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Ladew Topiary Gardens summer wedding: Sara + Dave
Ladew Topiary Gardens | Baltimore wedding photographer | Baltimore wedding photography

 Hoping to maximize her time for photos in the garden, Sara had me meet her at Ladew for photos with her parents and bridesmaids before the ceremony. Though I had been to the gardens many times before and photographed a wedding there a few years ago, my assistant and I arrived more than an hour before our start time to scout the best and most colorful spots around the sprawling property for photos that afternoon.  Sara hired the marvelous Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers — one of the kindest, most genuine people I know — for her bouquets and centerpieces. It was such fun to photograph their interaction that day! The bride, looking absolutely lovely!  The groom, looking very dapper in his forest green suit.   A few ceremony details.  For clients who are lucky enough to have grandparents in attendance, I always take time to make some nice photos of them. I miss mine all the time and know how much photos of them mean to me! These grandmas were just darling.  And then it was time to get married.   Sara and her father made a grand entrance in the most glorious late-afternoon light. With my long lens trained on Sara + Dave just moments after she walked down the aisle to him, I saw him whisper to her, “You look so beautiful.” I was really delighted to be able to make this photograph to capture the memory — and this sweet little exchange of glances — for them.

 When your officiant declares, “We’re going to do something now that we didn’t rehearse last night…” Married!  After a few efficient family photos that did not require all the grandparents to walk very far, the newlyweds and their wedding party set off to be photographed around the gardens in the marvelous late-afternoon sun. It could not have been more beautiful.  A little fountain magic.

 This is the kind of day it was: I asked the couple only to follow the arc of the hillside as they walked back across the lawn to the terraced gardens for cocktail hour. I was hoping the little slice of light from the setting sun would not be blocked by any clouds by the time Sara + Dave reached that point. Not only did the slanting rays of the sun stay exactly where I wanted them, but Sara + Dave stopped at that very spot for a kiss. The breeze blowing the ribbons of her bouquet are the cherry on top of this serendipitous photograph for me.  Cocktail hour. And a few reception details. The couple was especially excited about the prospect of having dinner under the stars with their head table positioned just outside the tent on the patio that juts into the woods. A first dance.

 A trio of toasts.  A pair of parent dances.   A one last portrait during blue hour with the newlyweds. 

Many, many congratulations, Sara + Dave. We could not have had more fun working with you, your friends and your families for your Ladew Topiary Gardens summer wedding!

Credits:

Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

Ceremony & Reception: Ladew Topiary Gardens

Event coordinator: Elizabeth Bailey Weddings

Officiant: Deacon Pat Goles

Ceremony musicians: The groom’s father David, sister Michele and uncle Patrick

Catering: Rouge Catering

Lighting designers: Terrain, installed by Loane Bros.

Rentals: Loane Bros. Tents and Table Toppers linens

Bridal attire: Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection

Make-up: Lauren Krapf

Hair: Madeline Emm

Bridesmaids’ attire: Lulus

Groom’s attire: J.Crew

Florist: Local Color Flowers

Cake: the bride’s friend, Jane Dizon

DJ: Jason Burns Elite DJs

Transportation: An Extraordinar Limousine

Invitations and papergoods: Aucala Creative