sam + brian | a relaxed accelerator space wedding with 2 dogs + lush blooms

One of my favorite aspects of being a wedding photographer in Baltimore is hearing the stories of how my couples met. Sam + Brian’s chance meeting in Fells Point feels like a rom-com movie, complete with two of the cutest #urbanrowpups!

These two lovebirds met while walking their dogs, Xander + Dobby, along the promenade. In Sam’s words, “we stopped to let our dogs say hello and immediately started to laugh about how similar they looked (both little, mostly all black mutts). I started to snap a few pictures of the dogs wrestling and Brian asked if I could send him the pictures to smoothly get my phone number…”

Since their dogs are such a big part of their love story, Sam infused the day with a lot of doggie-related details. And if you know me, you know the only thing I love more than weddings is a wedding day spent with cute pups! 

From the details of the gorgeously lush hanging floral ceremony installation to the guests’ Baltimore-themed goodie bags to personalized doggie drink stirrers, Sam put a lot of thought and effort into ensuring every little detail was taken care of.

Brian’s only concern? Ensuring Sam’s happiness. She had worked so hard to make the day perfect, and Brian just wanted his beautiful bride to enjoy it.

Their wedding was a lot like their relationship – relaxed, joyful, celebratory, and full of love.

13 Memorable Moments and Details from Sam + Brian’s Wedding at The Accelerator Space:

1. Sam + Brian both got ready at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Many of my couples choose this location, so I know it well, especially all of the best spots! This is one benefit of working with a local wedding photographer: if it’s windy, rainy, or too crowded, I always have a Plan B in mind.

2. Sam told me that she wanted a gown that was classic yet modern, with a really good twirl. She definitely achieved that! The fitted top portion of her gown, with lace details and an open back, brought a modern touch to her look and the a-line ball gown provided the perfect amount of classic bridal twirl!

3. Sam + Brian had their first look down along the promenade, with views of the harbor skyline behind them. The water + pups that introduced them, helped frame some of my favorite shots of this quintessential Baltimore couple.

4. After their first look, we headed to one of my favorite wedding party portrait spaces – the open areas near the Homeland lakes. I live closeby, so I walk there often and am always thinking of different ways to document my couples in its gorgeous surroundings. The fact that it’s so close to The Accelerator Space is just a bonus!

5. Sam + Brian’s close friend was their officiant, and he added such a personal touch, filling their ceremony with little stories and anecdotes of their love.

6. As much as their officiant did a wonderful job, I have to say that the flower girl, Parker, and her sweet floral crown really stole the show!

7. Their ceremony was held in the front part of the Accelerator Space, near the large glass black metal doors. Thurman + Fig designed a romantic floral installation of hanging carnations in various shades of whites, reds, blush pinks, and maroons to soften up the industrial feel of the space. This gorgeous floral installation was then repurposed as the backdrop of their sweetheart table.

8. As their guestbook, they borrowed Brian’s mom’s old college typewriter. Guests used it to type out notes of love and advice to the happy couple. It was a fun twist on a classic wedding detail!

9. The guests found their seating arrangements thanks to a huge golden mirror with white letting and black acrylic table numbers that Sam had handmade. Each guest’s seating assignment was stamped on copper bookmarks with black tassels that they had also made themselves. They were so neat — I was kind of jealous that I didn’t get one!

10. Pretty Little Wedding Co. provided a gorgeous honey colored wood bar with a honeycomb pattern that served as a focal point of the reception space. I hadn’t seen anything like it before!

11. Remember the #urbanrowpups that brought these two together? They made a reappearance as the two signature cocktails! I especially loved the drink stirrers with the dogs’ faces.

12. The buffet dinner was catered by one of my favorite Baltimore caterers, Zeffert and Gold. Always a hit, the guests loved the display of Argentinean meats and the catch of the day. When it was time for dessert, their famous mini donuts and delicious espresso martinis covered the tables.

13. Sam + Brian were the picture of wedding perfection in the golden hour shots we got – especially on the ramp against the glass garage doors!

Sam + Brian, your meet-cute is one of my absolute favorites, and it was an honor to photograph your first official day as a married couple. The love between the two of you is so genuine, relaxed, and honest. I wish you, Xander, and Dobby nothing but the best as you begin your happily ever after!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

planning + coordination: 1423 events
getting ready space: baltimore marriott waterfront
venue: accelerator space
photography: urban row photography
florist: thurman + fig
design: pretty little wedding co.
catering: zeffert and gold catering
dj: rmr entertainment + dj slinger
gown: paloma blanca
boutique: betsy robinson bridal
bridesmaids’ dresses: birdy grey
groomsmen suits: suit shop
permanent jewelry: charm city links
lighting + draping: event dynamics
beauty: brushed beauty
cake: grauls market

an unconventional + fun accelerator space wedding

Inspired by a love of craft beer, The Avett Brothers and enjoying each other’s company while laughing wholeheartedly, Heather + Jordan’s Accelerator Space wedding was full of personal details, intimate moments, eclectic decor and an edgy, modern aesthetic that complimented their love story and personalities in every way… not to mention, making time to take photos at Baltimore’s best industrial spots!

Holding their wedding on Leap Day was just one of the ways these lovebirds designed a wedding that was totally unique, fun, memorable and full of photo ops everywhere you turned. February weddings are not for the faint of heart… H+J braved frigid 28 degree temperatures for not only their first look, but portraits with their wedding party in Clipper Mill; our hands were frozen and our cameras took their time focusing, but these cuties won so many awards in my book - you’d have no idea how cold we all were!

Jordan’s reaction when he saw Heather for the first time says it all…!!!

Heather + Jordan’s modern industrial yet intimate and romantic Accelerator Space wedding was the best way to kickoff 2020… enjoy these sneak peeks, some of my ABSOLUTE favorites from their winter wedding in Baltimore!

9 FUN FACTS + HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Jordan wore a maroon plaid sport coat paired with black converse and a black cap while Heather wore a blush fur stole to keep her warm with white converse that were embroidered with her new last name!

2. H+J got married on Leap Day, which happened to be the same anniversary as her grandparents.

3. They shared their first date at a local craft brewery in Baltimore and as a homebrewer, their signature drinks were 2 of their favorite local craft brews (Bells Two Hearted Ale + Union’s Duckpin) and their favors were pint glasses that said ‘Love is Brewing’, so fun!

4. The Otherside Creatives and Lynn C designed an escort card display inspired by their love of beer: individual mini glasses of beer with hand lettered table assignments and a 6’ black acrylic Avett brothers sign with their favorite lyrics…

5. To maximize dancing with their guests, there was nothing but open dance floor after the MOH and Best Man gave their speeches - no formal / first / parent dances

6. Zeffert & Gold created the most delicious dinner stations which meant minimal lines while guests went up to get their food and tons of tasty options: a street taco bar with allll the toppings and sauces, lamb + flank steak with mashed potatoes and mushroom ravioli and chicken in a creamy garlic sauce

7. Thurman & Fig collaborated with The Otherside Creatives to create a hanging dried floral installation for the ceremony which was EPIC. It was able to be repurposed to go above the photo station with the couch and fern wall after ceremony was done.

8. Who needs a photo booth when you can design a photo lounge for guests to use??

9. Heather’s bouquet was full of king protea, tulips, roses, eucalyptus, ranunculus and palm elements… texture, burgundy, blush and amazing smells!

Starting the day getting ready at the Inn at the Colonnade meant we were really close to Clipper Mill and ultimately, the Accelerator Space. My texture loving heart was OBSESSED with all of Heather’s details!! Her dress had gold sparkles in it!

Once we couldn’t feel our limbs anymore, we headed back to the Accelerator Space to get ready for the ceremony with a stop at Full Tilt Brewing, just below. Love the colorful, unconventional and urban feel this space had to it!

We had never photographed a ceremony in the den space yet and I can tell you, it’s pretty amazing!

Cheers to you, newlyweds! Here’s to have and to nornhold forever and ever… we were so honored to document your wedding and all the emotion and excitement behind it!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM LOVE

planning: The Otherside Creatives
photography: Urban Row Photography
venue: Accelerator Baltimore
music: Bachelor Boys Band
HMU: Pretty Weird Beauty
florals: Thurman & Fig
rentals: Something Vintage Rentals
catering: Zeffert and Gold
lighting: Event Dynamics Inc
calligraphy + signage: Lynn Cipollone

2019 In Review | candid, fun and vibrant wedding photography for modern couples

Getting married is definitely one of those pinch-me moments in life, but I continue to pinch myself after 10+ years of marriage because I am lucky enough to document authentic love stories, full-time. I truly mean that; I feel so lucky every single day to celebrate love and document memories for future generations as my career and passion.

2019 was quite a year… I’m going to let these photos do the talking since they do a better job than my words ever could. The joy and energy that our couples bring to every interaction I have with them is refreshing, energizing and so full of love and personality. I was honored to be the wedding and portrait photographer for these fun, genuine and passionate couples and families, with even more Baltimore and Maryland weddings to come in 2020!

Here goes… enjoy these highlights from the year, all chosen to show off a variety of locations, light and love.