camille + alex | an intimate, memorable wedding at rawlings + bluebird cocktail room

Celebrating their unique love story in a serene and intimate way that was “easy but elegant, laid back but still polished”, Camille + Alex’s micro wedding at Rawlings Conservatory and the Bluebird Cocktail Room was exactly that and more…

In 2018, they found themselves volunteering side by side at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. Alex, dedicated to the fire and rescue side, and Camille, tirelessly serving on the EMS team, shared Sunday nights together. Yet, their paths rarely intersected until fate intervened.

Fast forward to 2020, when Alex’s life took an unexpected turn. He accidentally adopted Boris, a spirited German Shepherd who became a catalyst for change. One Monday morning, Alex invited Camille for a hike—a simple invitation that would alter the course of their lives forever.

Their morning hikes became a tradition and with each step, they discovered more about each other—their dreams, fears, and the quiet spaces where love takes root. The trails grew longer and as the seasons changed, so did their hearts.

Camille + Alex’s micro wedding was an ode to simplicity and authenticity. These were some of my favorite moments:

1. Alex wore a three piece dark green suit from Spier and Mackay while Camille wore a modest v-neck dress with a simple waltz length veil.

2. Alex’s family surprised him by flying his grandmother in all the way from Poland to witness their wedding ceremony. It was absolutely heartwarming to see the love and excitement they shared!

3. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Boris walked down the aisle, his eyes (and tail) smiling in approval.

4. Camille and Alex exchanged vows against the glass walls of the historic Rawlings Conservatory with trailing greenery hanging above and an heirloom family ring box to hold their rings.

5. The ceremony echoed with laughter, tears, and promises as they sang two short celebratory songs from Camille and Alex’s childhood: the Shehecheyanu, a traditional Jewish prayer and Sto Lat, a traditional Polish song, at the end of the ceremony. Both are sung to celebrate special occasions, express gratitude and bestow good wishes, good health and long life.

6. Alex stomped on the glass as done in the Jewish tradition and all 16 guests shared in a champagne toast at the end of the ceremony.

7. Camille’s aunt Betsy made a small wedding cake dripping in chocolate ganache and adorned with fall flowers.

As the sun began to set, the celebration moved to the Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden for drinks, cocktails, mingling and dinner. Drinks were flowing, laughter was echoing across the room and charcuterie was enjoyed before friends and family toasted Camille and Alex with stories, memories and words of wisdom.

Camille and Alex, the joy you radiate towards each other and also among your family and friends is so heartwarming and refreshing. You’ve shared so much together but the best is truly yet to come - I can’t wait to see all the adventures you embark on together (with Boris)! Being a part of your wedding day was incredibly meaningful, special and rewarding in more ways than one; thank you for making me feel like a part of your families!

L’Chaim and Moje Gratulacje!

xo,
Naomi

rachel + matt | a rawlings conservatory engagement with dogs

Self-proclaimed nerds who love their dogs (2 of the cutest chihuahuas I’ve ever seen!), Taco Tuesday, vibrant color and all things Baltimore… so much to love about these cuties!!!

Rachel and Matt told me they weren’t photogenic at all and then these moments happened. I honestly gave them no guidance — they just stole my heart and were adorably cute and cozy from the minute we arrived at Rawlings Conservatory!

Rachel and Matt are getting married at Vignon Manor Farm later this month and I couldn’t be more excited for all they have planned — it’s the biggest honor when a fellow wedding photographer reaches out to ask me to photograph their wedding and trusts me with their vision!

I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed getting to know them — from our constant pup convos to sneak peeks at the custom ring while they were designing it before it arrived, to sharing recipes and photographer problems, I never want our time together to end!

Rachel and Matt (+ Phoebe and Mia, #urbanrowpup(s)), I can’t wait to see you as Mr. & Mrs! You’re already such a great partnership, I can’t wait to see what comes next for you… :)

xo,
Naomi

brianna + bryant | an elopement at rawlings conservatory

Brianna and Bryant were planning to get married at the courthouse in downtown Baltimore with photos nearby in Mt. Vernon… but when rain threatened to ruin their plan for beautiful elopement portraits, Brianna had the best idea: to reserve time at the Rawlings Conservatory and embrace the fact that after 7 years, they were still going to be married at the end of the day!

Their families arrived at the Conservatory with them and Brianna + Bryant not only had a memorable first look with all the happy tears, but they took advantage of soft light for all of their portraits. They were both beaming and full of excitement, kindness and joy; couples with an attitude and approach like this truly make my heart so happy! This is what it’s about!

Fun fact: cloudy, rainy days are even better for photos when you’re in a space like this since the light is diffused and even, as it pours through the glass windows of this lush, beautiful, indoor greenhouse (side note: it will be humid though! ;)).

Congratulations again, newlyweds!! I’m absolutely honored that you had me there to document such a special and memorable day… you both looked incredible! To have the support of so many loved ones by your side as you became husband and wife, what a forever moment I hope you continue to remember and enjoy for years to come!!

xo,
Naomi

meghan + justin | a lush, greenery filled engagement at rawlings conservatory

On a bright and beautiful sunny Fall day, I explored the lush Rawlings Conservatory with Meghan and Justin — they are absolutely radiant and perfect together.

Their love story started simply with a friendship and being in the right time and place. A mutual friend’s wedding was involved in taking it to the next level and the rest you can read below… ;)

What are their favorite things about each other…? Their answers left me speechless.

“Justin is incredibly thoughtful. Not just in the ways that selfishly I benefit, but in the way he loves his family and treats others, the way he is so intentional in making decisions to support the life he wants to live. He makes things happen, but is never reckless. Did I mention he still opens car doors for me and is the best chef/baker?”

“Meghan is a third-level thinker, something beyond intelligent. I can spend hours considering a dilemma and come up with a course of action.. but it wasn't long before I learned that running it by her will almost always lead to a more complete solution. She knows which subtle details are the critical points, and she explains them in an ego-less way that helps and encourages. I know it, her peers and colleagues know it, and it's why people (and I) place unparalleled value in her friendship (and future wife-ship).”

How they met in Justin’s words:

“We originally met through friends just being in the same place at the same time. We saw each other infrequently for many years and didn't really share much time together. Some would say we barely tolerated each other. Five or so years later, some of those mutual friends had a wedding. I (Justin) was an usher and spotted Meghan walking towards the seating. I had two thoughts -- 1. we should be cooler with each other and 2. damn she looks good in that dress and with that hair (it was in this order, I swear). I skipped the line of ushers to be the guy to walk her to seat, said "hi" etc., and returned to my usher duties for about 5 minutes before coming back to sit with Meghan and talk. We slow danced once at the wedding. We talked a little more, walked to her car when she left, and that capped off what I felt was a good potential start. That start led to texting, a couple movies ... moving in together, and choosing 9/30/21 as a very important date.”

And the proposal (that brought tears to my eyes!) in Meghan’s words:

“It was a Tuesday and I had just gotten home from work. Justin let me know there was something in the mail for me and went upstairs to change into his gym clothes, totally normal. The envelope was so strange, addressed to me and my mother with a CT return address. Inside the mailing envelope, another blue envelope. Inside the blue envelope, a letter in Justin's handwriting to my mom. I froze. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to read this, or it had somehow gotten lost and mailed back to me instead of Justin? I finally went half-way upstairs and asked Justin if I was supposed to read this letter. I sure was, and it was the sweetest letter to my mom asking for her blessing to propose. I stood in the kitchen re-reading the letter, so surprised and in awe that it took me a good ten minutes to finally come upstairs where Justin was waiting. He got on one knee, said all the sweet things again, and I said yes.”

Cheers, cuties! Your gentle, sweet and genuine love is an inspiration… I can’t wait to celebrate alongside you at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House SO SOON!!

xo,
Naomi

ilana + ben | spring engagement at Rawlings Conservatory

Ilana and Ben chose to celebrate their relationship and newly engaged status in the place where it all officially started, Druid Hill Park! I couldn’t have been more excited for our time together since Ilana actually proposed to Ben here… more on that below…

These two share such a thoughtful, sweet, caring and intellectual chemistry together and inspire me with the way they strive for social justice in so many aspects of their lives.

We had the most lovely weather in Druid Hill Park for their engagement photos and with a ton of spots on our list to explore together, I’m so excited to share these vibrant yet relaxed and effortless, fun, candid moments with you!

Here’s more about the start of their meet-cute:

“We met at a rotating egalitarian, vegetarian, potluck Shabbat dinner in early 2018. The group is called Harbor Minyan and friends from that group are among our closest in Baltimore today! We talked about studying economics and travels to India over Ben's classic bean salad and Ilana's dish-of-the-month (always something different!) Ben made an impression by sharing a video of his Indian dance moves the that first night, and later invited Ilana to a small dinner party he was hosting.”

And the proposal:

“Ben lives for puzzles, so Ilana planned a scavenger hunt for Ben throughout Baltimore, leading to her in Druid Hill Park. She popped the question on a picnic blanket, they popped open champagne provided by a friend, and moments after they finished their glasses, the sky opened up with a major late August rainstorm! They celebrated and shared the news with family and friends during their lake getaway the following week.

Earlier this month, Ben surprised Ilana with a full-on at-home date night for Valentine's Day, with candles, music, dressing up, and take-out from one of our favorite restaurants. Ben suggested Ilana put a record on while Ben poured drinks, and she found a box of chocolates in the record player! Along with the chocolates she found an even more sparkly surprise - a ring!”

5 spots in Druid Hill Park we took Ilana + Ben’s engagement photos

1. their proposal spot, big trees and an intimate feel with a picnic blanket, a surprise chess set for Ben and margaritas

2. Taylor’s Grove (one of my favorite spots!)

3. Alllll the cherry blossoms near the Reservoir

4. Rawlings Conservatory gardens

5. Not location related, but I have to give a huge shoutout to Ilana’s outfits! I loved how romantic, relaxed and stylishly perfect the dress and tulle skirt paired with an off the shoulder lace top were for a garden, park engagement… and her curly hair still leaves me speechless!!!

I can not wait to celebrate with you and your families at Tusculum Farm! It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful June day in such a lush and relaxed garden setting… see you soon, cuties!

xo,
Naomi

rawlings conservatory and botanic gardens | unique baltimore wedding venue

If you love plants, nature, gardens, historic greenhouses and beautiful architecture, you should consider having your wedding at Rawlings Conservatory… my sister got married here 5 years ago and we had multiple conversations about whether or not I would be the photographer or maid of honor. While I’m so grateful I got to enjoy the day by standing by her side, the photographer in me is still itching to document a wedding here!

Full of botanic gardens and plants from all over the world, this is definitely a wedding venue you and your guests will never forget. Included below are quick facts about capacity, logistics and what makes Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens such a unique Baltimore wedding venue; hope you find it to be a helpful resource!

ABOUT RAWLINGS CONSERVATORY:

Opened in 1888, the historical Rawlings Conservatory is one of Baltimore’s most beautiful structures and the second oldest glass conservatory in America. It has five distinct greenhouse rooms, one 1/2-acre garden with a variety of flower beds and a kaleidoscope of colors and textures all year round. The Rawlings Conservatory is located in historic Druid Hill Park, which is one of the largest parks in Baltimore City.

The Conservatory can host both indoor and outdoor events, accommodating everything from cozy receptions, to large cocktail parties, to elegant tented affairs. The outdoor venue is lush with flowers, and the gardens feature colorful perennials and annuals throughout the spring and summer. Indoors, the five distinct greenhouse spaces include the original Palm House from 1888, the Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House, and Desert House. All have walkways and secluded benches, which provide wonderful backdrops for wedding photos!

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT RAWLINGS CONSERVATORY? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

What makes Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens unique?
When was the last time you celebrated a milestone event in a historic greenhouse with your closest friends and family!? Rawlings is such a hidden gem of a Baltimore wedding venue. Portraits that are full of greenery and jungle vibes, or rust + terracotta colored desert vibes full of cacti of all shapes and sizes and palm trees that are 2-3 stories tall… all can be backdrops for your photos and your guests to mingle.

The Conservatory offers the best of all worlds when it comes to being able to have an outdoor ceremony in the garden, cocktail hour among 5 greenhouse rooms and a tented reception on the lawn. If renting a tent, either a 40’ x 60’ or a 30’ by 60’ tent is recommended. A 40’ by 60’ tent provides seating for 60 to 160 guests depending on type and size of tables selected.

How many guests can be accommodated?
Entire facility capacity: 60 seated per pavilion/up to 150 cocktail style
South Pavilion capacity: 60 seated/75 cocktail-style
Formal Garden & North Lawn capacity: up to 250

How early do couples have access to the space on their wedding day?
Entire facility rentals are available between 5pm and midnight, Wednesdays through Sundays. If the venue’s schedule allows, additional time can be purchased.

Are there spaces for the wedding party to get ready on site?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any spaces for your wedding party to get ready on site.

Do couples have access to the entire facility on their wedding day?
Yes, on Wednesdays through Sundays. You have the ability to take photographs anywhere on the grounds - there are a lot of fun corners in and around the property to take photographs; my favorite is the desert house since there’s really no place like it in Baltimore!

Where do guests park?
Parking is in the designated parking area along Swann Drive, in the side parking lot or along the Yellow Brick Road.

How many large events are hosted per day?
Only one at this time.

Are chairs and tables included with rental of the space?
Limited complimentary tables and chairs are available; garden ceremony chairs are available for a separate rental fee.

Are outside caterers permitted?
There is a list of caterers who have been pre-approved to work at Rawlings Conservatory. If you wish to use another caterer, there will be an additional fee.

Are there floor plans we can view?
Yes, click here to see the floor plan of the 5 distinct greenhouse spaces.

What does it cost to host a wedding at Rawlings Conservatory?
You may schedule available dates as early as 366 days in advance. As of the time of this post (April 2020), for a garden ceremony + cocktail hour within the Conservatory + tented garden reception for up to 250 people seated outdoors, rental rates range from $5320 (Fri) - $6510 (Sat/Sun). For up to 60 people seated or 150 cocktail-style with a garden ceremony and reception within the Conservatory, rental rates range from $2820 (Fri) - $4010 (Sat/Sun).

If interested in elopement packages for up to 35 people Tuesday-Sunday, the rate is $500 and includes a 1hr rental for a standing ceremony; no food or refreshments permitted. Up to 10 chairs are allowed for seniors and disabled.

Please contact Rawlings Conservatory directly for the most accurate rental rates and information.

Is the facility handicapped accessible?
Yes. The Conservatory greenhouses are wheelchair accessible.  Handicapped parking is located on the street in front of the Conservatory.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

Rawlings Conservatory + Botanic Gardens website: http://www.rawlingsconservatory.org/
Directions to the Conservatory: 3100 Swann Dr., Baltimore, MD 21217
Phone: 410-396-4860
Contact: Christina Nutile, Park Administrator, garden.events@baltimorecity.gov