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Deirdre & Karl – The Belvedere – Baltimore wedding photography

I had been looking forward to Deirdre & Karl’s wedding since she and I first met last June. Over the course of a comfortable conversation that felt more like a friendly chat than a prospective client appointment, she told me that she *loved* the building of the Hotel Belvedere where the wedding would be held, that she would have a significant number of relatives coming from Ireland, and that Karl — the youngest of six kids — has a lot of nieces and nephews who would be attending the wedding. Like, a dozen nieces and nephews. I started imagining a day filled with photographing one of Baltimore’s most beautiful historic wedding venues and a party full of fun Irish people and darling children.

That’s pretty much how it turned out. Deirdre and Karl were married on a lovely — if a bit windy and chilly — evening in late March. (It was not, however, quite as as windy and chilly as the day of their wonderful but snowy engagement session in January.) Their color scheme of gray and purple was simple and elegant. Potted shamrock plants offered a playful reminder of the bride’s heritage. And echoing the Beaux-Arts style of the 108-year-old Hotel Belvedere, the couple added a few stylistic touches here and there — most notably with a gorgeous custom framed print announcing the wedding that greeted guests as they stepped off the elevators at the 12th floor.

Here are some of my favorites from their big day:

Deirdre’s bouquet included a broach that belonged to her grandmother. It was gorgeous.

The bride, looking beautiful.

Love the purple, ruffley shoes peeking out from the bottom of her dress.

There aren’t too many occasions when I capture a groom’s portrait that I love. In my experience, men tend to be a little more uncomfortable being photographed and a bit more serious with a photographer they don’t know well. But what I love about this image of Karl is how happy he looks — and that it was a mention of Deirdre’s name that prompted this completely genuine smile.

There was this one slice of sunlight streaming into the room, illuminating this guest. It almost looked like a spotlight.

Finally, it was time to get married.

I love the way Deirdre is looking at her soon-to-be husband here.

Married!

Remember all those nieces and nephews I mentioned? Well, we’ll get back to them when they hit the dance floor. But I couldn’t resist including this funny one. It reminds me of my 16-month-old daughter’s toy camera that chirps, ‘Show me your silly face.’

Deirdre e-mailed me after choosing gray bridesmaid dresses to make sure they would photograph OK. I think they help make a gorgeous wedding party even more gorgeous!

Classy. And classic.

These two are really so sweet together.

I love the glances they’re exchanging in this next image.

Happy, whimsical little shamrock plants. These sat on the cocktail tables.

A few more reception details.

I had just finished up shooting my detail shots of the cake when the shadow in the corner from the cake topper caught my eye. I shot a few more and this one quickly became my favorite image of Deirdre and Karl’s cake.

A first dance.

A few toasts.

A trio of rings.

A pair of parent dances.

Aaaaand then, the kids hit the dance floor.

The grown-ups got into the party, too, thanks to the Philly Party Band.

Congratulations, Deirdre and Karl. It was an absolute joy working with you.

Vendor Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony & Reception: The Belvedere

Catering: Truffles Catering at The Belvedere

Bridal attire: David’s Bridal

Hair and make-up: Studio 1612

Groom’s attire: Men’s Warehouse

Florist: Divine Designs & Events

Cake: SugarBakers Cakes

Wedding poster: LoveInLetters

Band: Philly Party Band

Invitations, place cards and other paper goods: DIY

Comments

  1. Liz Gliot

    Jennifer,
    I was a guest at Karl and Deirdre’s wedding and have to tell you that these are some of the most beautiful wedding pics i’ve ever seen. you truly captured the spirit of the day and of their love. wonderful!!!!

    Reply
    1. jennifermcmenamin

      Thank you so much, Liz. I very much appreciate the kind words. They were an absolute pleasure to work with!
      ~ Jennifer

      Reply

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Wedding Confetti