There were so many wonderful moments during Courtney + Christopher’s wedding day at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Hotel that I feel like I’ve written this blog post about 100 times in my head. Their friends in the wedding party could not have been any more fun or any kinder to me. Their reception was full of beautiful details, from gold flatware and warm pink light on the walls to gorgeous flowers on the tables and swanky round menus that complemented the gold chargers. We found a gorgeous tunnel of green trees to fulfill their wish for pre-ceremony photos that *didn’t* look like they were all shot in downtown Baltimore. There was perfect light just when we needed it. And they had one of the most epic dance parties that I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. (The groom, for instance, completely sweat through his shirt and the dance floor was packed from start to finish.) But what I keep coming back to is Courtney + Christopher’s ceremony. It was so personal and it so beautifully blended their cultures and religions. There was a rabbi and a pastor. Jewish yarmulkes as well as Christopher’s Ghanian kente cloth. There was a darling if somewhat reluctant flowergirl, a trio of trumpets, floating candles lining the aisle and light moments of humor and laughter. The couple sealed their union by both breaking a glass in the Jewish tradition and jumping the broom in the African-American custom. And, oh their vows. They each wrote personal promises to the other. And when Christopher couldn’t quite collect himself as he began, Courtney reached out and held his face in her hands. It was such a tender moment that I got goosebumps as I photographed it and tears have filled my eyes every time the series of images came up on my computer screen during my editing process. As a photographer who loves capturing real moments and genuine emotion above all else on wedding days, theirs was a real joy to photograph. Here are many, many of my favorites from Courtney + Christopher’s gorgeous day:
I started the day with Courtney + her bridesmaids. Their suite was full of excitement and energy. 
Meanwhile, down in the groom’s room, the guys were a little more mellow — and a lot less further along in their preparations when I arrived! Christopher — a standout soccer player at both the McDongh School and the University of Virginia before he briefly played professional soccer — bought socks for his groomsmen to reflect his love of his favorite soccer team. His brother — a Chelsea fan, if I remember correctly — was not thrilled at having to wear the chosen footwear.
Back to the ladies, it was time for Courtney to step into her gown. 
I love this next image of Courtney’s grandmother looking on as the bride’s sister and mother help with her dress. 
The bride, looking absolutely gorgeous. 
These two have such a marvelous love story. They both attended the McDonogh School and were not at all wallflowers. He was a soccer star and president of his class. She was a cheerleader and very involved in school. And yet, they never spoke or knew each other. Their first meeting came years later at an alumni event, where their attraction was almost instantaneous. Their first date turned into an hours-long, wide-ranging day spent walking across Baltimore (including, apparently, through the tunnel of green trees where I photographed them on their wedding day!). 
I loved photographing Christopher’s reaction to seeing Courtney for the first time that day.
A little wedding party fun. 
Then, it was time to sign the ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract. 
A few ceremony details. 
When I first met Courtney + Christopher last summer, he described himself as “very much the feelings person in our relationship.”
Married! 
The genuine respect and affection that these two families have for each other was a sight to behold and a privilege to photograph. 
A few reception details. 
A beautiful first dance. 
A pair of parent toasts. 
A duo of tributes from her sister and his best man. 
A fun cake cutting. 
A pair of emotional parent dances. 
A rousing Hora.
And lots and lots of fun, frivolity and dancing. 
Many, many congratulations, Courtney + Christopher. It was an absolute joy to work with you, your friends and your magnificent families!
Credits:
Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography, LLC
Ceremony & Reception: The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Hotel
Officiants: Rabbi Kenneth Block and Pastor Thomas Stoudt Jr.
Ceremony musicians: The Tryos Ensemble
Lighting designers: Event Pro
Rentals: Select Event Group
Bridal attire: Isabelle Armstrong gown from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection
Hair & Make-up: Up Do’s For I Do’s
Bridesmaids’ attire: Bill Levkoff gowns
Groom’s attire: Geoffrey Lewis Ltd custom tuxedo
Florist: My Flower Box Events
DJ: Jordan Solender from District Remix
Invitations & Papergoods: mlc designs
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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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Just viewed the pics from C & C wedding. The tears are flowing…felt like I was at the wedding again,absolutely the best I’ve ever scene. Jennifer you are the best!