Kelly and Jimmy met while both in the process of getting their Master’s at Georgetown and knew early on that they’d end up together… Jimmy was actually Kelly’s tutor for a couple classes so even though she was so giddy about him, she had to play it cool until he was finished grading her papers… But he asked her to study in the library with him one day, when Kelly conjured up the nerve to ask him out to dinner. He said yes, and in their words, they “got falafel and it was magical…”
A couple years later, it was time for Jimmy to pop the question. He asked Kelly’s father for permission, designed a ring himself, and planned a perfect day complete with a morning of “crepes and hot chocolate, and a crossword puzzle”. After brunch, they ventured to the National Arboretum where Jimmy led Kelly to the conifer section, to a little pavilion where he got down on one knee and asked her to be his forever…
Though they have an incredible amount of amazing memories together, these two also share the bond of loss and hardship when they lost both Kelly’s mother and Jimmy’s sister within a short period of time. To have each other to lean on and provide strength, empathy, and comfort must be so undoubtedly special and bitter-sweet. I can’t imagine what they’ve gone through but I see how special their bond is and it’s incredibly moving…
Their wedding day was special, sweet, and beautiful with lovely details, precious moments, and the most delicious food… I hope you enjoy as I share their sweet story with you.
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The girls got ready at a high-rise condo in Baltimore, overlooking beautiful views of the city. You could see for miles! One of Kelly’s bridesmaids even pierced her ears for the wedding day… cool, calm, and collected, you’d never even know it hurt. :)
Heather Kirtland from Studio & Co. has known Kelly and her beloved mother for years, and has done their hair since before she could remember… It meant so much to Heather and to Kelly to have her do Kelly’s wedding hair so beautifully and be part of her day.
After hair and makeup, we headed to Cylburn so Kelly could get dressed and have a sweet First Look with her father just before seeing Jimmy… Her best friend Kate helped her get dressed. I was definitely tearing up in the background as I captured these moments… The quiet, the emotion, the anticipation… and the way Kate cared for her best friend in these few minutes was just what best girlfriends are for. Making sure every hair is in place, jewelry looks just right, and that the deep breaths are taken… <3
Jimmy was waiting for Kell in the beautiful garden just behind the mansion… When they saw each other for the first time, their faces lit up and you could just feel the relief… they were finally together and could now move forward with the day, enjoying every moment side by side. I just love the way Jimmy looks at her! They’re just so cute and so sweet together.
After some portraits around the garden, their friends joined them for some fun pictures before it was time for the ceremony to begin…
Their ceremony took place in another little garden area close by on the grounds. I loved the simplicity of their setup, embellished by the surrounding greenery and natural beautiful of the space.
They wrote their own vows as their officiant told the story of how they met, fell in love, and made it to their wedding day… It was so personal and one of the sweetest ceremonies I’ve seen yet. Several guests were saying the same during Cocktail Hour.. just how sweet the ceremony was and how good of a job the officiant did with really making each moment sweet, unique to them as a couple, and so special.
I loved their bubble exit! :)
Meanwhile, their reception tent was being staged with the finishing touches… Guests headed to the mansion porch for cocktail hour, enjoying bites from the crudite platter and passed apps from Hoopla catering (so talented - I still dream about the warm pretzel bites!) and enjoying a few cocktails.
I mingled back and forth, capturing guests as they enjoyed themselves, and details under the tent once they were finished… Everything was just so beautiful!
Once Kelly and Jimmy were announced in and shared in their first dance (along with guests joining in at the end!), dinner was served and everyone settled in together to enjoy their meal and company…
We snuck out for a few portraits before the sun went down… always a good idea!
Speeches were so thoughtful and fun, the dancing was filled with energy, and the ICE CREAM TRUCK (yes!!) was awesome - everyone loved lining up for a scoop! It was such a great party with so much laughter, energy, and happiness that was so contagious.. you could just feel it all in the air!
I loved how they invited their parents to be with them during the cake cutting… and the limbo on the dance floor was hilarious! Watershed Entertainment kept the movement going with such a good vibe!
Their day was so fun to be a part of and I just love the hearts of these two… I wish them the best and can’t wait to see where life takes them. I know wherever it is, it’ll be full of adventure, spunk, and lots of love!
***
Venue: Cylburn Arboretum
Planning: 87 Events
Flowers: Courtney Pino, Loblolly Farms
Gown: Betsy Robinson Bridal, Enzoani
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Hair: Heather Kirtland
Makeup: Lily, Alison Harper & Co.
Invitations: Minted
Officiant: Rovan Wernsdorfer, Thoughtful Weddings
DJ: Sly 45, Watershed Entertainment
Catering: Hoopla
Ice Cream Truck: Taharka Brothers