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Jessica + Matt
The Grand Lodge - Baltimore wedding photography - Maryland wedding photography

It was hot and sunny on Jessica + Matt’s wedding day. But inside their Grand Lodge wedding, a ballroom brimming with brass chandeliers and dark wood was transformed into a magic woodland, complete with flowers spilling from tree stumps, tiny little mushrooms, terrariums and pads of moss topped with succulents. It was, thanks to Crimson & Clover Floral Design and wedding planner Lorin Kotz-Kline, a site to behold. “Earthy yet fabulous,” was the way that Jess described her vision for the wedding in our very first e-mail exchange. And they most definitely succeeded. Jess and Matt had a wonderful day surrounded, just as Jess had envisioned, by her nieces and nephews and their families’ closest friends and relatives. They combined a very elegant setting — think towering candles and dripping crystals, raw silk ribbons and rough linen table runners — with a menu of comfort food and deliciousness. I loved the contrast, for instance, at cocktail hour of heaping platters of cheeseburgers, po’ boy and Reuben sandwiches, onion rings and cones full of curly fries set out on a table decorated with candelabras and crystals. For dessert, there was not only wedding cake but also passed mini-ice cream sandwiches and freshly made donuts. Before the feast, Jess and Matt exchanged vows in the Grand Lodge’s Corinthian Room in a personal, touching ceremony that left more than one onlooker wiping away tears. I was again lucky to have my friend and assistant, Sam, helping me with this wedding and his photos are mixed in with mine below. Here are some of my favorites from Jess and Matt’s earthy yet fabulous wedding:

The Grand Lodge is, indeed, a grand place for a wedding.

The bride, looking lovely.

Meanwhile, Matt and his father watched YouTube videos — an increasingly common wedding day occurrence, it turns out! — to figure out his bow tie. These images of the groom and his guys were shot by Sam. 

Back at the Grand Lodge, it was time for the couple to see each other for photos. 

After some photos with the wedding party and the couple’s families, it was time to sign the ketubah — the Jewish marriage contract — and then the public ceremony. 

I love this next wide scene shot from Sam.

Married! 

A few details from cocktail hour and many, many from the woodland reception. 

A first dance.

The band Nightsong is absolutely incredible and kept guests on their feet  and dancing all night long.

A few toasts. 

A rousing Hora. 

A little cake. 

A pair of parent dances. 

A few more details. 

And lots of fun and merriment. 

Jess and Matt, it was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your families. Many, many congratulations!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography, LLC

Ceremony & Reception: The Grand Lodge of Maryland

Officiant:

Ceremony musicians: Concord Ensemble

Catering: Linwoods

Event design & coordination: Celebrations Unlimited, Inc. 

Lighting designers: Blondell’s Accent on Events

Rentals: Table Toppers and Party Rental Ltd. 

Bridal attire: Allure gown from the Bridal Boutique 

Make-up: Studio of Make-up

Hair: Village Hair Studio

Bridesmaids’ attire: Jasmine B2 dresses

Groom’s attire: Dinner Jacket (Jos. A. Bank), Shirt and Slacks (JS Edwards Ltd.) and bow tie (The Tie Bar)

Florist: Crimson and Clover Floral Design

Cake: Linwoods

Band: Nightsong from the Entertainment Exchange

Invitations: Greetings And Readings