A George Peabody Library wedding: Emily + Lou - Jennifer McMenamin Photography

A George Peabody Library wedding: Emily + Lou
George Peabody Library | Baltimore wedding photographer | Baltimore wedding photography

001-jennifer-mcmenamin-photography-george-peabody-library-wedding_0057

I make no secret of the fact that toasts and tributes are one of my most favorite parts of a wedding day to photograph. It is one of the only aspects of the wedding over which the couple has absolutely no control and they are often truly surprised, delighted, amazed and moved by the words of their closest friends and family members. As a photographer who prioritizes true emotion and authentic moments above all else, those reactions are a joy to photograph. Even so, I’ve never seen anything like the amazingness that unfolded at Emily + Lou’s wedding when three of her students took to the microphone at their reception. First, two girls gushed — just absolutely *gushed* — about what Emily has meant in their lives. They talked about the attention she has shown them at school and the care she has showered upon them out of the classroom as well. When it was his turn, the male student in the group said only that he could not adequately express himself in words, cued the DJ and then asked Emily to dance with him. The ensuing few minutes were beyond joyful to photograph. It was that kind of day. From the the girly fun that Emily had with her bridesmaids, “manmaids” and longtime hair stylist while getting ready and the tearful moment she and Lou first saw each other that day to the beautifully personal ceremony in which they exchanged vows and rings at the George Peabody Library, the day was full of emotional and meaningful moments. Here are many of my favorites from Emily + Lou’s big day.

These little flowergirls could not have been any cuter.

The bride looking absolutely lovely.

After being overcast and gloomy all day, the sun burst from behind the clouds just minutes before we were to take photos outside. So glorious!

And then it was time to get married!

A reading from “Love,” by Lauren Hendricks: “Love is friendship that has caught fire.”

Married! One of the greatest reactions of all time to that pronouncement.

As if we didn’t already have countless lovely photographs in great light, we were graced with an absolutely gorgeous sunset and made the most of that lingering, golden, glowy light for a few more images.

A few reception details.

A first dance.

A few toasts.

And the tributes from the bride’s students.

This next photo on the right gives me goosebumps every time I look at it. Never underestimate the difference that an amazing educator can make in a child’s life.