It was difficult to imagine what Alanna + Rob’s wedding might look like, based on Alanna’s description when we first met. She explained that their wedding would resemble a romantic, whimsical fairy tale forest with a dollop of anime, the Japanese style of animation often characterized by colorful graphics and vibrant characters. “When we first met, he taught me how to play a character in a video game,” she explained. “So this theme is credited to him.” Under the expert guidance of wedding planner Rachel Hoffberger of Plan It Perfect Events and Wicked Willow florist, the American Visionary Art Museum was transformed into just that. Towering arrangements of pink blooms were supported not by vases but by clusters of thick branches and vines that, indeed, made it look like the aisle was lined by a forest of flowering trees. The chuppah included the bride’s grandfather’s prayer shawl as well as 998 paper cranes that the couple made themselves in a nod to Rob’s heritage. (Using the origami paper on which they had written their vows, they folded the final two cranes during the ceremony to bring the total to a lucky 1,000.) Flower girls wore the wings of a favorite anime character — and bright yellow fabric with Kero’s likeness was sewn into their hair bows. Reception tables — and a tower of cupcakes! — featured clow cards, the magical cards used in a particular anime series. And the last hour of the party was designated the Japanime Power Hour, with a late-night snack of sushi and potstickers and the DJ playing the actual music from the couple’s favorite video games. The whole day could not have better captured their personalities. Here are many of my favorites from Alanna + Rob’s beautiful day:
What’s not to love about a wedding gown that makes you feel so happy and beautiful that you physically jump up and down in it?
The bride, looking absolutely lovely. 
Alanna sees her father — and practices their dance.
The couple chose to see each other before the ceremony for photos. Here, Alanna was chatting and chatting with her bridesmaids, unaware of the fact that Rob was coming down the staircase until he announced, “I can hear you, you know.” Their reaction to seeing each other for the first time that day was just lovely. 
Downtown traffic that day was just dreadful. Fearful that everyone would not make it to AVAM in time for pre-ceremony photos or even the ceremony itself, we scrambled the carefully plotted transportation schedule, piled as many people as would fit into the limo and dictated the specific route recommended by Rachel, the event planner, to the limo driver. Meanwhile, unable to get a taxi or even an Uber in the snarl of traffic, the groomsmen simply walked from the Hotel Monaco to AVAM.
The amphitheater at AVAM can be magical. When the sun hits the mirrored egg just right, it sends reflected sparkly polka dots all over the area. So pretty. 
Then, it was time to get married.
The couple hired Patricia Bennett, a live event painter, to capture the wedding in art. It’s always so amazing to watch Patricia’s masterpieces come to life as the day goes on.
I love, love, love this next series of photographs. 
I love this next image that my assistant, Andrew, captured as Rob raised his leg to break the glass, a Jewish wedding custom. 
After a few efficient family and wedding party photos, it was time for the reception.
A first dance. 
A marvelous toast from the father of the bride. 
And lots and lots of fun and merriment. 
Alanna + Rob, we could not have had more fun working with you, your friends and your families for your wedding. Many, many congratulations!
Credits:
Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography, LLC
Event coordinator: Plan It Perfect Events
Ceremony & Reception: The American Visionary Art Museum
Officiant: Laura Cannon
Ceremony musician: John Thompson
Catering: The Pantry Fine Catering
Lighting & draping designers: Event Dynamics
Rentals: Select Event Group
Bridal attire: Monique Lhuillier from Kleinfeld
Make-up: Up Do’s for I Do’s
Hair: Salon at Mays Chapel
Bridesmaids’ attire: Alfred Angelo
Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Wicked Willow
Cake: Charm City Cakes
Cupcakes: La Cakerie
Pastries: Patisserie Poupon
Videographer: Zinnia Films
Transportation: Thoroughbred
Live Event Painter: Patricia Bennett
Flower Re-Use: Repeat Roses
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Jennifer McMenamin Photography specializes in emotional, real and artistic-documentary coverage of weddings and lifestyle portraiture in Baltimore, Washington DC and beyond.
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Absolutely gorgeous! Everything is perfect! The photography is awesome and I love how this is put together! What wonderful memories!