made for the most fun candid photos in this location - we had room to walk, explore and admire all of the textures of these historic mill buildings while having the place to ourselves, it seemed.
Here’s how they met and how Cody proposed, in Kate’s words:
“We met in the West Virginia University Drumline. I (Kate) was marching on the cymbal line and Cody was marching on the bass line. He finally noticed I was there in the fall, and we quickly became friends. He asked me on a date by October.
Cody had switched to cymbals on the drumline by this point. I had just completed a practicum for behavior analysis at WVU and was preparing to start my masters at the University of North Texas. He told me he was going to go practice for an upcoming summer camp, and went off to go practice while I was reading something in the living room. About ten minutes later, after hearing strange sounds that didn't quite sound like practicing, he came back into the living room with a really concerned look on his face and said he though one of the cymbals was broken. I was the drum captain the previous season, so I said I would take a look at it, not realizing he was holding the cymbals together like a clam shell which is not how you typically hold a broken cymbal. When he approached me, he opened the cymbals and my ring was in the middle of the bottom cymbal.”
Their wedding day is going to be full of unconventional and unique details that are meaningful to their relationship (Kate told me her bouquet is going to be made up of musical elements) and will include board / card games for their guests to play and end with a variety of cheesecakes to enjoy as dessert! YESSSS, please!!!
I can’t wait for your wedding at the Riverview at Occuquan in Virginia! It’s a venue I’ve loved since they first opened. Your fun-loving personalities and sense of humor are going to be incredible to photograph during the Fall in this beautifully lit, nature-filled, modern waterfront venue!
Cheers, lovebirds… let’s get you MARRIED!
xo,
Naomi
lynn + nick | tide point baltimore waterfront engagement
/I’m not sure if you can tell how much fun Lynn and Nick have together from their engagement photos we took at Tide Point at the Under Armour headquarters… these two didn’t stop smiling, laughing, snuggling and dancing as the sunset and I loved capturing it all!
It’s making me even more excited to capture their outdoor July wedding at Wyndridge Farm in Pennsylvania!
Here’s their proposal story in Lynn’s words, isn’t Nick the sweetest ever!?
”Nick proposed in Seville, Spain during sunrise. It was a complete surprise! We were up early and went for a walk across the city bridge. It was on the 7th day of our trip and I actually was not feeling too well the day prior (I got too excited with the Spanish food and ate too many unfamiliar things). I even said to Nick "I want to go home". While we were walking by the river, Nick goes to grab something from his backpack. Nick loves candy, so I of course thought he went to grab chocolate from his bag. I was thinking "Really Nick?! It's 8am in the morning, candy at this hour?!"
But then he pulls out a small box! I was so surprised...my exact response was "NO NO WTF!". This was not the beautiful "I love you" response I had imagined but I had no clue and was thinking - How did I not know this was happening?! Nick got on one knee and asked "Will you marry me" and I responded "Of course!!!". By this point my stomach ache went away completely and I was so happy.”
Let’s get you two MARRIED… Wyndridge Farm, here we come!! It’s going to be a beautiful midsummer’s night among the rolling hills, craft ciders and beautiful scenery of this unique farm brewery. We can’t wait for another Wyndridge wedding among all of your closest loved ones and District Remix mixing it up on the dance floor!
xo,
Naomi
erin + greg | tide point baltimore waterfront engagement
/With winter allowing me some time to breathe and catch up with all the things, I can’t wait to finally share warmer weather vibes and all the madly in love 2019 urban row couples that I haven’t shared yet!
Before we dive into how wonderfully matched Erin and Greg are, I have to say how grateful I am not only for fun-loving couples like them, but how they came to be part of the Urban Row Photography family... Mandi and Miles, one of our 2016 couples (see their incredible July waterfront wedding in Baltimore here!), are good friends with Erin and Greg and connected us soon after they got engaged. Referrals like this mean the absolute world to us - there are not enough words to express how much we appreciate knowing you felt that comfortable and confident in sharing our work and your experience with your best friends!
Meeting up with Erin + Greg at Tide Point was the perfect spot to capture their love story since it all begin by the water!! I’m always amazed to hear stories like theirs! If this doesn’t make you believe in fate, I don’t know what will…
“We met at Seacrets in Ocean City! An unlikely spot! Greg was visiting Ocean City with a group of guy friends. It was the weekend he was supposed to be in Vegas for a friend's bachelor party. When that friend's wedding was called off, they decided to go on a quick trip to Ocean City instead of going to Vegas. Erin was staying in Fenwick DE (not far from OCMD) with her friend (and maid of honor) Maddy. Both groups ended up at Seacrets on Friday night. Maddy was dancing with one of Greg's friends, so when Greg saw Erin alone, he asked to buy her a drink. We exchanged numbers at the end of the night and have been texting daily ever since!”
As soon as we started, Erin and Greg fell into such a groove, they were complete naturals in front of the camera and if they didn’t feel like it, I definitely couldn’t tell… (that’s always the goal: I want you to have fun, be silly and belly laugh as much as possible… just so ya know!)
Erin’s favorite thing about Greg makes me smile since I could totally see it during their engagement session! Their faces both light up whenever they look at each other… “My favorite thing about Greg is his laugh. It sums up his care free attitude and overall "fun to be around" spirit. And, it's what stood out about him the first night we met.”
Their proposal story gave me butterflies and also involved a view of boats and Baltimore waterfront sunset perfection!
“Greg planned to propose at Erin's family's cabin on the Susquehanna River. They were supposed to spend a Saturday there so Greg could help put the docks in the water for the season. However, Erin was asked to go to Los Angeles for work last minute and booked a flight home the Saturday he planned to propose, so that plan wouldn't work. Greg says he couldn't wait until another weekend, so he decided to propose the night before Erin left for Los Angeles, on Wednesday evening. They went to dinner at Blair's on Hudson (favorite neighborhood spot where we always order the same thing - Guinness Filet!) and went for a walk on the water afterward. Greg proposed on the waterfront in Canton when the sun was setting. It was a beauuuuutiful early May evening. It was a pretty private spot, but after he proposed, a few people sitting on their boats docked in the water nearby started cheering! They continued walking to Fells Point for a celebratory drink and started making calls to family and friends to share the news.”
You both are the sweetest and we can’t wait to capture your wedding at the Accelerator Space in April! If you bring your best laughs and adorable carefree love, it will be a day to remember like no other!
Cheers to 2019 being your best year yet!
xo,
Naomi
kelsey + bryan | a clipper mill + artifact coffee engagement
/As soon as Kelsey + Bryan told me they were thinking of taking their fall engagement photos at Artifact Coffee since they love their maple lattes, I knew we were in for a treat (and I don’t just mean the delicious maple lattes!)… add in their pup Camden and a love of the Clipper Mill / Woodberry industrial sites around the corner and I was feeling all the ‘how-did-I-get-so-lucky-these-are-my-people’ feels!!!
We talked about our shared love of the texture throughout the stone and wood historic mill buildings for probably more emails than I should admit… ;) You both are too cute for words; words can’t express how happy I am that our paths crossed!!
Camden has the most alluring eyes and was such a wonderfully sweet little model! He rocked his status as the newest #urbanrowpup and coordinated with the warm fall color palette so well…
But enough of my commentary, I can’t wait to share THEIR love story: one of perfect timing and location. While Bryan and Kelsey both grew up in North Carolina and spent their college years at UNC-Chapel Hill, it wasn't until a year and a half after moving to Baltimore for graduate school that they ended up meeting at a school formal. Bryan tried to woo Kelsey by bringing up their similar roots, but Kelsey was extremely unimpressed. A year later, after several crossed paths and attempts by friends to bring them together, Kelsey accepted Bryan's request for a date. Bryan cooked Kelsey BBQ, they talked, laughed, and watched Game of Thrones. Kelsey fell for Bryan's sense of humor, good cooking, and kind heart while Bryan fell in love with Kelsey's intelligence, compassion, and of course, her beautiful smile (it didn't hurt that she laughed at his dumb jokes too). A year and a half passes. They explore Baltimore, get a dog, travel together, do Whole30, meet each others families, and decide they want to spend the rest of their lives together…
Once we decided that we wanted to get married, Bryan got to work designing a custom ring using the diamonds from both his maternal and paternal grandmother's engagement rings with Ron at Stonehaven Jewelry in Cary, NC (Kelsey always wanted a family ring!). Kelsey is someone who is very hard to surprise and Bryan decided to propose when she'd least expect it - on a trip to visit Kelsey's best friends in Atlanta. Bryan got Kelsey's friends Kaley and Emma in on it to help with logistics and decided to ask in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. When he found the perfect spot, he got down on one knee and asked Kelsey to marry him, and the first words out of Kelsey's mouth were, "Stop it.". Nevertheless, Kelsey said yes and we celebrated with her best friends. There was champagne, confetti, and of course pizza to end the night.
You two have such an undeniable chemistry, we’re SO excited for your September wedding at Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park!! The menu alone (featuring Copper Kitchen’s catering and ice cream cookie sandwiches for dessert) is already making all of my fall waterfront wedding dreams come true!
xo,
Naomi