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Emily & Eric — Notre Dame Chapel & Hayfields Country Club — Baltimore Wedding Photography

When Emily’s mother called in March, her daughter’s wedding date was the very last Saturday in June for which I wasn’t booked. It seemed meant to be. There’s a little worksheet that I send to all my clients about six weeks before their weddings. It includes questions about their vendors, their wishes for family photos and such. On it, Emily listed her wedding coordinator as, “my Mom!!!” Emily, Eric and, of course, Emily’s mother, did a wonderful job pulling together a gorgeous wedding in just a few months. (That it was the second wedding that Carole helped plan in a matter of months — her older daughter was married last year — made the feat even more impressive.) There was a lovely ceremony in the quaint chapel at the College of Notre Dame. There was a simple but elegant gown that Emily accessorized with a glitzy belt, a feathery hairpiece and family jewelry. There was a fabulous dinner party at one of my favorite venues in the Baltimore area — Hayfields Country Club. And there were gorgeous hot pink peonies, wonderfully personal toasts and a groom who just couldn’t stop smiling at his wife all evening long. All in all, that wedding planner — and her lovely daughter — did a fabulous job. Here are some of my favorites from Emily and Eric’s day.

I love this look from Emily as she’s getting into her gown.

The bridal suite at Hayfields has the most gorgeous light that filters in through those windows. I always love photographing my clients getting ready there.

I could not get enough of Emily’s peony bouquet. They are my favorite flower on the planet and these bright pink ones just made everything pop in the color photos from the day.

The bride, looking gorgeous.

One final glimpse at her reflection — in the elevator doors, here — before heading outside to see Eric.

It is such a joy to photograph couples who are obviously this in love with each other. Truly.

For my clients who choose to see each other before their ceremony, I usually like to make that a special and relatively private moment. That can’t stop family members, of course, from pressing their faces to the nearest window for a glimpse!

Hayfields has such a wonderful variety of spots for photos.

Love love this next image of Emily’s cute shoes and her bouquet on the stone steps.

What a fun group of women Emily chose for her bridesmaids.

And it was off to the chapel to get married!

A great back-of-the-aisle shot from my new assistant, Lucas.

The groom’s parents look on as their son exchanges vows with his almost-wife.

You have to love a chapel with dark reflective wood. Makes for great photos!

Married!

Another great shot from Lucas.

After a few quick photos at the chapel, it was back to Hayfields for cocktails on the terrace and an elegant dinner party.

I loved all of Emily’s sparkliness.

Emily and Eric took dance classes and wowed their guests with a beautifully choreographed first dance.

The toasts by Emily’s father and sister were among the best I’ve ever heard. So heartfelt and personal. There was even a non-cheesy, rhyming poem. Emily and Eric had some spectacular reactions to the toasts, too.

Just before sunset, we ducked outside to make a few images with that gorgeous, golden light.

A father-daughter dance — which included a serenade.

As a thank-you to her parents, Emily announced that she and Eric were sending them to dance lessons of their own — something they’ve apparently always wanted to do together — and planned a special dance for them to their wedding song.

And then the dance floor was open for some serious partying.

Congratulations, Emily and Eric. It was a sincere pleasure working with you both and your families. I’m oh so glad that I was still available for your date!

Vendor Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony: Marikle Chapel at The College of Notre Dame

Officiant: The Rev. Daniel Meck

Ceremony musicians: Michael Angelucci

Reception and catering: Hayfields Country Club

Bridal attire: JCrew

Make-up: Amanda Clinton

Hair: Bliss Hair Studio

Groom’s attire: The Tuxedo House

Florist: Belles Fleurs

Cake: Steph’s Cakes

Invitations and paper goods: Pleasure of Your Company