Rustic and Casual Fall Elopement in the Woods
This was a true family affair. Kalynn's sisters wove a gigantic ceremony wreath backdrop and decorated it with mums and ornamental grasses. The bride wore a homemade eucalyptus flower crown and carried a DIY wedding bouquet full of eucalyptus, grasses, mums, and dahlias.
Kalynn and Michael are my neighbors, so when they asked if I'd photograph their wedding for just an hour, of course I said yes! The couple wasn't planning to invest in professional photography and this documentation was the perfect gift paid for by Kalynn's sister. (Thank you!)
This was a true family affair. Kalynn's sisters wove a gigantic ceremony wreath backdrop and decorated it with mums and ornamental grasses. The bride wore a homemade eucalyptus flower crown and carried a DIY wedding bouquet full of eucalyptus, grasses, mums, and dahlias. I love that Kalynn chose to wear a soft linen wedding dress. The color was perfect against the bright yellow leaves.
A mossy creek winds through the backyard and they spend lots of time playing in it with their toddler son. It was the perfect spot to take romantic portraits and also the perfect place for the ceremony! Family casually gathered on one side of the creekbed and Kalynn jumped over the water to say her vows. The most romantic moment was when the couple jumped back over the trickling water, hand in hand. While I, of course, took my own photo of that special memory, I'm sharing Kalynn's sister and her instant photo here instead! Now I'm tempted to buy my own instax mini for weddings. How cool would it be to give the couple a photo on the spot?!
VENDORS
dress- Brightside Boutique
shoes- Red Wing Shoes
cake and decor- Crooked Fence Farm
florist- Butterbee Farm
rings- Artifactum Designs
Lake Roland and Clavel Wedding with Tacos!
After the ceremony, we headed back to their home in Hampden to feed the dogs and soak up some AC for 15 minutes. Then we hopped in the car and headed to Clavel for tacos and ice cream. The light was stunning and cast shadows of the numerous houseplants lined up in the restaurant window.
Lindsay and Matt weren’t going to hire a photographer, just like so many of the couples I get to work with. Sometimes it’s not a priority, sometimes it’s just not in the budget, and sometimes it’s just that so many friends have cameras and iPhones that take great pictures. I get it! But I’m obviously an advocate for hiring a professional to document your wedding day, no matter how unscripted and casual it is. I’m so glad they asked me and it feels like such a stroke of luck that we got to make these photographs together.
Initially, they planned to meet with a few family members at Lake Roland for a pop-up ceremony. When the guest count approached 30, they rented out one of the pavilions overlooking the water. Seating was simple- picnic tables- and decor was unnecessary because Baltimore is a lush jungle right now! Lindsay’s dad walked her across the bridge, up a winding pathway, all the way to Matt who waited for her at the edge of the pavilion. It was overcast that day and HOT. Like really sweaty, gross, sauna-hot. Lindsay had stopped for a Tropicool snow cone before getting to the park and she walked it down the “aisle” and gave it to Matt after saying their vows. I love her for this, probably more than she realizes.
One of the sweetest parts of the day were the flowers. Matt has a habit of picking flowers up for Lindsay from the grocery store almost every week. Years ago, he brought home a bouquet of delicate lisianthus. They promised each other that this would be the flower included in their someday-wedding. Lindsay made her own bouquet and the bridesmaids made theirs along with Matt’s boutonniere. Another sentimental detail was the gold bracelet she wore. It belonged to Lindsay’s great grandmother and every woman on her dad’s side has worn it for their wedding.
After the ceremony, we spent about half an hour taking portraits around Lake Roland, then headed back to their home in Hampden to feed the dogs and soak up some AC for 15 minutes. Then we hopped in the car and headed to Clavel for tacos and ice cream. The light was stunning and cast shadows of the numerous houseplants lined up in the restaurant window. All of their many friends (in addition to 30 family members) were waiting to celebrate with them. Seriously, this was such a dream wedding to photograph, not to mention, delicious!!
PS. I loved their invitations screenprinted by Globe Printing in Baltimore. They even made some guestbooks from the spare invites!
VENDORS
Invitations: Globe Printing
Officiant: Katie Flament (Matt's sister)
Florist: Lindsay made her bouquet, Katie made hers and Lauren Knowlson, Lauren Flament made hers and Matt's boutonniere (by way of ordering flowers online)
Caterer: Clavel
Bakery: The Charmery
DJ: Landis Expandis
Bride's Dress: Marchesa Notte
Bride's Shoes: Kelly and Katie (a DSW brand)
Wedding Rings: custom made by Mineralogy in Chicago
Jewelry/Accessories: Bauble Bar
Hair: Lindsay Hall at Flaunt
Makeup: Owen Michael
Groom's Suit: Suit Supply
Tie/Bow Tie/Pocket Square: Bonobos (tie), Suit Supply (pocket square; embroidered by Lindsay)
Elegant Wedding at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase
There is SO much character at this venue- wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, bookcases, textiles, velvet chairs, vintage rugs, and more! It was hard to pick where to photograph the details, let alone the people!! I came ready for rain, but we lucked out with amazing (albeit Maryland summer hot) weather and got to explore the gardens and rolling golf courses outside.
Ashley and Kevin tied the knot in August at one of the most beautiful and elegant venues I’ve ever seen, Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase. When they first got in touch, I was a little intimidated- I mean, it’s a country club. I don’t really feel like country club material. But Ashley specifically shared they types of photographs she was drawn to and they were all candid, down-to-earth, lively, fun, and a little goofy. She wanted photojournalistic coverage at a venue that typically caters to formal, traditional, and heavily posed. I was up for the challenge!
There is SO much character at this venue- wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, bookcases, textiles, velvet chairs, vintage rugs, and more! It was hard to pick where to photograph the details, let alone the people!! I came ready for rain, but we lucked out with amazing (albeit Maryland summer hot) weather and got to explore the gardens and rolling golf courses outside.
The detail I loved most about this wedding was Ashley’s lockets on her bouquet. They were filled with photographs of her grandparents! Speaking of flowers, holy mother of wedding altars!! This florist was a family friend of the couple and did an outstanding job sourcing local, in-season flowers. She created stunning displays for the mantles and centerpieces too.
While Ashely and Kevin are not high school sweet hearts, they did meet in high school and have maintained closed friendships with a huge group of people from those early days! As a result, their wedding party was enormous!! Ashley specifically asked for more relaxed and lighthearted portraits of this group of friends and I was happy to oblige. We snuck in some Wes Anderson-style portraits too. Just for good measure!
After their ceremony, a live band played during cocktail hour and when dinner was ready, we all loaded into the same room they said their vows in, only now transformed into a magical, candlelit ballroom! They had what must have been 300+ wedding guests, and dinner was served with such ease! I was majorly impressed with this venue’s organization.
On one half of the room, a stage sat framed off by curtains and on it, The Bachelor Boys Band kicked off the dance party! I’ve never heard such awesome live music at a wedding before. This group knows how to get people moving. Their covers were better than the originals!! At some point, they transitioned into the familiar beat of the hora song and EVERYONE joined us on the dance floor. Ashley had a look of excitement (and panic) on her face and I’m sure she’ll never forget the adrenaline rush of being bounced in the air on her wedding night surrounded by a bunch of chanting, slightly inebriated family members! I absolutely love the energy at a Jewish Wedding reception! Nothing compares.
VENDORS
Invitations: Minted
Wedding Planner: Audrey Ross, Columbia Country Club
Officiant: Bruce Rosenblum, family friend
Florist: Meg Owen Floral Designs
Caterer: Columbia Country Club
Live Musicians: Bachelor Boys Band
Bride's Dress: BHLDN
Wedding Rings: Boone & Sons
Hair: Sweet Hairafter
Makeup: Allison Pearlstein
Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss
Bridesmaids' Dresses: Shona Joy
Rocklands Farm Wedding with Sungold Flower Co.
Aubrey and Jason celebrated their intimate, 50 guest wedding at Rocklands Farm in Poolesville, Maryland where Aubrey works during summers. Being close friends with the talented ladies at Sungold Flower Co. (who grow and create right there at Rocklands) she asked me to emphasize their beautiful bouquets, hanging installations, and garlands filled with seasonal Maryland flowers and foliage.
Aubrey and Jason celebrated their intimate, 50 guest wedding at Rocklands Farm in Poolesville, Maryland where Aubrey works during summers. Being close friends with the talented ladies at Sungold Flower Co. (who grow and create right there at Rocklands) she asked me to emphasize their beautiful bouquets, hanging installations, and garlands filled with seasonal Maryland flowers and foliage.
Classic Garden Wedding at The Elm in Hampden
Deirdre and Hendrik enjoyed a family-oriented wedding at the charming Elm in Hampden. They held paper flowers and a friend made their stunning wedding cake from scratch!
Deirdre and Hendrik enjoyed a family-oriented wedding at the charming Elm in Hampden. They held paper flowers and a friend made their stunning wedding cake from scratch!
DIY Park Pavillion Wedding with Spring Wildflowers
Alex and Enid's intimate wedding was hosted in a quaint public park near Silver Spring, MD and was a true DIY, family affair. At the top of a hill sat a small wooden pavilion, decorated in classic white bunting, twinkle lights, and simple wildflower arrangements in recycled wine bottles.
Alex and Enid's intimate wedding was hosted in a quaint public park and was a true DIY, family affair. At the top of a hill sat a small wooden pavilion, decorated in classic white bunting, twinkle lights, and simple wildflower arrangements in recycled wine bottles. Their invitations asked guests to dress for a "picnic-chic garden party" and everyone had their prettiest florals on, which provided an abundance of pastel colors to compliment the decor! When I asked Alex to share her vendor list with me, she came back with the most heartfelt email describing all the things her friends and family had done to make this day so special. Scroll to the bottom of this post to read more! It's so fun to read!!
Alex and Enid planned their spring wedding ceremony to begin at 1pm, which meant direct, overhead sunlight. Normally this wouldn't be the most optimal time for taking photos (harsh shadows, squinting eyes, etc.) but we made a few choices to embrace it! First and foremost, the ceremony was tucked away near the entrance to the woods so their guests faced the shade of trees. Much easier on the eyes!
Because the pale green spring canopy didn't provide much shade at all, their portraits have a dramatic and sometimes light and airy feel to them from the full-sun. Perfect for a delicate garden party wedding! Finally, we originally planned for family portraits near a huge barn but when the time came, the sun was much too direct there (and hot!!) and everyone would have been squinting their eyes and sweating. Instead, we utilized a large hillside nearby that had the most beautiful filtered light coming over it. I think the moral of the story is that no matter what time of day you get married, no matter where the sun is in the sky, there are so many ways to make your guests comfortable and get lovely images to look back on!
VENDORS (in Alex's words)
Signs - Enid's brother's girlfriend, Sarah Curry, spent days working on all of the beautiful signs--the detail that really elevated the whole event, in my opinion. She has since opened an Etsy shop, Museum of Sign Arts.
Wedding planner / day-of coordination - My BFF of almost 20 years, Katie Ernst of Bizzy Bashes, does event planning on the side, so I was referring to her as our "unpaid wedding planner" since I relied HEAVILY on her. She was amazing and coordinated everything the day of (and helped with a million and one things beforehand too) by wrangling up friends and family to unload cars, hang lights, buy ice, place signs, etc. Last minute we decided to pay to have a friend and colleague of her's help, Kevin (don't have his last name at the moment), but we're soooo glad we did that! Kevin was there refilling drink jugs, refreshing ice, telling us when to walk down the aisle, etc, and was an integral part of the setup and tear down.
Katie and Enid really organized a whole army of friend and family helpers for set up on the day of. Enid and his brother and best man, Denis, were there hanging lights, moving tables, hanging lanterns, delivering kegs, etc all morning. They did an insane amount of work and because they're both so efficient and strong, we really don't think we would have been able to get everything ready without them there.
Other friends and family helped by playing music for the ceremony, getting ice, setting up the game area, acting as greeters/ushers, hanging lanterns, etc. They did an incredible amount of work for us and we really can't thank them enough.
Flowers - Another dear friend of mine, Elanna Edwards, owned all things related to flowers. I picked her for the job because I knew she'd be able to really get and deliver my vision for imperfect wildflowers and not think they looked too cheap or like not enough. She also insisted on making a bouquet for me, even though I had decided not to do one just to simplify, and I'm so glad she did. The bouquet was soo beautiful and really made my look. She also decorated our coconut cake with flowers so it looked a little more like a wedding cake.
Cakes - My uncle was incredibly kind and offered to provide the cakes for us. He is a founder of Foodie Direct, a company that works with restaurants, bakeries, etc. to make it possible to ship and deliver some of the most delicious, foodie approved, food. He works with Smith Island Cake and suggested ordering a few of their cake (via Foodie Direct-https://www.foodydirect.com/restaurants/smith-island-baking-co/dishes) for the wedding. They were SOOOO good. Especially the caramel one. *McKenzie here- sadly, my time was up before the dessert even made an appearance at this wedding! YUM!
Baklava and other Albanian dessert - Enid's mom made homemade baklava (really homemade - she rolled out each layer of phyllo - something I didn't even know people did until I met Enid's family!) that we had out with the cake. Another friend of their family brought a similar, homemade dessert (name escapes me at the moment).
Pretty cans for knock over the cans game - My mom made those for us at my request. I saw the flower paper on sale and bought it on a whim. I thought it would be a good job for her because she's an expert present wrapper. :)
Officiant - Kathy Gracenin - The Wedding ProOfficiant
Caterer - Cava Mezze
Wedding Dress - BHLDN
Jewelry/Accessories - Franchesca's
Hair - Glamsquad
Flower Crown Headband - H&M
Suit - SuitSupply
Tie- Nordstrom Rack
Romantic Summer Wedding at Overhills Mansion
Melissa and Nishant started their big day by getting ready at the historic Wayside Inn in Ellicott City. They shared an intimate first look and exchanged gifts, giggling the entire time like they were middle schoolers. Their ceremony and reception took place at Overhills Mansion where guests ate AMAZING food from in-house White House Caterers, danced for hours, and wished the couple good night with an enormous sparkler sendoff!
Melissa and Nishant started their big day by getting ready at the historic Wayside Inn in Ellicott City. They shared an intimate first look and exchanged gifts, giggling the entire time like they were middle schoolers. Their ceremony and reception took place at Overhills Mansion where guests ate AMAZING food from in-house White House Caterers, danced for hours, and wished the couple good night with an enormous sparkler sendoff!
VENDORS
Dress: Matthew Christopher Bridal purchased at Bridal and Formal (Cincinnati, OH)
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Suit + Groomsmen’s Suits: Jos A Bank
Shoes: Melissa - Badgley Mischka + Nishant - Aldo
Hair and Makeup: Allison Harper & Co
Venue: Overhills Mansion
Caterer and Planner: Whitehouse Caterers
Dessert: Once Upon a Crumb
Flowers: Fleur de Lis
Ceremony Program: Graphic Safari on Etsy
Invitations: Studio Bohemme on Etsy
Rings: Gold City Jewelers
Officiant: Rev. LeAnn Hodges
Pre-Ceremony Photos / Wedding Night Lodging: The Wayside Inn
Dress alterations: Estee Livioco
Videographer: Movoly Wedding Films
Coffee Favors: Bump ‘n Grind Coffee (Silver Spring, MD)
Ceremony Music: the couples’ friends, Chris and Sarah
Chinese-American Wedding at Cylburn Mansion
Chris and Lucia renewed their vows while a gaggle of kids played with rose petals at their feet. Adorable is an understatement!
They said their first vows in a tiny church next to a winding river in China. Moving to America with their three year old and expecting a baby girl, they found the perfect opportunity to go for round two. We met at Chris' parent's home where Lucia was getting all dolled up. She chose a classic up-do reminiscent of the 1920's and paired that with pearls and pink flowers. When everyone was dressed and ready, we headed to Cylburn Mansion.
This was my first wedding with a significant language barrier, and I have to say it made the day SO much more fun! Lucia's mom speaks primarily Chinese but she struck some killer poses without any prompting and kept beckoning me here and there for different photos. She was so proud of her daughter and didn't need words to express that!
The ceremony was one of my favorites to date. Since most of their friends also have toddlers, the processional was filled with children! Chris and Lucia renewed their vows while a gaggle of kids played with rose petals at their feet. Adorable is an understatement!
After all was said and done, as the sun dipped below the tree line and everything glowed like late summer, so did they.
Harvest House Wedding at Lost Creek Winery in Virginia
Katie and Zach celebrated their wedding on a cozy, rainy afternoon at the Harvest House at Lost Creek Winery. Between downpours, we took advantage of dry skies for portraits. I brought a dozen clear umbrellas but luck would have it that we hardly even used them! The party began during a series of hilarious and heartfelt toasts and then everyone jumped on the dance floor!
Katie and Zach celebrated their wedding on a cozy, rainy afternoon at the Harvest House at Lost Creek Winery. Between downpours, we took advantage of dry skies for portraits. I brought a dozen clear umbrellas but luck would have it that we hardly even used them! The party began during a series of hilarious and heartfelt toasts and then everyone jumped on the dance floor!
Engagement Portraits at Peabody Institute and Homewood Campus
Younsu and Hyun Jeong attended university in Baltimore and wanted their engagement photos to reflect this period of their lives that brought them together. Even though it was an absolutely freezing December afternoon Hyun Jeong wore the most adorable dresses and even came prepared with a beautiful flower crown and bouquet! They’re getting married in South Korea this year!
Younsu and Hyun Jeong attended university in Baltimore and wanted their engagement photos to reflect this period of their lives that brought them together. Even though it was an absolutely freezing December afternoon Hyun Jeong wore the most adorable dresses and even came prepared with a beautiful flower crown and bouquet! They’re getting married in South Korea this year!
Patterson Park and Union Craft Brewing Engagement Session
Katie and Mark met me at Patterson Park with their adorable fur baby, Huck. The sunset was gorgeous and we spent the evening wandering the pagoda, fountain, and winding brick paths. This couple has an appreciation for all the art to be found in Baltimore and wanted to include one of its colorful murals in their session, so we popped over to Union Craft Brewing to check out the new Jessy and Katey masterpiece.
Katie and Mark met me at Patterson Park with their adorable fur baby, Huck. The sunset was gorgeous and we spent the evening wandering the pagoda, fountain, and winding brick paths. This couple has an appreciation for all the art to be found in Baltimore and wanted to include one of its colorful murals in their session, so we popped over to Union Craft Brewing to check out the new Jessy and Katey masterpiece.
Misty Evening Handfasting with Warm Florals and Lace
This fun and folkloric October wedding took place at dusk in the woods behind Laura’s Maryland family home. The couple invited just a handful of close friends and relatives to join them in a traditional hand-fasting amid twinkle lights and jewel toned florals by The Modest Florist.
This fun and folkloric October wedding took place at dusk in the woods behind Laura’s Maryland family home. The couple invited just a handful of close friends and relatives to join them in a traditional hand-fasting amid twinkle lights and jewel toned florals by The Modest Florist.
At Home Newborn Session in Ellicott City
This newborn session was everything a newborn sesh should be- lots of snuggling, snoozing, and a hearty dose of love. At only three weeks old, tiny Rollie slept almost the entire time and finally woke up after an hour to gaze at us with wise eyes. I always try to focus on the kinds of pictures I’d want of my own baby- a few details of tiny fingers, newborn wrinkles, and peachfuzz, but mostly images that make me remember what it felt like to hold him when he was so small. I really hope these photos bring back those feelings for Rebecca and Sean as their first baby grows into a little boy.
This newborn session was everything a newborn sesh should be- lots of snuggling, snoozing, and a hearty dose of love. At only three weeks old, tiny Rollie slept almost the entire time and finally woke up after an hour to gaze at us with wise eyes. I always try to focus on the kinds of pictures I’d want of my own baby- a few details of tiny fingers, newborn wrinkles, and peachfuzz, but mostly images that make me remember what it felt like to hold him when he was so small. I really hope these photos bring back those feelings for Rebecca and Sean as their first baby grows into a little boy.
Relaxed Spring Family Session at Patterson Park
This easygoing family session in Patterson Park was full of laughter, dancing, and fondly recollecting family memories.
From the time they were babies, these girls have lived with a front door view of Patterson Park. And when they were very very small, their parents would take them for regular walks after dinner, hoping to tire them out before bedtime. Years passed, and those same evenings filled up with activities and homework and sometimes even, baking cookies for neighbors. All good things, but not a replacement for an old-fashioned walk through the park. I'm so honored that Kimberly reached out and asked me to document her family doing just that. I can only hope that looking through these images inspires many more after-dinner strolls.
Backyard Photo Session at Golden Hour in Glyndon
It's always a good sign when the family cat greets you first, right? Because of this lovebug, we dove right into their backyard photo session. Everyone wanted in on the snuggles and summer's sun cast the most beautiful glow.
It's always a good sign when the family cat greets you first, right? Because of this lovebug, we dove right into their backyard photo session. Everyone wanted in on the snuggles and summer's sun cast the most beautiful glow. The boys of the family were a little apprehensive about having pictures taken, but they quickly realized this was all about play, not posing. We explored the creek, climbed the neighbor's fence, swung on trees, pretended we won the lottery (jumping around like crazy), and the kids had more than one tickle fight! I love photographing families at home.
Backyard Boho Wedding on the Eastern Shore
When I arrived at Duncan's parent's house for his and Phoebe's Woodstock, Maryland wedding, I knew it was going to be one of those creatively fulfilling, easy as pie afternoons. The earliest guests were just starting to arrive, so we snuck out the kitchen door for secret portraits by the woodshed. Phoebe's dress kept picking up tiny leaves and it looked so at home trailing behind her in the grass. She was like an extension of the nature that surrounded us.
When I arrived at Duncan's parent's house for his and Phoebe's Woodstock, Maryland wedding, I knew it was going to be one of those creatively fulfilling, easy as pie afternoons. The earliest guests were just starting to arrive, so we snuck out the kitchen door for secret portraits by the woodshed. Phoebe's dress kept picking up tiny leaves and it looked so at home trailing behind her in the grass. She was like an extension of the nature that surrounded us. When it came time for the ceremony, a few chairs from the dining room were set under two enormous trees for grandparents and everyone else crowded around. Phoebe gracefully walked out the front door and met Duncan to exchange vows. Time stood still and you could hear every bird, every whisper of wind, every sigh.
VENDORS
dress- Daughters of Simone
caterer- Ken's Creative Kitchen
cake- Honey Hive Bakery
flowers- Michael Designs Florist
Elopement at Rawlings Conservatory and La Cuchara
When Meredith and Jim found out they were expecting their second baby, they decided it was time to tie the knot. And what better place than Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park? Kid-friendly but romantic as can be. I love that even in winter, this space offers so many stunning photo backdrop opportunities, inside and out. The couple invited 17 of their closest family and friends for an intimate, emotional ceremony under the towering palm trees.
When Meredith and Jim found out they were expecting their second baby, they decided it was time to tie the knot. And what better place than Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park? Kid-friendly but romantic as can be. I love that even in winter, this space offers so many stunning photo backdrop opportunities, inside and out. The couple invited 17 of their closest family and friends for an intimate, emotional ceremony under the towering palm trees. Each of their parents read a poem that had everyone (including myself) tearing up.
Meredith's mom made her wedding bouquet at home and included in it a variety of pretty yellow and purple flowers. They gave away succulent wedding favors the conservatory offers for sale. After the ceremony, everyone carpooled over to La Cuchara in Woodberry for dinner. The restaurant reserved an entire room and one long table for the party and it was decorated with lovely winter squash, candles, and a custom menu at each place setting. Meredith's friend made a chocolate wedding cake and surprised them with- get this- a lounging pregnant bride and groom caketopper! The whole family had a good laugh over that! Adorable!
Frederick Engagement Session at Bend in the River Farm
Madison and Ben had no idea where they wanted to take their engagement photos aside from keeping it local to their hometown of Frederick, MD. I suggested we reach out to Bend in the River Farm about using their lovely land and they were more than welcoming to us. Luck would have it, Madison fell in love with their wildcrafted floral design and hired them for floral arrangements for their summer 2019 wedding at Dulany’s Overlook!
Madison and Ben had no idea where they wanted to take their engagement photos aside from keeping it local to their hometown of Frederick, MD. I suggested we reach out to Bend in the River Farm about using their lovely land and they were more than welcoming to us. Luck would have it, Madison fell in love with their wildcrafted floral design and hired them for floral arrangements for their summer 2019 wedding at Dulany’s Overlook!
