February 22, 2019 Rachel + Joe | Winter Wedding at the Belvedere | Baltimore, MD
Rachel and Joe (or better known as Rachoe)’s wedding this past weekend at the Belvedere was amazing beyond words. I’m super psyched to share some of my favorites on the blog today!
The Couple
From Rachel: (I adore these two) “Joe and I were introduced by a mutual friend at a Purim party thrown by some local Jewish orgs in DC. The invite to the party said “costume or cocktail attire” so in true form I wore a nice dress and Joe wore his Mario costume. It was goofy, just like us, and we had a great time dancing that night.
Our actual first date was going to a weekly swing dance at this beautiful mansion by both of our houses. When Joe proposed, he actually rented out the same mansion and told me we were going to a concert there after brunch. We walked in together and someone at the front desk directed us upstairs to where there was music playing. When we got upstairs there was a wonderful string trio playing, but no other people. I thought maybe it was some weird experimental thing where you go from room to room to hear different songs, but after listening to the music for a few minutes Joe got down on one knee and I realized what was happening. It was pretty amazing… Joe’s a romantic at heart.
Aside from all the engagement and wedding froofroo, one of my favorite parts about our relationship is how we have built something together which is so fun, loving, goofy, and adventurous. Even thought we are both very different people, we share the same values and have a similar perspective on the world. Which is exactly the type of person you want to build a life with, I think. It’s pretty dang exciting.”
The Wedding
I don’t even know where to start with Rachel and Joe. They are wonderful. Weddings are filled with love – people are surrounded by their closest friends and family and it’s a happy occasion – there’s nothing better. But Rachel and Joe’s wedding transcended that already incredible amount of love. You could just tell that not only did everyone there love them, but they adored them. Being able to witness that was so special, and it’s a testament to how truly wonderful they are.
Quick story as an example of how amazing these two are: As Rachel and I were waiting for her Uber to ride to the Belvedere, we were talking about how her friend was doing the flowers and it was her first wedding. I asked if she was doing bouquets only or the reception decor as well. Rachel replied, that with all the bad in the world, it felt irresponsible to spend that much money on centerpieces, so they chose to donate the money instead. Already, that warmed my heart… but walking into the reception and seeing every single centerpiece identifying a different charity that they donated to, along with why the work that that organization does matters… that was something truly special and it gave me chills. I was in awe walking around the ballroom and seeing organizations like Black Lives Matter, Casa Ruby, Rainforest Alliance, Indigenous Peoples’ Movement, New Israel Fund, etc. Such an amazing idea, and it aligns so well with who Rachel and Joe are- they care about everyone.
Anyway, I’ll stop gushing about how awesome they are. Their wedding was special, emotional, beautiful, and the best possible way to kick off our 2019 wedding season. If the rest of the year is half as good as this one day, we’ll be pleased. Here are a few of our faves.
Winter Wedding at the Belvedere Photos
Belvedere Winter Wedding Vendors
Venue: Belvedere
Getting Ready Location: Hotel Revival
Photographer: Breanna Shaw, Photography by Brea
Second Photographer: Tommy Wagner, Photography by Brea
Photography Assistant: Brooke Boyd
The Dapper DJs
Band: Kol Chayim Orchestra
Rabbi Aaron Alexander
Sugar Bakers Cakes
Truffles Catering, The Belvedere
Essense of Australia
Cherry Blossom Bridal
Alison Harper & Company
Fenella Cunningham, The Bouquet Belle
Ketubah: David Fisher Art
Emily
Posted at 12:11h, 22 FebruaryWhat an excellent set of photos! I feel like I know these people just by looking at these images.
Anna Arpasi
Posted at 17:56h, 22 FebruaryI love how there is such a mix of fun and excitement but emotion as well. Him tearing up after he puts on her veil had me emotional! Such beautiful moments captured!