I love the quirky, unique venue of today’s wedding! Captured by Natalie Lane Photography, Rachel and Justin were married on a gorgeous June day in the Wildflower Garden at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. The off beat sculptures of the AVAM provided the perfect, unconventional backdrop for a super fun event. A lovely variety of purples were used throughout the wedding party attire and reception decor. Be sure to read about how the couple met and their wedding inspiration below!
A few words from the bride:
Justin and I met and became friends while working at the same restaurant after college. (Best hire I ever made!) We dated on and off for years before we finally moved in together. Then came our rescue puppy, Fiona. A little while later, we bought a house together in Baltimore. Justin proposed to me the morning of the big move! Thinking of that moment still makes my heart beat a little bit faster.
When it came to our wedding, I knew just where I wanted to have it because I had catered an event there years before and fallen in love with the quirky charm (Our guests got to walk through the museum throughout the event. Over and over they came running up to me to laugh about the “Bra Ball” and the fart machine!) We scheduled a visit to AVAM and I told Justin that if he agreed, he wouldn’t have to visit a single other venue! He was happy to comply.
As for the rest, our main goal was to make the wedding a party that we would love to attend. The food was very important to us, we wanted it to be delicious but not stuffy so we went with food stations that had favorites like crab cake sliders, quesadillas and tacos, and a french fry bar (as an homage to my maiden name, spelled ‘Fries’.)
My favorite details from the day include the bridesmaids dresses (the ladies picked their own purple dresses, the variety was gorgeous), the lace from my mother’s dress that I wore in my hair and on my flowers, and the love that we felt from celebrating with our amazing family and friends. It was perfect.
Photographer: Natalie Lane Photography
Ceremony Venue: The Wildflower Garden at the American Visionary Art Museum
Reception Venue: The Sculpture Barn at American Visionary Art Museum
Catering + Rentals: Regina of Rouge Fine Catering
Bridal Gown Designer: Oleg Cassini for David’s Bridal
Bridal Gown Store: David’s Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Nina
Bridal Veil/Headpiece: Pieces of lace from bride’s mother’s wedding dress
Jewelry Designer: Thomas Knoell
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Various – each bridesmaid chose her own dress
Tuxedo + Mens Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Groom’s Shoes: Florsheim
Cake Designer: Sugar Bakers Cakes
Floral Designer: My Flower Box Events
Makeup Artist: Nicole and Tracey of Brocato’s
Hair Stylist: Gina and Casey of Brocato’s
Invitation Designer: “Simply Sublime” pattern from Storkie
DJ: Music Masters
Officiant: Heather Saul
Hotel: Fairfield Inn, Baltimore
Welcome Bags: Baltimore theme – Berger Cookies, Utz Crab Chips, Natty Boh’s, Baltimore magazine, maps of the area (along with water and tylenol for the day after!)
Guest Book: Framed print of the museum from Robert McClintockAll images by Natalie Lane Photography