Intimate Elopement at American Visionary Art Museum Sculpture Garden
There’s nothing about Zachary and John’s elopement I could write that would do more justice than sharing their engagement story. So without further ado, here it is. Get your tissues ready because they got married in the same exact same place. xo
“I (Zach) proposed - one weekend in 2019, John participated in a 5k to support transplant patients and their loved ones in Baltimore. At the conclusion of the 5k, we had some spare time to kill so we wandered around Inner Harbor and wound up at AVAM, where we spent a decent amount of time. At some point in the museum something stirred in me, so I went to the gift shop, found a pair of matching rings, and dragged John to one of the closed exhibits with an overhead mural. I pointed upward which gave me enough time to get down on one knee and ask the million dollar question (he said yes, thankfully).”
Glamorous Wedding at Mount Vernon's Engineer's Club
Cate and Chris were married on a rainy May day in Baltimore, Maryland at Mount Vernon’s historic Engineer’s Club. There are so many gorgeous architectural details at this venue, and while decoration only needs to be minimal, the team at Christine McFarlane Events outdid themselves. Floral arches were creatively constructed by Wanton Poppies and each table had bud vases and tapered candles. It was unreal.
When I arrived, Christine had set up a sweet little flat lay with the couple’s invitations and rings. I will absolutely photograph details and create my own setups on the fly, but having it pre-made allowed me even more time for the creative photojournalism of people. Weddings are human events full of unpredictable emotions and those are what I thrive documenting the most.
Since it was rainy, we took advantage of the conservatory for first look and wedding party portraits. I’m so happy we snuck outside with umbrellas to take 10 minutes of portraits though! By the time we were done, it started pouring. Such good timing. The ceremony was short and sweet, followed by the most glamorous cocktail hour in the library with live jazz music. Toasts as the sun went down was a photographer’s dream scenario. Romantic lighting, laughing (and teary) expressions, and so. many. florals.
Dancing was in the red and hot pink damask ballroom with a live band uplit with blue lights. I took the opportunity to let direct flash lead the way for a very hollywood-era aesthetic on the dance floor. This collection of film and digital images speaks to how seamlessly both mediums flow together. Imperfect, out of focus, emotional, and timeless.
Jewel Tone Wedding In Old Town Alexandria at Virtue Feed & Grain
I met Katie at The Alexandrian Autograph Collection Hotel as Sungold Flower Co. delivered their beautiful assortment of foraged spring flower bouquets and crowns. The ladies put on velvet, silk, and chiffon dresses and then we took a walk down the cobblestone streets of Old Town. We took photos on the waterfront and then headed to Virtue Feed & Grain for a quick and candid ceremony and lunch!
I met Katie at The Alexandrian Autograph Collection Hotel as Sungold Flower Co. delivered their beautiful assortment of foraged spring flower bouquets and crowns. The ladies put on velvet, silk, and chiffon dresses and then we took a walk down the cobblestone streets of Old Town. We took photos on the waterfront and then headed to Virtue Feed & Grain for a quick and candid ceremony and lunch!
Wedding at Diyanet Center of America and Big Bear Cafe
Noor and Dan exchanged their vows on a beautiful spring day at the Diyanet Center of America. It’s a gorgeous mosque and cultural center based on Turkish design. The intricate tile design of the interior was impressive! Noor’s black beaded dress was in keeping with her family’s Palestinian heritage. After a short ceremony, we met extended family and a few friends at Big Bear Cafe in Washington DC for a delicious dinner at one long table.
Noor and Dan exchanged their vows on a beautiful spring day at the Diyanet Center of America. It’s a gorgeous mosque and cultural center based on Turkish design. The intricate tile design of the interior was impressive! Noor’s black beaded dress was in keeping with her family’s Palestinian heritage. After a short ceremony, we met extended family and a few friends at Big Bear Cafe in Washington DC for a delicious dinner at one long table.
Celestial Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Wedding
Skye and Brandon celebrated their wedding day among the most beautiful DIY, celestial-themed decor. There was a crescent moon metal arbor at their altar, guests threw wildflower petals down the aisle from paper cones painted like the galaxy, each guest table had an astrological sign assigned, and multiple cakes were adorned with stars. We even took pictures near a sci-fi looking geodesic dome!!
Skye and Brandon celebrated their wedding day among the most beautiful DIY, celestial-themed decor. There was a crescent moon metal arbor at their altar, guests threw wildflower petals down the aisle from paper cones painted like the galaxy, each guest table had an astrological sign assigned, and multiple cakes were adorned with stars. We even took pictures near a sci-fi looking geodesic dome!!
Baltimore Streetcar Museum with Potluck and Tacos
Katie and Dan’s wedding at the Baltimore Streetcar Museum was one for the books. When I arrived, family and friends were pitching in to set everything up, from the flowers to potluck appetizers. Guests climbed about two of Baltimore’s historic streetcars and headed down to the ceremony site on Falls Road. Katie, her dad, and TEN flower children followed on a third.
Katie and Dan’s wedding at the Baltimore Streetcar Museum was one for the books. When I arrived, family and friends were pitching in to set everything up, from the flowers to potluck appetizers. Guests climbed about two of Baltimore’s historic streetcars and headed down to the ceremony site on Falls Road. Katie, her dad, and TEN flower children followed on a third.
Late Summer Rocklands Farm Elopement with Vibrant Flowers
Florals/Styling: Sungold Flower Co.
Venue: Rocklands Farm
Dress: Milk and Ice Vintage
Jewelry: Stellarium Jewelry
Hair and Makeup: A O’Halloran at Green Beauty Spa
Food: Pizza Brama
Wine: Rocklands Farm
Hand-Dyed Silks: Solidago and Silk
Napkins: We are Lady Farmer
Models: Mayra and Kyle Hayes (actually here to do a vow renewal/elopement after 10 years of marriage!!)
Officiant: Jennifer Singh
Urban Wedding at 1840s Plaza and Fells Point Waterfront
Keeley and Matthew celebrated an intimate but international wedding at the historical 1840s Plaza in downtown Baltimore. The couple live in Australia and were celebrating here with American family. They wanted their portraits to reflect the charm of this city so we headed to the boardwalk at the Inn at Henderson’s Wharf.
Keeley and Matthew celebrated an intimate but international wedding at the historical 1840s Plaza in downtown Baltimore. The couple live in Australia and were celebrating here with American family. They wanted their portraits to reflect the charm of this city so we headed to the boardwalk at the Inn at Henderson’s Wharf.
Weekday Elopement at Rawlings Conservatory
Ami and Zach had a relaxed weekday elopement at the courthouse in Towson. After they tied the knot, I met them at Rawlings Conservatory for a portrait session.
Ami and Zach had a relaxed weekday elopement at the courthouse in Towson. They started their day with homemade breakfast (I think it involved something baked with blueberries- yum!) and light chores around the house. There's something exceedingly romantic about acting out your everyday routine and then hopping in the car to get married. After they tied the knot, I met them at Rawlings Conservatory for an hour's worth of portraits.
When Ami had first approached me, she emphasized how much she loved my candid style. We started our session true to form by climbing a giant tree. When they were perched on top, they recollected how their first date was spent climbing trees at Druid Hill Park. I loved that serendipity!
The greenhouses at Rawlings are something special. There are four main rooms and we took our time wandering through each and checking out the various flowers and foliage. It's a perfect venue, rain or shine. There's a Mediterranean room, a tropical room with a koi pond, a cactus garden, and the palm room with giant trees reaching the ceiling.
Ami and Zach were dressed to the nines and their colors fit right into the environment- him in a grey suit, and her in a pink Indian sari and her mother's scarf. We found all sorts of stunning photo backdrops and they looked like they belonged in each one. Like part of the landscape.
Elegant Autumn Wedding at Glen Ellen Farm
This relaxed and elegant wedding was a testament to how important having a planner can be. Katie from Social Graces Events knocked it out of the park! Guests were greeted with homemade popsicles, flower-filled lanterns lined the aisle, and dinner stations meant guests ate surf n’ turf, tacos, chicken and waffles, and so much more.
This relaxed and elegant wedding was a testament to how important having a planner can be. Katie from Social Graces Events knocked it out of the park! Guests were greeted with homemade popsicles, flower-filled lanterns lined the aisle, and dinner stations meant guests ate surf n’ turf, tacos, chicken and waffles, and so much more.
Riverside Elopement with Wildflowers and a Potluck
Mountains, seed bombs, a yarn weaving ceremony, and a kitty in a bowtie make this wedding one of a kind. Emily and Michel wanted to have a casual potluck wedding along their favorite river.
Eco Friendly Wedding at The Elm in Hampden
Allison and Dan's Earth Day wedding had two priorities- have FUN with family and friends who traveled from all over the country, and keep things as eco friendly as possible. It was hosted at one of Baltimore's hidden gem's, The Elm in Hampden. It's owned and operated by a couple who live there, so it has charm and nostalgia and small personal touches scattered about that make it feel incredibly cozy. There are vintage posters on the wall, rustic furniture made of wicker and wood, and mismatched floral textiles.
Allison and Dan's Earth Day wedding had two priorities- have FUN with family and friends who traveled from all over the country, and keep things as eco friendly as possible. They started by forgoing traditional invites and opted for e-cards from Paperless Post. I was so impressed when I got mine! Allison managed to find a design that mirrored her bridesmaid's dress, a marbled texture reminiscent of a geode slice. Table decor was simple and sweet- primarily flowers with touches of what I assume was Allison's personal geode collection. Amethyst, quartz, etc. I've shot a lot of weddings and scroll a LOT wedding instagram photos and I'd never seen this theme before.
The wedding was hosted at one of Baltimore's hidden gem's, The Elm in Hampden. It's owned and operated by a couple who live there, so it has charm and nostalgia and small personal touches scattered about that make it feel incredibly cozy. There are vintage posters on the wall, rustic furniture made of wicker and wood, and mismatched floral textiles. One of the owners is an artist so his work (large scale chalk illustrations of Monaco) are the main decor in the dining room.
Allison and her bridesmaid/bff/maid of honor both wore upcycled dresses, which I thought was so cool. Not only was it a much more affordable option, but it was especially fitting for an Earth Day wedding. Party favors were a mixture of seed bombs, amethyst, quartz, and agate. Every detail of this wedding was thoughtful and unique! I feel so lucky to have been asked to document such a special day!
WEDDING VENDORS
Invitations- Paperless Post
Officiant- Will Walter, Allison's Yoga Teacher
Florist- Local Color Flowers
Caterer- Peter Halstad
Bakery- Pâtisserie Poupon
Live Musicians- Rod Hamilton
Wedding Dress- La Vie En Blanc
Shoes- Cordiani // Badgley Mischka
Rings- Catbird NYC - groom / Sofia Zakia - bride
Hair- Marina Kaniecki - Smoke and Mirrors Salon - Instagram @marinakaniecki
Makeup- Christina Somensky
Tie- Marshalls
Bridesmaids' Dress: Thred Up
Linens/China/Cutlery: Nancy Long
Placecards/Signs: Moss graffiti made by Allison
Backyard Flower Farm Family Session
During our session, the kids nibbled goldfish instead of dinner, ran around with dirt between their toes, played hide and seek in the cosmos patch, and licked ice cream cones on the greenhouse porch.
I met Caitlin on the internet back when her oldest, Maisy, was still in diapers. They had just bought their little farmstead and I was still deep in the throes of my own farming adventures. A lot has changed since then- namely the fact that she has three more babies (!), found her calling as a flower farmer, and (most excitingly) we finally met in person!
During our session, the kids nibbled goldfish instead of dinner, ran around with dirt between their toes, played hide and seek in the cosmos patch, and licked ice cream cones on the greenhouse porch. All the things childhood is made of. This was their first time asking a family photographer to document their life, and I think we made some absolute magic together!
Early Autumn Family Session with Brothers
Brothers Avik and Som had a blast running around this wildflower filled meadow playing superheroes and finding new insects and flowers to explore. Their mom and dad were all about embracing their kids’ wild and free nature and because of that, we captured some honest and intimate moments whenever the boys naturally went in for cuddles (instead of forcing poses.) I’m such an advocate for child-led sessions!
Brothers Avik and Som had a blast running around this wildflower filled meadow playing superheroes and finding new insects and flowers to explore. Their mom and dad were all about embracing their kids’ wild and free nature and because of that, we captured some honest and intimate moments whenever the boys naturally went in for cuddles (instead of forcing poses.) I’m such an advocate for child-led sessions!
Calming Newborn Session with Baby Rorri
Rorri Lee’s nursery is a picture of zen and this newborn session took on exactly that vibe. She spent lots of time happily nursing and then snuggling with mama and papa. I loved that this family wanted to include their fur babies in their photos and they were SO well behaved!
Rorri Lee’s nursery is a picture of zen and this newborn session took on exactly that vibe. She spent lots of time happily nursing and then snuggling with mama and papa. I loved that this family wanted to include their fur babies in their photos and they were SO well behaved!
Annapolis Friends Quaker Meeting House Wedding
Jenny and Luke were married at the beautiful and intimate Annapolis Friends Meeting House in Annapolis, Maryland. Like so many of the weddings I’m so lucky to photograph, it was a complete family affair. Relatives and friends pitched in on every level, from the vibrant pink floral arrangements, to magnolia leaf namecards, to dessert and catering and homemade flower girls’ dresses.
Jenny and Luke were married at the beautiful and intimate Annapolis Friends Meeting House in Annapolis, Maryland. Like so many of the weddings I’m so lucky to photograph, it was a complete family affair. Relatives and friends pitched in on every level, from the vibrant pink floral arrangements, to magnolia leaf namecards, to dessert and catering and homemade flower girls’ dresses.
VENDORS (a family affair, written by Jenny + Luke)
Invitations: Hand addressed by sister in law Rebecca Hart
Wedding Planner: My mom! Pam Schneider helped us create this event. Could not have done it without her hard work and organization skills...
Officiant: Jay Sterns, pastor, friend of the groom
Florist: Jenny’s aunt Robyn, my moms sister, did an AMAZING job with the flowers, flower crowns, and arch for the ceremony! Jenny’s step dad Bob made the arch by hand! Labor of love. Amazing.
Caterer: Youchefs Cuisine, also friend of the groom
DJ: Google play list by the bride and groom featuring all of our favorite music, like Dispatch, Nahko & Medicine for the People and even David Bowie...shout out to Noah DeBoy, brother of the groom, who arranged all the audio from scratch and MC’d the reception for us.
Live Musicians: Cara Fleck, harpist and friend of the grooms mother. Also cool to note: she Played “Something” by the Beatles for Jenny’s walk down the aisle.
Videographer: our friend Traci made a cute go-pro video ;)
Bride's Dress: Galina
Bride's Shoes: Pretty boho sandals bought/given by friend of the bride Marisa
Wedding Rings: Luke’s wedding mala (prayer beads) and ring were both made of rosewood (both Etsy) and Jenny’s wedding mala and ring both made of moonstone (Etsy-MichelliaDesigns) Jenny’s ring is rose gold and Luke’s ring features a rose gold inlay... cute ;)
Jewelry/Accessories: My mom made my veil, aunt Robin did the flower crown, prayer beads described above, bride wore a larimar hook bracelet given to her by the groom- nod to Caribbean connection- we have taken many trips to St. Croix USVI which is where the hook bracelets and larimar are from. Luke wore his grandfather’s watch which he matched his shoes and suspenders to.
Hair: Casey with Hudson Bridal / Studio Salon West Annapolis
Makeup: Roxanne / Studio Salon West Annapolis
Tie/Bow Tie/Pocket Square: Pocket square made by mother of the bride
Linens/China/Cutlery: Rentals to Remember - Annapolis
Placecards/Signs: Made with love from Magnolia leaves hand lettered by Rebecca Hart sister in law of bride, signs made by friends and family
Miscellaneous: Cookie table made by friends and family of the bride and the groom, cake was small gluten free vegan cake which was sweet, programs made by bride and groom with help of brother of the groom who did the printing, ceremony featured wedding blanket woven by Peggy Hart, aunt of the bride, ceremony featured blessings by friends and family members, exchange of vows, rings and prayer beads and a metta meditation moment for loving kindness, concluded with Namaste. Would like to note the tremendous help by my moms friends, both of our families for the set up, and the clean up, it was a lot of work. Especially our cousins and siblings were extremely hard working and helpful.