“Tristan is the nicest, sweetest, most likable, loving and caring person you will ever meet. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him. Everyone loves him! It is actually kind of annoying! Haha.”
See you in T-4 days… here’s to ending the year with the best celebration!!!
kim + kyle | fall engagement photos in old town alexandria
/Kim and Kyle’s love story started many years ago, simply and sweetly… :)
“We met in eighth grade on the bus. His friends were messing around and caught my attention. Later he got my number from a mutual friend and we’ve been talking ever since!”
These two have such a beautiful, natural connection built on a strong foundation, being together since middle school. Since Kim and Kyle live close to historic Old Town, Alexandria, VA, we spent our time exploring all the cobblestoned alleys, the waterfront that had this amazingly perfect public art installation up (we got so lucky with the timing as it was only going to be up for a few more weeks), the colorful rainbow ALX mural and Wilkes Street tunnel in addition to the most adorable and quaint homes along Prince St.
We could have easily spent the whole day together in Old Town -- talk about photogenic — I can’t handle it!!
They got engaged at home with wine in hand and a favorite dinner ready, thanks to Kyle (it happens to be my favorite too!)…
“Kyle had two of my friends keep me out after work on a Friday afternoon. When I got home, he was dressed up with dinner made (tomato and feta pasta, one of my favorites!). We went out to our balcony to eat, which he had decorated with lights and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Before pouring a glass of wine, he pulled the ring out of his wine glass!”
rtxcyvubyiu
Kim and Kyle, I can not wait to celebrate your long-awaited wedding day (…decades in the making!!) with you and document all the love and happiness surrounding you at Rust Manor House in the Fall! It’s going to be absolutely incredible.
I’ll see you soon, lovebirds!
xo, Naomi
jessica + mike | a vibrant engagement at the waterfront arches in baltimore
/Jessica and Mike, your relationship is an inspiration to so many… I have a hunch that these qualities are part of the reasons why. ;)
Jessica: “My favorite thing about Mike is his total, complete lack of arrogance. It shines in so many contexts—in his curiosity for learning new things, from anyone he meets; his willingness to listen and empathize with people's feelings and experiences; his humility regarding his own gifts and talents; and his celebration of the people he loves and all their triumphs. There is not a self-serving bone in his whole body.”
Mike: “My favorite thing about Jessica is how she believes in me and us relentlessly. The way that she gives herself to people without expectation of reciprocation, and without bounds. The way that she can make you feel like the most powerful, capable, and loved man in the world but somehow still finds a way to remind you she's running the show, and you may suddenly remember how ludicrous the dreams you've now achieved sounded out loud before you met her. I love her persistence, her soft spots for those she loves, and how she allows me to see a little more of her that nobody's ever seen everyday.”
Here’s the story of their meet-cute:
“We met at a local gym—Mike was a personal trainer and Jessica taught yoga part-time. We crossed paths in the morning, when Jessica started noticing Mike reading books in the office, in between seeing clients. After a few inquiries, Jessica found out that Mike was recently single (and another coworker suggested that he "had a line" of women awaiting his attention). Jessica found that a little off-putting, but she gently touched his arm one morning after an awkward conversation anyway— which was perhaps the only sign that Mike registered as a potential indicator of romantic interest. Several days later, Jessica stopped going to the gym due to the emerging pandemic, but she had a book that Mike had loaned her and thought that she may see him again one day. After the gym shut down, Jessica noticed that the avatar on Mike's private-setting Instagram profile had changed from a photo of his late dog, Sophie, to a photo of his very handsome face. She took it as a sign that he was maybe ready to start dating, so she sent him a friend request and he immediately accepted and slid into those DMs. Two days later, Mike invited Jessica to stop by and take a break from the cold while she was on one of her COVID-season walks around the Inner Harbor. We ended up spending over three hours talking that first Sunday... and even though Jessica refused to touch any surfaces in Mike's apartment or come closer than six feet, we knew we had found a connection. We've been together ever since— with the exception of a couple "I might have been exposed, see you in 7 days" apart.”
And the proposal, which I can’t read without happy tears streaming down my face:
“In January 2021, Mike surprised Jessica with a birthday present... that would not arrive for 9 more months. He had planned a trip to Jessica's favorite place in the U.S.: Acadia National Park. At the end of semester, we set off on the trip, taking a long roadtrip to Maine. We spent two days hiking in Acadia and tent camping at Blackwoods Campground. On a rainy, foggy Saturday morning, we left the campground and headed into Bar Harbor, where Mike had booked a luxurious suite in Jessica's favorite bed-and-breakfast, the Saltair Inn. What could have been a very happy morning was actually quite grumpy for Jessica, who was tired and annoyed with some loud campers from the night before. Unbeknownst to her, Mike was walking around with the largest ring box known to man inside his shorts pocket. He kept looking for moments to propose, but Jessica kept spoiling each second with general grumpiness. It wasn't until Mike suggested they walk along the Bar Harbor Shore Path that her mood—and the rain clouds—started to lift. Mike asked to see her favorite rock—the one she used to crawl out to and spend her afternoons on when she used to visit Acadia on her own, several trips prior. They found the big rock and crawled out onto it and began to enjoy the view of fog-covered islands against a beautiful backdrop of purples, blues, and pinks in the sky. Then, Mike asked the most annoying question known to man: "Can I take your picture?" Jessica, who hates having Mike take her photo—because he loves her so much that she could be sprouting a mushroom-covered dinosaur from her head and he would still say she looks great—promptly refused. After Mike persisted and reassured Jessica that she didn't even have to look back at the camera, she begrudgingly agreed, looked out over the water, and waited. As she grew increasingly agitated, Mike got into position and then, in typical Mike fashion, poked her in the butt. Jessica turned around to find Mike waiting on one knee. When he asked her to marry him, she even forgot to say yes before she knelt down to hug him and began to cry.”
Jessica and Mike, I’ve been looking forward to your wedding from the first conversation we ever had. Jess, your love for food and your furbaby Waffle, vibrant color, organization, design, clarity and kindness in everything you do and touch is an inspiration (seriously, I don’t want our time together to end!) -- and Mike, you compliment Jessica in every single way with a genuine love and respect that makes it so clear to see why you’re soulmates.
I can not wait to celebrate you both and document every glance, moment, touch and festive twirl that your wedding day brings. It’s going to fly by so I recommend lots of deep breaths as you take it all in from the mezzanine at The Winslow. ;)
xo,
Naomi
mekenna + nick | a fells point pier engagement with champagne
/What better way to celebrate your birthday than spending the day getting pampered with your mom as you prep for your engagement photos and then walking hand-in-hand with your fiance along the waterfront on a quiet Tuesday night in Fells Point… it was cloudy and overcast but that didn’t stop the champagne and fun flirty looks flowing between these two!
In fact, the gray skies made it so much better: no squinting, no washed out colors and less crowds along the water… they had the entire Broadway Pier and Four Seasons promenade all to themselves! Consider it my birthday gift to you, Mekenna. ;)
Aren’t they such a gorgeous couple?!
When I asked them to share their favorite things about each other, they both didn’t know how to narrow their answers down… that’s when you know it’s meant to be. ;)
Nick: “There is not enough room on the page to write down all the things I love about Mekenna. I think what I love the most is how much attention and care she offers to those closest to her. She is truly the most amazing person I have ever met - strong, independent and brilliant. I am constantly in awe, and am not sure how I could ever be so lucky… she is also easy on the eyes. ;)”
Mekenna: “I also can't begin to narrow down my favorite things about Nick. I love that he can make me smile even when I'm in the worst mood. I feel safe and loved whenever I'm with him. He is the sweetest, most thoughtful, and the most genuine person I have ever met in my life. I can't believe I'm lucky enough to spend the rest of my life with him!”
Mekenna + Nick, I can’t wait for the honor of photographing your wedding! The way you love each other is not only inspiring but so full of respect, admiration, passion and genuine joy - it’s easy to see why you’re so adorable and perfect together!!
xo,
Naomi
kristen + eric | a chic + fun fells point engagement on the water
/These college sweethearts have a love story that spans years and multiple states and down-to-earth personalities that immediately make you feel like you’ve known them for years… you know what that adds up to?
…I didn’t want our time together to end and I felt like I could have hung out with these two ALL DAY LONG! Good thing their wedding is coming up because I don’t think I can wait any longer to see their moves on the dance floor!!
3 THINGS I LOVED ABOUT KRISTEN + ERIC’S OVERCAST FELLS POINT ENGAGEMENT SESSION:
The clouds in the sky didn’t get them down one bit - their laughter, playfulness and adorable loving glances made every photo better than the last!
Their outfits… Kristen’s jumpsuit is giving me all the heart eyes and Eric’s blazer gives off the perfect amount of waterfront date night vibes.
The bottle of champagne they enjoyed during the photos; their friends had made it for them with a photo of when they got engaged! So sweet!
Cheers, cuties! T-1 more week until you’re officially husband and wife!! I can not wait! Your wedding day at Belmont Manor is going to be simply beautiful and more importantly, the most fun… because you two are absolutely both of those things and more!
xo,
Naomi
kristen + leo | a breezy, romantic summer engagement in fells point
/So many words come to mind when I think about Kristen + Leo and the time we spent together for their engagement photos in Fells Point on a perfectly breezy and calm summer evening on the water…
But all of those words are actually escaping me right now as I compile their photos into a cohesive story and can’t stop staring at the cozy, cuteness they exude! This engagement included the most adorable polka dot dress on Kristen with skinny straps and strappy heels, Leo looking dapper in a linen shirt, gentle embraces, dancing on piers and lots of kisses in the wind…
Here are some favorites!
I can not wait for your wedding day at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House, Kristen + Leo!! You share a love that is so full of genuine respect, mutual admiration and a fun blend of both of your family’s traditions and cultures, making everyday a new adventure… it doesn’t get better than that!
xo,
Naomi
rachel + jordan | baltimore clock tower engagement + colorful fun at nacho mama's
/“Nachos are our love language.”
As soon as I learned this fact about Rachel and Jordan, it was a no-brainer that we’d have to recreate the start of their first date with a stop in front of Lee’s Pint and Shell, ending with an enormous plate of nachos at Nacho Mama’s in Canton! We even met up with their close friends, just like the night of their first date…
But first, we started at the Bromo Seltzer Clock Tower for some portraits of these lovebirds in formal attire with a modern, neutral and monochromatic look.
Everything about their engagement session date night was colorful, fun, unique, memorable and one of the best ways to celebrate their love of all the quirky charm that earns Baltimore it’s Charm City nickname. With that, I can’t wait to share some of my favorite photos from Rachel + Jordan’s fun and formal engagement session at the Bromo Seltzer Clock Tower and along the Canton square and waterfront!
I love their meet-cute story! Here it is in their words…
“One summer night in August of 2019 Rachel was playing dating app roulette with a friend when she came across Jordan's profile and messaged him to come meet them at the bar they were at in DC. Unfortunately, Jordan was out of town that night. They traded phone numbers and began trading messages, Rachel making sure he didn't go to THE Ohio State University and Jordan making sure Rachel could pass the "sloth astronaut" humor test [when they first connected, Jordan sent Rachel a picture of a sloth dressed as an American Astronaut. Rachel then sent the picture to their mutual friend Naomi (Rabbi Howard's wife) because she thought it was weird he sent that picture "no context". Naomi responded that it was a little weird but he's a really great guy and his parents are her favorite people. Rachel then responded to Jordan, is this what you send girls to see if they have a sense of humor? and Jordan responded "it's objectively funny". Jordan now shows sloth astronaut to everybody (he's Jordan's phone background) and everybody laughs and Jordan continues to prove to Rachel that she was wrong and everybody thinks it's funny].
Soon after, Jordan was at a birthday party for the child of a family friend who went to the University of Michigan. Remembering that Rachel went to Michigan, Jordan asked if they knew each other and as it turns out they were close friends from college.
Deciding this was a sign they should meet in person they arranged a date on a night that Rachel had dinner plans in Baltimore. After meeting each other for a pretty typical first date drink at Lee's Pint and Shell, Jordan walked Rachel across Canton Square to Nacho Mamas where she was meeting her friends for dinner. To both of their surprise, Rachel's friends invited Jordan to join. He agreed and the date continued as a double date kibbitzing over Nachos. After such a successful first date they decided to see where things would go and began seeing each other weekly sometimes in Baltimore and sometimes in DC. Then, in March 2020 the pandemic of a century arrived and Rachel, anxious about what was to come, announced that she would rather quarantine together than apart. Jordan agreed and showed up at her apartment with a month's worth of clothes, a jumbo pack of toilet paper and three pizzas and said everything was going to be ok.”
And the proposal story… (peek Rachel’s adorable ring dish below!)
“On a crisp fall evening, Jordan made dinner plans with another couple at an Argentinian Steak house they had been eager to try. Unbeknownst to Rachel, this was just a yummy diversion because as they were out to dinner, other friends were at Jordan's house decorating the rooftop deck.
After dinner, Jordan suggested that since they were having so much fun, the other couple should come back to his house for drinks on the roof. As they got home, Rachel climbed the spiral staircase ahead of the rest of the group and gasped as she saw the beautiful rooftop scene. As she took in the stunning decorations - red roses, rose petals and candles - Jordan got down on one knee. When Rachel turned around they held hands as he proposed. After Rachel said 'Absolutely!' cheers began from a neighboring rooftop. She looked over to see the friends who had secretly decorated climbing over from their hiding spot on a neighbor's roof to celebrate the engagement.
Prosecco was popped, calls were made and tequila shots were had. With COVID restrictions lifting, a local Karaoke bar, Waltz Inn - a favorite of both Jordan and Rachel that they had never been to together - had just reopened and the group continued the celebration with jello shots, and singing and dancing into the night.”
Cheers, cuties!! I can’t wait for your wedding at The Belvedere in just a few weeks… getting to know you both has been such a joy! Rachel, your impeccable sense of style, love of delicious food and travel and Jordan, your sense of humor and thoughtful kindness are just some of the ways your love story continues to inspire me… here’s to your best day yet, happening SO SOON!!!
xo,
Naomi
rose + ryan | an adorable sunset engagement in fells point
/Ryan and Rose are honestly too cute for words. We had so much fun in Patterson Park and Fells Point as the sun set with a cotton candy colored sky behind the Domino Sugar sign shining brightly behind them… since one of their first dates was at Abbey Burger Bistro, we had to stop for some photos in front of it in Broadway Square (scroll down to see those)!
I love that their “how we met” story basically comes down to dogsitting:
“We met in passing through Rose's workplace where Ryan had previously been a law clerk while in law school. While we never worked together, Ryan came back to help out when the firm needed help during busy times and has always kept in touch with the owners of the firm. We were both dog-sitting for them while they were away one weekend so we had to keep in touch to hand off the dogs in the mornings. Ryan used this opportunity to ask Rose out to dinner.”
Their proposal story involved trash in Ryan’s pockets…!
“We were in Ocean City, MD for a relaxing weekend celebrating the recent engagement of our friends, Jamie and Jackson. The weekend before, we had planned and pulled off an elaborate surprise proposal and engagement party for them at our house. It was supposed to storm that day with Hurricane Laura on it's way so we wanted to get some beach time in; we went to the beach early even though it was cloudy and cold and almost no one was out there. I handle doing the laundry in the household and Ryan has a chronic case of putting trash in his pockets (wrappers, receipts, twigs, paper towels, napkins, leaves, etc.) and I am always having to clean them out before doing laundry and getting on his case about it.
Ryan said he was going into the water and started handing me trash from his pockets, which I could not understand since I had washed his swim trunks since the last time we went to the beach and then he handed me a folded up note that said "Will you marry me" and the ring. I had no idea, with my mind still on Jamie and Jackson's engagement. He only told Jamie and Jackson about 5 minutes beforehand too. All of our friends say, in true Jamie and Rose fashion, we would get engaged only a week apart and she will be getting married a month before! (we do everything together).”
I can’t wait for your wedding at Main Street Ballroom! It’s going to be the perfect blend of fun (hi skeeball!), romance (marrying your favorite person!), laughter and lots of love… and of course, delicious food, flowers and fun socks.
See you cuties, SOOOOON!
xo,
Naomi
christina + tony | a historic fells point engagement session
/Spending time together in Fells Point with a stylish and fun, beautiful, dog-loving couple on a crisp Fall evening by the water is what I dream about… honestly! There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, than documenting an incredibly inspiring love story with soulmates that are passionate about their relationship, excited for the start of their marriage and choose to live and love in Baltimore.
THE TOP 5 REASONS CHRISTINA + TONY’S FELLS POINT ENGAGEMENT SESSION WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:
Christina wore a flowing and full-length black floral Anthropologie dress for a moody, modern and romantic look at their waterfront session
Tony wore a solid burgundy sport coat paired with dark jeans for a crisp Fall look that was the perfect compliment to Christina’s dress and all the industrial character of Fells Point
They brought their shih tzu pup Marcel along for photos and he was spoiled with snuggles (just look at his face! how could you not squeeze him!? He’s the most adorable little ‘fluffball’ as my son called him when he saw these photos!)
Christina had a vision for the look to their engagement photos that I absolutely love: romantic and industrial chic with a touch of urban grit and texture, just like their wedding venue, The Winslow Room
These two simply exude love in every sense of the word! From a gentle touch to a loving glance, there is a comfort and confidence between them that is such a joy to document. Christina is simply one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet and Tony compliments her in every way.
Here’s to celebrating this October AND next, at The Winslow Room… you both deserve all the love and happiness in the world and clearly celebrating over the course of one year isn’t enough! ;)
xo,
Naomi
julia + keegan | a waterfront summer engagement in Fells Point
/Julia and Keegan both light up when they look at each other and it’s easy to see how even after 8 years of dating, they are not only passionately, head-over-heels in love, but SO. EXCITED to get married!!
While in Fells together, we took advantage of an empty Broadway Pier and all of the beautifully historic backdrops along Thames Street. The skies were cloudy with just the right amount of golden sunlight peeking through at the right time… I love the love these two share!
Their perfect Friday night? “Pizza. Popcorn. Movies... and potentially fireball.” ;) Enjoy these photos from their engagement session along the waterfront in Fells Point - they’re making me even more excited for their upcoming wedding at Main Street Ballroom in Ellicott City (another historic main street to document all the joy they exude)!
How they met in Julia’s words:
“We met working together at a church camp! We were both camp counselors for a week in the summer of 2012. We had both worked at the camp before but had never actually met. But during a pre-camp meeting, we both took note of one another. We started talking a bit through the summer and then Keegan left for college. He eventually reached out through the second semester and we decided to meet up for Panera when I got back for summer vacation. We started formally dating shortly after, and 8 years later, here we are!”
I love how their proposal involved popcorn and a movie…
“In early March, Keegan bought went out and bought an engagement ring and thought about proposing in a couple months. But the week later after he picked up the ring, we woke up to a beautiful sunny day and he thought, today is the perfect day. Keegan suggested we go to the restaurant outside of the movie theater and grab a drink and some popcorn (popcorn is a recurring theme in our relationship). Keegan left to go get the popcorn and when he came back, there was a card inside proclaiming his love and desire to spend the rest of his life with me. He then got down on a knee and proposed! I said yes! Later that night we went over to Keegan's parents house to tell them and unknowingly they we're throwing a St. Patricks day party, so once we told them it almost turned into an engagement party and instantly everyone knew we were engaged!”
Their wedding day at Main Street Ballroom is going to be one full of family, friends and good food… Keegan’s dad created customized corn hole boards for the patio and they’re planning to end the night with an epic sparkler exit! Let’s do this, lovebirds!!!
xo,
Naomi
melanie + james | north point state park beach engagement with their dogs
/There are so many reasons to love Mel + James, I don’t know where to start!! The first 5 that come to mind:
They are not only dog people… they are double dog parents to 2 of the most adorable, photogenic, sweet, energetic and personality-filled pups I’ve ever met.
Mel’s sense of style; she is my go-to resource for fall boots (Frye all the way!), summer dresses, blue-light glasses (she introduced me to the awesomeness of Felix Gray!) Anthropologie inspo, mood boards + color palettes, modern typefaces and dog-friendly bars + breweries.
They brought 2 types of liquid courage with them to their esesh: one to drink and one to pop for the photos, obviously (scroll to the end). Yes and YES!
She is a fellow small-business owner too; Little Orange Studio specializes in ‘thoughtfully crafted design’ (love that tagline).
James proposal was a complete surprise, in a wine cellar of a local Baltimore restaurant with “a significantly large charcuterie board” (the BEST, right?)…more on the proposal details below! :)