kelly + colin | a modern wedding with old-world charm at the heron room + cosima

Held at one of my favorite Baltimore wedding venues, the Heron Room at Mill No. 1, Kelly and Colin’s October wedding felt romantic and modern yet industrial and old-world all at the same time…

I can’t lie. I was nervous when the day first started. The weather was gloomy and rainy – nothing at all like Kelly + Colin’s vibrant and warm personalities, not to mention, the bright and happy day they deserved. Luckily, a few minutes after I arrived to the venue, the sun came out, the clouds gave way to a bright blue sky, and everything dried up right as we were starting to capture their portraits.

Kelly + Colin’s love is honest, down-to-earth, and relaxed. After being together for six years, they’ve seen each other through so much and complemented each other so well! There was a comfortableness about them that can only come from years of love and happiness. It’s clear to anyone who knows them that they are truly soulmates.

12 Memorable Details and Elements from Kelly + Colin’s Heron Room + Cosima Wedding:

1. Part of an old mill complex, the exposed brick and stone walls, the cobblestone courtyard, and the proximity to Jones Falls give it a lush, old-world, European feel that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. Surrounded by soft greenery and nature yet also industrial and historic, this venue honestly has it all and I love that couples and their guests can easily take advantage of all of it here!

2. Kelly and her bridesmaids got ready in the loft apartment at Mill No. 1. The lobby was full of natural light as her bridesmaids saw her for the first time — with the huge black and white letters of Mount Vernon Mill signage behind them, it was such a perfect space for these moments!

3. After that, it was time for another first look, this time with her dad. Cue the tears! This was the most emotional father-daughter first look I’ve ever had the honor of witnessing. I hope my husband gets this emotional on our daughter’s wedding day! It was just the sweetest.

4. Kelly + Colin had their first look outside on the cobblestoned courtyard adjacent to the Jones Falls. They shared personal vows with each other, taking a minute to just be present before the craziness of the day started. I thought her reveal with her dad was emotional but boy, this one had me crying behind my camera…

5. Kelly was exquisite — she honestly looked like a real-life Barbie. Her gorgeous blonde hair hung down in perfect waves around her shoulders, which really complimented the tiny straps, low back, and scoop neckline of her gown. The simple, modern embroidery of large flowers on her Jenny Yoo gown from Garnish, completely took my breath away when she put it on. It looked like it was 100% made for her!

6. Colin also looked amazing, of course! He wore a black suit with a pocket floral and a gold tie clip that was a surprise from Kelly… but the best part of his outfit was the big smile that spread across his face as soon as he saw his bride.

7. The entire bridal party was also dressed in black, which made the bright autumn flowers of their flower arrangements really pop.

8. Their outdoor ceremony took place in the cobblestoned courtyard and was officiated by a good friend. After they were officially pronounced husband and wife, they recessed down the aisle through a white rose petal toss. What a romantic and joyful way to end this sweet ceremony!

9. After cocktail hour on the patio, the party moved to Cosima for dinner + toasts. The family-style, Mediterranean meal felt intimate, relaxed, and comfortable – just like the love story we were celebrating!

10. My favorite detail of the reception was the cocktail napkins with their pets faces on them. What a great way to pay homage to the #urbanrowpup that connected them in the first place, Colin’s dog, Goldie!

11. Before dinner and speeches, we quickly went outside to grab portraits during golden hour. Mill No. 1 has a really amazing bridge that connects Cosima with another old mill building. We got some fun photos of K+C on the bridge looking back at their beautiful wedding venue. With the old brick building, rusted metal shutters and wild greenery of Jones Falls, it really felt like something out of a fairytale.

12. I loved working with fellow mom entrepreneur Olivia Hill for videography, and DJ Chris Legend of Gold Event Group, who kept the party going nonstop all night with a non-traditional all-white speaker and booth.

Kelly + Colin, I hope everyone finds a love as comfortable and supportive as the one you two share!

The way you care for each other is such an inspiration to those around you and it’s so obvious that everyone was so excited for the two of you to tie the knot. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your big day — I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both! Don’t be strangers, I miss your energy already!!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue: heron room at mill no. 1
dinner reception: cosima
planning + coordination: modern social events
photography: urban row photography
videography : stories by olivia hill
florist : hiddenvale flowers
dj : gold event group, dj chris legend
beauty : bridal glow with victoria o
gown : jenny yoo
boutique : garnish boutique
rings : radcliffe jewelers + brilliance in diamonds
groom + groomsmen’s attire : the black tux

sasha + greg | a classic summer wedding with vibrant florals at the winslow

Sasha + Greg got married at one of my favorite venues: The Winslow, in downtown Baltimore. Even though the weather was crazy – constant clouds, sun, rain, storms, rinse and repeat – this was one of the most beautiful and elegant weddings I’ve had the pleasure of photographing!

Sasha + Greg are so effortlessly in love that it just made the entire day so relaxed and wonderful. From Sasha’s beaded flats and Greg’s custom-made suit to the lush and vibrant floral arrangements paired with the layered gold place settings — it was all absolutely breathtaking. You could easily tell that the Nouvelle Weddings team thought about every detail and left nothing untouched, making this day absolutely perfect for this incredibly sweet couple. I was beyond excited to photograph it!

11 Memorable Moments and Details from Sasha + Greg’s Wedding at The Winslow (with portraits at The Butterfly Room):

1. While getting ready at the Four Seasons Baltimore, Sasha’s daughters wore matching blue satin pajamas that popped against the vibrant orange and golden yellow florals.

2. Greg wore a custom navy blue suit by Christopher Schafer Clothier and looked absolutely flawless. That suit was lined with a fun patterned blue fabric and his name embroidered inside. It was so full of personality — I love how confident custom suits make grooms feel on such an important occasion!

3. Sasha + Greg kept their wedding party intimate and meaningful with just Sasha’s two teenage daughters and Greg’s teenage son.

4. Sasha’s day of details were so fun and elegant all at once: she included a cute mini beaded clutch, a satin ivory clutch with a large bow, crystal-embellished Bella Belle Willow flats, sparkling rhinestone jewelry and a custom invitation suite designed by Ruby the Fox.

5. The paper goods and day of details were so pretty and unique that they deserve their own time in the spotlight! They included white and gold letterpress menus, personalized navy blue cocktail napkins, a geometric navy blue envelope liner and a letterpress invitation with a band made up of a custom watercolor pattern in shades of blue (that also matched the cocktail table linens at the reception!) that were exquisite to pair with vibrant and summery blooms from Victoria Clausen Florals.

6. Originally, we planned for Sasha + Greg to have their first look outside by the water. But you know what they say about best-laid plans… with the weather not cooperating, we were lucky enough to have planned ahead (thanks to the Nouvelle Weddings team!) and opted for an indoor first look at The Butterfly Room. Not having to scramble and make changes on the fly was incredibly helpful. We took portraits inside the front of the venue and outside in their open-air courtyard, appropriately called the Ruins… these were some of my favorite from the day since we had the space all to ourselves and the freedom to get creative!

ps: The Butterfly Room is a new Baltimore wedding venue that features a modern industrial vibe of exposed brick, tons of natural light, a metal steel wall and a chic garage door that created amazing lines and shadows, which the architect in me definitely appreciated! (I’ve photographed at this venue before so be sure to check out this blog post if you’re interested in learning more about it!)

7. After the Butterfly Room, we headed to their ceremony at The Winslow. Held in the trainshed room, the aisles were lined with bright, colorful floral arrangements and gold lanterns. Watching Sasha walk up the aisle to Greg was an incredible moment full of so much love and excitement!

8. The ceremony was officiated by Sasha’s best friend’s husband. They have been friends for over 30 years — having him officiate added such a sweet, personal touch to the day.

9. During golden hour, we snuck out to grab some candid portraits on the roof of The Winslow. With the Baltimore skyline as their backdrop and the most perfect golden rays shining on them after the ceremony was done, they were so relaxed and looked incredible in these moments!

10. After sunset on the roof, it was time for dinner… one of my favorite details of Sasha + Greg’s reception was the tablescape and place settings. They incorporated gold chargers topped with white and gold plates that had elegant line work and a menu card tying it all together with a watercolor belly band (that matched the invitation suite and cocktail linens if you remember!). Between the detailed place settings, the lush floral arrangements, the gold geometric chairs and the royal blue tablecloths, the whole reception vibe was so high-end and aesthetically pleasing. LynnAaron and Kara of Nouvelle blew us all away!

11. Then the reception dance party started! The energy on the dance floor started with their first dance and kept going all night once the dance floor props came out: light-up sunglasses and glow sticks only added to the crazy fun candids that occurred as Mixing Maryland kept the dance floor full all night!

Sasha + Greg, your wedding was incredible, just as the two of you are! You complement each other perfectly, and I am so happy that you found each other. Thank you for the opportunity to document your wedding day. I wish you nothing but the best and an exciting future together full of adventures!

xo,
Naomi

HUGE THANKS TO THIS TALENTED VENDOR TEAM:

planning & design: Lynn Aaron of Nouvelle Weddings
day of coordination: Kara of Nouvelle Weddings
venue: The Winslow
first look portraits: The Butterfly Room
photography: Urban Row Photography
florist: Victoria Clausen Floral Events
catering: Copper Kitchen
beauty: No Filter Glam
gown: Martina Liana #1486
boutique: Garnish
shoes: Bella Belle Shoes, Willow style
groom’s tux: Christopher Schafer
bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids Baltimore
groomsman: Hugo
ceremony music: Hill Chamber Music
officiant: Eric Dickman
DJ: Mixing Maryland, DJ Cubie
furniture: Pretty Little Wedding Co.
lighting & draping: Event Dynamics
photobooth: Monumental Photo Booth
rentals: Select Event Group
stationery: Ruby The Fox
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred

tori + sam | a black tie accelerator wedding with sentimental color

Do you know what happens when two people that share an immense amount of love, respect and passion for their family and each other, come together?

Your world lights up and you never stop smiling. Tori + Sam are the kind of people you immediately feel comfortable around, like you’ve known and loved them your whole life.

These two [and their families!] are incredibly special. Their warmth, drive and impeccable sense of style meant their wedding day was full of more candid moments of joy than you can imagine. Moments of laughter alternated with happy tears on constant rotation from the moment I stepped foot in the hotel room that morning to the last dance as the donut crumbs were being enjoyed. Their engagement shoot felt like something out of a movie, with pizza, wine and their dog.

Their Accelerator Space wedding was crisp, upscale and stunning yet still approachable and down to earth… and their love story tops them all. If you don’t know how they met, you need to read their meetcute in the engagement post above!

Enjoy these {many} favorites from their June Accelerator Space wedding… :)

15 Favorite Moments and Details from Tori + Sam’s Accelerator Space Wedding:

1. In celebration of Sam’s Grandpa Jerry, the wedding color palette was black with pops of red. Grandpa Jerry wore red to every important family occasion! To honor him, Tori wore red Badgley Mischka heels and all of the wedding flowers were bright and vibrant shades of red. All of the men wore red socks with their initials embroidered in red, along their suspenders. 

2. Tori had a first look with her bridesmaids and moms… then her dad and brother entered the hotel suite and saw her first too, which was so sweet — they all cried!

3. Tori + Sam had a first look of their own in Harbor East, where they read private vows to each other before the wedding. It made the occasion so much more intimate and meaningful.

4. After a few more harborfront portraits of the newlyweds, we took group portraits near the Accelerator Space in a lush, garden-y North Baltimore neighborhood with just the right amount of shade, space to spread out and beautiful afternoon light.

5. One especially beautiful moment before the ceremony was during the ketubah signing when Sam signed in his Hebrew name. Such a touching way to honor the past and his family’s history!

6. Since Tori is Irish and Sam is Jewish, they got married in a beautiful interfaith ceremony officiated by two of their best friends against the textured metal wall and under the most beautiful glowing afternoon sunlight streaming through the enormous skylights.

7. When it was time for cocktail hour, the light pouring into the Den where Tori got bustled, was simply exquisite. Frankly, the light coming into this venue at all times is just a photographer’s dream!

8. Tori created one of the most modern and simple yet lush seating charts I’ve ever seen! It consisted of black acrylic boards hanging from a frame with white letters and greenery wrapped up and around the edges.

9. The reception decor included black taper and pillar candles in gold candlesticks and glass on every table with arrangements full of deep reds, oranges, pinks and maroon flowers; the anemones are my fave! It all added up to a vibe that was modern and edgy, yet romantic and elegant.

10. Their signature drinks were an aperol spritz and a brown derby, adding a perfect splash of color to everyone’s hands! And a drawing of their #urbanrowpup Brewer and cat Brisket, made an appearance on their cocktail napkins!

11. Seeing Tori’s face light up when they entered and saw the reception space for the first time was definitely a highlight for me…

12. Continuing to incorporate and include all kinds of family + faith traditions, Sam’s grandmother gave a Jewish blessing and Tori’s grandmother shared an Irish blessing right before dinner. The guests didn’t miss out on honoring Grandpa Jerry and many of them celebrated with a red ribbon tied around their ankles which was really noticeable and fun to see once the dance floor opened.

13. Tori + Sam are such a fun loving couple and knew they wanted to throw a really great party. Their band, Sound Connection from the Washington Talent Agency, provided that exact vibe — the energy was so intense that I thought the floor was going to give in during the hora!

14. Taking advantage of golden hour during dinner was beautiful; the sunlight got more golden-y as we entered the patio and we ended in front of the glass garage door on the ramp that was lined with greenery and all of the colorful flowers from their welcome party, in glass bud vases.

15. Right before the night ended, Tori changed into a sequined asymmetrical dress with a side slit and spaghetti straps. She was breathtaking and the patio portraits we snuck out to take against the dark sky were everything and more!

Tori + Sam, your wedding was one for the books! I loved how you incorporated so much meaning in all of your details, while still keeping the vibe so quintessentially you. Every time we’re together, it’s like hanging out with the best old friends (and the ones with the best sense of style!)… I wish you both nothing but the best in the future and can’t wait to see what you accomplish together!

Thank you, thank you for everything. For being you, your patience and trust, and for allowing Sam to buy you those dollar beers that faithful night! I’ve said it before, but the world truly needs more of your love in it. Congrats again, cuties!!

xoxo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue: Accelerator Space
coordination: 1423 Events
photography: Urban Row Photography
catering: Zeffert & Gold
beauty: Swept
florals: Holly Frisch
rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co
cake: Taste This Cake
band: Washington Talent’s Sound Connection
boutique: K & B Bridals
shoes: Badgley Mischka
groom’s attire: Indochino
bridesmaids: Azazie
rings: Patty Chaitoff
jewelry: The Jewelry Shop
draping + lighting: Event Dynamics

laura + bryan | a colorful wedding at the loom meadow mill

Sooo, I’ve been excited to share this colorful and fun May wedding with you ever since it happened!!

Laura + Bryan are so similar and 100% my kind of people: driven, passionate, energetic, and hardworking. Laura’s detail-oriented, always on-top-of-it attitude made this an extremely fun wedding to photograph and visualize; whenever I got an email from Laura, it made me smile. I really appreciate hearing about and knowing many of the details in advance - I fully believe no detail is too small to consider and have a plan for (I blame the recovering architect in me, ha).

The vision for their spring wedding was “fun, simple, colorful + elegant” and wow, did they achieve that! Everything from the floral arrangements, to the candy bar seating display and the table settings could be described in those words.

Besides the fact that they are an incredible couple, I was also looking forward to their wedding because it was the first one ever held at The Loom at Meadow Mill. I had photographed this space when it first opened, but I couldn’t wait to see it all dressed up + full of love and COLOR!

This new Baltimore wedding venue is the little sister to area favorites, the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House and The Winslow at Parker Metal. If you’ve been following my work, you know how much I love to document weddings at industrial venues. To be asked to capture the first-ever wedding at The Loom was a dream come true… the fact that Laura + Bryan quickly became one of my favorite couples was just the cherry on top!

12 Memorable Moments and details from Laura + Bryan’s Wedding at the loom (+ hotel revival):

1. Before heading to the venue, Laura + Bryan both got ready at one of my favorite boutique Baltimore hotels, the Revival. Because the end of May brings Preakness weekend to Charm City and graduations galore, we wanted a quiet, indoor space for their first look. That meant that any of the more public areas of the hotel, like the lobby and lounges, were out of the question — the beloved and super photogenic Miss Mary Suite was the answer to our prayers.

2. To help keep the family and friend group portraits relaxed and fun, Laura also booked the Library at the Hotel Indigo a few blocks away. One thing I really love about living and working in Baltimore is all of the unique spaces available throughout the city, giving our #urpcouples countless opportunities to get perfect beautiful and genuine portraits, no matter what size!

3. Speaking of group portraits, Laura + Bryan didn’t have a wedding party in the traditional sense; instead they had an honorary wedding party of their closest friends and siblings to help them get ready throughout the morning.

4. With a large fluffy tulle bottom and a lace v-neck top, Laura’s gown looked like it was made for her. Brushed Beauty tied her look together by keeping her hair down with soft waves and makeup that made her gorgeous blue eyes pop. She was effortlessly joyful and beautiful the entire day!

5. The Loom is such a perfect Baltimore venue for intimate weddings with < 100 guests. It has an industrial feel but the light and airy white walls and large windows allowing natural light to flood in, make it feel super clean, natural, and bright. Any color palette would look incredible in this space!

6. The florals at this wedding were out of this world… they also had a really cool story behind them: Molly Zager of Molly Zager Floral Design Co. in San Diego, CA is Laura’s cousin. As her gift to the couple, Molly offered to take care of all the flowers: Laura’s vibrant bouquet, the chuppah, the installation on the 360° bar and all the table centerpieces had peonies, ranunculus, roses and magenta anemones. How she managed to pull this off from across the country, I will never know! It was pure perfection in every sense of the word. She did an incredible job outfitting the space and vibe of the wedding.

7. The ceremony included many Jewish elements to honor Laura’s family’s Jewish heritage, culture and traditions: kippot were available to wear, Laura and Bryan’s parents walked them both down the aisle, they drank wine out of a kiddush cup and Bryan stepped on a glass as everyone yelled “Mazel Tov!” and they kissed.

8. One of the most unique things about The Loom is the hidden bar in the foyer. Laura used this space as a candy bar and gave everyone a little box with their name and table number to hold their candy choices throughout the evening.

9. There is also a really great secret staircase at The Loom that is part of the original mill building. During cocktail hour, we snuck out to grab some gorgeous portraits of the happy couple.

10. Copper Kitchen and Heather of 1423 Events did a fabulous job (as usual!) with the food and aesthetic of all the colorful and fun reception decor; I’m pretty sure that the table and bar settings, complete with cocktail napkins that had MarlowBea’s #urbanrowpup face on them, were one of the highlights of the reception!

11. The night was topped off with a gorgeous 2-tiered cake that was adorned with fresh flowers and a DELICIOUS cookie chipwich sundae bar for guests to enjoy.

12. My favorite memory of their wedding came during the Hora… not only did Laura + Bryan get up on the chairs, but Laura’s spry 90-year-old grandma did, too! She had the best time and it was so sweet to witness the love this family shares together.

Laura + Bryan, from the moment we met, I knew your wedding was going to be one for the books. You are truly a perfect match and I cannot wait to see what you accomplish together as a married couple. You made my job a breeze with your detail-oriented and decisive attitude - I love a couple that knows what they want and how to get it!

It was so much fun to work together and I didn’t want our time together to end... thank you for letting me be the one to capture the first day of the rest of your lives together!!

xo,
Naomi

COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THIS INCREDIBLE VENDOR TEAM:

planning + coordination: 1423 events
venue: the loom at meadow mill
photography: urban row photography
florist: molly zager florals
catering: copper kitchen
DJ: district remix
handlettered signage: lynn cipollone
draping: event dynamics
boutique: betsy robinson's bridal
rings: radcliffe
groom’s custom suit and tie: christopher schafer
cuff links: david yurman
hair and makeup: brushed beauty
cake: blue crab cupcakes
invitations: ellen zager, bride’s mom

lily + andy | a joyful + modern haven street ballroom wedding

Lily and Andy are the real deal, jumping for joy so high while in their wedding attire, multiple times indoors and outdoors… they have a tradition of jumping photos at all major milestones (and if you’re wondering if they did some at their esesh, the answer is of course!) and I couldn’t love them more if I tried!

Disclaimer: no humans were photoshopped while jumping — all of the jumping photos we took throughout the day are true in height and leg stance!!

Not only are they incredible partners who share a love of travel and adventure (they’ve both gone to and lived in so many places, the list is amazing!), their dog Nyla, good food and of course, the love of family and friends. It was so memorable to witness the incredibly strong support they received on this day!

Enjoy these early favorite moments from Lily + Andy’s windy, warm and whimsical September wedding…

6 MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND DETAILS FROM THEIR HAVEN STREET BALLROOM WEDDING:

1. A surprise temporary tattoo reveal of their #urbanrowpup Nyla, on their close friends’ arms and legs

2. A bubble jump sendoff at their reception

3. A bet as to how many times that day, Lily’s dad would cry happy tears 🥹

4. Matching socks that L+A both wore with Nyla’s smiling face on them!

5. When Andy and his groomsmen (and both dads!) decided to have fun in the hotel room and jump on the bed for some super casual and candid getting ready photos with their personalized beer steins! :)

6. Lily’s bridal hairstyle was so unique and pretty! She had a braid on both sides that led to a ponytail with pearls woven into the braid.

Congratulations again, Lily + Andy! You two are destined for big things and so many incredible adventures together, the best is truly yet to come!! Thank you for giving us the honor of documenting such a fun and memorable day with you and your families… I hope you continue the jumping photo tradition for decades to come (every jump left me speechless)!

VENDOR LOVE

venue: Haven Street Ballroom
planning: Event Planning DC
photography: Urban Row Photography
catering: Zeffert and Gold
florals: Wander and Whimsy Floral
officiant: Ceremony by Rachael
beauty: BTV Beauty
DJ: DJ Steve of DJ Jimmy T
dress: Wonder Dress from Vow’d Weddings
groom’s attire: Indochino

guilford hall brewery | historic industrial baltimore wedding venue

Located in the original Crown Cork & Seal building in the Station North district in Baltimore, Guilford Hall Brewery is full of history and amazing architectural spaces that make incredible backdrops for portraits!

Included below are quick facts about capacity, logistics and what truly makes Guilford Hall Brewery a unique Baltimore wedding venue; hope you find it to be a helpful resource! 

ABOUT THE GUILFORD HALL BREWERY:

Dating back to 1898, this property offers the charm of a historic building combined with the contemporary, industrial-chic style of a working brewery. The open upper floor has been renovated specifically to host private events of all sizes. They have more than just beer, with full bar options and allow for on-site or off-premise catering.

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT THE GUILFORD HALL BREWERY? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

With industrial wedding venues being so popular, what makes Guilford Hall Brewery unique?

The second floor beer hall is spacious and modern with a clean slate of brick and a light-colored neutral structure above; tons of natural light pours in from both sides of the room which is unique to similar industrial venues in Baltimore. The outdoor beer garden patio area is a fun congregating space for cocktail hour and could host weddings with an intimate guest count for outdoor ceremonies.

There are a ton of unique backdrops for portraits among the property both indoors and out with murals, brick, metal and an iconic industrial warehouse feel.

Is the venue accessible for any guests with mobility issues?
Yes, we have an elevator for all floors as well as ramps.

How many guests can you accommodate for a seated dinner with dancing?
170 guests

How many events do you host per day?
We have a total of 3 event spaces of varying sizes/capacities, so we could have 3 events going on at once, though this is rare.

Where do guests park?
There is free street parking and we will have valet starting shortly on Friday and Saturday evenings.

How early can we have access to the space on our wedding day? Do we have access to the entire facility on our wedding day?

You get 2 hours beforehand, and then 1 month before your wedding day, if there is nothing booked the day before or that morning, we can consider earlier access. Our facility is a working restaurant, so our downstairs level will be open to the public.

Are there spaces for us to get ready on site?
No, but we do have 2 air B&Bs 1 block away for couples to rent if they would like.

Are chairs and tables included with the rental of your space?
This is an additional rental, but we have furniture packages.

Are outside caterers permitted?
Yes, as long as they are licensed.

Will a representative from the venue be on-site for the duration of my event?
Yes!

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

Website: Guilford Hall Brewery
Directions: 1611 Guilford Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410.617.0136
Email: nicole@guilfordhall.com
Contact: Nicole Van Natta, Director of Events

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

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

elizabeth + steven | a modern, romantic summer wedding at The Winslow

This wedding day felt like floating on a perfect cloud in more than one way… Elizabeth and Steve have a love story that is almost 10 years in the making! They are so comfortable around each other and have such a loving way of being together, it was an absolute dream to photograph their wedding at the Winslow.

The kindness, compassion, curiosity and playfulness they share together makes their relationship one that puts you immediately at ease in their presence. Elizabeth had such a gorgeous vision for how the day would unfold with touches of all of the important elements of their relationship incorporated in a meaningful way (you have to see the cat cake ‘topper’ she found to allow their cats Charlie and Lily to be there with them)!

Enjoy these early favorites from their August wedding day with the most beautiful cotton candy watercolor clouds at sunset… this skyline view and adorable couple definitely set the bar high for future golden hour portraits!

5 DETAILS FROM ELIZABETH + STEVE’S SUMMER WEDDING AT THE WINSLOW THAT WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY…

1. All of the lush greenery and blush, apricot and cream colored florals by Kate Campbell Floral - they added such a soft, romantic feel and were the perfect contrast to the Winslow, an industrial chic warehouse space full of texture and lots of modern lines.

2. Elizabeth’s dress was simply breathtaking and left us all speechless; taking bridal portraits in front of the window overlooking the Inner Harbor at the Royal Sonesta was an absolutely stunning way to showcase all of the flowing layers of her gown.

3. When Steve turned around to see Elizabeth for the first time, his face was simply beaming. It was the sweetest first look!

4. Making the time to take portraits at Under Armour and the Tide Point waterfront where they got engaged (see their engagement photos HERE)!

5. The energy on the dance floor once the dance floor officially opened and their guests watched them get introduced as Mr. + Mrs. Buckler! I love how the mezzanine at the Winslow allows guests to watch from above… the hora kicked things off and the party never stopped!

I can’t get enough of all of the photogenic spots in and around the Winslow. We location scouted prior to their wedding day and I could have easily spent all day making magic with these two and their wedding party!

Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Buckler!! We are so happy for you and were so honored to be able to document this memorable and emotional celebration with your favorite people! I hope you continue to have epic dance parties on the roof for decades to come since you absolutely make the Baltimore skyline shine… miss you both already!

xo,
Naomi

venue: The Winslow
catering: Copper Kitchen
florals: Kate Campbell Floral
DJ: Ridiculous Entertainment
beauty: Vintage Veils
shoes: Bella Belle Fabiola Sandals
gown: Allure Bridal Style #9721
boutique: The Wedding Store
bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
jewelry: Sasha Walsh Designs
videography: Adam Green Creative
signage: Line and Letter Designs
lighting: Event Dynamics

7 Accelerator Space Weddings: Industrial Chic Inspiration, Decor + Ideas

If you’re considering having your wedding at an industrial wedding venue in Baltimore, the Accelerator Space checks all of the boxes in my mind…! Here’s what I love most about it:

1. tons of natural light and character made up of old wood floors, metal walls, large windows and huge skylights

2. one large open space for you to design to best fit your vision with a bonus room (the den) for ceremony, cocktail hour and/or portraits

3. an intimate patio for ceremony, cocktail hour and stunning sunset portraits

4. the brewery below the venue (Full Tilt Brewing) for portraits against their mural wall and/or the after party!

5. proximity to open green space and urban industrial space for first looks offsite… if you’re curious, ask and I’ll share my fave spots with you! ;)

Since I’ve photographed 7 weddings at the Accelerator Space so far (with more coming!), I wanted to compile a helpful resource for you full of unique ideas and wedding decor inspiration; it showcases how every couple’s wedding day at this specific venue has been different, yet incredibly beautiful! There are countless ways to layout this warehouse space, locate your band, setup your tables, divide the space for a ceremony and reception all in one area, organize the flow, hang bistro or twinkle lights, drapery, etc.

I honestly believe it is one of the most versatile and unique wedding venues in Baltimore! Without further ado, enjoy these gorgeous weddings full of vibrant color, genuine emotion, candid moments and passionately in love urban couples!

a winter Accelerator Space wedding with edgy, modern, boho (+ craft beer) vibes

what details made this wedding special?

• Leap Day was their date, the same anniversary as the bride’s grandparents!

• maroon, blush, black, gold and greenery made up the edgy boho, modern vibe

• two of their favorite local craft beers were created as signature drinks and we took portraits in the brewery just below the Accelerator Space, Full Tilt Brewing

• a 6′ black acrylic sign made with song lyrics from their favorite band, The Avett Brothers, announced the escort card display

• escort card display featured mini glasses of beer with hand-lettered table assignments on a coin card secured to each glass

• creative and fun food stations by Zeffert & Gold allowed the guests to eat quicker than a seated, plated dinner

• epic hanging dried floral installation by Thurman & Fig as the focal point above the den fireplace ceremony

• instead of a ‘photo booth’, they designed a ‘photo lounge’ with the perfect rental pieces from Something Vintage and moved / repurposed the dried florals to hang above it once ceremony was done!

classic + timeless, late November wedding at Accelerator Space

what details made this wedding special?

• late Fall colors and textures in the bride’s bouquet and foliage in the background of all of their portraits

• her dress had POCKETS!

• the lantern centerpieces were simple yet elegant and added a touch of contrast to the otherwise softer tones of the table decor

• cocktail hour was served on industrial tables on wheels (which are included at the venue for your use!)

summer garden industrial wedding at Accelerator Space full of texture

what details made this wedding special?

• a color palette of sage green, light blue, gold and lavender

• the ceremony against the metal wall of the venue with sheer draping engineered by the groom and…

• a copper ‘arch’ as the ceremony backdrop with hanging fabric hoops

• this couple chose to have their cocktail hour before the ceremony while their guests were arriving at the venue so they could socialize a bit since they had already had their first look! the bride changed into a second dress for this short timeframe: a short vintage-y style beaded and sparkly cocktail dress

• the long head table was adorned with lush greenery garland, sage green and gold placesettings and light blue cricut menus (made by the bride!)

geometric details at a modern Accelerator Space wedding with greenery and mixed metals

what details made this wedding special?

• allllll the greenery decor in the form of succulents, ferns and air plants

• the daytime ceremony was facing the south windows; when covered with a sheer white fabric, it diffused the light and added an ethereal effect that created a beautiful backdrop

• geometric, mixed metals were part of the modern and somewhat edgy invitation suite, the table decor and the industrial look of the ceremony chairs

• we incorporated the groom’s motorcycle for their newlywed portraits on the ramp… very fitting for a venue that used to be an auto repair shop and showroom!

a jewish wedding at Accelerator Space with mismatched BHLDN dresses in late October

what details made this wedding special?

• Jewish ceremony with a natural chuppah in front of the glass entry doors and under the skylight

• mismatched BHLDN bridesmaid dresses in blush, floral patterns

• groomsmen enjoying cigars along the blue mural side of the building

• energetic dance floor reception

a spring Accelerator Space wedding full of all white bouquets, pastel colors and a large wedding party (20 people!)

what details made this wedding special?

• cherry blossoms (in late April)

• chic lounge setup in the ‘den’

• large wedding party wearing periwinkle, gold and navy with all-white bouquets

an early November jewish Accelerator Space wedding with a light gray + navy color palette

what details made this wedding special?

• ceremony located in the middle of the main space, with draping behind

• rainy newlywed photos on the patio lit by bistro lights

• live band setup + the hora

BONUS: in August of this year, we have our next wedding at the Accelerator Space which will be full of vibrant, summery florals… YAASSSSS! Stay tuned!!

There are so many different vibes to take advantage of and design for if you’re getting married at the Accelerator Space! What’s yours going to be?

xo,
Naomi

8 questions to ask potential wedding venues (the ones beyond the basics!)

As soon as you’re engaged and ready to start narrowing down your wedding venue, you might quickly find it overwhelming - there are SO many unique and different wedding venues in the Baltimore, Maryland area!

No matter which aesthetic or vibe you’re after, your venue will have specific policies in place to ensure your best day ever is fun, efficient, safe and beautiful for not only you, but for your guests and the vendor team as well.

Knowing the answer to these as far in advance as possible, will allow you to:

1. Save money by knowing the elements of your day you’ll need to possibly budget for differently.

2. Share this information with your vendors in advance, so the entire team is on the same page.

3. Be more creative with your decor and layout since you know the parameters you’re working with!

HERE ARE 8 QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL WEDDING VENUES:

• How long do we have access to the property? When can we / vendors arrive on site?

• Are we required to hire a wedding planner? NOTE: A venue manager and wedding planner are not the same thing! But that’s a topic for a future blog post… ;)

• Are tables and chairs included in our rental?

• Are pets allowed? For a few epic photos with your #urbanrowpup of course. ;)

• Any restrictions or limitations on decor / exits? Candles? Sparklers?

• If we want to get ready at the venue, what types of spaces do you offer?

• Are there any noise restrictions? Is there a time that the music needs to stop?

• What is the rain plan and how far in advance do we need to make the call to move inside / under cover?

Let me know if you have specific questions about any of these venues or if you’ve found one that you absolutely love and want to work together at… if there’s one thing that gets my creative juices flowing, it’s finding new places to photograph genuine love stories! ;) Oh and if you find a venue I haven’t been to before, visiting and touring it in advance of your wedding day (either with you or on my own), is one of my favorite things to do!

Until then, happy venue hunting!!

xo,
Naomi

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

a modern industrial + boho chic wedding in dc | mess hall dc wedding

It’s rare that I have the opportunity to be a second photographer, but when the stars align and there is a venue, couple and date that aligns perfectly with my aesthetic, personality and schedule, it’s pure MAGIC.

Industrial warehouse vibes with a fun and modern, laid-back couple who wanted tons of candid and photojournalistic photos at their October wedding? YES PLEASE!

Ben had all of his DJ equipment setup so naturally (or maybe because that was the most naturally light space… ha), I had to setup his details there! I loved hanging out as they got ready since I never usually get to hang with the guys, so with that came a whole new aesthetic to document. Perfect example, I overheard this from one of the groomsmen: “we have all this time to just hang out here and drink whiskey?”

I started the day with Ben and his groomsmen at his apartment and we met up with the rest of the crew at the Mess Hall right before the ceremony. With that area of DC being full of industrial grit, Hannah’s botanical boho-inspired wedding dress was such a gorgeous balance, complimented by an asymmetric, organic and wild, moody bouquet. The bridesmaids all wore different dresses and even a pantsuit (YESSS!) in neutral and metallic shades while the men looked sharp in navy suits.

my favorite 6 unique and memorable elements from Hannah + Ben’s DC Mess Hall wedding in October:

• the overall raw industrial and urban graphic aesthetic softened with a natural chuppah held in place by loved ones and made up of birch poles with hanging greenery

• the variety of recycled gin and whisky bottles filled with flowers and used as table centerpieces and reception decor

• the mismatched neutral + metallic bridesmaids dresses/outfits

• Hannah wore her hair down with loose waves, embracing a natural and boho chic bridal look

• tons of blank walls, colorful murals and green space along the railroad tracks to use as portrait backdrops (what more could a photographer want?!)

• the brunch buffet for dinner (!) and how their guests mingled and danced all night long with intimate rooms and spaces that were all next to each other

Cheers to you, newlyweds! It was such an honor to be able to assist in documenting your Mess Hall wedding in DC… I hope your free spirited love continues to bring you to amazing places that make memories for many years to come!!

xo,
Naomi

sneak peeks | steve + joe's baltimore wedding at the assembly room

To say it was an honor to be a part of Stephen + Joe’s wedding is an understatement. It’s hard for me to put into words how much love and connection was palpable between these two and their family, friends and guests!

The day started with Joe getting ready at their home in Bolton Hill (where their #urbanrowpup Luther stayed close to him the entire time!) and Steve getting ready at Hotel Indigo, downtown. As the trolley rolled up to Hotel Indigo, Steve and Joe saw each other in their custom tuxedos for the first time and joined their wedding party for a fun and lively trolley ride down to Fells Point for portraits and back to Mt. Vernon park for the ceremony.

In front of 250 friends and family, there were heartfelt stories of love, connection and memories shared. Vows started with “I’m going to try not to ugly cry...” and ended with stories of spontaneous decisions early in their relationship that are an invaluable part of their story to this day.

My favorite part of the day was when the ceremony was over and the entire wedding party and their guests walked Steve and Joe down to the Assembly Room, along the sidewalks and through the streets of Baltimore… it was such a sight to see so many people gathered together to share in and support their wedding!

We couldn’t be happier for you, Steve and Joe! Your marriage and the strong connection you two share is something so many hope for. Here’s to dancing in the streets together for years to come...

xo,
Naomi

Vendor Team love:

planning: Brian Christopher & Co.
photography: Urban Row Photography
venue: The Assembly Room
invitations: Kindly RSVP Designs
catering: Rouge Catering
band: Rollex Band
ceremony music: Chris Schoberg
lighting + production: 27 Studios
transportation: American Limousines
getting ready: Hotel Indigo
custom grooms attire: Heywood & Ringo