Margaret & Ian — The Hotel Monaco Baltimore & The Evergreen — Baltimore wedding photography

Margaret described herself as the anti-bride. A horse veterinarian, she spends most of her days in scrubs or kakis. She initially contemplated getting married at City Hall in Ohio, where she and Ian, an ER nurse, live. And when they were first engaged and Ian asked what her wedding colors would be, “I said, ‘Oh, I guess I’ll wear white,'” Margaret told me the first time we talked. Instead, with the help of her parents, Margaret and Ian threw a gorgeous spring wedding at the Evergreen Museum and Library full of personal touches, many of which traced back to her family’s long involvement with thoroughbred racing. “My father turned out to be the master wedding planner,” Margaret said. “And Mum took over when he had finished the things that he cared about.” There was a bugler to play Call to Post before the bride walked down the aisle. There were caterers from Pimlico and Laurel racetracks, where Margaret’s father works with the Maryland Jockey Club. And there was wedding wine that he began buying 27 years ago — when, as Margaret put it, “I wasn’t dating anyone and had no intention of getting married. But Dad was ready, just in case. Actually, this is probably the third batch of wedding wine as friends and family drank the bottles as they aged. This is a running joke with my family.” We were graced with a gorgeous, if a bit chilly, spring day. A breeze occasionally played with Margaret’s veil. And despite a stated aversion to having her photograph taken, Margaret and Ian appeared comfortable and oh so happy in front of the camera. Here are some of my favorites from their beautiful day:

We started at the Hotel Monaco, where Margaret and Ian got ready together before we arrived and then took some quick portraits with us.

The bride, looking lovely.

We found spectacular light downtown before heading out to the Evergreen. Margaret has a magnificent laughing smile. I was thrilled that Ian kept her laughing all day long.

I love this next image of them as the wind was whipping around her veil.

In addition to photos of the wine, Margaret asked for images of a couple of specific things — the bugle player trilling out Call to Post to start the processional, her dad and his cigars, her parents dancing, her cousin playing the sax during cocktail hour and the Motown band that her father had hired many months before the wedding. In addition to being important to her, these ended up being some of the most fun parts of the wedding to photograph!

After a brief transportation snafu, it was time to get married!

I love this next photo, shot by my assistant Lucas, from the patio overlooking the formal gardens where the ceremony was held.

After a lovely and brief ceremony — just seven minutes elapsed between the bugler announcing the start of the bride’s long walk across the Evergreen’s lawn and the end of the ceremony — the newlyweds and their guests headed to the magnificent patio for cocktails.

Margaret’s cousin, Daniel Weidlein, is an accomplished saxophonist and composer. It was a pleasure to hear him play.

The reception was held in the lovely Carriage House — especially appropriate for a horse-owning family. Here are a few reception details.

The famous wedding wine.

The band Midnight Movers thrilled the dancing enthusiasts in the crowd all night long. (I am a huge fan of a good brass section, so I was pretty happy, too!)

Margaret’s cousin Daniel joined the band for a couple of songs during the evening.

A first dance.

A parent dance.

The rings on the old, weathered floors of the stables in the Carriage House.

A cake cutting.

And one last perfect cigar shot.

Congratulations, Margaret & Ian. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you both and your families for your wedding!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony: The Evergreen Museum & Library

Officiant: Michael Neighbor, a newly ordained-for-this-occasion friend of the groom

Reception: The Evergreen Carriage House

Catering: Maryland Turf Caterers

Bridal attire: eBay

Band: Midnight Movers

Cake: Carrot cake

Invitations: Crane & Co. 

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Melissa & Mike — Baltimore engagement photos — Baltimore wedding photography

I can usually learn a lot about what it will be like to work with a couple for their wedding photography during their engagement session. As I tell my clients — particularly those who would like to use their engagement session as a chance to “warm up” in front of the camera before their wedding — engagement sessions are a lot more work for them than wedding-day photography. On their wedding day, they’ll be jumping-out-of-their-skin excited and their emotions will be right on the surface. The smiles and the kisses and the tender moments will come so naturally, it’s like breathing. At an engagement session, there are strangers walking by wondering why you’re being photographed. (It’s obvious when you’re in a wedding gown or tux!) There are moments when you’ll wonder what to do with your hands (bouquets are good for this on the wedding day!) and how to stand. Essentially, it might be a little more work to look as loving and into each other as most couples would like to look in their engagement photos. However, I could tell right away that Melissa and Mike will be nothing but fun on their wedding day. We met one crisp fall morning at sunrise to catch the golden glowy light in one of their favorite parts of the city without encountering the bajillion people who are typically there later in the day. They brought along their rambunctious pup Mason for some of the photos. And we had great fun together. There was *lots* of easy laughter and smiles during this shoot! I’m so excited to work with them again TODAY at their wedding! Here are some of my favorites from our morning together last fall:

Nothing can beat the warm golden glow of sunrise or sunset. There is no post-processing that makes up for the real thing.

Wardrobe change!

I love how easy and affectionate they were with one another.

I love shooting little series of images on a wedding day to capture the string of emotions and glances between a couple. But I love them during engagement sessions as well. A few frames in a row can say so much about a couple and their relationship. Like the obvious playfulness in this next series between Melissa and Mike.

Or this next fun little series: Mike gently touches his forehead to Melissa’s. He catches my eye and flashes a cheesy, yeah-this-is-what-you-do-in-an-engagement-portrait-session thumbs up-exaggerated wink combo. And Melissa responds accordingly. So fun!

And lastly, a little fun with shadows. With the curves and detailing of the wall behind them, I think the shadows resemble chess pieces. Just a little something different!

It was an absolute pleasure working with you, Melissa and Mike (and, of course, Mason). I’ll see you soon soon soon!

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Danielle & Matt — The Cylburn Arboretum — Baltimore wedding photography

When I meet with a couple for the first time, there’s usually one sometimes random detail that sticks with me about them. For Danielle, that detail was something that she said in describing herself and, as an extension, her vision for her wedding day: ‘Bows and ribbons? No. Polka dots? Yes.’ So for the months leading up to her and Matt’s wedding day, she was, in my mind, the polka dot bride. She turned out to be the elegant forest, always-in-the-perfect-light and a joy to work with bride. Getting married at the Cylburn Arboretum, she and Matt wanted their reception to reflect their love of the outdoors and nature. But with an elegant twist, of course. Event planner Drew Vanlandingham and Randy Woods of Wicked Willow florist brought that vision to life in spades. After weekend upon weekend of 100+ degree days, it was a special treat to photograph their outdoor ceremony with temperatures in the low 80s. We were graced with glorious light for our portrait session and a wedding party that was as fun to photograph as our clients. Add in about a million candles and a fabulous dj, and Danielle and Matt’s wedding day could not have been more perfect. Here are some of my favorites from their wonderful day. Enjoy!

Getting ready.

Wicked Willow’s bouquets, boutonnieres and arrangements really were gorgeous.

This next image was not my idea. But it was a lot of fun. And I’m pretty certain that it truly reflects these guys, which is always my goal in photographing people!

I have visited the Cylburn Arboretum many times with my husband and our girls. But this was my first wedding there. It is truly a lovely spot for a wedding!

This is Matt in mid-wow. He literally said, ‘Wow,’ when he first caught a glimpse of Danielle coming down the aisle.

This next image was shot by my wonderful assistant, Lucas.

Lucas shot this next image as well.

Danielle and Matt put their own spin on the sand-pouring ceremony that so many couples do with different colors of sand. They mixed sand from his family’s summer vacation spot — Ocean City — and her family’s summer vacation spot — the Jersey Shore. (The image above and the next image on the left were shot by Lucas.)

This next image was taken by Lucas.

Such a fun wedding party!

Such glorious light!

The next image was taken by Lucas.

A few of the gorgeous reception details.

A first dance. (I love how the floor-to-ceiling windows make it look like Danielle and Matt are dancing in the woods amidst the trees!)

A few toasts.

I was kind of obsessed with all of these candles lining the wall of windows.

DJ extraordinaire Jacob Jensen.

Congratulations, Danielle & Matt. We could not have had more fun working with the two of you!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony & Reception: The Cylburn Arboretum

Event coordinator: Drew Vanlandingham

Officiant: The Rev. Alberta Eaton

Catering: The Pantry Fine Catering

Lighting designers: Blondell’s Accent on Events

Bridal attire: Maggie Sottero from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection

Make-up: Fresh Faces by Cindy Hoke

Hair: Phillip Michael Studio

Groom’s attire: Tuxedo House

Florist: Wicked Willow

Cake: The Baltimore Cakery

DJ: Jacob Jensen of Absolute Entertainment

Invitations: Kindly RSVP Designs by Rachel Dorenfield Zemel

Linens & Rentals: Select Event Rentals

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Krysten & Jason — Grey Rock Mansion — Maryland wedding photography

Krysten & Jason found me after she attended a wedding that I photographed in the fall of 2010. Her friends, Danielle & Chris, were married at the Comus Inn in one of the most moving and personal ceremonies I have ever had the pleasure of documenting. So I was thrilled when I received an e-mail from Jason last November inquiring whether I might be available for his and Krysten’s own spring wedding. “Danielle gushed about you and your photos,” he wrote. I’m always so honored and flattered when my clients recommend me to their friends and family members. It’s the source of most of my work and, as a bonus, it’s always fun to catch up with my past clients again, too! Krysten and Jason were married on one of those gorgeous spring days that makes you understand why so many people plan June weddings. They enjoyed a ceremony filled with beautiful hymns and officiated by a close friend and a reception brimming with emotional tributes and toasts. We lucked out with some gorgeous light in the gardens at the Grey Rock Mansion for their portraits. And they departed in one of the best rose petal tosses I have ever seen. (Krysten’s mother distributed an entire trash bag full of rose petals so each guest had one or two fistfuls — much more than the few petals that is customary!) Since I’m still way behind on my blogging, I’m going to get out of the way and get to the photos. Here are some of my favorites from Krysten & Jason’s beautiful day!

Krysten’s bridesmaids used an antique button hook to get her into her dress.

An impromptu kiss on the letter that Krysten wrote to Jason.

Time to get married!

The next photo on the left side was shot by my wonderful assistant, Lucas.

Immediately following the ceremony, Krysten & Jason planned to enjoy a few quiet moments together. I wanted to capture that for them without interrupting it. So I kept a respectful distance with my long lens and framed them carefully amidst all the greenery of the garden. I love the result in these next few photos.

A few fun portraits in gorgeous light.

This was a completely spontaneous leap on their part. So fun!

This next image captures one of two winks that I caught between the newlyweds that day — a totally fun moment to freeze in time since Jason taught Krysten to wink when they first started dating.

A few reception details.

A super fun, choreographed first dance!

(Oh hi Danielle & Chris! So fun to see you again at this wedding!)

It’s not every day that the father of the groom snaps a few photos with a $5,000 camera. (Yes, he is a professional photographer!)

I love this next photo. Krysten & Jason officially said goodbye to their parents before departing in the shower of rose petals.

Congratulations, Krysten & Jason. It was such a pleasure working with you both and your families!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony & Reception: Grey Rock Mansion

Ceremony musicians: Canterbury Strings

Catering: Simply Elegant Catering

Bridal attire: Mia Solano at Filene’s Running of the Brides

DJ: DJ Orlando Entertainment

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Alison & Joe — Irvine Nature Center — Maryland wedding photography

Alison and Joe chose their wedding venue not because of its location or even any personal connection to the area. Rather, they wanted a destination-like wedding that was not too inconvenient for their guests and, most importantly, that was green green green. For them, Irvine Nature Center — an eco-conscious and eco-friendly environmental education organization set on 116 acres north of Baltimore — fit the bill. “It’s more the kind of place that it is than where it is,” the bride explained in our first phone conversation. Theirs was one of the first 100+ degree wedding days of the season. But despite the heat — and the subsequent thunderstorm and downpour late in the evening — Alison & Joe had a perfect day. She wore a short lacy dress made by her mother-in-law. (It was as if they had a crystal ball and designed a dress that would be just perfect for the elements. I can’t imagine how miserable Alison would have been during our 45-minute walk through the woods for photos if she had been wearing a long, heavy bridal gown!) He wore cufflinks made from actual baseballs. They exchanged lovely and personal vows. Their friends offered incredibly moving toasts and tributes. And we enjoyed a fantastic, relaxed photo session after the ceremony with a carefully plotted stroll across Irvine’s grounds, from a woodland garden to a meadow of wildflowers and an expansive overlook to a charming woodsy bridge. (I vote for more of my clients to allot this kind of time to their portraits!) I’ve gotten ridiculously behind schedule on my blogging, so I’m going to let the photos do the rest of the talking. Here are some of my favorites from Alison and Joe’s beautiful day! Enjoy.

Alison’s bouquet looked as if it had been effortlessly tossed together while strolling through a field of wildflowers — which, of course, means precisely that it was deliberate and carefully designed and worth all the work!

The next photo on the left was shot by my wonderful assistant, Lucas. (And can I just say how much I love that little pennant banner? It adds such a nice little pop of color to the green expanse of the ceremony area.)

After the ceremony, we headed off into the woods, where we had a marvelous time playing with the little puddles of light filtering through the trees. (The next photo on the right was shot by Lucas.)

(The next photo was shot by Lucas.)

Oh how I loved this meadow of wildflowers!

(This next photo was shot by Lucas.)

(The next photo on the right was shot by Lucas.)

A few reception details. Some lovely dances. And a bevy of amazing toasts.

Catching raindrops on her tongue. And then drying herself off on an unconventional towel!

Thank you, Alison & Joe, for such a beautiful, fun-filled day with the two of you and your families. Many congratulations and best wishes to you for a wonderful marriage!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony & reception: The Irvine Nature Center

Officiant: Julio Medina

Catering: Nicole Van Natta of the Classic Catering People

Bridal attire: Custom-made by the groom’s mother

Hair & Make-up: Meleah Hillman, the bride’s regular stylist, of the Nesbit Salon in Richmond, Va.

Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Local Color Flowers

Ice cream sundae bar (in lieu of cake): The Classic Catering People

DJ: Beat 2 Beat

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Ali & Tommy — Baltimore Basilica & the Country Club of Maryland — Baltimore wedding photography

Marriage is hard sometimes. One of my goals in photographing weddings is to give my clients images that they can look back on and relive the moments, the emotions and the memories from one of the happiest days of their lives. Every weekend, I want to make at least one image that captures a little glance or a stolen look that will really make my clients sigh and think, ‘Wow. I am truly loved.’ Ali and Tommy gave me a dozen or two of those opportunities on their wedding day. I first met Tommy, a prosecutor, years ago in my previous career as a courts reporter for The Baltimore Sun. I had the pleasure of meeting Ali more recently when she e-mailed me to inquire about what dates I might be available in May of 2012 for her wedding to Tommy. I could tell from shooting their engagement session that this wedding was going to be a particular joy to photograph. (Amusingly, so could my 2-year-old daughter who bestowed upon this couple the combined name of Alitommy — as if they were a celebrity couple like Benifer or Brangelina — and repeatedly demanded to see pictures of Alitommy long after I had finished editing their engagement photos and moved on to other projects. You can only imagine the way her little face lit up when she wandered into my office as I was loading these images into the blog post and said, ‘Mama, whozat? It’s Alitommy!’)

Ali and Tommy were married on a stunningly gorgeous day in May surrounded by a couple hundred of their closest friends, colleagues and relatives. Just up the road, at a little track called Pimlico, thousands gathered for another notable event of the day — Preakness. Both Baltimore natives, Ali and Tommy incorporated a bit of Preakness fun into their wedding — more on that later! — along with a bunch of other personal touches. Ali’s nieces and nephews served as some of the cutest flowergirls and ring bearers that you’ve ever seen. An uncle brewed beer that was bottled with custom labels for their favors. A colleague of Tommy’s from the state’s attorney’s office — who is also an ordained deacon — joined the priest who married Tommy’s parents and baptized their only child to perform the wedding ceremony. And they exchanged vows in the cathedral in which grandparents from both of their families were also wed. All in all, it was a wonderful day. Just as I had expected. Here are way too many of my favorites from their big day:

We started with Ali at her parents’ house, where she and her father — a bit emotional at the prospect of his youngest daughter and last child getting married — were doing their best to avoid each other for fear that their emotions would spill over and ruin her make-up.

The bride getting ready and looking gorgeous.

Already fighting tears.

She has exquisite blue eyes.

I love this next series of images.

Ali is obviously a quite popular aunt.

Oh my goodness, were these little girls excited about the limo ride!

And we were off to the Baltimore Basilica — the site of Ali and Tommy’s grandparents’ weddings!

The groom, looking quite tall and dapper.

And it was finally time to get married.

This next image was shot by my assistant, Lucas, who got nice and low to show off the Basilica’s famous dome as Ali and her father swept by.

A few little shenanigans by those darling kiddos.

The next image on the left was also shot by Lucas.

Ali smiles with her eyes. I love that you can tell she’s smiling here even though you can’t see her mouth. Her eyes say it all.

The vows. And the rings.

This next shot from the balcony at the back of the church — as well as the remaining images below from the same vantage point — was also taken by Lucas.

There was a bit of drama with the unity candle — in that it would not light. Father Norris stepped in and improvised a solution by stacking the already-lit votive on top of the stubborn taller candle.

Two different views of the couple’s prayers beneath the famous dome.

There is such grandeur, I think, in the sweep of Ali’s gown and veil here.

Married!

A marvelous shot by Lucas, aided by some careful cropping to eliminate a videographer who had set up shop just beside the back doors.

Little girls, admiring the new rings.

A beautiful — and really kind! — wedding party.

See what I mean? She is so loved!

A wedding day first for me: Ali and Tommy asked if we could stop off at their house to take just a couple quick photos before heading off to the reception. Since Ali first met Tommy when she tagged along with a friend to a party that he was throwing, they trace their relationship back to that first introduction beneath the arch that separates his living and dining rooms. Such sweet photos! (And as bonus sweetness, their neighbors came running outside with their cameras when they saw me with my gear awaiting the newlyweds on their front porch!)

We could not have asked for better light in which to shoot, particularly at the Country Club of Maryland, where the reception was held.

In addition to her exquisitely beautiful, smiley eyes, Ali also has a magnificent laugh.

A few reception details. Check out the label art on that specially brewed beer! (Hint: It was from this. Another first for my photography!)

The Preakness intrigue started here as guests were asked to draw a horse for the race.

A first dance.

A few marvelous toasts.

And they’re off: It was time for the running of the Preakness Stakes!

Guests who drew the winning horse won a gift from Ali and Tommy!

Then, it was back to the dance floor for a beautifully emotional set of parent dances.

And a wonderfully entertaining tribute to/impersonation of Mick Jagger from Ali’s brother.

An important note about the next two photos: I in no way, shape or form had anything to do with her actions. I merely was in the right place to catch it!

An ice cream sundae break.

A few more quick portraits in the golden light of almost-sunset.

And since we started their engagement session with a pre-dawn silhouette, I thought it fitting to end their wedding day blog post with a similar image from sunset.

Many, many congratulations, Ali and Tommy. It was an absolute pleasure working with you both. I hope you have many more adventures in life for which you require a photographer! 

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony: The Baltimore Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Officiants: Father Walter Norris and Deacon Steve Roscher

Reception and Catering: The Country Club of Maryland

Bridal attire: Maggie Sottero from the Bridal Boutique

Hair and Make-up: Studio 1612

Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Banks

Cake: Donna Quick

Band/DJ: Bobby & the Believers

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Emily & Simon — Corpus Christi Church & The Evergreen Carriage House — Baltimore wedding photography

Emily and Simon planned and orchestrated one of the most interesting wedding days that I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. They met and fell in love after running past each other on a beach in Mozambique and currently live in Durban, South Africa. With guests traveling from nearly every corner of the globe — Ecuador, Dubai, the UK and Australia, to name a few spots — and nearly two dozen friends and relatives making the trip from the groom’s native South Africa, Emily and Simon wanted to spend more than just a few hours on their wedding day with their guests. So they rented out a camp — yes, really! — and planned an entire weekend of fun, casual events. “Lots of the South Africans are excited because they’ve not been to the States,” Emily explained during one of our planning phone calls before the wedding. “In the movies, they’ve seen American summer camp so they think it’s the coolest thing ever.” Over the course of four days, guests were invited to cocktail parties, a yoga class, a touch-football game (‘Friday Night Lights, Baltimore-style,’ Emily and Simon called it), a South African ‘spit braai’ (barbeque), the wedding and a post-reception ‘party in the woods’ with a bonfire and s’mores back at the camp. The big day itself was filled with so much joy and happiness that I was astounded at the total number of photos that my assistant and I shot. Emily and Simon wanted above all else candid photography that captured the moments of the day. Editing their images, I couldn’t help but smile at all of the gorgeous glances, gestures and emotions that were caught — little moments frozen in time — in their wedding photos. This is going to be a looong post. So without further ado, here are some of my favorites from their amazing day:

We started at Camp Puh’Tok, headquarters for all the official wedding weekend fun and the spot where Simon and his groomsmen got ready. (It’s not every day that I hear groomsmen asking whether they’ll be sporting single or double Windsor knots for the occasion.)

Groomsman Chris just kept tying ties on himself and then slipping them onto the necks of the other groomsmen and even the groom himself — a very nifty trick!

The groom, looking very dapper.

And then we were off to the Bolton Hill home where the bride and her girlfriends were getting ready.

This dress — custom designed for the bride by a South African designer — is so gorgeous that it needs its own big vertical!

The bride, looking gorgeous. There were many mentions of these blue eyes by those who toasted the newlyweds later at the reception.

Emily has such natural grace. I love that casual bend in her elbow and the small smile. So lovely!

Having a toddler and a 3-month-old newborn myself, I can’t emphasize how brave it was of Emily to pick up her friend’s little boy here in her wedding clothes. Very. Brave. Indeed!

There’s a supposedly cardinal rule against women — other than the bride — wearing any shade of white, ivory or cream to a wedding. But here, Emily invited her bridesmaids to find any dress of their choice in those hues to stand with her on her wedding day. The variety — and the way the dresses each reflected the women’s personalities — made for a stunning wedding party!

And then it was off to the church to get married…

I love this next image, caught by my assistant Lucas, as the bride and her entourage prepared behind the closed doors for the processional.

One of my most favorite moments every weekend — when the couple sees each other from opposite ends of the aisle. 

Another great shot from Lucas as Emily and her father passed him with her train and long veil trailing after her.

Emily and Simon chose to get married at Corpus Christi Church — the parish that Emily’s family has attended for about three decades. The cantor, Anita, sang at her parents’ own wedding ceremony. (Incidentally, I also have great affection for Corpus Christi, having exchanged vows with my husband in its sanctuary seven years ago!)

Emily’s sister Sarah was wonderfully emotional during the ceremony. I loved documenting all these little moments for their families — occurrences that, if noticed at all at the time, were so fleeting that they were gone in a flash. But through the permanence of a photograph, they’re captured in time for forever. This is why I love my job so much.

The next photo on the left — as well as the final few images from the same vantage point — was shot by Lucas from the balcony.

Married!

Since there is no official bridal suite or waiting room at Corpus Christi, newlyweds often recess out the vestibule doors of the church and climb the steps to the choir loft while their guests filter out of the church. I followed Emily and Simon right up and caught some fun shots of the newlyweds enjoying a quiet moment — and then waving to their guests like royalty!

A few quick portraits outside the church.

And then we were off to the Evergreen for a few more portraits and the reception.

It had been overcast all morning and threatening rain. But as we were on our way to the Evergreen, the sun started to fight through the clouds. And we actually got a whiff of sunshine at the very moment when we took Emily and Simon outside on the Evergreen’s gorgeous lawn for photos.

Lucas shot the extremely wide angle photo on the left that shows off the grandeur of the mansion house.

Love this next one. They are such a striking couple.

Every detail of the couple’s reception was so well thought out: A beautiful mix of cloth napkins added little punches of color to burlap table overlays. Vintage postcards marked each table and placecards — custom-made by bridesmaid Gopika Prabhu of Elefint Designs — marked each guest’s place. Cute stripey straws accented glasses of the couple’s signature punch. Peonies, hydrangea and roses spilled out of containers on each table. A beautiful array of cake and cupcakes — also set on a burlap runner — awaited guests. 

A first dance.

Dinner!

And then the toasting began. I must admit: I love a good toast. Not only is a good toast fun to listen to, it is also a wonderful opportunity to make some great photos of my clients, the toasters and the reactions of friends and family. The toasts to Emily and Simon were off-the-charts fantastic. Their friend Dom, their siblings Jonny and Sarah, the bride’s parents and even the groom himself all took to the microphone. It was marvelous. Dom served as emcee — as, apparently, is the custom at South African weddings — and offered lots of interesting and amusing tidbits about Zulu wedding customs. (And I must mention here that my assistant Lucas did a wonderful job of helping me unobtrusively light these memorable moments as the sun went down and the tented area of the Carriage House grew dimmer and dimmer.)

Dessert!

A father-daughter dance!

And then the floor was open for the most intense and fun 20-minute dance party I’ve ever seen. (It included lots of traditional Zulu dances and some imaginary rope jumping.)

Congratulations, Emily and Simon! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your families and friends! I wish you a lifetime of happiness in Durban and any other place that you choose to call home!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony: Corpus Christi Church

Officiant: Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Bozzelli

Ceremony musicians: Anita Hampson, Sarah Pecknold and Michael Britt

Reception: The Evergreen

Catering: Zeffert and Gold

Bridal attire: Custom designed gown by Karen Ter Morshuizen for Lunar

Make-up: Nicole Palermo

Hair: Jennifer Chodnicki of Grapevine Hair Studio

Groom’s attire: Tuxedo House

Florist: DIY

Cake: Whole Foods

Band/DJ: Scratch Weddings

Invitations and papergoods: Invitations and placecards by Kevin Boyd of Durban, South Africa; Placecard drawings by Gopika Prabhu of Elefint Designs; Stripey paper straws by Shop Sweet Lulu

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Mandy & Byron — The Maryland Zoo — Baltimore wedding photography

My 30th and final wedding of 2011 was a fantastic one. Mandy and Byron chose the Mansion House at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore as the venue for both their ceremony and reception. One of the first things that Mandy told me about their plans for a Zoo wedding was that a penguin and a giant Flemish rabbit would attend the cocktail hour. (In my head, I always imagined the penguin wearing a bowtie and carrying a silver platter the way penguins always seem to be depicted in cartoons. Winnie the penguin, however, was not in his formal wear or waiter mode but was no less delightful to photograph because of it!) On the other hand, I had no idea what a Flemish rabbit looked like until I googled the species and wow, Flanders was one big bunny! The four-legged guests were, of course, a nice addition to the day. But it was Mandy and Byron — and their friends and family — that really made their wedding such a joy to photograph. I suspected that would be the case from the afternoon we spent together for their engagement session. The little glances that Mandy and Byron exchanged throughout their wedding day. The amusing and moving toasts that their closest friends and parents offered. The beautiful vows, the personal ceremony readings, the packed dance floor, their adorable nieces and nephew, the pie pops. (Lots of my clients last year had cake pops. But Mandy and Byron had both cake pops and pie pops — little miniature pies baked on a nifty little lollipop stick for easy munching!) All of it made for a gorgeous wedding. Here are some of my favorites from their big day:

Mandy ordered a custom hanger for her dress with her and her fiance’s names intertwined.

Getting ready.

Since Mandy and Byron were married in December, we started shooting early so that we could squeeze in a few photos of them before the sun went down at the non-wedding friendly hour of 4.29 p.m. We maximized those last few golden rays of light.

Although these photos do hint at the wintry feel of the day, they don’t quite adequately convey just how freezing Mandy must have been in her strapless gown. We tried to move as quickly as possible while also ensuring they’d get some gorgeous images.

I love this next image.

Mandy and Byron attracted a flurry of attention from the few zoo visitors finishing up their trips and zipping by on the tram.

They’re so wonderful together, both when serious and when laughing.

Mandy’s nephew Ezra made for the cutest ring bearer. Here, he peeks to see what’s happening outside.

And finally, it was time to get married!

Ezra was a wee bit nervous walking down the aisle by himself. I always love shooting the processional a little wide and showing the reactions of the guests to the little ones’ entrances.

My assistant, Lucas, and I managed to snap photos at the very same moment from opposite ends of the aisle, giving Mandy a beautiful little rim light in this next image that Lucas shot.

I love love this next series of expressions from the bride and groom.

This next photo is also from Lucas.

A few details. (Photo on the left by Lucas.)

I always enjoy watching for parents’ reactions as their children say their marriage vows.

Breaking the glass (photo by Lucas). And a first kiss.

Married!

Immediately following the ceremony, Mandy and Byron exchanged cards that they had written for each other.

And now, without further ado, the animal ambassadors — Winnie the penguin and Flanders the Flemish rabbit.

The next three photos were shot by Lucas while I was photographing the newlyweds.

The colors for the wedding were purple and silver and the dining area of the Mansion House could not have looked lovelier. A few reception details, including gorgeous table linens and those previously mentioned pie pops from Chef’s Expressions caterers. Everything was pulled together by Mandy’s day-of coordinator, Briana Dixon of Nouvelle  Weddings and Events.

The newlyweds make their grand entrance.

A first dance.

A burn-off-some-energy-before-dinner dance.

Photo booth offerings.

A pair of parent dances.

A handful of toasts, including one from Mandy’s older sister Hillary who recounted a few embarrassing stories about her oldest daughter. Jocelyn’s reactions were fantastic, especially when her mom recounted her long-ago inquiry as to whether she could start calling her Aunt Mandy’s then-boyfriend ‘Uncle Byron.’ She threw her hands in the air in celebration when Hillary assured her daughter that she could now do so for forever and ever.

Yes, the dance floor was pretty much this packed for the entire night.

Some sweet dance moves from Mandy’s brother.

Mandy had one of the more fabulous reactions to being hoisted in their air during the hora that I’ve ever seen!

I always get excited when I catch a whiff of cigar smoke wafting in from outside because I love shooting timeless, black-and-white images of cigar smokers.

A few cake details.

A final dance with Jocelyn and Erin’s Aunt Mandy and Uncle Byron. (I love that you can see Jocelyn’s smooshed little face peeking through the newlyweds in the image on the right.)

Congratulations, Mandy and Byron. It was an absolute joy to work with the both of you and your families!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony and reception: The Mansion House at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Officiant: Sandra Bearden

Catering: Chef’s Expressions

Day-of event coordinator: Briana Dixon of Nouvelle Weddings and Events

Lighting designers: Superlative Events

Bridal attire: David’s Bridal

Groom’s attire: His own tuxedo

Florist: Flowers and Fancies

Cake: SugarBakers

Band/DJ: Anthony Simpson of My Deejay

Invitations: Cat’s Hallmark

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Stephanie & Matt — Washington DC engagement photos — Lincoln Memorial

Stephanie and Matt will be getting married at The Belvedere in Baltimore next year. But they live just outside of Washington DC, so they wanted to do their engagement photos in the District at a location that was very DC. We picked the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise, which is usually a great choice. We rescheduled once because of crummy weather and were tempted to postpone the session again. But there was only a chance of rain in the forecast, Stephanie and Matt were eager to get photos for their save-the-date cards and the weather the day before had been gorgeous. So we crossed our fingers, finalized our photography permit and set our alarms nice and early. Mother Nature did not exactly cooperate. It was overcast. It was unseasonably humid. And a vicious thunderstorm rolled through right in the middle of our session, forcing us to run for cover at the Memorial. Nonetheless, we had a lot of fun dashing up and down the steps, dodging joggers and the 1 million Army Reservists training there, and taking advantage of the best aspects of rainy weather — puddle reflections and cute umbrellas. Here are some of my favorites from our morning together:

I arrived at the Memorial well before sunrise — you never know about DC traffic, even super early on a weekday morning — and was rewarded with a cool view of the Lincoln and the Washington Monument beyond.

Stephanie and Matt taught me a cool trick for when you’re in the middle of nowhere and in need of a mirror. Whip out your smart phone, power up the camera and click the little button that swivels the camera to the back side of the phone. Voila! Instant mirror. (Stephanie looked great!)

This is the view that we came to the Lincoln for. We had hoped the sky would be streaked with pink and gorgeous sunrise colors. But the overcast skies instead looked moody — just perfect for black and white photos!

Love the steps!

This next image was one of my favorites. I loved how the downpour from the thunderstorm completely obliterated the Washington Monument and the Capitol in the distance. Plus, Stephanie and Matt are pretty darling together.

After the rain let up, the trees were newly fresh and green. So we headed over to the nearby gardens for a few more photos.

Stephanie and Matt, I had a great time at your engagement session. I’m truly looking forward to your wedding in just a few short months!

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Ilissa & Lisa — The American Visionary Art Museum — Baltimore wedding photography

For every wedding that I photograph, there is something that makes it special and memorable to me. Years after I work with clients, while scrolling through my portfolio, I can tell very specific stories about their photographs and the little moments that stick in my mind. Like Erin and Donnie’s exuberant dash down the church sidewalk while hollering, ‘We’re married! We’re married!’ Or the little flowergirl who looked so sweet and prayerful one moment and then dreadfully bored the next at Bridget and Dan’s wedding. The tears that threatened to spill out of Patrick’s eyes as Kristina made her way down the aisle toward him in the woods. The red spoons that were tossed at Anna and Abhi’s wedding, the fantastic glances that Melissa and Tim and Victoria and a different Tim exchanged while saying their vows, the amazing chocolate cake at Maureen & Mark’s reception, the fun photos on the field of Ravens Stadium with Maggie and Sean, the hilarious and heart-warming vows that Erin and Rick wrote for each other, the way the flowergirl and ring bearer at Ashley and Stan’s wedding just plunked themselves down to have a seat during a ceremony that they obviously thought was going on a bit too long. Every wedding is special and different. It’s what keeps me loving my job week after week.

But even by that measure, Ilissa and Lisa’s wedding was extraordinary. Maybe it was the vibe they set for the day — a big fun dinner party with great comfort food and fabulous hand-picked music. Or the fun venue they chose (I’ve never been to a bad wedding at the American Visionary Art Museum). Maybe it was their unusual ceremony readings — they mentioned zombies — and the inclusion of their closest friends and family as witnesses, readers and huppah holders. Or the fact that Ilissa’s father, who suffered some serious health problems this year but was doing much better, was watching the ceremony live with her brother via Skype. Maybe it was the obvious gratitude that Ilissa and Lisa felt toward all their friends and relatives who had helped them through a difficult year and had traveled through a rare October snow/sleet/hail storm to celebrate their marriage. Or the pure love that Ilissa and Lisa have for each other and that was visible in every glance they exchanged all night long. (Have I mentioned how much I love love love capturing those kind of moments for my clients?!?) Quite obviously, it was the combination of all of those elements. But this most definitely was one of those weddings that I couldn’t stop talking about to my husband when I got home. Here are some of my favorites from their snowy, rainy, sleety but unbelievably warm and wonderful day:

I adored their invitations. Navy.Modern. Classy. And oh so lovely.

Lucas and I started with Ilissa, who was getting ready with her mother and her two close friends. She combined a beautiful gown with classic cowboy boots — which she traded for Hunter rain boots for the outdoor excursions on her wedding day!

Ilissa, looking lovely.

Lisa planned to combine a fun, short dress with custom Converse sneakers. But with an ivory gown and white shoes, something wasn’t quite right. She traded them for navy Converse — which she swapped for a fun pair of lined skull-and-crossbones rain boots when she headed outside!

Getting ready with her sisters.

Lisa and Ilissa chose to see each other before their ceremony. I was beaming while photographing their reactions to each other and those of their family members. It was beautiful!

After some efficient family photos, we took advantage of the fun backdrops of the museum — and a brief let-up in the icy precipitation — for some casual portraits of the two of them.

These cute umbrellas were not just props. It was still a little rainy — and super cold — outside when we were shooting. Ilissa and Lisa were troopers!

Then it was upstairs for the ketubah ceremony — the signing of the Jewish marriage contract that precedes most Jewish weddings. Their ketubah included beautiful paper cutouts of flowers on the border.

And then it was back downstairs for the more public ceremony. I noticed this cool shadow of the wine beside their rings.

Lucas, my assistant, did a marvelous job at this wedding. He took full advantage of the catwalk that overlooked the ceremony spot to capture some really cool vantage points and all the fun art that dangled between him and the ceremony. This next photo on the left is his.

I am a huge fan of the hot air balloon that hangs between the two giant pink poodles in the museum. Such a fun spot for a ceremony!

Deejay extraordinaire John Paul Berry set up a web cam and microphone so that Ilissa’s father and brother back home in Chicago wouldn’t miss a moment of the ceremony. There was a wonderful moment when the rabbi asked the couple and their guests to wave toward the camera with a big, ‘Hellllooooo Chicago.’

The next two photos on the right are by Lucas.

I love love this little look from Ilissa toward Lisa. It came during their second reading — the one about zombies taking over the world but with a very, very sweet ending to the story.

The next two overhead shots (left and top right) — as well as the final two images from similar vantage points — are by Lucas. I love the focus on the airplane propeller with the ceremony softly blurry in the background.

Married!

A great shot from Lucas, taken just as Ilissa and Lisa stepped into the puddle of light from an overhead spotlight.

Theirs was one of the most joyful oh-my-gosh-we-just-got-married moments that I have ever witnessed. As they waited for the elevator that would whisk them upstairs, they hugged and jumped up and down together. Like, serious jumping. You can see in a few of the frames that all four of their feet are completely off the ground. It was such a joyful moment to photograph!

And we were off to the party. I’m including way more detail shots here than I normally do. There was just so much fun stuff to shoot. Event coordinator Kate Beck did a wonderful job of helping to design the entire look of the room. Shawn Nocher at the Floral Studio created one million different little arrangements for the long, low rows of centerpieces that graced Ilissa and Lisa’s dinner tables. And Chefs Expressions caterers makes such delicious and photogenic food!

I think this is pretty much every caterer, venue coordinator and event planner’s hope of how their clients will react at seeing their reception space for the first time.

A short and sweet first dance.

A series of incredibly emotional toasts from Ilissa’s mother, Lisa’s sister and the newlyweds themselves.

And there was lots and lots of singing and dancing.

My husband always says that the key to being a fun addition to any dance floor is to make a sweet face. This guy obviously subscribes to the same theory.

Ilissa and Lisa’s friends showed off the absolute best shoe and stocking combinations ever!

Remembering way back to our very first meeting when Lisa and Ilissa had told me of their great affection for the Domino Sugar sign, I asked them late in the evening if they wanted to slip outside for a few photos on the water by the sign and in front of AVAM’s famous neon love proclamation. I warned them that it was cold — like 37 degrees cold, according to a weather app on Lucas’s phone — and that we’d have a bit of a walk. They did not hesitate. The valet guys — all bundled up in down parkas and hats — could not believe that the four of us were venturing outside without coats. It was definitely worth it.

This was one of my last photographs of them that night. You can see how they are literally in the midst of a packed dance floor but also in their own little world. I love it.

Congratulations, Ilissa and Lisa. We could not have had more fun working with you and documenting your amazing day!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony and Reception: The American Visionary Art Museum

Officiant: Rabbi Liz Bolton

Catering: Paul Kountz and Chefs Expressions

Event coordinator: Kate Beck of Kate Beck Events

Lighting designers: Perkins Productions

Bridal attire: Ilissa wore an Anne Barge gown. Lisa wore a Watters gown. Both were from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection.

Hair and Make-up: Nikki Verdecchia from NV Salon

Florist: The Floral Studio

DJ: John Paul Berry from Absolute Entertainment

Invitations: Paper Source

Ketubah: Naomi Shiek from Urban Collective

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