kelly + katherine | a spring wedding with delicate, lush blooms at the dye house

Kelly + Katherine’s wedding day was a love story that gave early spring vibes in every sense and overflowed with love, the biggest smiles and genuine, natural joy all day long…

…cozy, sweet, relaxed, sentimental and heartwarming at a venue full of exposed brick and stone with hanging bistro lights, a soft white floral ceremony arbor of hydrangeas, sweet peas, ranunculus, roses; reception tables set with sage green glass goblets, ribbed smoke gray glass votive candles and taper candles in a mauve/desert rose tone…

It was a bright and beautifully sunny day in mid-March with no clouds in the sky. Kelly and Katherine got ready together in the same hotel suite with their VIPs but chose to get dressed in separate rooms and share an intimate first look before heading out for portraits on the water.

Katherine’s dress had lace botanical appliques with a soft pink undertone while Kelly’s dress was a simple and modern satin dress in a halter top style – both dresses had pockets and both brides wore similar [unplanned!] hairstyles in a clean, low bun. Their letterpress invitation suite had soft sage green/gray text with an ivory envelope lined in a botanical print.

During their intimate indoor ceremony, both brides exchanged solid gold wedding bands against a backdrop of a minimalist metal arbor covered in all-white blooms, including delicate trailing pear blossoms. Mother Bradley has known Kelly’s family for 20+ years, marrying her brother before this; the sweetest moments during the ceremony included some of their guests standing up and sharing prayers as a lovely surprise to the couple.

Espresso martinis were passed during cocktail hour and muted earth toned garden spring linens covered the high-top courtyard tables. The vibe was relaxed, sophisticated and softly lit by a glow of candles and hanging bistro lights above…

Kelly + Katherine, there are not enough words to describe how much I enjoyed and am so grateful to have had the honor of documenting all the love and support that surrounded you on your wedding day — it was absolutely magical! You both are the kindest souls that deserve all the happiness in the world and make every room better by simply being in it.

I can’t wait to celebrate you every March 16 for years to come!!!

xo,
Naomi

vendor team:

venue: Mt Washington Mill Dye House
photography: Urban Row Photography
catering: Copper Kitchen
beauty: Stacie Snyder Beauty
florals: Kate Campbell Floral
invitation: mlc designs
DJ: Craig Wood of Perpetual Sound
candles: Root to Rise Plant Co
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred

jessica + mike | a spring winslow wedding full of color, culture + personality

I formed an incredible bond with Jessica and Mike from our first conversation, not to mention when we met up for their waterfront engagement session at the arches — I witnessed how adorable and passionate they were together. Love radiates from them and you can’t help but feel happy in their presence!! They are just so natural together and an inspirational couple in so many ways.

Needless to say, I’ve been (not-so) patiently and excitedly waiting for their wedding day ever since they first came into my life!

Jessica + Mike got married in Baltimore on Friday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day. Even though green is Jess’s favorite color, they chose this date for a different reason. In Vietnamese culture, this date signified good luck. I loved that their wedding day was considered lucky in many different cultures… it was the perfect way to start the rest of their lives!

12 Memorable Moments and details from their upscale and colorful spring winslow Wedding:

1. Jessica + Mike got ready at the Sagamore Pendry in Fells Point. I met Anna of The Otherside Creatives at the Winslow and we drove over to the Pendry together. This gave me a ton of time to really scout the best portrait locations before we started!

2. Their intimate wedding party – two groomsmen and three bridesmaids – kept the morning very relaxed and laid back. The bridesmaids looked stunning in their floor-length emerald green satin dresses and the groomsmen looked dapper in their dark emerald green suits and terracotta ties.

3. Jess was so on top of the details! She provided me with an emerald green velvet fabric and matching ribbons to use for detail photos and a beautiful terracotta ring box that held all three rings. Crimson & Clover also provided us with extra styling blooms that added life, romance and softness to our photos. These little things made a world of difference when capturing the details of their big day!

4. Jessica’s dress was one of the most unique gowns I’ve ever seen. It fit her perfectly! She paired her stunning gown with a veil that was like nothing I’ve ever seen before – a cathedral-length veil with floral petals cascading down to the bottom. The closer you got to the bottom, the more petals appeared. It was really something else!

5. After getting dressed, Jess had an emotional first look with her dad in the atrium of the Pendry. One of my favorite spaces, it’s partly covered and partly open, making it a great outdoor space, regardless of weather! While seeing each other, they both teared up and it was just a beautiful father-daughter moment.

6. After Jessica + Mike’s first look in the courtyard of the Pendry, we took portraits among the greenery and then headed out onto the pool deck since the light rain had stopped. In a surprising turn of events, the pool was uncovered (it usually isn’t at this time in March!). Between the pool, the glass railings, and the breathtaking views of the city skyline and harbor, it was the perfect space to capture more chic, modern and fun portraits of these lovebirds!

7. This wedding had such gorgeous spring flowers everywhere! From Jessica’s super colorful and elegant spring bouquet, to the flowers lining the aisle of the ceremony and at the end of the aisle within a double circular arbor, to the hanging installation over the dance floor at the reception, this lush, floral-filled look added a soft, romantic and textured feel to the edgy, raw industrial space.

8. Jessica + Mike included their friends in their wedding in various ways, including one friend who served as their vocalist and another as the officiant. This allowed their wedding to feel personal, unique and intimate. Even the vows they wrote for each other were incredibly thoughtful, romantic and sweet. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

9. The reception decor included multiple lounges complete with jewel-toned emerald green and chartreuse colored velvet couches and a boxwood wall with a neon sign that said “Couldn’t B-More Happy” for guests to take pictures against. In a perfect nook at the venue near the bar, an enormous gold mirror with custom lettering by Lynn C. made it easy for guests to glance at their seating assignments during cocktail hour. It was so fun to see their personalities infused into the space!

10. So that they could see all of their hard work come to life, they chose to have a private room reveal, where they got to see the reception before it was full of guests. We were able to get some really great shots of them on the empty dance floor this way!

11. Each table and placesetting was so modern, colorful, playful, polished and elegant! The table numbers featured beautiful, modern ovals with each number spelled out and laser cut into them, gold flatware, china edged in gold, and chartreuse napkins wrapped under each plate.

12. Jessica + Mike ditched a traditional cake and instead, opted for a late night snack of French fries and donuts, two of their favorite foods. Many guests enjoyed their snack right on the dance floor. Vietnamese iced coffee was also available - so yummy!

Jessica + Mike, you truly are an incredible couple!! It was so much fun working so closely with you to create your exquisite Baltimore industrial wedding… thank you so much for letting me be a part of it! Wishing you both a long and happy future together full of delicious food and late night snacks, snuggles with Waffle and another future furbaby ;) travels all over in your Airstream (take me with you - I’ll bring my camera!) and all the shades of green to bring you the best luck and all the happiness in the world. You truly deserve it all.

I miss you both! Catchup sesh, soon please!!!
xo, Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

planning + design: The Otherside Creatives
photography: Urban Row Photography
getting ready venue: Sagamore Pendry
ceremony + reception venue: The Winslow
florals: Crimson + Clover
catering: Copper Kitchen
beauty: Brushed Beauty (Hair by Heather, Makeup by Emily)
DJ: Sean of Mixing Maryland
custom seating chart lettering: Lynn Cipollone
invitation/stationery: DIY by bride
lounge furniture and rentals: AFR Furniture Rentals, Select Event Group
tablescape decor: Gala Cloths, The Otherside Rentals
lighting + draping: Event Dynamics
wedding dress designer: Neta Dover (custom alteration of the "Karin" style)
boutique: Love Couture
veil: Kim Alpha Bridal on Etsy
shoes: Marc Fisher
rings: Meritage Jewelers
groom + groomsmen attire: Suitshop
bridesmaids attire: each their own choice
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred

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

rachel + jordan | a classic, fun + luxe spring wedding at the belvedere in baltimore

The amount of joy and happy tears present at Rachel + Jordan’s wedding at the Belvedere on a late spring Sunday in March was truly immeasurable! Their love for each other, their families, friends and Baltimore, the city they call home — it was all such an incredible celebration full of energy, romance, a scented ceremony (!) and the most stunning chuppah I have ever seen!!

Enjoy these early favorites from Rachel + Jordan’s classic spring Belvedere wedding in Baltimore…

THE 9 MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND DETAILS FROM R+J’S BELVEDERE WEDDING THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:

1. Rachel wore pearl earrings from one grandmother and a vintage diamond ring from her other grandmother. Jordan wore sloth astronaut cufflinks!! Read their engagement blog post for more on the meaning of the sloth astronaut! ;)
   

2. Their first look on the promenade was full of overwhelming emotion, bringing tears to Jordan’s eyes and the need to pause while taking it all in, especially how gorgeous Rachel looked!
   

3. Rachel designed the ceremony space and guest entry sequence to smell of their favorite Jo Malone scent. It was a first for me; I’m convinced it’s one of the best ways to personalize a wedding, since scent is a huge memory driver!!!
   

4. The chuppah was one of the most beautifully lush I’ve ever seen, constructed with gold frames by Victoria Clausen and flowered by Steelcut with shades of maroon, burgundy, magenta, toffee, light pink and peach in varieties of roses, peonies, orchids, anemones, hanging amaranthus and more. The sweetheart table was also overflowing with these flowers in an asymmetrical arrangement. There were also pomegranates in the table floral arrangements…!
   
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5. The speeches made by both sets of parents and Congressman and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, brought tears to my eyes. So much respect and pride shared for these lovebirds; it was simply an honor to be in their presence.

6. The black and white checkered dance floor brightened up the space and added the perfect punch of contrast to draw your attention to the twirls and epic moves of their first dance.

7. R+J and all of their guests wore sneakers (some were so creatively decorated!) to honor Jordan’s late brother, a talented basketball player and coach.

8. Rachel made an entrance on the cream cruiser bike to announce dessert, in her second party dress full of sparkle, fringe and celebration!

9. We were able to take portraits in Mt. Vernon under the blooming magnolia trees near the Washington Monument and it felt like we were in Europe among all the cobblestones and beautiful architecture surrounding us!

We also made sure to explore the venue fully since there are so many iconic and unique backdrops for photos at the Belvedere — we took portraits in the Owl Bar, the romantic nook on the 12th floor, the window above the marquee and the 13th Floor during the after party.

MAZEL TOV, Rachel + Jordan!!! It was an absolute honor to document these memories for you! Your wedding was so much fun, photogenic, elegant and meaningful - like you two and your incredible relationship. I hope you continue laughing, dancing, eating, holding hands and travelling together for decades to come… you are such an inspiration to us all!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:
planning + design: Celebrations
venue + catering: Belvedere & Co Events
getting ready: Four Seasons Baltimore
photography: Urban Row Photography
videography: Lee Russell Films
beauty: No Filter Glam
flowers: Steelcut Flower Co
chuppah structure: Victoria Clausen’s Floral Rents
officiant: Rabbi Howard Tilman of Beth Israel Congregation
band: Broadsound Band
paper goods: Jenifer Sirkis Designs
signature scent: Jo Malone Wild Bluebell
wedding dress: Allure Bridals Style 9660
boutique: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
shoes: Nike (with added bling by the bride herself!)
groom’s attire: Paul Stuart
rings: Star Jewelers on High
linens/china/rentals: Select Event Group
lighting and dance floor: Event Dynamics
ice cream: Cream Cruiser
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred
photobooth: Unfotogettable Events

heather + geof | a flower-filled, romantic + intimate spring wedding at citron

On an unseasonably warm and (eventually) bright and sunny March Saturday, Heather & Geof were married at Citron, among their closest friends and family and it was a day filled with warmth in so many ways!

The day had a relaxing feel from the start at the Sagamore Pendry in Fells Point with Remy, their sweet little pup there for lots of sweet snuggles and smiles. When added to Heather’s impeccable sense of style, the way Geof looks at her, the TWO confetti tosses, glowing sun during the lakeside ceremony and warm wishes and memories shared during multiple toasts throughout their 6 course dinner, their wedding was absolutely incredible!

Enjoy these early highlights from Heather + Geof’s spring wedding at Citron, overlooking Quarry Lake…

3 HIGHLIGHTS FROM HEATHER + GEOF’S
PRE-CEREMONY MOMENTS AT THE PENDRY:

1. It was one of the first things I noticed when I arrived — the calm excitement that Heather exuded while getting ready. With an effortless chic, and timeless sense of style; the feather-trimmed crepe strapless midi dress she chose from 16 Arlington looked like it was made just for her. I loved the custom light blue Jimmy Choo heels with the date inscribed on the bottom; it was a fun and unexpected touch since Geof’s bright navy Indochino suit had the date embroidered inside as well.

2. Her bouquet from Local Color Flowers was made up of shades of cream, blush, light pink and the most perfect pale spring yellow among anemones, ranunculus, butterfly ranunculus and eucalyptus (and more local flowers that I never remember the names of)!

3. Their private first look on the balcony overlooking the heart of Fells Point followed by portraits in the modern courtyard at the Pendry and a confetti toss during group photos on the water… it was perfection in so many ways!!

4 UNFORGETTABLE ELEMENTS FROM H+G’S INTIMATE WEDDING CEREMONY + DINNER RECEPTION AT CITRON:

1. The bright ceremony on the water - not a cloud in the sky! A gentle breeze came through as Heather met Geof at the altar and her veil had a mind of it’s own, adding lighthearted laughter to the start of the moving ceremony that ended in a joyful bubble exit!

2. We took golden hour photos out on the deck as the sun went down and the minimal yet modern copper arch wrapped in spring blooms and flowering branches, formed such a gorgeous backdrop for their couple’s portraits. I couldn’t get enough!!

3. Guests were seated at two long rectangular tables with floral arrangements of varying heights, wooden crossback chairs, modern menus, gold flatware, votives and a beautifully subtle gold and ivory patterned linen.

4. Two Rivers Chamber Music played instrumental music throughout dinner and ended the night with their favorite song, Everlong as Heather + Geof ran through a tunnel of confetti tossed by their guests; it was energetic, fun and such a perfect send-off for these adorable newlyweds!

Cheers to you, Heather and Geof! You deserve all the happiness and joy that this season of life will bring; your wedding was incredibly warm (literally, 70 degrees in March!), bright, loving and full of so many memorable moments.

I wish you all the best and can’t wait to see your future adventures together (with Remy alongside, of course)!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:
planning: Simply Created Events
venue: Citron
catering: Charles Levine Caterers
florals: Local Color Flowers
photography: Urban Row Photography
music: Two Rivers Chamber Music
officiant: Taylored Vows
invitation: mlc designs
getting ready: Sagamore Pendry
hair: Kimi Harbaugh
makeup: Nicole Palermo
dress: 16 Arlington Minelli Dress
shoes: Jimmy Choo
rings: Brilliant Earth
veil: Lord and Grey Bridal
groom’s attire: Indochino
linens and rentals: Select Event Group