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Danielle & Matt — The Cylburn Arboretum — Baltimore wedding photography

When I meet with a couple for the first time, there’s usually one sometimes random detail that sticks with me about them. For Danielle, that detail was something that she said in describing herself and, as an extension, her vision for her wedding day: ‘Bows and ribbons? No. Polka dots? Yes.’ So for the months leading up to her and Matt’s wedding day, she was, in my mind, the polka dot bride. She turned out to be the elegant forest, always-in-the-perfect-light and a joy to work with bride. Getting married at the Cylburn Arboretum, she and Matt wanted their reception to reflect their love of the outdoors and nature. But with an elegant twist, of course. Event planner Drew Vanlandingham and Randy Woods of Wicked Willow florist brought that vision to life in spades. After weekend upon weekend of 100+ degree days, it was a special treat to photograph their outdoor ceremony with temperatures in the low 80s. We were graced with glorious light for our portrait session and a wedding party that was as fun to photograph as our clients. Add in about a million candles and a fabulous dj, and Danielle and Matt’s wedding day could not have been more perfect. Here are some of my favorites from their wonderful day. Enjoy!

Getting ready.

Wicked Willow’s bouquets, boutonnieres and arrangements really were gorgeous.

This next image was not my idea. But it was a lot of fun. And I’m pretty certain that it truly reflects these guys, which is always my goal in photographing people!

I have visited the Cylburn Arboretum many times with my husband and our girls. But this was my first wedding there. It is truly a lovely spot for a wedding!

This is Matt in mid-wow. He literally said, ‘Wow,’ when he first caught a glimpse of Danielle coming down the aisle.

This next image was shot by my wonderful assistant, Lucas.

Lucas shot this next image as well.

Danielle and Matt put their own spin on the sand-pouring ceremony that so many couples do with different colors of sand. They mixed sand from his family’s summer vacation spot — Ocean City — and her family’s summer vacation spot — the Jersey Shore. (The image above and the next image on the left were shot by Lucas.)

This next image was taken by Lucas.

Such a fun wedding party!

Such glorious light!

The next image was taken by Lucas.

A few of the gorgeous reception details.

A first dance. (I love how the floor-to-ceiling windows make it look like Danielle and Matt are dancing in the woods amidst the trees!)

A few toasts.

I was kind of obsessed with all of these candles lining the wall of windows.

DJ extraordinaire Jacob Jensen.

Congratulations, Danielle & Matt. We could not have had more fun working with the two of you!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony & Reception: The Cylburn Arboretum

Event coordinator: Drew Vanlandingham

Officiant: The Rev. Alberta Eaton

Catering: The Pantry Fine Catering

Lighting designers: Blondell’s Accent on Events

Bridal attire: Maggie Sottero from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection

Make-up: Fresh Faces by Cindy Hoke

Hair: Phillip Michael Studio

Groom’s attire: Tuxedo House

Florist: Wicked Willow

Cake: The Baltimore Cakery

DJ: Jacob Jensen of Absolute Entertainment

Invitations: Kindly RSVP Designs by Rachel Dorenfield Zemel

Linens & Rentals: Select Event Rentals