Real Inspiration: Carolyn & Andrew

Back in January I posted photos from this couple's beautiful engagement session.  Now, take a look at their gorgeous wedding!  Todd Spitler, who also did the couple's engagement photography, did an amazing job capturing this day.

 

The couple got married in Harrisburg, PA, at Saint Catherine’s Laboure Catholic Church, the church Carolyn attended as a child.  How beautiful is that stained glass?  And their reception was in the Chocolate Ballroom at The Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA.  The couple used the wedding planner from The Hershey Lodge, Ira Task.

Carolyn's dress is from David's Bridal!  David's has locations in Glen Burnie, Bowie and Rockville, MD.  Carolyn headed there looking for bridesmaids dresses and found her beautiful wedding dress as well!  The dress was designed by Oleg Cassini (He has also been worn by Jackie O!  Oh my!)  The bridesmaids wore dresses by Priscilla of Boston which is unfortunately now closed.  So thrifty brides, look on ebay for these dresses! What a beautiful color purple!  The bride's and maids' had their hair done by Mindy Whalen and their make-up by Nicole Palermo.  

The flowers are from Flower Designs by Cherylann based out of Hershey, PA.  Carolyn worked with Lori and says, "She was fantastic!"  The table numbers came from Etsy. The escort cards were from Wedding Paper Divas and they matched the invitations and save the dates.

The groom is an avid cyclist, so the couple incorporated bicycles into the wedding decor.  The cake topper was a bicycle made for two (how cute!) and was found on Etsy.  The favors were hand-painted coasters (also from Etsy) that had two bikes, the name of the couple and their wedding date.   The cupcakes and assorted sweets came from Couture Cakery: Carolyn says, "We worked with the owner, Jasmine.  She was so talented and fabulous to work with!"   

The couple used DJ Kopec, which the bride proclaimed, "the best DJ in the area!"  He came up from Baltimore to do for the reception.  "Chris [DJ Kopec] was able to keep people dancing the entire time.  Young and old…I couldn’t believe how many ppl were up out of their seats.  He’s amazing."  Looks like the reception was a lot of fun!

Congratulations Carolyn and Andrew!  And thanks so much for sharing!

Two Year Anniversary! {My Top 10 Favorite Photographs}

We've featured many real Baltimore weddings on this blog over the past two years.  And its very difficult to have any favorites.  But, these are my picks (in no particular order).

#1: From Real Inspiration: Sara & Nolen, Photographer: Frank Hamilton.

#2: From Real Inspiration: Kelly & Kyle, Photographer: Abby Jiu .

#3: From Real Inspiration: Sarah & Nelson, Photographer: Chris Bickford.

#4: From Real Inspiration:  Kristine & Seth, Photographer: Tara Parekh

#5: From Real Inspiration: Crystal & Cary, Photographer: Dani Leigh.

#6: From Real Inspiration: Megan & Jon, Photographer: Ellen Cohn of Photography by Ellen.

#7: From Real Inspiration: Chelsea & Jason, Photographer: Artful Weddings by Sachs Photography.

#8: From Real Inspiration: Dana & Adam, Photographer: Amy Hershey of Forever in a Flash Photography.

#9: From Real Inspiration:  Emily & Kurt, Photographer: Carolyn Watson. 

#10: From Real Inspiration: Amy & Jon, Photographer: Artful Weddings by Sachs Photography.

Real Inspiration: Chelsea & Jason

Chelsea and Jason chose Mt. Vernon, one of my favorite Baltimore neighborhoods, as the backdrop for their wedding  The ceremony was held at St. Ignatius and the reception at the Peabody Library.  Their photographers, Artful Weddings by Sachs Photography, did an amazing job capturing this couple's special day!  Anne and Joe Sachs, a husband-wife team, never fail to impress me with their images.  Chelsea and Jason loved working with them- "talented but relaxed, calming, warm, and just fun to hang out with."

The couple met 13 years ago at the University of Virginia, through a mutual friend, one of the groomsmen, Matt.  Chelsea explains, "We all moved to NYC right after school.  And while Jason did spend a lot of time in my bed those first few years - it was always without me in it!  I lived in midtown Manhattan with Matt's (now) wife.  Jason lived in Hoboken.  I worked a ton and was never at the apartment.  Jason and Matt would out late in the city, and Jason would just crash in my room while I wasn't there so he wouldn't have to take the train back to Hoboken.  It wasn't until almost 10 years later, when he stopped by my Christmas party in 2007 that we finally hit it off!  Not sure what is was about that cold December night in the East Village, but we've pretty much been stuck together ever since."

 The bride's amazing gown came from Pronovias.  They have a huge store in Manhattan, but you can also shop the collection right here in Baltimore, at Francescas Bridal.  Her purple satin shoes came from DSW.  Chelsea says, "I'm a sucker for a bargain!"  Her gorgeous make-up was done by Debbie Federico.

The invitations were designed by Alexandra at Aerialist Press.  Inspired by the iron work around the stacks of the Peabody, the invitations were custom designed.  Quick turn around time and easy to work with, Chelsea highly recommends Aerialist Press.  The flowers, including centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres were made by Fleur de Lis.  The bride chose to have a vivid purple bouquet including purple hyacinth, pink and purple anemonies, purple tulips and black magic roses.  I love it!  I love brides adding pops of color to their ensembles, and bouquets are the perfect way to accomplish that!  The bridesmaids bouquets featured baby green hydrangea, purple tulips, hot pink and plum dendrobium orchids.  Beautiful!  Fleur de Lis, located in Baltimore, has been making weddings more beautiful with their creations for over 18 years! 

The dashing wedding party sported tuxedos and purple bridesmaids dresses.  The maids dresses were from Nordstrom.com.  The dresses are JS Boutique, they come in a variety of colors with optional straps.  The couple didn't use a wedding planner.  Jason (the groom) did most of the planning!

The Peabody Library is truly a breathtaking venue!  The reception was catered by Chefs Expressions, whic also made the cake.  It had layers of chocolate cake, lemon cake, and blueberries.  Yumm!  And guests danced the night away to the sounds of William Steward of My Deejay.  The ring bearer's pillow came from Michael's Arts and Crafts.  

 Congratulations Chelsea and Jason!