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

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

erin + nick | a garden wedding full of joy (and ice cream!) at belmont manor

Erin and Nick were more than ready to party and celebrate with so many of their family and friends after their intimate micro wedding at Nick’s childhood home in June of last year…

Having been together for over a decade, so many elements of their relationship hold special meaning and it was an absolute honor to document so many emotions and moments with them over the last 2.5 years! Erin and Nick are two of the most kind, thoughtful, organized (Erin, you are the spreadsheet QUEEN!) and sweet souls; I immediately felt as if I was a part of their family each time I got to see them.

It brings me so much joy to share these early favorite moments from their wedding day with you… best viewed while enjoying a bowl of ice cream! ;)

7 memorable moments and details from Erin + Nick’s Belmont Manor wedding in September:

1. The matching tank tops Erin’s bridesmaids wore before getting their mismatched Azazie dresses on said “she’s been scooped up” to reflect Erin’s love of ice cream… SO sweet!

2. Erin’s shoes were so simple and romantic to match the vibe at Belmont; I loved that they were classic flats with a gorgeous satin bow at the back!

3. When Erin’s mom, MIL and bridesmaids saw her in her dress for the first time… so many happy tears, and one of her bridesmaids shared a handheld fan to make sure her makeup didn’t get ruined. ;)

4. The elegant and stately historic mansion at Belmont Manor was the perfect backdrop for photos both while they got ready and during their portrait time around the venue: grassy fields, old trees, gardens, greenery and gorgeous expansive views.

5. Their vow [renewal] ceremony had the sweetest sentiments, stories and promises after being together since 6th grade, these middle school sweethearts easily captured everyone’s hearts!

6. Instead of cake, Erin + Nick chose to focus all of their dessert energy into an ice cream bar, but not just one or two flavors and some toppings… they chose 5 different favorite flavors from the cities they’ve lived in and those creameries: Ashley’s Ice Cream from New Haven, CT, Honeycomb from Cambridge, MA, Jeni’s from Columbus, OH, Ice Cream Jubilee from Washington, DC and the Charmery from Columbia, MD.

7. The spontaneous dance party that broke out during family portraits with their brothers - see it in action here! :)

When it was finally time for their first look among the gardens and stately trees, these two couldn’t have been more ready! I love their expressions and how genuinely sweet this moment was… they finally had their big wedding celebration, 14 years in the making!

Cheers and all the love to you wonderful newlyweds (for the second time)! I hope you can continue celebrating life with your favorite travel adventures and people (and ice cream flavors) as often as possible - you deserve all the love and happiness in the world!

It’s been an honor to be a part of these special 2.5 years with you; I’m already missing all of your organized emails, thoughtful ideas and incredibly clear communication. Let’s do it again next time you’re back in MD… k? :)

xo,
Naomi

huge thanks to this vendor team!

planning and coordination: Michelle of Chantilly Design and Events
florals: Stacy of Chantilly Design and Events
DJ: Frank of Friendly Entertainment
officiant: Ethan Trinh, friend
wedding dress: Mikaella style 2100
dress alterations: The Bridal Boutique
shoes: Kailee P
beauty: Poetically Brushed by Kim
bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
jewelry: Olive and Piper
rings: Brilliant Earth & Long’s Jewelers
invitations, calligraphy + signage: DIY by Bride!
terrarium centerpieces: DIY by Mother of Bride!
catering: Rouge Catering
ice cream: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, The Charmery, Ashley's Ice Cream, Honeycomb Creamery, Ice Cream Jubilee
transportation: RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation

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