One of my favorite aspects of being a wedding photographer in Baltimore is hearing the stories of how my couples met. Sam + Brian’s chance meeting in Fells Point feels like a rom-com movie, complete with two of the cutest #urbanrowpups!

These two lovebirds met while walking their dogs, Xander + Dobby, along the promenade. In Sam’s words, “we stopped to let our dogs say hello and immediately started to laugh about how similar they looked (both little, mostly all black mutts). I started to snap a few pictures of the dogs wrestling and Brian asked if I could send him the pictures to smoothly get my phone number…”

Since their dogs are such a big part of their love story, Sam infused the day with a lot of doggie-related details. And if you know me, you know the only thing I love more than weddings is a wedding day spent with cute pups! 

From the details of the gorgeously lush hanging floral ceremony installation to the guests’ Baltimore-themed goodie bags to personalized doggie drink stirrers, Sam put a lot of thought and effort into ensuring every little detail was taken care of.

Brian’s only concern? Ensuring Sam’s happiness. She had worked so hard to make the day perfect, and Brian just wanted his beautiful bride to enjoy it.

Their wedding was a lot like their relationship – relaxed, joyful, celebratory, and full of love.

13 Memorable Moments and Details from Sam + Brian’s Wedding at The Accelerator Space:

1. Sam + Brian both got ready at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Many of my couples choose this location, so I know it well, especially all of the best spots! This is one benefit of working with a local wedding photographer: if it’s windy, rainy, or too crowded, I always have a Plan B in mind.

2. Sam told me that she wanted a gown that was classic yet modern, with a really good twirl. She definitely achieved that! The fitted top portion of her gown, with lace details and an open back, brought a modern touch to her look and the a-line ball gown provided the perfect amount of classic bridal twirl!

3. Sam + Brian had their first look down along the promenade, with views of the harbor skyline behind them. The water + pups that introduced them, helped frame some of my favorite shots of this quintessential Baltimore couple.

4. After their first look, we headed to one of my favorite wedding party portrait spaces – the open areas near the Homeland lakes. I live closeby, so I walk there often and am always thinking of different ways to document my couples in its gorgeous surroundings. The fact that it’s so close to The Accelerator Space is just a bonus!

5. Sam + Brian’s close friend was their officiant, and he added such a personal touch, filling their ceremony with little stories and anecdotes of their love.

6. As much as their officiant did a wonderful job, I have to say that the flower girl, Parker, and her sweet floral crown really stole the show!

7. Their ceremony was held in the front part of the Accelerator Space, near the large glass black metal doors. Thurman + Fig designed a romantic floral installation of hanging carnations in various shades of whites, reds, blush pinks, and maroons to soften up the industrial feel of the space. This gorgeous floral installation was then repurposed as the backdrop of their sweetheart table.

8. As their guestbook, they borrowed Brian’s mom’s old college typewriter. Guests used it to type out notes of love and advice to the happy couple. It was a fun twist on a classic wedding detail!

9. The guests found their seating arrangements thanks to a huge golden mirror with white letting and black acrylic table numbers that Sam had handmade. Each guest’s seating assignment was stamped on copper bookmarks with black tassels that they had also made themselves. They were so neat — I was kind of jealous that I didn’t get one!

10. Pretty Little Wedding Co. provided a gorgeous honey colored wood bar with a honeycomb pattern that served as a focal point of the reception space. I hadn’t seen anything like it before!

11. Remember the #urbanrowpups that brought these two together? They made a reappearance as the two signature cocktails! I especially loved the drink stirrers with the dogs’ faces.

12. The buffet dinner was catered by one of my favorite Baltimore caterers, Zeffert and Gold. Always a hit, the guests loved the display of Argentinean meats and the catch of the day. When it was time for dessert, their famous mini donuts and delicious espresso martinis covered the tables.

13. Sam + Brian were the picture of wedding perfection in the golden hour shots we got – especially on the ramp against the glass garage doors!

Sam + Brian, your meet-cute is one of my absolute favorites, and it was an honor to photograph your first official day as a married couple. The love between the two of you is so genuine, relaxed, and honest. I wish you, Xander, and Dobby nothing but the best as you begin your happily ever after!

xo,
Naomi

VENDOR TEAM:

planning + coordination: 1423 events
getting ready space: baltimore marriott waterfront
venue: accelerator space
photography: urban row photography
florist: thurman + fig
design: pretty little wedding co.
catering: zeffert and gold catering
dj: rmr entertainment + dj slinger
gown: paloma blanca
boutique: betsy robinson bridal
bridesmaids’ dresses: birdy grey
groomsmen suits: suit shop
permanent jewelry: charm city links
lighting + draping: event dynamics
beauty: brushed beauty
cake: grauls market