rachel + daniel | a relaxed october wedding at historic london town gardens

Rachel + Daniel’s wedding was overwhelmingly full of love, sweet details and one of the best dance floors I’ve seen all year! Their gorgeous venue had waterfront views, historic significance and gardens that despite the rain, were still stunning and lush.

Asher walked down the aisle, joined them for portraits on the main lawn and stayed in the getting ready suite, hanging with their wedding party until it was time to get married — he was the best #urbanrowpup.

It was seriously the best and most relaxed day, even with the rain moving the ceremony inside the Waterfront Pavilion. Rain on your wedding day means good luck, right? With all of the love Rachel and Daniel share, I don’t know if this adventurous couple needs anymore luck, but I’m sure happy that they got some!

The weather might have forced us to move inside to Plan B for Rachel + Daniel’s London Town wedding, but the entire day was still so full of love, happiness, and so many laughs. It was also a great excuse to bring out the clear umbrellas I always have on hand! Being prepared and flexible is the best way to be on your wedding day…

8 Favorite Moments and Details at Rachel + Daniel’s Historic London Town & Gardens Wedding

1. Getting married at Historic London Town and Gardens outside of Annapolis meant a historic waterfront venue with some of the most lush wildflower gardens ever.

2. Rachel wore a simple silk gown with an intricate lace v-neck top and her hair in a half up / half down style. Daniel wasn’t leaving all the style to Rachel, though! He also looked incredible in his gray suit, red tie, and amazing long, straight, blonde locks.

3. One of my favorite things about their wedding was that they had bridespeople and groomspeople. Gender doesn’t matter when it comes to supporting the people you love! 

4. When it came time for everyone to see Rachel, her first first look was with her grooms and brides people, followed by her dad and finally with Daniel… each one was met with happy tears, smiles the size of the room and overflowing love.

5. The ceremony was held in the Waterfront Pavilion, an elegant indoor space with big bright windows and a warm wood ceiling. One of Rachel + Daniel’s good friends officiated — he added so much personality and lighthearted fun to their ceremony!

6. Their pup Asher, stole the show. I’ve had quite a few dogs come to my couples’ weddings for pictures, but not many dogs can handle the stress of walking down the aisle; Asher rocked it! He was such a good boy and everyone loved him. A huge shout out to BeMore Pet Care for being on pup patrol for the big day!

7. Dinner was held under a romantic draped tent connected to the pavilion with an epic entrance as they ran from one covered space to the next, in the rain and full of unbridled joy. The favors they gave all of their guests were glass jars full of honey from Rachel’s dad’s bees — so sweet!

7. After dinner, the party really got started but not before Rachel had a chance to change into a short sequined dress and white sneakers to dance the night away. I always love it when brides have a wardrobe change for the reception!

8. Man, this couple knows how to party! DJ Little Rock from Mixing Maryland started at 100 and kept the vibe going through the entire evening. With the LED foam sticks at the end, it really felt like a club atmosphere. I know everyone will remember this night for years to come!

Rachel + Daniel, the gloomy clouds might have dampened the gardens, but they sure didn’t dampen the excitement on your big day. Everyone was just so happy to celebrate you and your love. You are so optimistic, positive, and fun that it’s easy to see why! Thank you for letting me be a part of the first day of your official new married adventures!

xoxo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue : london town weddings
planning : social graces events
photography: urban row photography
videography : fordham films
caterer : zeffert + gold
lighting : event dynamics inc.
lounge, rentals, arbor : honeywood rentals
florals : something borrowed blooms
dessert: blue crab cupcakes
dj : mixing maryland djs + dj little rock
beauty : swept llc
pet care : bemore pet care
dress : anthropologie weddings
groom’s attire : suit shop

allie + hunter | a joyful waterfront wedding at frederick douglass

When you think of a picturesque Baltimore wedding, can you imagine anything more perfect than a pier-side ceremony with sailboats filling the harbor and an epic golden hour sunset? 

That’s exactly the vibe Allie + Hunter achieved when they got married in October in Baltimore at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum. Full of water views, sailboats, and a waterfront cocktail hour on the patio, it was the most picturesque backdrop for guests to experience…

With temperatures in the high 60s, no clouds in the sky, and a light breeze, guests watched Allie + Hunter marry at the end of one of the most photogenic piers in Baltimore in front of a circular wooden arbor, adorned with lush greenery and ivory roses, anemones and peach colored blooms. The backdrop of sailboats and the Domino Sugar plant combined with constant laughter and candid joy — so many opportunities to document photos of family and friends with a photojournalistic feel! It was an incredible day for these two super sweet soulmates!

10 Memorable Moments and details from Allie + Hunter’s fall Wedding at frederick douglass maritime park:

1. Allie + Hunter both got ready at one of my favorite modern Baltimore hotels: the Canopy Hilton at Harbor Point. This contemporary, clean, and crisp hotel is full of natural light in every room, uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling waterfront views and a design that celebrates mid-century modern finishes in an elegant and luxe way.

2. Speaking of getting ready, Allie and her 7 bridesmaids incorporated confetti and personalized Chambongs, while they were getting ready. They had zero fun with these, lol. ;)

3. Favors for their guests were custom-made wooden coasters that featured a picture of their cute pup, Bruce, and their names. The fact that they were made by Hunter’s brother made them even more special!

4. One of my favorite moments of the day was Allie’s first look with her dad. Allie had told me that her dad gets very emotional and man! The emotions were sure flowing during this first look! Both Allie and her dad were crying happy tears when they saw each other.

5. Allie + Hunter’s first look went a little … differently. This fun-loving couple have an inside joke involving Guy Fieri so it only made sense that the chef made an appearance – sort of. During their first look, when Hunter turned around, he was shocked not to see his beautiful bride but, instead, a cardboard cutout of Guy! The laughter helped calm Hunter’s nerves and he was all smiles when Allie jumped out from behind Guy for their real first look.

6. The flowers, by Wanton Poppies, featured beautiful, textured fall florals complete with roses, dahlias, and anemones: beautiful, organic, and natural.

7. Allie’s seven bridesmaids all wore hunter green (get it? Hunter? ha!) floor-length gowns in various styles and the groomsmen wore navy blue suits. The colors really popped against the cobblestone streets and historic buildings in Fells Point.

8. Taking the time to enjoy a first look at your reception space is a new trend and I love when couples take advantage of it! Allie + Hunter took a moment away from the excitement of cocktail hour to peek at the reception they worked so hard to design, before it was full of happy guests. They got to practice their first dance and just enjoy a moment to themselves before getting back to their excited guests.

9. #urbanrowpup Bruce made another appearance once we got to the reception. The couple hired Lynny C to paint a photo of him on the signage for their bar. Their signature drinks also tied in their beloved pup with names like “Goodest Boy” and “Wonky Paw”. I just love when couples include their furry family members in their big day!

10. The cherry on the top of their perfect reception was when we snuck out to grab photos during golden hour. This sunset was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in Baltimore before! We timed it perfectly and got some really vibrant and radiant sunset photos right along the water.

Another reason having a wedding at Frederick Douglass Maritime Park is one of my favorite spots? The sunset views here are better than anywhere else in Baltimore. Yup, I said it!

10. What’s a Baltimore wedding without Berger cookies? Instead of a cake, Allie + Hunter cut a Berger cookie cheesecake while their guests enjoyed Berger cookie cheesecake bites, Smith Island Cake bites, and vegan key lime tarts! Zeffert & Gold crushed it with dinner, desserts AND drinks. DELICIOUS.

This Baltimore wedding was overflowing with love and laughter – even “Guy Fieri” got on the dance floor to party the night away in celebration of Allie + Hunter!

Allie + Hunter: you were an absolute dream to work with. Your love and laughter is contagious and it was obvious throughout your special day that every single guest was so excited and happy for you to start your lives together. I just know that you (and Bruce!) will be very happy for years to come. Thank you for allowing me to capture your wedding at Frederick Douglass Maritime Park - I can’t wait to see where all of your adventures take you!

xo,
Naomi

Vendor Team:

planning + coordination: The Otherside Creatives
venue: Frederick Douglass Maritime Park
hotel: Canopy by Hilton, Harbor Point
photography: Urban Row Photography
caterer: Zeffert & Gold
florist: Wanton Poppies
DJ: Mixing Maryland
beauty: Brushed Beauty
videography: Shutter & Sound
wedding gown: Maggie Sottero, Holly by Rebecca Ingram
boutique: Elite Secrets Bridal
bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey
veil: Jill Andrews Gowns
groom and groomsmen attire: Generation Tux
invitation: Minted
calligraphy: Lynn Cipollone
wood coasters: Groom’s brother, Chapel Creek Customs
lighting: Event Dynamics

demri + eugene | a coastal chic kent island resort wedding

When Demri’s maid-of-honor mentioned how you know it's true love when your partner can love all of you, “even your weirdness”, I realized that is the perfect summation of Eugene + Demri’s relationship! It’s so clear to anyone watching, that they love every aspect of each other in so many meaningful ways. Their genuine joy and excitement radiates so much happiness, it was such an honor to photograph!

This summer wedding at Kent Island Resort was picturesque, fun, comfortable and so intimate while being beautifully romantic. With the backdrop of the waterfront for their first look, the grove of trees and gardens for their ceremony and cocktail hour, the historic manor house for group portraits and the coastal tented pavilion to party within, there was no shortage of amazing moments and heartfelt emotion throughout the day!

13 Memorable Moments and details from Eugene + Demri’s Wedding at Kent Island Resort:

1. Eugene + Demri’s wedding weekend started off the night before the big day with a relaxed and fun welcome party. I loved the opportunity to mingle with their closest family + friends while photographing intimate moments in a candid and documentary style. Not only did it provide me with the opportunity to observe and get to know everyone, but it also helped everyone get to know me so that they were more comfortable in front of my camera the next day.

2. The wedding day started off really cloudy, but the skies quickly turned blue, almost as if Mother Nature knew it was an important day! After that, it was the perfect August afternoon – warm, sunny, and beautiful.

3. Both E + D got ready onsite with Eugene in a suite at the manor house and Demri in the Potter’s Shed, a short walk away. It was so luxurious from a time standpoint to have everyone together on one property the entire day!

4. Every bride dreams of a WOW moment, and whew… Demri certainly understood the assignment! She was perfection in her strapless gown with an intricate beaded pattern. Her sweetheart neckline was accentuated with a stunning necklace that had been worn by the women in Eugene’s family before her. It was the perfect “something old”. With its beaded edges, her cathedral veil tied the look together. We all know that Demri is beautiful, but I don’t think anyone was prepared for just how amazing she looked as a bride!

5. Speaking of not being prepared for Demri’s bridal look, I’m pretty sure she stunned Eugene! Their first look near the water was such an emotional moment. They exchanged sweet notes to each other beforehand, and it served as such a good reminder of why we’re all here in the first place – because two people fell in love. After their first look, all of the nervous jitters were gone, and they were ready to tie the knot + dance the night away!

6. After the first look, we grabbed some portraits on the dock, in the grove of trees, and basically, all over the grounds of the Kent Island Resort! This all-white coastal chic space is one of my favorite Maryland wedding venues so I’m always happy when the wedding party is excited to explore it, too.

7. During their ceremony, the officiant shared great life advice and 3 things they told him they loved about each other. It was so sweet and special to hear — I absolutely love when couples make their ceremony so personalized and meaningful!

8. The reception space was truly coastal chic. Demri selected high floral arrangements for the head table and small centerpieces for the other guests’ tables. The minimal decorations let the modern, light and airy venue really shine.

9. One personal touch that I absolutely loved was all the signage and custom cornhole boards they made themselves. It was all gorgeous and modern – a lot like our stunning bride!

10. You know I always love when an #urbanrowpup shows up! E + D’s dogs, Benji + Beau, weren’t forgotten during their paw-rents’ wedding. The signature cocktails were named after them and little figurines of them served as the cake topper on their wedding cake.

11. The vibe of the reception was incredible and the band, 10 Spot, kept everyone on the dance floor all night long.

12. Well… not all night long, lol. At the end of the night, E + D added some extra time just for me and the videographer to capture them having one last dance alone on the dance floor. They played a special song and it was such an honor to witness such incredible and emotional moments. I wish everyone would do a last dance at the end of their reception!

13. Once their final dance was complete, they enjoyed a sparkler exit with their guests. There’s just something about the energy of sparklers ending the night that makes my romantic heart swoon!

Eugene + Demri, it was an absolute joy working with the two of you. The love you have for each other is inspiring! You truly love every part of each other, even the weird parts :) and Demri, I’m so glad you found your Big Cheeto! Thank you for letting me document your picture-perfect wedding weekend - it was only the beginning of what I’m sure will be a lifetime full of love + happiness!!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue + catering: kent island resort
photography: urban row photography
videography: fordham films
florist: wildflower md
band: 10 spot
gown: zavanna ZB22440-1Z
dress boutique: the bridal room
shoes: badgley mischka
bridesmaids dresses: bhldn
hair and makeup: amanda moran artistry
dessert: blue crab cupcakes
groom’s attire: generation tux
officiant: erik evenson of premier wedding pastors
invitations: the knot
signage: unmeasured event
ceremony musicians: two rivers chamber music
stage: eastern shore tents & events

diane + connor | a timeless + classic kent island resort wedding

Weddings at Kent Island Resort are always stunning but this particular February afternoon was bright, crisp, and sunny — the perfect weather for a winter wedding in Maryland!

Trust me when I say, Diane + Connor’s wedding was one you don’t want to miss if you like classic, timeless and monochromatic details full of romance and golden light…

Being around Connor and Diane is so much fun; love and happiness simply radiate off of them. This sweet couple is so gentle and kind with one another – which makes them such a joy to photograph! In fact, I have been waiting for this wedding since the gorgeous summer night that we strolled downtown Annapolis, taking their engagement photos by the water.

There was a lot of love and excitement in the air with a feeling of calmness. You could tell that Connor + Diane were just so ready to become husband and wife!

10 Memorable Moments and Elements from Diane + Connor’s Kent Island Wedding

1. Everything, from the flowers to the decor to the Rolls Royce, was designed in different shades of white. It was timeless, elegant and classic, keeping the focus on Diane + Connor and the incredible love they share!

2. Diane + Connor got ready at the Kent Island Resort, with Diane in the Farmstead Building, a white-washed, modern barn and Connor at the Inn, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Chesapeake Bay.

3. They kept their wedding party simple, with just a Maid of Honor and Best Man; it created a relaxed and intimate feel to the entire day. Without the hustle and bustle of a lot of other people running around, Diane + Connor were able to focus on each other and the emotional moments they were about to share.

4. One thing that was not simple? Saint Mary’s Parish in downtown Annapolis, the incredible and ornate church where the ceremony was held! Talk about breathtaking! From the picturesque ceiling to the mosaic tile floor – it’s easy to understand why Diane said she was most looking forward to this part of the day!

5. An officiant can really make or break your wedding and this priest was honestly one of the best! Before the wedding, Diane mentioned that this particular Father really loves love and it was obvious! He was so excited to join these two together in marriage and it was sweet to see. The perfect start to their lives together!

6. After the ceremony, we got some great shots in the courtyard of St. Mary’s church and on the front steps before heading back to Kent Island for the reception.

7. Speaking of heading back… Diane + Connor rode in style with a vintage white Rolls Royce! Diane truly looked like a classic Hollywood movie star and this car added to that elegant feeling!

8. Simple, yet sparkly, Diane’s dress suited her personality perfectly. She left her hair down in loose curls with a timeless floor-length cathedral veil. Combined with her strappy Badgley Mischka heels and simple, yet elegant, diamond tennis bracelet and earrings, she was stunning. She also wore a fur stole that was the perfect addition for this winter wedding!

9. The cake was enormous! All three tiers were an ivory color with white flowers cascading down the side. It was simple, clean, and elegant – exactly like the rest of the wedding!

10. One of the best things about weddings at Kent Island Resort is the variety of photo opportunities the spacious and picturesque venue provides. We took advantage and snuck away from the reception to grab some portraits on the pier. The warm, golden hour glow on the water was just a dream.

Diane + Connor, I hope you love these photos as much as we enjoyed capturing them for you! Your wedding was the pinnacle of classic, timeless, sophisticated perfection. You are a beautiful couple, full of so much love and happiness. It was an absolute honor to be there for you on your big day. You make a fabulous team and I wish you nothing but the best!

xoxo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue: Kent Island Resort
photography: Urban Row Photography
flowers + rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co.
DJ: District Remix
bridal boutique: Tang's Bridal
bridesmaid dress: Jenny Yoo
hair + makeup: True Colors Beauty
dessert: Blue Crab Cupcakes
invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations

joslyn + andrew | a jewel-toned wedding at the assembly room

On the last Saturday in September, Joslyn and Andrew said ‘I Do’ while their closest family and friends cheered them on and partied all night under the most beautiful twinkle lights and with the best dance moves as the Onyx Band (my favorite!) performed at the Assembly Room in downtown Baltimore…

But what really stole the show were 2 moments for me: the first being the moment Andrew saw Joslyn at their first look on the promenade… his speechlessness said it all! And the second being the way they look at each other and are filled with so much love, joy, kindness and humor, it simply radiates from them (just look at this first photo!).

Here is a little bit from what their wedding day looked like!

Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Bredholt!! We are so happy for you and know that this is just the start of amazing adventures together… you guys sure know how to throw an incredible party for all your favorite people! I hope Dexter’s not too sad he missed it when you show him the photos… ;)

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

planning + design: The Otherside Creatives
photography: Urban Row Photography
venue: The Assembly Room at Ikonic Live
catering: Zeffert and Gold
florals: Carried Away Florals
beauty: Brushed Beauty
band: The Onyx Band
rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co, Honeywood Rentals
lighting: 27 Studios
boutique: K&B Bridals
bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
earrings: Olive & Piper pearl pave studs
groom + groomsmen formal attire: Generation Tux
groom’s tie: Knotty Tie
cake: Meringue Cake Studio
dessert: Cream Cruiser
invitation: Zola
transportation: American Limo

alli + jay | a fun and formal jewish wedding at the four seasons baltimore

Alli + Jay had the most beautiful sunny and warm June day for their fun and formal wedding at the Four Seasons in Baltimore; they were actually lucky enough to have TWO gorgeous wedding days in the last year (the first was an intimate brunch wedding in the sky lounge at Silo Point, thanks to Covid!) that were warm, full of happy tears and lots of mentions and moments with Midnight, their adorable cat…!

Enjoy these early favorites; I can’t stop smiling when I look at their first look sequence. Jay’s expression was everything!!

Oh and ps: you need to consider bringing in Coal Fire Pizza for a late night snack at your wedding. It was THE BEST and made for such fun photos… go see for yourself, below!

THE FIVE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS + DETAILS FROM A+J’S WEDDING AT THE FOUR SEASONS BALTIMORE

1. Midnight the cat, was present as their cake topper, in their vows and as their signature cocktail, the Midnight Mojito!

2. Alli’s adorable niece and nephew wore the best wedding attire (little boys in mini tuxes make me melt!), and the sweetest flower girls wore flower crowns to round out their wedding party

3. Speaking of their wedding party, everyone wore black while the groomsmen wore fuchsia pink socks and the bridesmaids had vibrant pink, lavender and blush roses in their bouquets - so summery and romantic!

4. Alli had a reveal with her bridesmaids after she got in her dress before sharing a special first look with her dad and then one with Jay; there were laughs, smiles and happy tears on repeat.

5. When Alli and Jay entered their reception to Jay wearing a Nature Boy robe over his tux!

Mazel tov, Alli + Jay!!!

I’m so glad we got to celebrate your love story twice… want to do it again next June? ;) You both deserve all the happiness in the world. Your day was so much fun and you both continue to inspire me with your generosity, down to earth humor and love of all things Disney!

planning: Celebrations
photography: Urban Row Photography
videography: Shutter and Sound
venue + catering: Four Seasons Baltimore
florist: Ann’s Garden
band: Washington Talent’s Rhythm 6
dress boutique: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal
beauty: Elina Baron, Victoria Brett Creative
cake: Cake by Jason
invitation: Paper’s Plus
officiant: friend Jason Yonowitz
late night snack: Coal Fire Pizza
live painter: Patricia Bennett Studio

lauren + tony | a modern wedding at two industrial baltimore venues

On a bright and warm Friday in June, Lauren and Tony not only became Mr. + Mrs. Assadi, but they hosted the biggest and best party they could have ever dreamed of attending!

Lauren got ready in their Harbor Point apartment with views of the water and the city down below while Tony got ready at his brother’s house in Canton; both were modern, well-lit and spacious but most importantly, filled with so much joyful energy with their family and best friends surrounding them.

Before Lauren’s dad came to their apartment for their father daughter first look, we stepped out onto the balcony and took bridal portraits of Lauren and her lace bridal wings… it left us speechless before their first look on the water in Harbor East and ceremony on the Frederick Douglass pier, framed by historic ships.

Enjoy these early (and too many because I couldn’t narrow them down!) favorites from Lauren and Tony’s wedding day!

THE 5 UNFORGETTABLE DETAILS AND MOMENTS FROM LAUREN + TONY’S MODERN, COCKTAIL STYLE BALTIMORE WEDDING RECEPTION:

1. Their chic sense of style: specifically Lauren’s bridal wings, made from lace from her mom’s wedding dress (!), her bridesmaids in mismatched shades of light blue (her MOH sister was in a gorgeous floral patterned dress and both a bridesmaid and another sister wore a jumpsuit… LOVE!) and Tony’s classic tux with a fun pocket square fabric and cuff links that were a gift from Lauren on their first Valentine’s Day together; they say “from here to mars” in her handwriting

2. Their 240+ loved ones on the pier at their ceremony at Frederick Douglass officiated by Tony’s cousin Jamey and then the lounge seating and upscale vibe of the furniture throughout every single room of the Dye House at their cocktail style reception

3. Acoustic singer songwriter Brent Michael Wood arranged and performed a unique first dance song just for them

4. The hanging greenery above the head table against the textured, worn walls of the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House

5. Golden hour perfection under the arches where they got a chance to soak it all in as the sun set on their first official night as a married couple!!

Congratulations, Lauren + Tony! You did it… you hosted the most fun party ever and I hope you enjoyed every minute of this incredible day! Always remember to continue to savor and soak in the beautiful life you are building together. You have the love of so many friends and family surrounding you… from here to Mars… ;)

xo,
Naomi

vendor team love:

ceremony venue: Frederick Douglass Maritime Park
reception venue: Mt. Washington Mill Dye House
planning: Nouvelle Weddings
photography: Urban Row Photography
videography: Rivion Wedding Films
beauty: Up Do’s for I Do’s
florals: Steelcut Flower Co.
acoustic guitar: Brent Michael Wood
band: Bachelor Boys Band
catering: Linwoods Restaurant
gown: Rita Vinieris, Alyne Richmond
boutique: Garnish Boutique
bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Baltimore
rentals: Select Event Group, Pretty Little Wedding Co.
production: 27 Studios
transportation: American Limousines

allyson + matt | an elegant spring wedding at the assembly room

It was a beautiful spring day for Allyson and Matt’s wedding at the Assembly Room in downtown Baltimore — the sun was shining, there was a slight breeze along the water for their first look and most importantly, all of their families and friends were overflowing with love and joy as they watched these cuties officially become husband and wife!

6 UNIQUE DETAILS FROM A+M’S ELEGANT, INDUSTRIAL WEDDING AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOM

1. Allyson’s classic plunging v-neck ballgown had pockets (!!!) and the most gorgeous train and lace back detail

2. Matt’s reaction to seeing Allyson for the first time… he just kept saying “wow…” it was the actual sweetest.

3. During their ceremony, Allyson’s bridesmaid read a poem that was personalized for them and so incredibly cute!

4. They used Allyson’s parents wedding cake topper for theirs - it was perfect.

5. The most dramatic and fun light pouring through the Assembly Room skylights during their portraits.

6. Allyson’s aunts and uncles had a blast on the dance floor and you can easily tell who came to party!

The view from and vibe in their getting ready suites at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront was amazing; so calm, confident and ready to do this wedding thing! Allyson’s dress and Matt’s tux were so classically elegant — I could not get enough of those dress pockets!!!

When it came time for their first look on the promenade, the sun was shining, their families were cheering them on and Allyson’s veil couldn’t wait for it’s time to shine. Having an intimate wedding party of 2 on each side meant we could get creative with portraits by the water and stay ahead of schedule all day long… not to mention, having fun while taking them!

Congratulations, Allyson & Matt!! We were incredibly honored to be a part of your wedding memories and hope you continue dancing in the streets for decades to come! Thanks for being so willing to trust us and go along with all our crazy ideas, you two (and your families) are truly the best!

xo,
Naomi

kudos to this talented vendor team!

planning: The Wedding Ninja
photography: Urban Row Photography
venue: The Assembly Room
DJ: Sean of Mixing Maryland
beauty: Stacie Snyder Beauty
florals: Scentsational Floral Designs
catering: Zeffert and Gold
cake: Sugarbakers
officiant: Holly Dix
dress: Essense of Australia D3412
boutique: Betsy Robinsons Bridal
lighting: 27 Studios
invitations: Minted
transportation: On the Town Limos

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

sarma + chandler | an elegant and refined wedding at home in annapolis

The sky was full of clouds for most of the day this past Saturday. The temperature was perfect, but the sky wasn’t sure what it wanted to do as gray storm clouds hovered above with blue sky trying to peek out. Just before the sun actually set, golden light beamed through the trees and cast the warmest glow on this beautiful newlywed couple.

Sarma and Chandler had very different wedding plans a few months ago; their winter wedding in downtown Baltimore suddenly couldn’t take place due to Covid, so they moved their wedding to the lawn of their serene yard overlooking the water, in the place they now call home.

Watching their first dance together as husband and wife under the stars and bistro lights of the clear top tent, they radiated joy and so much promise for the life they will continue to build together for decades to come.

Their late October wedding was full of incredibly simple yet chic details that tied everything together so perfectly:

1. I almost lost it when I saw Sarma in her beaded cape from BHLDN - it looked like it was made for her! Talk about breathtaking!!

2. Her half-up, half-down hairstyle with twists and loose curls created a playfully elegant and soft, romantic vibe.

3. A lush and modern bouquet full of ranunculus, garden roses, scabiosa, burgundy dahlias, butterfly ranunculus and pink lisianthus was the perfect combination of dark and light tones.

4. An intimate dinner was held on the deck, under a clear top tent lined with bistro lights, burgundy linens, floral napkins and gold cutlery. The clear chiavari chairs only elevated the look.

5. Signature cocktails (French 75 for her, Bulleit on the rocks for him) and cigars were enjoyed while the sun set within a pastel colored Fall sky.

Congratulations to you both!! I was honored to document the official start of your married life together and wish you many more epic sunsets together!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR LOVE:

planning + design: Lynn Aaron of Nouvelle Weddings
photography: Urban Row Photography
florals: Stacy Bowen Floral Design
caterer: Classic Catering
tent + lighting: Loane Bros.
music: Hill Chamber Music
makeup: Kristen Floyd Bridal
hair: Up Do’s for I Do’s
officiant: Anita Varzbergs-Paža
rentals: Select Event Group
day of paper: MLC Designs
dress: BHLDN Caron V-Neck Crepe
cape: BHLDN Palmer Cape
shoes: Badgley Mischka Jewel Tessy Embellished Sandal

sneak peeks | kelsey + bryan's modern gray wedding at frederick douglass

One look at these two together and your heart just melts! The vibrant, contagious smiles on both of their faces stayed there all day; we couldn’t have been happier to be a part of Kelsey + Bryan’s modern waterfront wedding at Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Baltimore, one of the city’s oldest existing waterfront industrial buildings.

To say their day was perfect is an understatement! Here are 7 reasons why this September wedding is one I’ll want to repeat over and over:

1. dramatic clouds with no precipitation, no squinting and no harsh shadows; we had our pick of portrait locations because the clouds provided such even light

2. a gentle breeze coming off the harbor as they recited their vows on a historic pier between two absolutely stunning sailboats, Lady Maryland and Sigsbee

3. family that traveled from across the country and the pond to witness the beginning of their marriage together (some had never been to a big city like Baltimore!)

4. a wedding party that helped us run ahead of schedule the entire time which rarely happens and made me so happy for them and the endless amount of photos we were able to take… my favorite of the day was when we found scooters right in front of the metal doors at Frederick Douglass and this too-cute-for-words couple, hopped on for a photo like it was their JOB!

5. the ice cream sandwich bar with cookies made by the groom’s mom and ice cream by Taharka Bros… we won’t talk about the mini donut burger appetizers that Copper Kitchen provided during cocktail hour (!)

6. the bride’s dad built wooden lanterns that were the perfect ceremony and cocktail hour decor filled with eucalyptus, greenery and anemones.

7. and if all of that wasn’t enough, guests enjoyed a prime view of fireworks across the harbor from the dance floor during the reception (that were completely unexpected and a happy accident, thanks to Fort McHenry’s Defenders Day)!

We are so happy and honored to have gotten to know you two over the last year and hope you have the most memorable and relaxing honeymoon in Key West! Here’s hoping they can make you a Camden Crush to sip on the beach!! ;) Cheers to the new, #marriedmacks!

shoutout to the incredible vendor team!

venue: Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park
photography: Urban Row Photography
florist: Bay Blossoms
DJ: Paul Parrinello
Officiant: Rev. Lauren Muratore
catering: Copper Kitchen
dessert: Taharka Bros. Ice Cream + cookies by groom’s mom
hair: Allison Harper & Co
makeup: Swept LLC
wedding dress: Casablanca
dress boutique: Savvi
groomsmen attire: The Black Tux
groomsmen accessories: The Tie Bar
invitations: Etsy + couple DIY
reception decor: Event Dynamics
transportation: Apollo Transportation

sneak peeks | rachel + hale's kent island wedding at maria's love point

Rachel + Hale’s wedding was my first on Kent Island and wow… it set the bar as high as you can imagine. Between the picture perfect June wedding weather, a private first look on the beach, a ceremony full of so many family and friends out on the lawn, a poolside cocktail hour and sunset photos on the dock, I really don’t think they could have asked for a better day (and location) to celebrate their love!

To give you a taste of what makes this adoring couple so special, here’s how they answered… “what's your favorite thing about your fiancé?”

“I don’t know where to start with this question. If there weren’t a million reasons, we wouldn’t be engaged. Hale is my support, my reason to better myself, and my other half. We fill the gaps that the other cannot on a day-to-day basis. He is intelligent, kind almost to excess, and has a super power that gets people to open up to him where they normally wouldn’t. We each need each other.”

Hale’s answer: “I’m not allowed to answer that right now. It’s pretty much my vows word for word. I agree with everything Rachel said. :)”

Their father daughter first look and his expression was simply priceless! Such pride…

I’ll never forget how Rachel responded when we said to just enjoy each other and this moment, right before he saw her for the first time… “you won’t have a problem getting us to smile…”

Is their joy and love for each other not the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen?! She was absolutely right though… these lovebirds just wanted to snuggle up, get cozy and enjoy every minute of their wedding day, together. Which is exactly what I love about our couples! Photos are a huge priority. Rather than focus on the details and mingling during cocktail hour, Rachel + Hale prioritized portraits: of them, their families and their friends, out by the water.

Do you see this sky?! Cotton candy skies at golden hour are my FAVORITE. I couldn’t believe how perfect the light was! Not only at the dock but then turning the opposite direction, the pale peachy glow along the rocks and grassy hill was just as beautiful too. Weddings at Maria’s Love Point are so picturesque with so many different places to explore for portraits. It was a match made in heaven for a couple that wanted nothing more than intimate, heartfelt meaning to their day.

When Rachel’s sister, the Maid of Honor, surprised them with the shoe game as part of her speech, the whole tent was roaring in laughter. They had the best matching answers, every time and of course both answered “me!” to the question of who loves the other most.

Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and exploring all the medieval castles together! Congratulations again, newlyweds!!!

vendor team:

venue: Maria’s Love Point Bed & Breakfast
planning + design: The Otherside Creatives
hair: Lauren Riesett
makeup: Attomic Cupcake
cake: Sugarbakers Cakes
catering: Windows on the Bay, Dennis Walz
DJ: My Deejay
florals: Petal Pusher
officiant: Carole Kerr

sneak peeks | tessa + marshall's anchor inn wedding

Tessa and Marshall are two of the most lighthearted, joyful, playful, genuine, sweet, carefree and head-over-heels-in-love couples we’ve had the pleasure of capturing!

Their wedding was full of the most beautiful scenery to compliment Tessa’s golden glow, vibrant red hair and Marshall’s beaming smile. Getting ready at an Airbnb not far from the Anchor Inn, we suggested doing their first look along this wooded drive, with so much beautiful, diffuse and soft light shining through the trees. It was PERFECTION and set the tone for even more incredible moments throughout the day along the waterfront and docks during golden hour!

The romance and dreaminess of this moment is one of my favorites of their entire reception! Their first dance song was ‘I get to love you’ by Ruelle and I definitely cried happy tears behind my camera. The lyrics are so good!

And then we recreated the magic outside on the pier…

Cheers, cuties!!! Have the best time on your honeymoon in Greece!

vendor team:

venue: The Anchor Inn

catering: Catering by Uptown

videography: Harrison Films

florals: Calla Designs, Vivian Eng

DJ: Rick Miller

Wedding dress: Casablanca Bridal

Boutique: Potomac Bridals

Bridesmaid Dresses: The Dessy Group

Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Simply to Impress

kyle + kimberly | black and white renaissance baltimore harborplace wedding

Having grown up in Baltimore but now living in Ohio, Kimberly knew she wanted her spring wedding to Kyle to take advantage of the iconic backdrop of the inner harbor waterfront… when we found out Light City was planned to start the same night as their wedding at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, the color lover in me got even more excited to capture their downtown Baltimore wedding!

With a bridal party all in black, white flowers softening the modern look and Kimberly’s details full of rhinestones and tons of sparkle, this downtown wedding was filled with so much charm, color and beautiful moments! Light City, you were so good to us!!

I have to say though, something about a series of classic and timeless black and white images makes my heart so happy…

Here comes your dose of glittery sparkle for days… you’re welcome.

Their ceremony and reception both had incredible waterfront views and with bright blue skies, sunny breezes and tons of crowds for Light City, we had the best vantage point to take in all of what Charm City offers!

Cheers to you, adorable newlyweds! We loved being a part of your day and hope to see you again soon when you’re back in Baltimore!!

xo,
Naomi

venue and catering: Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
DJ: C and J Entertainment
wedding dress: Eddy K
boutique: Bridal and Formal
groom’s attire: Jos A. Bank
videographer: Don Palmer
makeup: Jenna Williams
hair: Katie Dietz
officiant: Eric Hannum
dessert: Charm City Cakes
invitations: Carlson Craft