keri + joey | a sophisticated and stylish fall wedding at the winslow baltimore

From the hardcover linen-wrapped vow books and the crisp black and white invitation suite with an illustrated map of the Baltimore skyline to Keri’s multiple bridal looks and the champagne tower at the end of the night, Keri and Joey’s wedding at the Winslow was the definition of a chic and fun industrial wedding in October.

Not even joking a little, this Baltimore wedding felt like it belonged on the cover of Vogue.

This down-to-earth couple is so stylish, warm, and genuine, it made them such a joy to photograph (can’t get enough? here is their esesh in Fed Hill). The best part? Their families are the exact same way! And their dog Tucker made multiple appearances throughout the day (one of them was the cutest surprise from Joey to Keri)!

highlights from Keri & Joey’s baltimore Wedding at the pendry and winslow in october:

1. Both Keri and Joey got ready at a favorite Baltimore wedding venue and boutique hotel: the Sagamore Pendry in Fells Point. This historic building with a modern vibe has so many iconic spots to grab candid photos that look like they were taken right out of a high-end bridal magazine.

2. Keri wore a strapless silk gown with a sexy slit and Jimmy Choo white heels. With her gorgeous and full dark brown hair cascading down in soft waves, she was modern bridal perfection. She paired the simple yet elegant look with gold diamond jewelry and a soft, romantic makeup palette.

3. Her bridesmaids wore neutral satin dresses in a taupe color and carried bouquets in muted fall tones, giving the day a mid-century glam feel.

4. One of the most sought-after spots for wedding photos in Baltimore is the stairwell of the Pendry, and that’s where Keri + Joey had their first look. Pairing the red carpet, black and white tile, and gold elements of the stairwell with Keri + Joey’s classic looks, these portraits looked like an old Hollywood love story.

5. During their first look, they also shared private vows with each other. Written in beautiful hardcover linen-wrapped vow books, I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear behind the camera!

6. Another special moment came when Keri presented Joey with a surprise gift – customized gold cufflinks. Not just any cufflinks, these ones had a special message from Keri and one from Joey’s late mother on the other (written in her handwriting!). It was a special way for Joey’s late mom to be with them throughout the day.

7. Before heading to the Winslow, we went up to the Pendry’s pool deck for more portraits. The infinity edge pool is like nothing else in the City of Baltimore and the reflection where the pool meets the sky is out of this world. The pool isn’t always uncovered this late in the season, so I was ecstatic to discover it like this!

8. Their ceremony was a full Catholic mass at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Baltimore’s Bolton Hill neighborhood. This historic church has such a presence; the stately and all-white sculptural feel complimented Keri + Joey’s wedding vibe perfectly.

9. After the ceremony ended, we took the cutest white trolley over to the reception space, The Winslow. Once there, Joey had arranged for their beloved #urbanrowpup, Tucker, to meet them there and surprise Keri during cocktail hour. His mama was so happy! Tucker said hello to some guests and stayed for a bit before returning home, but not before he paid everyone’s tab — on the bar, there was black acrylic signage that read “Tab is on Tucker!”

10. At the Winslow, there is a nook near the bar that everyone utilizes differently, and I loved how Keri + Joey set up their black acrylic seating chart there surrounded by candles and flowers. It looked like the space was made specifically for their decor, so full and lush.

11. The placesettings for dinner were had gold cutlery and white china with a gold edge. Each person received a customized menu at their seat that matched the invitation suite.

12. Keri + Joey sat at a sweetheart table with a black velvet high-back bench. Paired with a large floral installation full of lush and moody flowers behind the bench, it was regal and chic – exactly the vibe of the entire wedding!

13. The reception itself was also full of fun details, like a champagne tower and Keri + Joey’s friends lifting them up on chairs to the classic wedding song “Shout!” played by the Bachelor Boys Band.

Keri + Joey, working with you was a dream! You are such a strong, amazing, and polished couple; your Baltimore wedding fit your vibe perfectly. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for you and Tucker. Thank you for the honor of capturing this gorgeous day!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

getting ready space : sagamore pendry baltimore
venue : the winslow
church: corpus christi catholic parish
photography : urban row photography
coordination : silk and slate co.
bridesmaids’ beauty : caitlyn meyer pro
bride’s beauty : make up by michele eva
videography : white elm films
caterer : copper kitchen
band : bachelor boys band
florist : steel cut flowers co.
boutique : ava laurenne bride
veil : grace loves lace
shoes : jimmy choo
bridesmaid’s dresses : jenny yoo
stage : event revolution
transportation : american limousines

ashley + jake | a joyful garden party wedding at the mt. washington mill dye house

If I could have one wish, it would be that everyone gets to experience a love like Ashley + Jake’s: comfortable, cozy, cute and confident.

These two lovebirds have been together for 10 years, ever since they met as college freshmen at Emory University. Their wedding was so full of love and happiness — the comfortable kind that comes with a decade-long relationship. The videographer and I joked about how easy the day felt, and I honestly think it’s because Ashley + Jake’s ease around each other put everyone else at ease, too.

There were so many fun, unexpected moments at this early summer wedding. From the special decor elements that Ashley made to the greenery and industrial garden party vibe throughout the venue, I loved every minute of documenting A+J’s June wedding at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House!

17 Memorable Moments and Details from Ashley + Jake’s Dye House Wedding:

1. Ashley + Jake got married at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House, a venue I’ve photographed at many times before! In true Dye House fashion, this couple made it their own. The garden-y feel of their floral arrangements against the industrial backdrop of the venue felt so cozy and magical.

2. Instead of traditional boutonnieres, Jake and his groomsmen had floral pocket squares. They looked incredible against their crisp black suits; I wish more grooms did this! They’re easier than boutonnieres to set into place (no sharp pins to figure out and no flopping or falling apart by the end of the day!), much fuller and lush looking, and elegant.

3. Ashley dried hundreds of orange slices to use as guest placecards, on the cake, and incorporated throughout the table greenery. It was a really unique way to tie the whole wedding together. I took full advantage of these gorgeous dried orange slices when I put together the flat lay photos of her invitation suite.

4. Since Baltimore has played such an important role in Ashley + Jake’s relationship, Ashley ordered a hand-drawn custom map of the city from Etsy. She had the artist highlight all of the locations in the city where important memories happened throughout their decade together.

5. Speaking of Ashley’s creativity and crafting skill, she also embroidered sweatshirts with her bridesmaids names on the sleeves to wear while they got ready. Such a great way for her friends to remember this day when they wear them in the future!

6. When it was time for their first look, the promenade near the Four Seasons was the perfect spot that was perfectly empty and very photogenic! The smiles on their faces say it all…

7. Before their ceremony, we spent some time outside in the courtyard Mt. Washington Mill Dye House taking portraits as a group and just as a couple - there are SO many gorgeous backdrops within reach, it was such an efficient way to spend our time with the wedding party in gorgeous natural light!

8. Their ceremony incorporated the evolution of their relationship from college babies to confident and compassionate adults. It was heartwarming to follow their timeline as friends and families witnessed and celebrated their love! Ashley + Jake wrote their own vows, which they didn’t show each other beforehand and they were so similar!

9. For their guestbook, they had everyone sign a book full of their engagement photos — I wish more couples did this! It’s such a great way to tie your engagement photos into your wedding.

10. Speaking of the guest book, handlettered signage by Lynn Cipollone elevated the look of the signs on the guest book table and for their signature drinks. Her work is so elegant and effortlessly flawless!

11. A+J also tied their decade theme into a shelf displaying one picture from each of their ten years together. Everyone loved looking back on their time together. It was so much fun to compare where they started to where they are now!

12. The enormous head table at the end of the reception space provided such a stunning backdrop with greenery hanging behind them on the textured brick + stucco wall of the Dye House. It was so fun to see them experience a room reveal and get to stroll through the space taking it all in while also enjoying a private practice of their first dance!

13. Ashley and her mom had a mother-daughter dance to Dancing Queen, which was so much fun! You could completely feel the love and joy between the two of them.

14. Watching Jake’s mom dance with Ashley’s mom dance together brought tears to my eyes… not to mention when Jake’s grandparents got up on the dance floor together!

15. Their wedding was catered by Copper Kitchen, who always blows me away! They had two buffet lines with one featuring Greek and Mediterranean food, whereas the other had all types of tacos and a make your own nacho station. It was incredibly delicious!

16. Right at golden hour, we snuck out to grab some portraits on the bridge next to the venue. Between the stone walls, bricks, trees and romantic radiant light, the portraits we got here are simply breathtaking and some of my absolute favorites!!

17. The last personal touch that I really enjoyed was the custom neon sign that said “You’re My Favorite.” As a nod to one of their favorite things to say to one another, it made the perfect backdrop for their unique “photo booth”.

Ashley + Jake, you are an amazing couple!! Your love for each other is so genuine, confident, and inspiring. I loved how much work you put into making your wedding so special and true to the two of you. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a small part of your incredible love story!

xo,
Naomi

Vendor Team:

planner: The Otherside Creatives
catering: Copper Kitchen
photography: Urban Row Photography
video: Rivion Films
venue: Mt. Washington Mill Dye House
officiant: Taylored Vows
hair and makeup: Brushed Beauty
florist: Violet Floral Designs
dj: Cubie of Mixing Maryland
ceremony: Synapse Duet
hand-lettered signage: Lynny C
gown: Casablanca Bridal Maren Style BL539
boutique: Icon Bridal
bridesmaid dresses: Revelry mixed styles in Silver Sage Satin
rings: Nelson Coleman
groom's attire: The Black Tux
rentals: The Otherside Rentals, Select Event Group, Pretty Little Wedding Co.
transportation: Thoroughbred
custom neon sign: House of Rounds
custom Baltimore map: Virginia Brown Art

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

jessie + will | a classic wedding at loyola and mt washington mill dye house

Jessie and Will’s wedding day was full of every type of weather you could imagine (other than the fluffy white stuff) but that meant we got to make beautiful portraits and memories in the rain, wind, sun and overcast skies…

These wonderful humans have such a genuine love and respect for each other that is clearly visible in an effortless, joyful and comfortable way. They honestly are one of the most down-to-earth, passionate and fun couples I’ve had the pleasure of working with and photographing — I didn’t want this day or our time together to end!! Maybe that’s why there are over 140 ‘sneak peeks’ in this post for you to enjoy… ;)

Without further ado, enjoy these early favorites from Jessie + Will’s wedding ceremony at Loyola University and emotional and fun reception at Mt Washington Mill Dye House!

7 memorable moments and details from Jessie + Will’s October wedding at the Dye House:

1. Jessie’s family had a wedding dress made for her American Girl doll, Molly. As an American Girl fan (I had Kiersten!), I love that she had it with her while getting ready in the morning.

2. Jessie’s timeless and modern bridal look with the Kelly Faetanani strapless Phoebe dress that was subtly sexy and graceful all at once.

3. Will and his groomsmen got ready at the Pendry; Julie was able to sneak in such gorgeous getting ready portraits in the courtyard without anyone else around which is rare!

4. Jessie and Will’s first look in Fells - more about it below, but honestly, when you choose one of my favorite walls and urban spaces in all of Baltimore, you’re going to end up with 67,823 photos of it… sorry, not sorry!

5. Oversized stacked white heirloom pumpkins alongside the bar during cocktail hour and their signature cocktails were not only cute but perfectly Fall festive while staying elegant and classy.

6. Eight Tree Street Floral crushed the floral + greenery game. Jessie’s all white bouquet was stunning; the hanging greenery above their king’s head table and garland running down the middle honestly left me speechless!

7. Jessie’s Dad was overcome with emotion throughout multiple moments during the day; the overwhelming love and support their families share and provide each other was so heartwarming to see… it definitely brought me to tears behind the camera each time…!

When it was time for their first look in Fells Point, Jessie and Will chose the perfect spot set away from the buzz of Main Street but close to the water with a backdrop of lush green ivy climbing the walls and rowhouses that remind me a bit of Charleston, SC or even, Europe!

Congratulations again, Jessie + Will! I honestly don’t have enough words to thank you for all of your trust in having us document your wedding! All of your thoughtful hardwork, effort and time travelling to and from Baltimore to plan everything, more than paid off… I can’t wait until you’re both back in Charm City for good so I can see you in person again!

xo,
Naomi

huge thanks to the most talented vendor team:

planning: The Otherside Creatives
photography: Urban Row Photography
reception venue: Mt Washington Mill Dye House
ceremony venue: Loyola University Alumni Chapel
caterer: Copper Kitchen
florals: Eight Tree Street Floral
DJ: Collective DJs
gown: Kelly Faetanani
boutique: Ready or Knot
bridesmaid dresses: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids
shoes: Badgley Mischka Bride
rings: Goldsmith Silversmith
groom + groomsmen attire: Jos A Bank
beauty: Fleurt Beauty Company, Makeup by Rachael Wontrop
invitations: Minted Weddings
bar signage: Lynny C
tables: Barnes Farm Tables
cafe lighting: Event Solutions Baltimore
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred

lauren + matt | industrial garden wedding at the Accelerator Space

Lauren and Matt are such a fun-loving and creative, happy couple that it was no surprise to me that they wanted to celebrate their love of Baltimore and their neighborhood as much as possible on the day of their wedding! They had their first look at the rowhouse they owned less than a block from Patterson Park (and one street over from where Anthony and I used to live!)… you may remember their engagement photos we did in Patterson Park and Fells Point; to this day, I’m still obsessed with Lauren’s vibrant and carefree colorful dress paired with a denim jacket and mustard heels.

I’ll never forget the first time we met at R House; we bonded over a love of being outside, city life, upstate NY travel and rowhouse renovation stories. I was so excited to see their Baltimore wedding come together celebrating so many local, talented vendors and Lauren’s love of flowers and a garden-inspired aesthetic to soften the structure of their industrial chic wedding venue!

Lauren wore 2 BHLDN gowns throughout the day and 3 different pairs of shoes (the Rifle Paper Co x Keds were my favorite!). The vintage suitcase she used to hold all of her details as she gathered them throughout the wedding planning process was a gift from a family member that was so functional and beautiful, we had to feature it in her getting ready photos!

Want to know a huge bonus to getting ready at your house? The ability to easily include your dog! Penny, their sweet little pup got to be a part of the photos and even, their first look!

Matt and his groomsmen treated themselves to a day at the Pendry while they got ready there. The courtyard is all sorts of groomsmen goals…!! That architecture and dark steel softened by the lush greenery…

Quite possibly my favorite first look ever.

When you live steps from Patterson Park, portraits in the park are a must do. The bouquet from Lucky Penny Floral Co. had just the right touch of blue with an incredible texture and shape to it!

I loved how they changed up the order of their day to allow for time to mingle with their guests BEFORE the ceremony. Yes, cocktail hour preceded the ceremony at the Accelerator Space! Hint, hint… more couples should do this! It was such a fun, casual way to allow the bride and groom to interact with their guests before the actual formal events started. Notice Lauren’s second dress and pair of shoes of the day! How cute, sparkly and festive is it with her earrings from J’Adorn Designs and that clutch and signature cocktail!??!

The reception details and tablescape elements were all handmade by Lauren (menus, favors) and the ceremony backdrop was designed and installed/hung by Matt, an engineer.

They danced the night away with the help of Bachelor Boys Band after enjoying a local meal by Tablefield Catering, Taste this Cake and Pietime, all vendors at Bmore Kitchen, the food incubator directly below the Accelerator Space.

Cheers to you, adorable lovebirds!! We are so honored to have been part of your wedding and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both!

xo,
Naomi

Vendor Team
venue: Accelerator Space
florist: Lucky Penny Floral
wedding gown: Catherine Deane
dress boutique: BHLDN Georgetown
veil: Noon on the Moon
shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson, Keds x Rifle Paper Co
bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
earrings: J’Adorn Designs
rings: Nelson Coleman Jewelers
hair / makeup: Haute on Wheels
groom + groomsmen attire: Indochino
caterer: Tablefield Catering
dessert: Taste This Cake + Pietime
band: Bachelor Boys Band
invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
favors / centerpieces / reception decor: Lauren, the bride ;)
transportation: Martin’s Sedan and Limo Service

unique and fun ways to personalize your wedding day

If there’s one thing I constantly hear from couples it’s that they want their wedding to be fun, memorable and a great experience for their guests who are traveling far and wide to celebrate their relationship…

But you know what I hear just as often that makes me even more excited for what’s to come in this industry? NON-TRADITIONAL details, elements, approaches and experiences making their way into wedding days like never before. HECK to the YES, PLEASE!!

Notice the custom hanging metal sculpture behind Megan + Chris below!? A super talented metalworker friend designed and fabricated it for them! *note to self: brainstorm how to incorporate friends talents…*

There are so many great ways to personalize your wedding and ensure stunning and sophisticated photos. Here are just a few of the favorites we’ve seen in 2018 paired together as opposites to show you all the creative ideas out there… if there’s one thing I’m all about, it’s visual inspiration! Some bright, bold and vibrant, others moody, monochromatic and minimalist… ALL beautiful and part of the story of your best day ever!!

Let’s begin with where it officially starts for you, the RING! So many choices to hold your precious diamond… are you a Kate Spade lover? Or a Mrs. Box collector (so many colors to choose from!)? Or something with more of a handmade, textured feel?

Which pup has the best style?! ;) 1000% YES to having your dog at your wedding! Furever & Fur Always is a great resource for all of your wedding day doggie care needs!

Are you envisioning blush floral print dresses for your girls (BHLDN/Jenny Yoo style) or more moody jewel-tones with some sparkle and beading? Maybe cool blue/green tone variations or preppy striped navy bridesmaid dresses?! Either way, mix and match looks have my heart!

The grooms and their guys have definitely been stepping up their style game too! Most popular continues to be gray and navy suits…

I can’t help but love slate blue suits as well, especially against an industrial backdrop like this metal wall at the Accelerator Space! This combo of light blue ties for the guys with a floral tie for the groom is making me swoon… or are you team black tie with classic black tuxes and bowties like Miles and his men?

What about fun custom shirts for your squad? Loving the preppy look of personalized pajamas and monogrammed floral robes!

Florals… aka I never met a bouquet I didn’t love. What’s your favorite when it comes to flowers? Do you love a certain style or shape of bouquet?

Speaking of flowers and greenery… what kind of portrait backdrops do you love? Ivy walls are always so classic and lush but mosaics add a fun artistic twist! Hint, hint: the American Visionary Art Museum has both and is one of the most unique venues I’ve ever seen that just happens to be steps away from downtown Baltimore and the waterfront… ;)

Have you considered custom invitations for your wedding? MLC Designs created this elegant and comprehensive suite for our December couple (below) and it was the perfect way to set the tone for their festive winter wedding at the Baltimore Country Club! Programs, napkins, escort cards, drink menus and other reception signage are all additional ways to make a statement with your day of details!

An October wedding at Holly Hedge Estate incorporated a subdued rustic theme while the whimsical vintage invitation by Hello Tenfold (with the fox save the date below) carried a botanical aesthetic throughout the suite for our Richmond, VA couple.

Loving this splash of color in a bright, garden inspired floral invitation suite paired with the floral lace on the bride’s veil! Another floral look focused on a soft romantic feel with Lauren’s lavender and gold invitation suite.

PRO TIP: Want an easy way to bring variety to your bridal look without breaking the bank? Some brides have 2 dresses but even more frequently I’m seeing 2 totally different pairs of shoes and I LOVE IT! Shoes can easily be worn again after your wedding and they’ll make your feet smile when you change into flats to dance the night away! ;)

The hardest part is going to be narrowing down your choices…

First looks! Inside or outside, I LOVE when couples take advantage of them… more time together means more photos before the day gets away from you, more intimate emotions and quiet moments to make memories of just the two of you…

Chuppahs and ceremony backdrops designed with lush flowers and natural elements or more minimally designed with copper tubing to accent a venue full of unique architectural features… which do you prefer?

There are so many creative ways to feed your guests! Oyster bars, mashed potato bars, brunch bars… you dream it, it can be fed to you.

Eleven Courses Catering (below) is one of the most talented caterers I’ve worked with and not only presents their food in artistic and beautiful ways but also ensures it tastes better than you’d ever imagine a catered dinner could taste!

Donut towers, custom cotton candy flavors, cookie tables, smith island cakes, cinnamon rolls… who wants just cake anymore?

Ombre tablescape, anyone? Crimson + Clover Floral Design CRUSHED this one!!

Lighting can make such a difference in a space! When it poured at the end of Lauren + Matt’s wedding, we still were able to go outside for some epic shots on the patio at the Accelerator Space since it was tented and they had hung string lights to enhance the twinkle effect!

At Lauren + Jeff’s Holly Hedge Estate wedding, mother nature played a role in their portraits at the end of the night and I loved the opportunity we had to take advantage of creative lighting in the rain!

Exiting at the end of the night is another way to have fun and create a lasting memory for your guests with sparklers, confetti, bubbles, lanterns or simply a fun getaway car!

Here’s to making your wedding the best celebration it can be, full of as much personality as the two of you!! I’d love to hear from you… leave a comment with some of the unique details and elements you’re thinking of including on your day!