Saturday was joyful, gorgeous, and perfect in every way, but the phrase that I keep coming back to to describe it is meant to be. Erica and Arnie’s Frederick Douglass Maritime Museum wedding in Baltimore, MD should have been a washout, and while portions of their day were spent dodging pouring rain, by the time their guests arrived and it was time for these two to say I do, the rain cleared, and we saw BLUE SKY!!! Their giddy smiles, happy tears, and supportive family, friends, and pup made an already incredible day that much sweeter.
Baltimore is a huge part of Erica and Arnie’s story. It is where Arnie grew up, where Erica and Arnie met and where they now live together and welcomed their sweet pup Hooper home. Now? It’s also the place where they became husband and wife! They knew they wanted iconic Baltimore waterfront views to play a huge part in their wedding design which made the Frederick Douglass Maritime Museum the perfect place for their ceremony and reception. Erica and Arnie also knew that their wedding day wouldn’t be complete without at least a little bit of time spent on the water which made a private harbor tour from the Baltimore Taxi (which just so happens to have a stop right at their venue’s pier!!) the perfect pre-ceremony activity!
I can’t wait to share more from Erica and Arnie’s Frederick Douglass Maritime Museum wedding in Baltimore, MD, but first… a little day recap!
Erica got ready at her and Arnie’s home (which also happens to be the home where Arnie grew up!), and when I arrived, right away, I was greeted by their sweet golden, Hooper! He was the designated best dog and took his duties very seriously. (Complete with a tux and tie… I can’t even handle how cute he is!) Erica and Arnie have been joking for weeks that their wedding day was actually Hooper’s big day, and he truly loved every moment of watching his parents tie the knot… and all the head scratches and treats he got to enjoy!
Happy tears were plentiful throughout the day and started flowing throughout the morning as Erica slipped into her dress and hugged her bridesmaids and dad for the first time as a bride. Once everyone was ready, Erica and Hooper set off on foot for their first look with Arnie over at the piers near the Frederick Douglass Maritime Museum. (The perks of getting ready at home and married right in your neighborhood!) Erica and Arnie shared a teary first look with the harbor as a gorgeous backdrop! They got to hug each other for a moment, and we took a few portraits before we felt the first of a few rain drops. We ran to the tent, just in time for the sky to open up. We weighed our options as it poured and Erica and Arnie sipped on some drinks.
Luckily, the skies cleared just in time for a few more couple’s portraits… wedding party portraits… and a ride on the Baltimore Water Taxi!
For anyone saying I do near a Baltimore Water Taxi stop looking for a unique transportation option or activity to incorporate into your wedding day or rehearsal dinner, I can’t recommend the Water Taxi enough! Erica, Arnie, and their wedding party grabbed coolers and a Taylor Swift-heavy playlist for a pre-ceremony cruise around the harbor. We had the opportunity to take a few gorgeous couple’s portraits around the harbor which maaaay just be some of my favorite portraits that I have ever taken in Baltimore!
After their taxi ride, it was time for Erica and Arnie to say I Do! Their outdoor ceremony was on the piers just outside of the museum and featured gorgeous views of the harbor and some big, historic sailboats. After the rain we had experienced earlier in the day, we were all pretty much shocked (And relieved!) that the ceremony could happen outside as planned. Somehow, we also saw blue skies… something that felt like a miracle after the downpour. (Just a little extra validation that these two are truly meant to be!)
Their pup, Hooper, kicked off the ceremony with a dash down the aisle and proceeded to be the best boy as his parents officially became husband and wife. There were many happy tears as Erica and Arnie exchanged rings and vows. Soon enough, Erica and Arnie were MARRIED, and it was time to party!
As guests headed over to their outdoor cocktail hour, I headed upstairs to photograph their stunning reception space!
With bistro lights casting a warm glow, and bud vases adding some gorgeous texture to the tabletops, I knew we would be in for an amazing evening! Meaningful (and teary!) toasts kicked off the reception before Erica, Arnie, and their guests danced the night away! Their crew was ready to party (Which made my job so much fun!). As everyone danced, enjoyed cocktails, and hotdogs (Erica and Arnie’s late night snack!), it was so evident just how excited everyone was to celebrate these two becoming husband and wife!
As Erica and Arnie celebrate their nuptials on their gorgeous European honeymoon, you get to scroll through just how beautiful their wedding day was!
But, before we get to the pretty, a little thank you! Erica and Arnie… it was such a joy to spend your wedding day with you! Thank you so much for trusting me as your wedding photographer! I’m wishing you a lifetime of Hooper snuggles, late night hotdogs, and Blue Wave lemonades!
Quickly after Erica and Arnie’s first look, it started POURING. As we waited for the rain to calm down enough for us to dash from their cocktail hour tent to their reception space, we snapped a few portraits under the tent and hoped the clouds would pass!
Still obsessed with these mix dresses!
Baltimore pals… if you are looking for a fun and unique addition to your wedding day, I 100% recommend a ride on the Water Taxi!
Hooper was living for his moment in the spotlight, and it couldn’t have been cuter!
Married!!!
Thank you, Erica and Arnie! It was a joy to spend your wedding day with you two!
A special thank you to Erica and Arnie’s rockstar vendor team:
Venue: Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park | Catering: Rouge Fine Catering | Planning & Florals: Oak and Poppy Event Design | Bridal Gown Boutique: Gamberdella | Groom’s Attire: Jos. A Bank | Hair and Makeup: Brushed Beauty | Transportation: Baltimore Water Taxi | Videography: Just Hitched Films | Stationery: Minted | Rentals: Party Party | Reception Entertainment: Bachelor Boys
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like:
FELLS POINT ENGAGEMENT SESSION | ERICA AND ARNIE
PHILADELPHIA CRICKET CLUB WEDDING DAY | ERIN AND RYAN
WHERE TO FIND YOUR WEDDING DRESS IN MARYLAND | WEDDING PLANNING
