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!

Real Inspiration: Amy & Jon

Cheer and merriment were in the air the day this couple got married!  It was the annual Charles Street St. Patrick's Day Parade in Baltimore!  The couple had their ceremony and reception at the Tremont Grand, located in downtown Baltimore.  Artful Weddings by Sachs Photography did an amazing job, as always, capturing the event.  Amy, the bride, says "We loved Anne Sachs and her entire team; they made us feel like ours was the best wedding they had ever been to."

 

Amy's gorgeous gown was designed by Paloma Blanca.  The bride's hair and make up were done by Baltimore Bridal Makeup, which Amy highly recommends.  Christine of Fleur de Lis, provided the gorgeous flowers.  She worked closely with Jon, the groom, who was in charge of all of the flowers and decor.  Great job!

Jon planned an amazing proposal for Amy.  He had both his mother and hers flown in for the event.  With some elaborate planning, he proposed at the Brewer's Art (the location of their first date) in front of family.  On one knee, he said, "You know that I’m not perfect; And God knows you’re not perfect.  But nothing could be more perfect than us continuing to Live, Learn and Grow together. Make all my dreams come true… Will you marry me?"  After many tears, Jon stood up and they embraced, he whispered "Does that mean yes?"  She responded, "Yes."  But, the surprises weren't over!  After dinner, Jon led Amy downstairs to the dark bar area where she found about 20 of their closest friends (some from as far as New York) waiting to celebrate with them!

 The amazing centerpieces included limes, peacock feathers, hydrangeas and ribbons, also from Fleur de Lis.  Really beautiful!  The cake was from Woodley Bakery.  The custom cake topper, scuplted to resemble the couple's dog, came from Etsy.  Lauren of the Tremont did a fabulous job of coordinating and taking care of the details.  Jason of Absolute Entertainment was their DJ.  Amy said, "he gave us the party we asked him for!"  Amy also wanted my readers to know that their dance instructor, Demitri of Atlantic Ballroom, did an amazing job preparing them for their first dance!

Congratulations Amy & Jon!

Real Inspiration: Kristin & Chuck

Kristin and Chuck recently shared their engagement shoot with us.  They were kind enough to also share their wedding!  They had their ceremony and reception at the Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD.  Located just under an hour south of Baltimore in Prince George's County, Newton White Mansion, is a Neo-Georgian-style brick mansion that sits on a lush 586 acres.  A beautiful backdrop for a wedding!

 

The bride and groom chose to use Borrowed Blue Photography, who also did their engagement shoot. You can find more of their work on their blog.  Kristin says, "Natalie and Jamie are an amazing team!"  She was very pleased with them.

 

 

 Kristin got her gorgeous gown from the Bridal Boutique, located in Columbia, MD.  Venus was the designer.  You can also find Venus at Lilys Bridal & Formalwear in Baltimore, MD.  The satin heels came from White House/Black Market and were dyed teal at the Bridal Boutique to match the maid's dresses.  The teal bridesmaids dresses, designed by Belsoie, from the Jasmine collection.  They also came from the Bridal Boutique.  The bride was very pleased with her hair and makeup, "done by a great team," sisters Crissy Engelskirch and Sarah Engelskirch-Boothe.

 

 

I really love this venue!  The couple pass by the fountain after their vows. The beautiful teal and white centerpieces were done by Intrigue, based in Annapolis, MD.  They used crystals, white flowers, branches and tall teal glass vases.  They also did the bouquets. 

 The programs were designed by Kristin (impressive!) and were printed at Vistaprint.  A great idea for the DIY bride!  I'm quite smitten with the statues incorporated into the decor.  Great job, Intrigue! 

 

Kristin was completely pleased by the flowers from Intrigue and the decor, including linens and china provided by their caterer,  Dennis Walz.  Walz, characterized by Kristin as, "by far the best caterer around!" also did the bar, appetizers, and main course.  The cake came from Sugar Bakers.  The first tier was amaretto raspberry, second tier, chocolate with peanut butter mousse, and the third tier was vanilla cake with chocolate icing.  All iced in German buttercream.  Ok, now my mouth is watering!

 

Congratulations Kristin & Chuck!