rachel + matt | a vibrant and bold fall wedding at vignon manor farm

Rachel + Matt bonded over their love of dogs, Pokémon, video games, and all things “nerdy and dorky” – their words, not mine! Relaxed and at ease whenever they’re around each other, their relationship is not only full of joy, laughter and happiness, but vibrant color, fun and lots of tacos.

Their September wedding day at Vignon Manor Farm couldn’t have had better weather, despite the threatening, dramatic clouds. No rain appeared and instead we had a perfect breeze, bright sunlight during the ceremony, fluffy clouds and colors that looked cinematic during their portrait time!

Enjoy these early favorites from this unique 160 acre private estate wedding venue, with an atmosphere that immediately draws you in and feels like home…

Both Rachel and Matt got ready on-site at the Manor House and had their first look right outside. The ceremony took place outside in the courtyard, overlooking rolling hills and endless sky with bistro lights strung above. Cocktail hour was held where the horses stables used to be with the reception in the enormous ballroom and ivory draping creating an elegant entrance to the space.

10 Memorable details and Elements from Rachel + Matt’s vignon manor farm Wedding:

1. Rachel is so stylish and fun without even trying to be. She is just so effortlessly beautiful! She wanted a mermaid-fitted gown but also loved the look of ball gown skirts. A large overskirt that glistened when the light hit it provided her with exactly the look she was going for! She wore it for the ceremony and then removed it for the reception, giving way to the fitted mermaid gown underneath.

2. Rachel’s makeup and hair fit her fun personality so well – as did the beautiful gold-rimmed glasses she wore! She tied the look up with rhinestone-covered Betsy Johnson heels for the ceremony and comfy sneakers to dance the night away at the reception.

3. Matt looked so dapper in his ivory dinner jacket with black lapels. I haven’t seen this vibe in a while, so I was thrilled to see Matt rock this look!

4. The wedding party wore all-black. The groomsmen in black tuxes, and the bridesmaids in black gowns that they selected themselves. Different patterns, textures, fabrics, and each gown was unique to the bridesmaid wearing it. Haley’s black sequined dress was like having Rachel’s own personal sparkling disco ball by her side — the best!!

5. Designed to look like an actual newspaper, Rachel designed their program to include photos of them + their adorable 2 chihuahua #urbanrowpups, as well as the story of how they met, tidbits of info from their relationship, a full vendor list, their bridal party, a crossword (that guests were doing while awaiting the ceremony!) and their menu. It was the perfect way to capture this unique couple’s special day in one place!

6. The florals at their wedding left me speechless! Chantilly Design and Events did a fabulous job curating the perfect end-of-summer/start-of-fall color scheme that popped against the all-black modern vibe of the rest of the wedding decor.

7. These paw-rents couldn’t leave out their #urbanrowpups; chihuahuas Phoebe and Mia were well-represented by acrylic drink stirrers, customized with their faces on them. You know how much I love when people bring their pups into weddings!

8. To bring a special feel to their first dance, they used a cloud machine to make it look as though they were dancing on clouds.

9. When it was time to welcome their guests to the dance floor, they did so with a surprise game of musical chairs for their wedding party. It was a great way to bring all the energy to the dance floor right away!

10. Another unique activity they had for their guests was a caricature artist. In real-time, two very talented artists drew caricatures of their guests. It was so much fun for everyone to watch! They also used their caricature as their guestbook, having everyone sign the mat they will use when they frame the portrait.

Rachel + Matt, you are such a fun and genuine couple! I absolutely loved the way you incorporated all of your quirks and style into your details to make this day completely you. From the newspaper to the drink stirrers, your wedding was as unique as you are, and I was truly honored to be able to capture your special day. The love you have for each other is palpable, and I can’t wait to see the things that you accomplish together now that you’re officially a married couple!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue : vignon manor farm
planning + florals : chantilly design and events
photography: urban row photography
videography : mid 80s media
catering : libs catering
dress: drezden + overskirt, randy fenoli
boutique : betsy robinsons bridal
grooms’ attire: the black tux
shoes: betsey johnson
custom engagement ring: zachary’s jewelry
invitation suite, designed by Rachel: printed, illustrated and produced by Cink Art
dessert : kupcakes & co
dj : event solutions baltimore
hair : brushed beauty llc
makeup : makeup by crista
caricatures : caricatures by rick

sasha + greg | a classic summer wedding with vibrant florals at the winslow

Sasha + Greg got married at one of my favorite venues: The Winslow, in downtown Baltimore. Even though the weather was crazy – constant clouds, sun, rain, storms, rinse and repeat – this was one of the most beautiful and elegant weddings I’ve had the pleasure of photographing!

Sasha + Greg are so effortlessly in love that it just made the entire day so relaxed and wonderful. From Sasha’s beaded flats and Greg’s custom-made suit to the lush and vibrant floral arrangements paired with the layered gold place settings — it was all absolutely breathtaking. You could easily tell that the Nouvelle Weddings team thought about every detail and left nothing untouched, making this day absolutely perfect for this incredibly sweet couple. I was beyond excited to photograph it!

11 Memorable Moments and Details from Sasha + Greg’s Wedding at The Winslow (with portraits at The Butterfly Room):

1. While getting ready at the Four Seasons Baltimore, Sasha’s daughters wore matching blue satin pajamas that popped against the vibrant orange and golden yellow florals.

2. Greg wore a custom navy blue suit by Christopher Schafer Clothier and looked absolutely flawless. That suit was lined with a fun patterned blue fabric and his name embroidered inside. It was so full of personality — I love how confident custom suits make grooms feel on such an important occasion!

3. Sasha + Greg kept their wedding party intimate and meaningful with just Sasha’s two teenage daughters and Greg’s teenage son.

4. Sasha’s day of details were so fun and elegant all at once: she included a cute mini beaded clutch, a satin ivory clutch with a large bow, crystal-embellished Bella Belle Willow flats, sparkling rhinestone jewelry and a custom invitation suite designed by Ruby the Fox.

5. The paper goods and day of details were so pretty and unique that they deserve their own time in the spotlight! They included white and gold letterpress menus, personalized navy blue cocktail napkins, a geometric navy blue envelope liner and a letterpress invitation with a band made up of a custom watercolor pattern in shades of blue (that also matched the cocktail table linens at the reception!) that were exquisite to pair with vibrant and summery blooms from Victoria Clausen Florals.

6. Originally, we planned for Sasha + Greg to have their first look outside by the water. But you know what they say about best-laid plans… with the weather not cooperating, we were lucky enough to have planned ahead (thanks to the Nouvelle Weddings team!) and opted for an indoor first look at The Butterfly Room. Not having to scramble and make changes on the fly was incredibly helpful. We took portraits inside the front of the venue and outside in their open-air courtyard, appropriately called the Ruins… these were some of my favorite from the day since we had the space all to ourselves and the freedom to get creative!

ps: The Butterfly Room is a new Baltimore wedding venue that features a modern industrial vibe of exposed brick, tons of natural light, a metal steel wall and a chic garage door that created amazing lines and shadows, which the architect in me definitely appreciated! (I’ve photographed at this venue before so be sure to check out this blog post if you’re interested in learning more about it!)

7. After the Butterfly Room, we headed to their ceremony at The Winslow. Held in the trainshed room, the aisles were lined with bright, colorful floral arrangements and gold lanterns. Watching Sasha walk up the aisle to Greg was an incredible moment full of so much love and excitement!

8. The ceremony was officiated by Sasha’s best friend’s husband. They have been friends for over 30 years — having him officiate added such a sweet, personal touch to the day.

9. During golden hour, we snuck out to grab some candid portraits on the roof of The Winslow. With the Baltimore skyline as their backdrop and the most perfect golden rays shining on them after the ceremony was done, they were so relaxed and looked incredible in these moments!

10. After sunset on the roof, it was time for dinner… one of my favorite details of Sasha + Greg’s reception was the tablescape and place settings. They incorporated gold chargers topped with white and gold plates that had elegant line work and a menu card tying it all together with a watercolor belly band (that matched the invitation suite and cocktail linens if you remember!). Between the detailed place settings, the lush floral arrangements, the gold geometric chairs and the royal blue tablecloths, the whole reception vibe was so high-end and aesthetically pleasing. LynnAaron and Kara of Nouvelle blew us all away!

11. Then the reception dance party started! The energy on the dance floor started with their first dance and kept going all night once the dance floor props came out: light-up sunglasses and glow sticks only added to the crazy fun candids that occurred as Mixing Maryland kept the dance floor full all night!

Sasha + Greg, your wedding was incredible, just as the two of you are! You complement each other perfectly, and I am so happy that you found each other. Thank you for the opportunity to document your wedding day. I wish you nothing but the best and an exciting future together full of adventures!

xo,
Naomi

HUGE THANKS TO THIS TALENTED VENDOR TEAM:

planning & design: Lynn Aaron of Nouvelle Weddings
day of coordination: Kara of Nouvelle Weddings
venue: The Winslow
first look portraits: The Butterfly Room
photography: Urban Row Photography
florist: Victoria Clausen Floral Events
catering: Copper Kitchen
beauty: No Filter Glam
gown: Martina Liana #1486
boutique: Garnish
shoes: Bella Belle Shoes, Willow style
groom’s tux: Christopher Schafer
bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids Baltimore
groomsman: Hugo
ceremony music: Hill Chamber Music
officiant: Eric Dickman
DJ: Mixing Maryland, DJ Cubie
furniture: Pretty Little Wedding Co.
lighting & draping: Event Dynamics
photobooth: Monumental Photo Booth
rentals: Select Event Group
stationery: Ruby The Fox
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred

tori + sam | a black tie accelerator wedding with sentimental color

Do you know what happens when two people that share an immense amount of love, respect and passion for their family and each other, come together?

Your world lights up and you never stop smiling. Tori + Sam are the kind of people you immediately feel comfortable around, like you’ve known and loved them your whole life.

These two [and their families!] are incredibly special. Their warmth, drive and impeccable sense of style meant their wedding day was full of more candid moments of joy than you can imagine. Moments of laughter alternated with happy tears on constant rotation from the moment I stepped foot in the hotel room that morning to the last dance as the donut crumbs were being enjoyed. Their engagement shoot felt like something out of a movie, with pizza, wine and their dog.

Their Accelerator Space wedding was crisp, upscale and stunning yet still approachable and down to earth… and their love story tops them all. If you don’t know how they met, you need to read their meetcute in the engagement post above!

Enjoy these {many} favorites from their June Accelerator Space wedding… :)

15 Favorite Moments and Details from Tori + Sam’s Accelerator Space Wedding:

1. In celebration of Sam’s Grandpa Jerry, the wedding color palette was black with pops of red. Grandpa Jerry wore red to every important family occasion! To honor him, Tori wore red Badgley Mischka heels and all of the wedding flowers were bright and vibrant shades of red. All of the men wore red socks with their initials embroidered in red, along their suspenders. 

2. Tori had a first look with her bridesmaids and moms… then her dad and brother entered the hotel suite and saw her first too, which was so sweet — they all cried!

3. Tori + Sam had a first look of their own in Harbor East, where they read private vows to each other before the wedding. It made the occasion so much more intimate and meaningful.

4. After a few more harborfront portraits of the newlyweds, we took group portraits near the Accelerator Space in a lush, garden-y North Baltimore neighborhood with just the right amount of shade, space to spread out and beautiful afternoon light.

5. One especially beautiful moment before the ceremony was during the ketubah signing when Sam signed in his Hebrew name. Such a touching way to honor the past and his family’s history!

6. Since Tori is Irish and Sam is Jewish, they got married in a beautiful interfaith ceremony officiated by two of their best friends against the textured metal wall and under the most beautiful glowing afternoon sunlight streaming through the enormous skylights.

7. When it was time for cocktail hour, the light pouring into the Den where Tori got bustled, was simply exquisite. Frankly, the light coming into this venue at all times is just a photographer’s dream!

8. Tori created one of the most modern and simple yet lush seating charts I’ve ever seen! It consisted of black acrylic boards hanging from a frame with white letters and greenery wrapped up and around the edges.

9. The reception decor included black taper and pillar candles in gold candlesticks and glass on every table with arrangements full of deep reds, oranges, pinks and maroon flowers; the anemones are my fave! It all added up to a vibe that was modern and edgy, yet romantic and elegant.

10. Their signature drinks were an aperol spritz and a brown derby, adding a perfect splash of color to everyone’s hands! And a drawing of their #urbanrowpup Brewer and cat Brisket, made an appearance on their cocktail napkins!

11. Seeing Tori’s face light up when they entered and saw the reception space for the first time was definitely a highlight for me…

12. Continuing to incorporate and include all kinds of family + faith traditions, Sam’s grandmother gave a Jewish blessing and Tori’s grandmother shared an Irish blessing right before dinner. The guests didn’t miss out on honoring Grandpa Jerry and many of them celebrated with a red ribbon tied around their ankles which was really noticeable and fun to see once the dance floor opened.

13. Tori + Sam are such a fun loving couple and knew they wanted to throw a really great party. Their band, Sound Connection from the Washington Talent Agency, provided that exact vibe — the energy was so intense that I thought the floor was going to give in during the hora!

14. Taking advantage of golden hour during dinner was beautiful; the sunlight got more golden-y as we entered the patio and we ended in front of the glass garage door on the ramp that was lined with greenery and all of the colorful flowers from their welcome party, in glass bud vases.

15. Right before the night ended, Tori changed into a sequined asymmetrical dress with a side slit and spaghetti straps. She was breathtaking and the patio portraits we snuck out to take against the dark sky were everything and more!

Tori + Sam, your wedding was one for the books! I loved how you incorporated so much meaning in all of your details, while still keeping the vibe so quintessentially you. Every time we’re together, it’s like hanging out with the best old friends (and the ones with the best sense of style!)… I wish you both nothing but the best in the future and can’t wait to see what you accomplish together!

Thank you, thank you for everything. For being you, your patience and trust, and for allowing Sam to buy you those dollar beers that faithful night! I’ve said it before, but the world truly needs more of your love in it. Congrats again, cuties!!

xoxo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

venue: Accelerator Space
coordination: 1423 Events
photography: Urban Row Photography
catering: Zeffert & Gold
beauty: Swept
florals: Holly Frisch
rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co
cake: Taste This Cake
band: Washington Talent’s Sound Connection
boutique: K & B Bridals
shoes: Badgley Mischka
groom’s attire: Indochino
bridesmaids: Azazie
rings: Patty Chaitoff
jewelry: The Jewelry Shop
draping + lighting: Event Dynamics

laura + garrison | a vibrant summer wedding at the Accelerator Space

On the last Saturday in August, it was perfectly warm (but not sweltering hot like almost every other day in August has been!), the sun was shining with bright fluffy clouds in the sky and it felt like the world was ready and waiting for this day, when Laura and Garrison got to celebrate their love story in the most beautiful way, surrounded by so many friends and family…

These two are a constant ray of sunshine, a perfect [red-headed :)] team and a couple that bring joy to so many friends and family! I could barely narrow down my favorites to a reasonable amount, so enjoy allllllll of these special moments from their best day ever… sorry, not sorry! I can’t stop thinking about how fun and gorgeous their day was!

7 UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS + DETAILS FROM LAURA + GARRISON’S SUMMER ACCELERATOR SPACE WEDDING:

1. That dress!!! It twirled like perfection, had pockets and gorgeously delicate lace with a train that was lightweight yet elegant and classic all at the same time.

2. The groomsmen’s pillow fight in one of the suites right before they left the Revival Baltimore… groomsmen goals!!!

3. Laura and the ladies got dressed and ready at the Backus House in Mt. Vernon which was the same place her parents had their ceremony and reception, years ago. I love it when architecture is combined with meaningful places that provide the most perfect backdrop for photos that tell the story of your day.

4. Their first look — you need to see Garrison’s face when he turned around to see Laura (scroll down)!

5. Taking portraits in Mt. Vernon; both L+G’s couple’s portraits as well as the entire wedding party… the architecture, Washington Monument and surrounding cobblestone streets have so much texture and European character.

6. With the Accelerator Space decked out in bright and vibrant summery pink, peach, coral and orange florals and greenery on the metal wall, it felt like a lush garden mixed with an industrial chic wonderland.

7. The sun didn’t cooperate at sunset, but that didn’t stop us from taking advantage of flattering golden hour light… Julie took some really fun photos using motion blur as Laura twirled on the patio!

Congratulations again, cuties!! It was an absolute honor to be a part of your wedding and get to know you both and your families over the last 2 years. I hope you have an incredible time on your honeymoon — you deserve every drink and moment of relaxation in the sun!

xo,
Naomi

venue: Accelerator Baltimore
design + planning: The Otherside Creatives
florals: Thurman & Fig
groom getting ready: Revival Baltimore
bride getting ready: Backus House
band: Bachelor Boys Band
beauty: Swept
catering: Zeffert & Gold
officiant: Jenna Adams
videographer: Nevin from Rivion Wedding Films
signage: Lynny C
dress boutique: Gamberdella
cake: Graul’s Market
invitations: Minted
lighting: Event Dynamics
tables: Barnes Farm Tables
transportation: Ride Thoroughbred