Lots of people toss around the term “meant to be.” But from my 13 years of photographing weddings and hearing couple’s love stories, I really must say that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to argue that Lauren + Eric were *not* meant to be. The bride’s cousin, Adam, was the groom’s roommate in college and remains one of his best friends. The couple’s paths crossed briefly once. But, as Lauren puts it, “I forgot about him for two years.” Both Eric and cousin Adam were more determined the second time around. In one of the most touching and hilarious moments of the wedding day, both Lauren’s mother and Eric’s mother used their toasts to tell their version of that second introduction and their children’s reactions to meeting the other. Eric, it seems, went to Adam’s house on Thanksgiving with the express purpose of “running into” Lauren again. For her part, Lauren lingered at her cousin’s family’s house far longer than she had intended after she and Eric started talking. And the rest is history. Lauren comes from a family of dentists and followed her father, uncle and cousin into the family field. Eric also hails from a family of dentists, though he has pursued a different field of medicine. They incorporated so many touching details into their day, from the sentimental items from deceased loved ones they included in their ceremony and the prayer shawls from their mitzvahs that formed the canopy of the chuppah to their niece and grandpa teaming up for the blessing and Hanukkah menorah lighting and the Star of David necklace that Lauren tucked into her gown that her father made for his mother when he was in dental school from leftover dental gold. It was a joy to be with them and their families, from start to finish. Here are many, many of my favorites from their winter Belvedere wedding.
I loved how Lauren + Eric addressed the return envelopes for their invitation RSVPs. 
Meanwhile, Eric, his father and the guys were puzzling over suspenders and cuff links and bow ties just a few floors away.
And then, it was time for a toast and for Lauren to get dressed.
Lauren’s mother Patti helps her into her gown. Coming from — and marrying into! — a family of dentists, Lauren incorporated so many lovely personal touches into the day, including tucking an heirloom Star of David necklace made of dental gold into her gown to serve as her “something old.” 
The bride, looking absolutely lovely. 
Lauren + Eric chose to see each other before the ceremony for photos. Here, they get ready for their first look. 
Lauren + Eric’s families and closest friends were pretty insistent on wanting to see the couple’s first look. This next photo on the right of all of them crammed into the far end of this freezing-cold breezeway makes me smile every time I see it. 
Lauren + Eric braved some truly chilly temperatures for these photos outside by the harbor. I think they were well worth it! Also, can we please puh-lease have twinkle lights wrapped around trees and railings and lots of other surfaces at all time of the year? I’m kind of crazy about using them in photos.
See??? Twinkle lights for all! 
And then we were off to the Belvedere. 
Such a great moment between Eric and his father, Joe.
A few ceremony details. 
Before their larger ceremony and in accordance with Jewish tradition, Lauren + Eric and their witnesses signed their ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract. 
And then it was time for their walk down the aisle. 
I love this look between Lauren + Eric. This is one of my most favorite aspects of my job — capturing real, authentic emotion and moments for my clients that will help them relive how they were feeling on their wedding day (as opposed to being posed this way and that by their photographer!). 
Married! 
The newlyweds requested a couple of iconic Belvedere photos featuring the hotel’s art deco elevator and signature marquee. I happily obliged!
A few reception details. 
How beautiful are the *backs* of these placecards?
A first dance.
A welcome from Lauren’s parents, Patti and Paul. 
A blessing and a menorah lighting to mark the celebration of Hanukkah. 
A trio of toasts. And lots of laughter. 
A cake cutting. 
A pair of parent dances. 
A rousing hora.
DJ Jason Wallace kicked off the party and kept the dance floor packed. 
Many, many congratulations, Lauren + Eric. We could not have had more fun with you, your friends and your families!
Credits:
Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography, LLC
Ceremony & Reception: The Belvedere
Officiant: Rabbi David Kalender
Ceremony musicians: Canterbury Strings
Rentals: Select Event Group
Bridal attire: Matthew Christopher gown from Love Couture Bridal Boutique
Hair & Make-up: Eye Do Makeup and Hair
Bridesmaids’ attire: Brideside
Groom’s attire: The Black Tux
Florist: Floral Impressions
Cake: Patisserie Poupon
DJ: District Remix
Videographer: Lee Russel Films
Transportation: ZBest Limousine Service
Invitations & Papergoods: Minted
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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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Jenn.. thank you for the amazing photos!!! You are a talented and caring photographer. We are in awe of how you captured the emotions from the day !!! Love the photos and the blog. Thanks again, Mama MIndy Shapiro
Thank you so much, Mindy! Truly. I’m thrilled to hear you all are enjoying the photos so much! It was a pleasure to work with your family and I hope we have a reason to cross paths again in the future!
Warmly,
Jennifer