Congratulation to Allison and Ryan on their beautiful wedding! I had the privilege of getting to know both Ali and Ryan last year when I first met them to talk about their engagement and wedding photography. From day one, it was clear that these love birds were not tentative about their affection for one another. It wasn’t hard to see how Ryan was taken by Ali – after all, Ali has that certain “je nais sais quoi” that draws people towards her. Magnetic! Its hard for Ali NOT to smile. And a camera loves a smiley bride!
One thing I remember that Ali and Ryan were concerned about is how Ryan might feel anxious during the wedding day and that might show up in the photos. Not the first, nor the last time I hear that concern. So, what to do, right? We had the engagement session at the Patapsco State Park in 2012 and I went to great lengths to reassure Ryan that I will make both the engagement and the wedding experience fun, goofy, and as relaxed as possible. I like to think that I succeeded! See the engagement photos here: Engagement Photos/Video.
That exercise went a long way in prepping Ryan for the big day. With Downtown Baltimore as the backdrop, the 1840’s Plaza and Ballroom was the perfect venue that married old city and modernity together. The red brick 4-story bed-and-breakfast old towne feel afforded Ali and Ryan the opportunity to have their ceremony in the outdoor courtyard and their reception indoors where about 250 of the friends and family partied and danced the night away. As with all my clients, I visit the venue about 2-4 weeks before the wedding for a scouting-reconnaissance-surveillance mission to get the latest information on lighting, logistics, floor plans, landscaping, and discuss ideas for location photography (I bring a notepad!). Thanks to Stasia Cruz from the 1840’s Plaza staff, she showed us the second floor, which was furnished and themed to include a vintage 1950’s Soda Pop bar, a movie theater entrance, and many other themes.
Fortunately, Ali and Ryan agreed to do the “first look” which afforded us plenty of time to capture the real first look moment, as well as plenty of creative, fun, and goofy shots – all before the ceremony. Special thanks to Ashley Michelle Photography (my second photographer), Stasia Cruz from 1840’s Plaza and Ballroom, music by Friendly Entertainment, Scott Siciliano on keyboard/voice and Nick Pietrowski on guitar, catering by Hunt Valley Catering, wedding gown by Maggie Sottero, hand-made lace vest and dress alterations by Cheryl Albright, plant decorations by Patricia Hogeman, cake by Yia Yia’s Bakery with cake decoration by Raimondi’s Florist, and shoes by David’s Bridal. All wedding photography was provided by Trans4mation Photography.
Until more images are uploaded to a password protected website in the near future, enjoy these “teaser shots” from Allison and Ryan’s Wedding! Click on any image to see it full size.