CLAIRE & DEREK | CELEBRATIONS AT THE BAY | MARYLAND WEDDING
I’m thankful for brides and grooms who don’t start panicking when the rain comes. Sure, no one wishes for gusts of wind and rain on their wedding day – but sometimes you just have to embrace it! Claire and Derek did for sure! A few days before the wedding… the weather didn’t look good. 100% chance of rain. Okay, breathe! Come wedding day, the rain was down to 20%! I met them at their hotel for getting ready photos (just wait til you see Claire’s gorgeous details!!!) and the first look! Since they both work in event planning, they wanted to get photos done and be able to enjoy their event! The most important thing to Claire and Derek was taking all of their portraits (bride/groom, family, and bridal party photos) before the ceremony because they didn’t want to keep their guests waiting and they wanted to attend their cocktail hour! To be honest, it’s a good thing they did because as soon as the ceremony was over — it began pouring rain outside! We lucked out having overcast skies and a light mist towards the end of portraits but we got everything we needed before the start of the ceremony!
I loved how Claire tied family into her wedding day! She wore her mom’s pearl ring and earrings, tied photos honoring her grandparents on her bouquet, walked down the aisle to a recording of her grandmother singing Ave Maria, and had a life-size cutout of her cousin for people to take photos with because he was deployed and couldn’t attend. Working with Claire and Derek was so easy and fun and I’m honored that they had me capture their day! They threw quite the reception – the music was amazing and the dance off/lip syncing “rap offs” were equally entertaining… just you wait! Derek has moves!
Keep scrolling for my favorites from Claire and Derek’s Celebrations at the Bay wedding!!
SHOE GOALS – also, look at all those gorgeous details!! Including her mom’s pearl earrings and ring!
But can there be enough sparkle in one photo?
Sweet charms to hang from her bouquet.
Glam squad doin’ their thing!
Fancy!
So cute!
The whole squad!
I always compromise — one crazy one, one “nice smiles” one.
L o l at the groomsmen… hahaha
Claire and her girls!
All the peonies smelling so pretty!
It was starting to mist but we got one with everyone!!
I love this one!
How gorgeous is the back of Claire’s dress!!! Look at all that detail!
The first appearance of Claire’s cousin, Matt, on the right!
SO cute!!! All the ring bearers including baby Ben!
The new Mr and Mrs Vanbrakle!!!!
EDGE Florals did an amazing job with all of the florals!
Personal champagne bottles – yes please!Claire and Derek’s dog, Roscoe Michael Jordan VanBrakle was also on the head table! haha!
Maryland crabs!
Simply elegant wedding cake!
So sweet!
I spy, Matt.
The sweetest moments with Claire’s dad!!!
Claire’s Aunt read a blessing in Italian and her cousins translated in English.
Speeches are one of my favorite parts! Funny stories and examples of the bride and groom’s character!
The kids had a grand ol’ time!
And the Matt photoshoot began!!
Derek’s full on rap circle commenced! It was SO fun! He knew every single word!
When the groom is in food/beverage sales… you know there’s gonna be one heck of a late night snacks bar!
A huge thank you to all of the vendors who made Claire and Derek’s Celebrations at the Bay day possible!! Thank you to Coleen Hauth who was my second shooter and snack provider all day!
Venue: Celebrations at the Bay
Dress: BHLDN
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN
Hair/Makeup: Denise Sharpe
Caterer/Baker: Catering by Uptown
Florist: EDGE Florals
Officiant: Frank McDonald – Claire’s Uncle
Men’s Suits/Tuxes: Jos. A. Bank
DJ: Tom Gavin
Photo Booth: Bialek’s Music