Virginia & DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Photos as timeless as your love
A Classy Summer Wedding at Citizens Ballroom
Breonna and I first crossed paths in high school back in 2012, where we were part of a magnet program for performing arts. Nothing brought me more joy than seeing an inquiry pop up in my inbox from a familiar name, 7 years after we’d last seen each other at graduation. It turned out that Breonna had discovered my work organically on social media, and fell in love with my photography – only to realize that the artist behind the lens was was none other than a girl she had met 11 years earlier. We spent the next day catching up over a consult call, where I learned about her amazing fiancé Nathan, how her career had progressed after high school, and all about her dream wedding.
Breonna and Nathan’s wedding at the elegant Citizens Ballroom in Frederick, Maryland was a breathtaking celebration of love. With a thoughtfully curated guest list of just 80 close friends and family members, the couple created an intimate environment where they could truly connect with all those who meant the most to them. Breonna and Nathan spent their wedding day enjoying every moment – expressing their true, fun personalities, and soaking in love from not only each other, but also everyone that they invited out to celebrate this amazing occasion.
The Venue, Details, and Final Touches
Nestled in the heart of Frederick, MD, Citizens Ballroom is a truly unique venue steeped in history. Originally a bank built in 1908, this historic structure features bank vaults, high ceilings, marble floors and pillars, skylights, and so much more. Breonna & Nathan complimented the black and white accents of the venue with blue details, lush florals, and stylish wedding attire. The result was an inviting atmosphere that captivated guests and left an unforgettable impression on all who attended.
Both the bride and groom arrived to the venue already dressed in their wedding attire for the day, making it easy for me to steal them away to capture them putting on their final touches and accessories. Breonna finished her look with a gorgeous floral hairpiece and matching earrings to accentuate her incredible fitted off-the-shoulder gown. While Nathan accessorized himself with a classic black bowtie and stunning mixed-material watch combining wood and metal to complement his blue floral tuxedo jacket and black pants.
Solo Bride and Groom Portraits at Citizens Ballroom
Citizens Ballroom’s two-level layout provided the perfect area for capturing pre-ceremony solo portraits. We utilized the upper level to stay out of the way of the ceremony setup below, while enjoying the stunning marble floors and railings that set the stage for a breathtaking location. The art deco-style ceilings and large windows added an extra touch of glamour, highlighting Breonna and Nathan as they excitedly posed in their wedding attire while waiting to tie the knot!
Wedding Party Portraits at a Versatile Space
The colors that Breonna and Nathan chose for their wedding party and floral arrangements contrasted beautifully with the white and gold of the venue. Breonna’s bridesmaids dressed in light blue gowns in varying styles that fit everyone’s personalities and styles. While Nathan’s side of the wedding party included both men and women – some of his closest friends and family – dressed in beautiful navy blue attire with white and blue floral accessories.
Because the couple chose to wait to see each other until the ceremony, we took advantage of capturing Breonna & Nathan’s respective wedding parties separately before bringing everyone together after the ceremony concluded. Utilizing the upper level space again, I captured Breonna & Nathan with their closest loved ones as they excitedly laughed and strolled the venue together waiting for the ceremony to begin.
After the ceremony was finished, we took advantage of the main floor of the venue, capturing the entire wedding party together as Breonna and Nathan were showered with love by the people closest to them. Prior to the wedding day, Breonna let me know she had only one particular photo in mind that she absolutely needed to have: an editorial inspired shot with her wedding party. We saved this special moment for last so the group could dive into the evening’s festivities and enjoy cocktail hour!
Wedding Ceremony at Citizen’s Ballroom Bank Vaults
Citizen’s Ballroom features different options for you to stand in front of during your indoor ceremony – including a curtain lined alcove, large windows facing out to the city, and open bank vaults. Breonna and Nathan chose to exchange their vows with the bank vaults behind them (my personal favorite spot), adorned with blue floral arrangements and string lights.
Breonna made her debut into the ballroom and down the aisle to the beautiful music of a live harpist, and Nathan became flushed with emotion from seeing his bride for the first time. The couple shared tearful vows of their love and commitment to one another as their friends and family listened attentively. Breonna and Nathan sealed their vows with the exchanging of rings and a kiss before dancing their way back down the aisle to the roar of applause from their loved ones!
Bride and Groom Portraits – Wedding at Citizens Ballroom
One of my favorite things about weddings at Citizens Ballroom is the versatility of the venue and surrounding city for portraits. In addition to locations inside the venue itself – the bank vaults and both the main and second floor – the outside of the venue provides a gorgeous set of stairs and spots along the sides of the building for even more photos. The city of Frederick itself also provides numerous possibilities for wedding portraits within walking distance of the venue, including the waterway of Carroll Creek, Baker Park, and bustling streets of the city.
Intimate Dances, Moving Speeches, and a Playful Cake Cutting Montage
After a choreographed first dance from the couple, smiles and tears broke out among everyone as both Breonna and Nathan shared special dances with their parents. After a round of applause for the dances and a blessing from the couples preacher, it was time for dinner!
Citizens Ballroom truly excels at transforming every inch of the space into a captivating setting, creating stunning tablescapes and an inviting atmosphere for your guests. Positioned perfectly, the couple’s sweetheart table allowed them to see everyone in attendance while they savored their meal and listened to the heartfelt speeches delivered by the best man and maid-of-honor.
As glasses were raised signaling the end of toasts, Breonna and Nathan dove into a playful moment – sharing laughter and silly faces while cutting their gorgeous wedding cake. It was a delightful bit of fun amid all the romance, perfectly showing off their personalities!
A Party Like No Other
The energy at Breonna and Nathan’s wedding reception was top tier. The couple embraced their celebration completely, excitedly throwing fake money into the air towards their guests, while friends joyfully fanned the bride with bills. Foam glow sticks added pops of color and excitement to the party as everyone waved them around (and smacked a couple of asses) while dancing the night away.
An Iconic End to the Night
During the reception, I just had to pull Breonna & Nathan away for some fun photos in the bank vault, an iconic spot for photos! As the night wound down, the couple made their grand exit in a luxurious limo, driving away into the night as Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey. I’m so grateful that Breonna reached out to me, placing her trust in my vision to document these unforgettable moments for her and Nathan. It’s a beautiful reminder that while our paths may sometimes diverge, life has a remarkable way of bringing us back together.
Vendors
Photographer: Megan Rose Photography | @_meganrosephotography
Venue: Citizens Ballroom | @citizensballroom
Coordinator: Jessica Jones Events | @jessicajonesevents
Hair: Charming Beauty Bar | @charmingbeautybar
MUA: Lydia Malveaux Makeup Artistry | @lmalvemua
DJ: Lady Taz | @iam_djladytaz
Florals: Something Borrowed Blooms | @sbblooms
Caterer: Crave Catering Co | @cravecateringco
Dessert: Plant Baked By Sarah | @plantbakedbysarah
Citizens Ballroom Wedding Photographer – DMV Wedding Photographer
I’d absolutely love to be your photographer for your wedding at Citizens Ballroom or anywhere in the Virginia, DC, or Maryland area! If you’re still looking for a photographer that will capture the joy, elegance, and fun of your wedding day you can check out my portfolio here and send me an inquiry here!
And if you’re in the process of planning your east coast wedding, you can find even more inspiration for your special day from real life weddings with the following blogs:
Stunning Fall Wedding at Historic Whitewood
