Ever wonder how “Tale As Old As Time” scene from Beauty and the Beast would look in real life? I think it would be an almost exact replica of Stephen and Megan’s George Peabody Library wedding. These two planned the most classic, fairytale wedding at this jawdropping venue.
My good friend Alex Crawford (Alexandra Kent Photography) asked me to second shoot with her for this Peabody Library wedding. Alex is so fun to work with. And we have similar enough styles that make us power duo on a wedding day. 😉
We started the day capturing pretty details and quickly moved into getting ready portraits. Stephen, a groom with a killer model stare, nailed it during his getting ready photos with his groomsmen. They had such a fun time laughing and talking and celebrating Stephen. Truly some of the most polite, funny groomsmen I’ve worked with… which is always appreciated!
At the Peabody Library, we had a strict reservation for the grand spiral staircase for Megan and Stephen’s First Look. It was magical. The sweet emotion from Stephen when he finally turned to see his stunning bride had Alex and I fighting tears. We proceeded to take their portraits in the stairwell before moving outdoors for bridal party photos.
Dressed perfectly for a gilded age library event, the bridesmaids arrived in satin, emerald green bridesmaid dresses. The guys wore matching classic tuxedos to Stephen. And with Megan’s showstopper satin ballgown wedding dress, the whole crew turned heads as Baltimore buzzed around them.
Set up inside the library, their ceremony began to come to life. When Alex and I walked in our jaws dropped to look up at the magnificent five-story balconies lined with antique books. You can imagine the heavenly smell of aged paper as we stepped inside.
Right before the ceremony began, Megan changed out of her dress into a surprise ceremony gown. Similar to her first gown, this one had a wide satin skirt with a long train. But it had off-the-shoulder lace straps and lace on the sweetheart bodice. Nobody knew about the change in dress. It was so sweet to see her Dad’s reaction when he met her at the doors ready to escort her down the aisle.
The two floated down the checkered marble. As the second shooter, I got to capture the enchanting moment, with stacks of books framing Megan’s royal walk. Their ceremony was as sweet as their First Look, as they exchanged loving words and special promises to one another. After they were declared husband and wife, we rushed to the front of the library for a quick “just married” portrait.
The main library room transformed like magic into a whimsical reception space. The open face books labeled each table with numbers and a photo of the happy couple. And a seating chart made up of antique-style library cards escorted guests to the right table. Their wedding cake had two foxes on top, a nod to their now shared last name (Mr. and Mrs. Fox)!
Megan changed back into her original dress for their First Dance, which was choreographed to show off the flowing layers of satin. Shortly after dinner the party started. Their guests danced the night away under twinkling string lights strewn across the magnificent room.
For just a few of my favorite images from this special day, scroll down through this post! And a special thank you to Alexandra Kent Photography for trusting me to second shoot this lovely wedding with her.
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