Kristin + Bennett: The Reception

Due to Kristin's love of the Baltimore Orioles, did you really think she would have her celebration anywhere other than Oriole Park at Camden Yards? On the seventh floor of the warehouse, guests enjoyed cocktails and a served dinner while looking out over the field.

Nighttime at Camden Yards.

Their adorable cake was designed and made by Mary Elliott.

Decor of the Camden Club. The pumpkin centerpieces were done by Karen Lock.

Kristin emphasized that she wanted her guests to have fun above all else. Her wedding party really helped to set that tone as they were introduced (of course to "All Star" by Smash Mouth, how fitting!). Though it's hard to see, the bridal party changed into shirts that either said Groomsman or Bridesmaid on the front and had their last name and favorite number on the back.

The bride and groom share a special moment. Their first dance was to "Luna" by the Smashing Pumpkins.

What would a celebration at Camden Yards be without the Oriole Bird? How fun!

The father-daughter dance to "All My Life" by Johnny Cash.

Looks like Kristin got what she wanted - everyone is definitely having fun!

As everyone gathered around, the couple cut the cake.

Up Next: Kristin + Bennett: The Details

Celebrations Showcase

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront is hosting a "Celebrations" showcase on February 17th and they want you to be a part of it. Whether you're a bride looking for the perfect venue or if you're searching for a place to hold a special event, attend this showcase to receive exclusive offers, discover new menus, experience signature food & beverage options, uncover unique event ideas by meeting preferred vendors and register to win special door prizes!

When: Thursday, February 17, 2011

Time: 5:00PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel

700 Aliceanna Street Baltimore, MD 21202

Be sure to attend for food, fun, great deals and great ideas!

For questions and to RSVP, please contact Felicia Davis at 410-783-1013 or email felicia.davis@MARRIOTT.COM

Please RSVP by Thursday, February 10, 2011

Kristin + Bennett: The Ceremony

Kristin and Bennett decided to have their ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore on the 15th floor in what used to be Pisces restaurant. We kept the decor to a minimum, allowing the breathtaking views of the Inner Harbor to serve as the focal point.

Because of Kristin's love of the Orioles, she worked with The Pleasure of Your Company to design a "line up card," making her wedding party into a real baseball team.

The flower girl showing off her adorable dress and basket of flowers.

The bride's uncle and step-dad gave her away. Crystal Strings provided classical instruments to play contemporary music. (The wedding party walked down to "Yellow" by Coldplay and Kristin processed to "Tonight, Tonight" by the Smashing Pumpkins.)

Saying their vows. Their officiant, Greg Norris kept their ceremony fresh, upbeat and entertaining.

The bridal party.

Kristin and Bennett's vows brought tears. . .

Lots of tears. . .

But also lots of laughs. Their vows were truly "them" and they won't be forgotten by me or their guests any time soon.

Finally married!

Husband and wife coming down the aisle to "Sweet Disposition" by the Temper Trap.

All photographs by the wonderful Sarah Miller.

Coming Soon: Kristin + Bennett: The Reception

Kristin + Bennett: Getting Ready

Though I'm behind on showing off all the 2010 weddings, I assure you the details of this wedding are right in the forefront of my memory. On an absolutely perfect day in October, Kristin and Bennett's wedding day got under way.

The bride is a huge Orioles fan so her Maggie Sottero dress was adorned with custom orange crystal bling, courtesy of Bridals by Elena.

The gorgeous flowers were designed by Karen Lock.

Kristin is a makeup artist so she chose to do her own makeup the day of her wedding.

Tying up the corset. The orange ribbon was made using scraps from her bridesmaids' dress alterations.

A last look.

The couple's Pug, Presley was their ring bearer. Photographer Sarah Miller captured this great moment between mother and son.

A full shot of Kristin's pretty dress.

All the girls.

The groom waiting patiently for his "first look" of his bride.

A great shot of all the guys.

Up next: Kristin + Bennett: The Ceremony

Allie + David: Part 2

After the beautiful wedding ceremony, guests were invited back to the family owned Turf Valley Country Club for a truly gorgeous reception. Allie's wish to completely transform the ballroom into a garden party was achieved by using thousands of flowers, specialty lighting and extensive fabric draping.

In addition to a raw bar, lots of butlered hors d'oeuvres and a pasta station for cocktail hour, guests were treated to sushi made by on-site sushi chefs from Baltimore's Matsuri Restaurant. The couple chose a served signature drink of refreshing Peach Bellini's.

Rings make it official!

Sweet kisses from the groom.

Gorgeous candlelight dinner.

Incredibly colorful flowers all by Victoria Clausen at Romance of Flowers.

Wonderful view of the elegantly decorated tables. Tabletop glasses, flatware, chairs and china are all from Party Rental Limited. Custom table linens from Table Toppers in Mt. Washington.

Perfection!

This photo shows how even a large wedding party can have fun seating at a served dinner. This is a bridal table for 30 guests. It's important to seat the wedding party with their dates, place seating all around the table, and use a table that is at least 36" wide so that there is room for flowers but still close enough across the table to converse.

Delicious cake by Debi's Cake Studio.

Time for cake!

Time for dancing led by The Sid Miller Orchestra from Philadelphia.

Other Fabulous Vendors:

Bus Transportation by Eyre Bus

Video by Blue Sky Films

Limousine Transportation by Z Best Limo

Espresso Bar by Travelling Bean

Lighting and Draping by Mike Blondell's Accent on Events

Hair and Make-Up By Studio 1612

Wedding Planning and Coordination by Us!

All photographs by Anne Sachs at Artful Weddings by Sachs.

Barrettes are Back

Flipping through the Wall Street Journal, something in the Style & Fashion section grabbed our attention. According to the Spring runways, barrettes are making their way back into fashion.

We really can't think of any better way to show a pop of color on brides than to feature a fun, colorful barrette in her hair. While it adds the appropriate amount of bling, it's also simple and subtle without being over the top. It's such a simple way to tie in your wedding colors, having a barrette that matches your bridesmaids dressed. Or, it can even serve as your "something blue".

Barrettes are so easily incorporated into any hairstyle, we really don't know how they ever went out of style.

Free Wedding Giveaway!

Brides, clear your schedules! On February 24th, Harbor Magic is holding an event at Pier 5 Hotel and - get this - the purpose is to give away a free wedding!

Enter to win at Harbor Magic then plan on attending the special giveaway event as you must be present to win. The lucky winner will receive a reception for 100 guests at any Harbor Magic Hotel (Admiral Fell Inn, Pier 5 Hotel, Brookshire Suites or Pintail Yachts). Should you choose to attend, you will also enjoy complimentary food and beverage from 6pm-8pm all while mingling with other Baltimore brides who may be able to provide some fresh inspiration or creative ideas for your wedding!