A Belvedere wedding: Marielle + Josh

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Everything about Marielle + Josh’s wedding day was genuine and true to them. From the framed photographs and personal trinkets that Marielle brought with her to the hotel where she got ready for the wedding and the long passages of their own words read at the ceremony to the donations the couple made in lieu of favors to a bulldog rescue and a cancer institute and the oh-so-Josh American flag tuxedo shirt that the groom wore, their wedding was thoroughly them. It was obvious how deeply they felt the commitment they made to each other that day and how much they wanted their closest friends and family members to share in the celebration. That Marielle’s mother was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last fall and bravely battling a recurrence of the tumors at the wedding made the day even more meaningful to the couple. “It has been a rough road,” Marielle wrote to me in one of her many incredibly thoughtful e-mails during the planning process, “but I am honestly grateful for all of the lessons this ugly disease has taught all of us. It has specifically taught Josh and me how to love deeper and stronger than ever watching my parents’ dedication and true love towards one another. So come August 8, we will not only be celebrating our marriage but also my mom kicking cancer’s butt along with my dad’s undying dedication to helping my mom!” That, indeed, was a site to behold and a privilege to photograph. Here are many favorites from Marielle + Josh’s marvelous day:

I started the day at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, where Marielle and her most-favorite women were preparing for the big day.

Now this is the reaction of a bride who is truly wowed by her makeup!

Marielle is incredibly expressive and oh-so-fun to photograph!

Meanwhile, over at the couple’s home, my wonderful assistant, Lindsay, photographed Josh, the couple’s beloved pups and the groom’s friends as they prepared for the wedding.

Back at the hotel, the giggly girl party continued!

Oh, her eyes. The bride, looking absolutely lovely.

The couple chose to see each other before the ceremony for photos.

Marielle teases her almost-husband: Wait, was that a tear?

After piling back on the shuttle bus, we made good use of the gorgeous light in Mount Vernon Place for some family and wedding party photos.

And just a few more of these two.

And then we were off to the historic Belvedere for their ceremony and reception!

Finally, it was time to get married.

I loved the funny expressions of the ring bearer and flower girl during the ceremony — and the accompanying daggers that their father attempted to throw with his own facial expressions when he thought they weren’t behaving appropriately. As the mother to two young children myself, I could completely empathize.

Married!

What a darling trio of kiddos!

The beautiful bride and her mama.

A few reception details.

And then it was time for the party!

A first dance.

A very touching welcome toast from Marielle’s parents.

A trio of toasts from the couple’s friends.

A pair of parent dances.

And lots and lots of fun and merriment. Many, many congratulations, Marielle + Josh. I could not have enjoyed my time with you and your families more. I’m so glad we still have an album to work on together or else I might start suffering withdrawal symptoms.