SO it's going to rain on your wedding day...
Rain has a unique way of transforming any wedding day. While often unwelcome initially, the rain can have a way infusing a wedding photos with a sense of the bespoke, dramatic, and the bittersweet. On a rainy September day, I had the privilege of photographing a wedding that perfectly encapsulated these sentiments at the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
Bridal Suite at the Royal Sonesta Hotel
The day began at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, where the bride and groom, surrounded by their loved ones, prepared for their journey and put the finishing touches on their wardrobes. The groom and bride took turns, avoiding seeing each other to take their individual portraits. I used the natural light through the large window in the dining space to capture their final touches with their closest family members.
A First Look in the Sculpture Garden
As the rain gently fell, the couple shared an emotional first look in the museum's stunning sculpture garden. While we could have opted to do it indoors, the couple and photographer came prepared with clear umbrellas, paving the way for the perfect opportunity to capture this moment in the elements. Because they came prepared, we were able to capture the genuine joy as they met eyes out in the open in the wildflower garden as they initially intended.
Ceremony at the Jim Rouse Visionary village
Although the rest of the wedding was planned to take place in the Sculpture Garden and barn, the venue was luckily able to quickly pivot and host the wedding ceremony just across the small courtyard at the Jim Rouse Visionary Center. It was there that family and friends gathered and the couple exchanged vows surrounded by contemporary installations and unique sculptures that reflected this particular couple's sense of quirkiness. This larger, indoor space adorned the ceremony with a sense wonder, humor, and intrigue.
The Neon Love sign
Following the ceremony, it was time to take the couples’ portraits amongst the space-themed mobile installation hanging from the ceiling on the second floor of the Jim Rouse Center and the neon "love" sign, illuminated by the rain-slicked pavement. The couple shared a few dances in front of both installations. The rain briefly stopped just in time for us to capture this couples ‘dream shot’ in front of the neon “love” sign where they could embrace the dramatic, windswept city streets, together as a wedded couple for the first time.
Reception on the 3rd floor banquet room
The celebration continued on the third floor of the Rouse building, where friends and family gathered for the reception. The bride made the custom table settings herself, with a home made cake. The cozy and intimate setting was beautifully decorated, and the dim lighting set the perfect mood for the evening's festivities. It was then that the cake was cut and the spirited dancing ensued. DJ 24k played a great mix of old, new, and eclectic jams from throughout the eras. The dance floor was alive and well for hours.
A Private Last Dance to "Just What I Needed" by The Cars
As the evening drew to a close, the newlyweds kindly asked everyone exit to the first floor as they shared a private last dance to the song "Just What I Needed" by The Cars. With no one else on the dance floor, they swayed to the music, lost in each other's eyes. This final dance was clearly very meaningful and significant to the couple and their history as evidenced by the starry look in their eyes and carefree energy in their dance moves. It was the perfect conclusion to a love story that would continue to unfold.
