I’ve been known to ask for five more minutes many times in my life.  On the playground when I was little?  Maaaa-oooommmm, five more minutes!  On the dance floor?  Just five more minutes!  So, obvi you would think a wedding day would be no different.  Well, to be totally honest it was.  In the beginning I was afraid to ask for the time I needed.  I just went along with the day and grabbed what I could when I could.  And unfortunately, I found that I was disappointed with my results.  Why don’t people understand?  And then, over the last five years I learned something very important.  One, that couples just don’t know how much time you need to take the beautiful creative portraits that they hired you for.  And two, it is our job to educate them; I normally suggest no less than forty-five minutes for bride and groom portraits.

So, over the weekend after Amanda and Sonny’s gorgeous wedding ceremony at Historic London Town and Gardens, we continued over to a beautiful spot to shoot their family formal photographs.  They had originally decided to forgo the first look but changed their minds last minute and decided on indeed going with a first look, so all of our portraits were completed at this point.  We finished up with the family photographs about ten minutes early, and as I looked through my lens the sun was sparkling through the leaves as it was setting behind the trees.  As their families began to walk away, I debated for a second and I just had to because I knew if I didn’t I would regret it.  I walked up to Amanda and was all sooooooo, I know we finished with portraits, but the sunlight is absolutely beautiful right here, is there any chance you could give me five more minutes?  And she looked at me, and said, ok we can do that.

And just because I asked, they gave me the most amazing extra five minutes from the day.  Can’t wait to share the rest of these with you!

She greeted them at the door, beaming with a smile and after taking in just how beautiful Stephanie looked, Darrell’s mom realized something was different.  She told Stephanie that never in her life had she ever seen a bride so calm and collected the morning of their wedding.  Stephanie smiled and just said that it was all Darrell.  Even with the threat of rain looming in the forecast Stephanie said Darrell brings a calm to her and she just couldn’t wait to see him.  She finished getting ready, made her way to the church, and started walking down the aisle escorted by both of her parents.  And there he was, at the end of the aisle waiting for her, trying to hold it together, lip quivering as he lifted his hand to wipe the tear streaming down his face, at the sight of his stunningly beautiful bride.

Stephanie and Darrell were married at The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, Maryland.  I’ve never met a couple with so much passion and joy for life and for each other.  They are two of the nicest and most sincere people with the biggest hearts you will ever meet, and it was such an honor to be able to photograph their wedding and document their love.  Hope you guys are enjoying Barbados!!

Stephanie’s pink heels were the perfect way to start the wedding day.

Pink peonies in a bridal bouquet are always stunning.

Stephanie looked so gorgeous!  And HOLY BLUE EYES, they are the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen.

I loved all of the pink wedding details.

Love this moment.

Since the church was so pretty we started off their portraits at the church just in case the sky opened up and started to rain on us.  How adorable are they?!

Then we made our way over to the Evergreen Museum to finish up the rest of their wedding portraits and their wedding reception before the storms moved in.

Girl, I mean, seriously.  Stunning.

Darrell.  Looking mighty finnne!

Ya’ll are just perfect.

Stephanie and Darrell are so easy to photograph because they just love on each other all the time and make my job super easy.

This amazingness might be my favorite from the day.

Thankfully we finished up with their wedding portraits just in time before the storms moved in.  Though the Evergreen Museum is absolutely stunning,  I’m not gonna lie, that sky looks angry.

And inside they literally danced the entire night away.  Such an amazing party and night.

As if the first wedding of the season doesn’t bring enough wedding day jitters then the forecast has to go ahead and predict oh I don’t know NINETY PERCENT CHANCE OF VIOLENT STORMS.  Megan, seriously, it’s not supposed to storm until after your bride and groom portraits.  DUDE HOW DO YOU KNOW?!  Portraits are at 3:45.  Storm’s at 4.  This can’t be good.  You’ll be fine, it’s not supposed to storm until later.  Besides I’m just your mom, part-time assistant, bag carrier, do-girl, and if I’m wrong, just fire me!  OH I’LL FIRE YOU, ALRIGHT.

Thankfully I had a backup plan, and a backup-backup plan to my backup plan.  And guess what, I didn’t need either.  Moms, she’s always mostly right.

Can’t wait to share with you Stephanie and Darrell’s beautiful wedding from the Evergreen Museum in Baltimore Maryland!

It was an usually warm day for being the last day of the year.  The sky was cloudy and mysterious, but things were just getting started at the Tidewater Inn, that day.  It was New Years Eve, and Megan and Mark’s wedding day, seemingly the best day of the year for a celebration.  Megan made her way down the aisle with her father, and Mark couldn’t take his eyes off of her.  They both laughed with nervous excitement as they stood in The Crystal Room surrounded by their friends and family.  They sat down to listen to the ceremony and still, and even though Megan was sitting right next to him, Mark couldn’t take his loving eyes off of her and kept leaning in to whisper in her ear.  They vowed to support each other and continue this beautiful love, forever.

The Tidewater Inn, in Easton, Maryland, was a perfect venue for their beautiful New Years Eve wedding.

Megan couldn’t have picked a more perfect wedding dress.  Her Paloma Blanca dress looked stunning on her.

I fell in love with Megan’s bouquet immediately, the purple blooms were so beautiful.

Mark’s nieces were the flower girls, and if you could have heard their adorable little English accents you would have wanted to pack them up and take them home with you, just like myself.

Here’s Megan, her mother, oh yes, and then there is her matron of honor, Meghan.  Triple threat, Megans that day.  Whoop!  Whoop!

Gorgeous, Megan, you looked elegant and absolutely gorgeous.

We literally only had a few minutes of time for portraits, but Megan and Mark smiled and laughed the whole time.

Mark looked quite handsome that day.  Cheerio!  What?  That’s my best English accent, CUT ME SOME SLACK.

The Tidewater Inn looked so beautiful all decked out for the celebration.

Purple and sparkle, everywhere!

It was certainly a wonderful way to close out and start a new year, all in the same night!

Megan and Mark had one heck of a wedding, and I can’t wait to share with you all of the beautiful details!  Coming soon!

Contact me here. Join me on Facebook here. Follow me on twitter here. And feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

It was early, and busy.  Busy like, eleven bridesmaids busy.  Mary Anne had gotten up at five to begin getting ready for this day.  She looked out the window as her hair was being curled and shook her head at the fifty degree temperatures and misting rain that didn’t seem to let up.  And if she was nervous, it didn’t show.  Everything she had planned was ready, and the day was going to happen, freezing rain or not.  Because she was ready, she was ready to marry Gus, her best friend.  As Mary Anne walked down the aisle to Gus, she looked at him and she beamed.  From her heart.  Because despite the rain, despite the cold, they were going to marry.  They were best friends, and now husband and wife.

Mary Anne and Gus, how can I thank you enough for letting me be a part of this day?  This beautiful day full of so much love.  Every little detail was perfect and I feel so honored to be a part of it all.  Your love and grace for each other is remarkable and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Jeffrey’s Flowers put together Mary Anne’s stunning bouquet and provided all of the rest of the amazing florals from the day.

Simple and classy, Mary Anne’s Ivanka Trump ballet slippers were the perfect addition to complete her look.

Mary Anne had been looking for a wedding dress, and she had something very specific in mind.  And when she couldn’t find it?  She sketched it, and had them make a wedding dress according to her sketch.  The lovely ladies at The White Room in Alabama took her vision and had this stunning custom Anne Barge made, and it turned out absolutely beautiful.  The lace detailing was gorgeous!

Jenn, from Renaissance Salon, did a superb job at Mary Anne’s hair.

Mary Anne, you look simply beautiful.

I’ve never seen anyone so excited to walk down the aisle.  She had the biggest, heartwarming smile down the entire length of the aisle at the Church of Immaculate Conception.

Love this one of Mary Anne sneaking in a few words to Gus during the ceremony.

Married, finally!

It was one HUGE bridal party!  And I loved the girl’s navy J.Crew bridesmaid dresses.

How cute are they?

Gus’s custom cuff links were a gift from Mary Anne.

Gus was looking QUITE handsome that day.

Gus has one of the best smiles, ever. 

I love this one.  Like LOVE LOVE it.

Mary Anne and Gus had determined early on that photographs were one of the most important aspects of the day, so Mary Anne and I were closely on a timeline that would provide ample time for photographs.  And the results?  A whole hour at Antrim 1844 to capture some amazingness on their wedding day.  These are some of my favorite photos, like I’m in love with them.

Love this loveliness.

Mary Anne put together many of the details from the day including the favors which were tulip bulbs in these adorable gold pots.

How beautiful does the room at the Antrim 1844 look?  A huge thank you to Roberta at Bella Fiori Couture Floral and Events for the beautiful table decor and linens.

My heart skipped a beat when I heard about the milkshake bar.  It was a surprise for Gus, from Mary Anne, and he absolutely loved it. 

They were pretty nervous about their first dance, but they did a superb job.  Blue Sky Films was on hand to provide a little golden rim video light, ya’ll are the best!

Mary Anne’s best friend since childhood was due to have a baby any minute and unfortunately couldn’t make it.  But she sent her speech to be read, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Dave from Bialek’s Music kept the party going, and boy was I surprised at the amount of dancing that was going on.  They were all dance machines!!  And what a beautiful way to wrap the night, with the bride and groom dancing, milkshakes in hand.

Contact me here. Join me on Facebook here. Follow me on twitter here. And feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

I asked her if she was nervous, and she said no, just excited.  She smiled as they took down the dress from the closet door and helped her step into it.  They buttoned up the back and put the finishing touches on her hair.  Her dad came in and was beaming as he caught the first glimpse of his oldest daughter getting married.  And as her father walked her down the aisle, Markus couldn’t take his eyes off of her.  It took a whole different country to find the love of his life, from Germany to the United States, but he found it in Michelle.  Their beautiful day was filled with joy, laughter and so much love.

Michelle and Markus, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day and photograph your most beautiful wedding at the Engineer’s Club.  Your love and friendship with each other is so precious and will guide you through life’s adventures, whether it be there in Germany or here in the United States.  I feel so honored to be a part of it all, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two!  xo Megan Beth

Fantastic Flowers did, well a fantastic job at all the florals that day.  Loving the soft white and green color palette in Michelle’s bouquet.

Well, hello there vintage saphire earrings.

Michelle’s Jewel by Priscilla of Boston gown was breathtaking with the lace bodice and subtle sparkle details.

Michelle, you look stunning.  Seriously.  And a huge thank you to Lauren for making Michelle absolutely glow.

Favorites!

Michelle’s niece was the flower girl, and she arrived with extra cuteness and four missing front teeth.

Michelle’s dad was so proud as he walked her down the aisle of St. Leo’s Church, in Baltimore, Maryland.

They were so happy to finally be married!  Woop woop!

I love when Michelle laughs, because Markus always laughs with her.

Markus was so happy all day, smiled all. day. long.

Michelle and Markus decided early on that photographs were one of the most important aspects of the day, so we worked closely on a timeline that would allow plenty of time for photographs.  And?  Well, they allotted an HOUR AND FORTY-FIVE MINUTES.  I was in wedding photographer heaven.  We traveled from Little Italy in Baltimore to Fells Point to capture the rest of their wedding photographs.  It was so great to get to work with such an amazing couple that wanted to take the time to get relaxed beautiful photographs.

I love this one of Michelle, though let’s be honest, she doesn’t take a bad photograph.

And the Engineer’s Club was a perfect backdrop for their Baltimore Wedding.

Michelle and Markus had the most beautiful first dance, played live by none other than Michelle’s brother.

And he did a amazing job.

LiQuid A was on hand to rock the party, and boy did they rock it.  One of the best bands I’ve seen at a wedding.

Contact me here. Join me on Facebook here. Follow me on twitter here. And feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

More from Michelle and Markus’s beautiful wedding at the Engineer’s Club in Baltimore, Maryland coming soon!

She sat in the brightly lit bathroom at Woodlawn Farms, surrounded by her sisters and her mother, as they put the final touches on her hair and makeup.  She was as calm as ever, just like she always is.  She went into the bedroom and stood at the door looking at her dress on the hanger one last time.  They all gathered in the bedroom and helped Maggie slip on her Rosa Clara dress and Vera Wang Lavender shoes.  Maggie had never looked more beautiful, and they all pulled out their cameras and started taking pictures as Seth was outside the window waiting to see her for the first time.  She made her way downstairs and out the sliding glass door where Seth was waiting; she came up behind him, and he was speechless.  He leaned in to give her a kiss then reached his arm out so he could see just how stunning she looked.

Maggie and Seth were married at the beautiful Woodlawn Farms in Southern Maryland.  Their whole wedding was like none I’ve ever shot before, as the merging of the families was the most important component of the wedding. Every little detail they planned took into consideration their family and their guests, just as Maggie and Seth are, always putting everyone else first.  I feel so privileged to have be able to photograph their beautiful wedding, and more importantly to get to know them and their families. Maggie and Seth, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me feel so welcome. You truly made me feel as if I was part of your family.  You two give the world so much, and you do it with such grace.  I’m honored to have gotten to know you two, and now call you friends.  Love you guys! Megan Beth

Woodlawn is a beautiful old house in Southern Maryland, with sprawling lawns, and sits right on the water.  It was such a beautiful location for a September wedding.

Maggie’s Vera Wang Lavender shoes were so appropriate for the day, as her colors were lavender and purple. 

Maggie looked absolutely beautiful in her layered Rosa Clara wedding dress.

Maggie and Seth’s first look was such a touching moment and had us all tearing up.  I can’t recommend the first look enough, especially because it gave us plenty of time to get some beautiful relaxed portraits of them on their wedding day without missing any of the cocktail hour.

I’ve never seen you look more stunning and radiant, Maggie.  Seriously you are one beautiful soul, inside and out.

How adorable are they?  They were so happy and relaxed during their photographs,  just as they approach life, and I think it really shines through in these photographs.

Maggie honored her late grandmothers with her ring, and the broach attached to the bouquet.

Love this gorgeous image of Maggie taken by one of the beautiful old barns on the grounds of Woodlawn Farms.

Seth always has great style, and didn’t disappoint on their wedding day either.

Who’s funny?  Oh that’s right, ME!  Maggie was TOTALLY impressed with my singing and dancing.  Seth, not so much.

Maggie gave Seth cufflinks engraved with his initials, and he carried his grandfathers vintage pocket watch for the special day.

Seriously, Maggie.  I love these of you.  You are simply, effortlessly,  beautiful.

Ken’s Creative Kitchen, who traveled all the way down from Annapolis, was on hand to serve up some delicious food and beverage.

Maggie and Seth used bamboo from Seth’s parents backyard, and a sail from the Fry plantation to construct their adorable homemade chuppah.

Woodlawn Farms has the most beautiful spot on the water for ceremonies, and with the sun setting right behind them, it was a dream.

Their cocktail hour sat on the lawn behind the mansion, on the water, and Maggie and Seth were so exited to enjoy most of it since we had already taken their wedding photographs earlier in the day.

Simple orchid centerpieces were surrounded by sparkling crystal glassware and beautiful views of the water.

The tandem bike wedding cake topper, Maggie got from Etsy, was a perfect touch to the day as Seth is an avid bike rider.

The reception tent on the side lawn at Woodlawn Farms, really did look gorgeous.  Who wouldn’t want the water as your backdrop? 

The Venture Rays from Richmond Virginia did an amazing job at keeping the party going, they sure do know how to throw a party!!

And no wedding would be complete without chocolate chip cookie and sparkler exit!

Contact me here. Join me on Facebook here. Follow me on twitter here. And feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

Meredith and Ryan were planned to be married on August 27, 2011 in Ocean City, Maryland.  But life had other plans for them.  As hurricane Irene came barreling up the east coast, aiming for a direct hit on the shore, Meredith and Ryan decided that instead of holding their wedding on that Saturday they would change their date one day ahead to avoid the storm.  And then came Thursday, the day before the wedding as they were driving to Ocean City, the mayor decided to evacuate the entire city as of noon, ON THURSDAY.  The wedding, which was already pushed up a day, would now have to find another location.  But, regardless of when or where, this wedding was going to happen.

Late Thursday afternoon as they turned the car around and drove home, they re-planned the wedding again, for Saturday in Annapolis.  There was a change of venue, caterer, DJ, hair appointments…everything.  But with the hurricane threat looming, and still the possibility of it hitting Annapolis hard, they decided once again to change the wedding.  They moved the wedding up one last final time, now to Friday evening in Annapolis.  Everything was in place, except for the marriage license.  They were told that that they had to get up early Friday morning, the day of the wedding, and file for another marriage license in the new county.  Unfortunately,  they were told that there was a mandatory forty-eight hour processing time, and that it wouldn’t be valid until Monday.  After some explaining and maybe a little begging, another woman decided to take pity on them and figured out a way to transfer the license, making their already marriage license, valid.

Friday morning all the girls woke up and rallied together.  Early morning hair appointments and last minute details were all being taken care of and the wedding was finally going to happen.  Meredith was calm as ever, even after re-planning her dream wedding three times in the last forty-eight hours.  Ryan stood waiting for her at the end of the aisle, with standing room only in the church, surrounded by one hundred and fifty of their friends and family who were able to make it despite the looming hurricane.  It was the test of all tests, a wedding to withstand any amount of obstacles and it still happened, and without a single hitch.

Meredith and Ryan, thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of your wedding day.  I must say, I’ve never been hired the day before a wedding, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.  Your wedding was absolutely a true testament of love and perseverance, and I feel so honored to have been given the chance to photograph it.  I promised you one thing that day, that it would be amazing, and from the flowers to the ceremony to the circle of loved ones surrounding you, it absolutely lived up to one of the best weddings, ever.  Wishing you two a lifetime of happiness, through all storms and tough days, may you continue through life with the same determination and love you exhibited on your wedding day.  xo megan beth

Because what bride doesn’t need two dozen Georgetown Cupcakes to top off a hurricane wedding weekend?!

Just some of Meredith’s closest friends that rallied together to make her amazing wedding possible.

Stunning Meredith, you looked absolutely stunning.  And a huge thank you to the girls at Glow for her perfect hair on her wedding day, and to Meghan for her flawless makeup.

Although the ocean front wedding plans fell through, there were still several beach inspired details such as the adorable starfish boutineers that the boys and Ryan wore.

In keeping with the beach themed wedding, the men all rocked SPerrys.

I love this tearful moment when Ryan first saw Meredith walking down the aisle of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, Maryland.

This little one was by far the cutest flower girl, ever.

Finally, they can officially say that they ARE MARRIED.

I love this one of Meredith and Ryan, storm clouds and all!

Although we only had about ten minutes for photographs, this one on the left, on the dock is my absolute favorite from the day.  It’s so sweet, simple, and elegant.

Meredith’s gorgeous dress fit her like a glove.

Come city change, wedding date change, and hurricane, they were going to have a great time.

Contact me here. Join me on Facebook here. Follow me on twitter here. And feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!