Briana & Jon

It was nearing the end of another storybook evening at the George Peabody Library when I realized I had ended my 2017 wedding season in the exact same place on almost the exact same weekend. The only difference was that I wasn’t 9 months pregnant this time around. Thank the Lord!

And just as I did last year, I had an overwhelming amount of gratitude rush over me for everything I had documented this year, the couples I had met, and the constant reminder of how much joy and love surrounds us. 

For Briana and Jon, that joy and love was written all over their faces and reflected in every single photo I took. Truly! Just two of the most genuinely kind people I’ve ever met and that stands true for their friends and family as well. 

When Briana explained she had worked for BRIDES and Style Me Pretty as a writer, I knew right away that she must have had a good idea of how she wanted to plan her wedding! And just as I thought, everything was planned perfectly and couldn’t have unfolded more beautifully. Especially with the help of Erin of 1423 Events <3

One thing I love about winter weddings and especially celebrating at the George Peabody Library, is that you can dress to the nines. I’m always admiring all the gorgeous dresses and suits. For Briana and Jon’s wedding their was some serious style happening and it was so much fun to photograph. Not to mention the bride herself, wearing the most timeless and classic wedding dress there ever was! I desperately need to attend a winter wedding like Briana and Jon’s so I have an excuse to play dress up! 

Beyond the attire, there were so many details of this day that had me excited to be their photographer. One of the biggest being Briana and Jon’s invitation suite. Briana has a serious appreciation for good stationary, as do I! So when I saw her invitation suite I couldn’t wait to photograph it. Briana’s father is an incredible artist and he drew the Humanities Building from Loyola University on their suite. How amazing is that?! What a special way to turn a simple part of your wedding day into a treasured heirloom. I have no doubt that invitation will be framed in their home one day <3

As a nod to their Loyola alma mater Briana and Jon incorporated subtle hints of green into their day. From Briana’s amazing shoes and Jon’s suspenders.. not to mention the ceremony itself being held at the church on campus. It was a way for them to extend their love of Baltimore and Loyola to their friends and family from back home. Even with a rainy day, I think the wintery backdrop of lit lamp posts and old stone buildings was exactly what Briana and Jon were envisioning. I especially loved that we were able to take photos in front of the Humanities building to carry through  the theme from her dads drawings. <3

Then off to the Peabody we went! I’ll say it over and over until I’m blue in the face. There is no place in the world like this Library in Baltimore. Truly! I think it has to be one of the most amazing places on Earth. It’s Beauty and the Beast brought to life and you cant step inside that library without feeling like you just stepped into a fairytale. Just as if you were to look out at beautiful scenery, an amazing sunset, mountain skyline… its the same awe inspiring feeling.

With Briana and Jon’s love for music, this was a party from start to finish. They had one of the most amazing bands play through the night and there was not a moment the dance floor was empty. Briana and Jon had their first dance to Brown Eyed Girl and with everyone gathered around them and the bistro lights above, it was just one of the many magical moments of the evening.

Briana and Jon, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every year I want to finish my wedding season with a bang but you guys went above and beyond for what I hoped to capture! This was a celebration I will never forget and I will always be grateful that you allowed me to document such an important day in your lives! All the love to you both.

And a big shout out to all the amazing vendors!

Photography // Sarah Murray Photography
H&MU // Airbrush Makeup by Ariel
Planner // 1423 Events
Band // Entertainment Exchange
Florals // Flowers & Fancies
Stationary // Lion in the Sun
Catering // Charles Levine Caterers & Events
Jeweler // Winter Jewelry
Ceremony // Loyola University Maryland
Reception // George Peabody Library Private Events

charleston // Caitlin + Caleb

QUICK NOTE! I’ve got so much to say about this day, but first, before jumping ahead, you may want to read this to understand a few photos in this album ; )

When Caitlin & Caleb first reached out about having me travel to Charleston to document their wedding, I didn’t have to think about it for even a second. Not just because I’ve always wanted to go to Charleston but because I absolutely love these two. They are truly some of the kindest people you will ever meet and their daughter Cora is the absolute sweetest. She *almost* stole the show from her mom and dad... but I’ll just call it a tie ; )

I loved that this day was intimate with just their closest friends and family. It was such a joy to watch all those nearest to Caitlin and Caleb celebrate with them. One fun aspect of this day was that Caleb is actually a wedding DJ himself! So watching him DJ his own wedding was pretty funny and of course he did an amazing job! Cora boogied down all night and even joined in on their first dance which pretty much melted my heart. And to top all off, she even gave her own speech for everyone at the reception... Caleb, do I see a future DJ in the making?!

SO... there were a handful of firsts for me while I was on this trip! 
First time to Charleston, check.
First time having a biscuit in the south, triple check. (I had 3)
First time having shrimp and grits, check. 
First time seeing a dog wearing sunglasses in the passenger seat of a convertible Mustang, check.
First time I documented the groom and his dad accidentally drop the brides wedding band down the cracks of the rooftop deck, during the ceremony... check.

Yes, I got Caitlin and Caleb’s permission to share this story and yes, it has a happy ending! But seriously, this was a big first for me as a wedding photographer, I’ve seen a lot of things over the course of my career but never this! And I am so glad Caitlin and Caleb are letting me share a few of these photos! Bless you guys!! Not only because they are now great memories and a really funny story they can share for the rest of their lives (I think that’s an awesome gift in itself) but also because I captured the sweetest photos of Caleb finally putting the ring on Caitlin’s finger before the reception started.

And if you’re wondering how it ended, unfortunately Caleb and the many others who tried to retrieve the ring during the ceremony were unable to get it, but a local handy man and a few pulled up deck boards later and it was saved! So all in all, I consider this a bonus wedding memory for Caitlin & Caleb. Others aren’t so lucky <3

Big shout out to an amazing team of vendors! 
venue: Upstairs at Midtown
DJ: the groom himself! 
hair: Drybar
make up: Jordyn Martin Makeup 
florals: Propagate Studio
cake: Saffron Restaurant & Bakery
desserts: Christophe Artisan Chocolatier - Patissier
rentals: EventWorks 
Photography: Sarah Murray Photography