When the coordinator (more on her later) told me Amelia and Javier's ceremony was only nine minutes, that didn't seem right. I get in-the-zone during the ceremony so it's hard for me to judge how much time has passed, but I found it hard to believe that in nine minutes, they could pack in deep flushes, tears, words of wisdom from the officiant, handwritten vows and a whole lot of laughter. Amelia and Javier had the most joyous recessional I've seen and I'm so glad I was there to snag it.
Their wedding was at the most fantastic venue ever, the
Patapsco Female Institute (rental info
here), the "ruins of a girls school" Amelia told me at our first meeting. And that is exactly what the space is - no roof, half-walls, columns that lead to nowhere. The space is maintained as-is - half falling apart, totally awesome. Amelia and Javier's friends and family filled the space with all manner of joy and love and par-tay. It was a good old time.
The light in the Hotel Monaco in Baltimore was out-of-this-world. Check it.
Meanwhile, in a suite across the hall...
Bear is not one to be left behind for the festivities. He wasn't invited to the main event, but he did get to hang with everybody before and after at the hotel. And insisted on being the center of attention. He's a good dog.
Possibly my favorite getting-ready picture ever.
The flowers at the wedding were not blooming things but "meaningful herbs" -
but I never did catch the meanings. From Amelia: "Rosemary for love, loyalty & remembrance, thyme for strength, lavender for luck, mint for warmth, sage for domestic virtue."
Her dress was
perfect so we had to rock some of that floaty, swaying action.
Amelia and Javier hired
Rebecca Dick of Blue Canary Events a couple months before their wedding to help them with the planning. Amelia told me she wished she had hired her from day one. I was so impressed with Rebecca's attention to detail (she signs her emails "party planning perfectionist"!) and general I-got-this attitude. She was amazing to work with and
everybody should get on her bandwagon!
Vendors:
Getting ready venue:
Hotel Monaco, Baltimore
Ceremony and reception venue:
Patapsco Female Institute
Planner/coordinator:
Rebecca Dick, Blue Canary Events (highly recommend!)
Photography: me!
Florist:
Willow Oak Garden
Paper Goods & Gift Bags:
Golden Silhouette Designs
DJ:
Ricky Bulles
Catering:
Kloby's Smokehouse
Dessert spread:
Heidelberg Bakery
Hair and makeup:
First Impressions Salon
Equipment rental:
Grand Rental Events
We started the day at the massive Robert Andrew Salon & Spa so Heather and Melissa could get all prettied up.
Meanwhile, Buddy was hanging with his brothers back at the Doubletree Columbia. Not one, not three, but two trees.
First look, which I was delighted to find could have a woodsy look even right outside the hotel.
Then we scooted out to the Patapsco Female Institute for family and wedding portraits.
I really love this venue.
Go time.
Heather and Buddy tied the knot on the steps of PFI, with the big columns overseeing their vows.
These two are pretty seriously good at dipping.
Toast appreciation - short and sweet.
It is really hard to resist the wide angle opportunities.
Something tells me some of those other single ladies are going to get hitched before this one.
Congratulations you guys!
Heather & Buddy's vendor team:
Ceremony & reception venue: Patapsco Female Institute
Getting-ready venue: Doubletree Columbia
Catering: Bon Appetit
Cake: Kake Korner
Florist: The Grower's Box
Facilities: Maryland Portable Restrooms
Tent rental: ABC Party & Tent Rental
Hair & Makeup: Robert Andrew Salon & Spa
Heather's dress: David's Bridal
Buddy's suit: Men's Warehouse