Earlier this week, I published part 1 of this amazing wedding at The Grand Historic in Baltimore, MD.  In the first post, I shared images of Caroline and Justin getting ready in the Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor and their couple’s portraits around The Grand Historic.  You can see that post here.

Today, I want to share with you the wedding at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (also know as The Basilica or The Baltimore Basilica) and the reception at The Grand Historic Venue.  Both are show-stopping locations!

After getting ready at The Grand Historic, Caroline and Justin were whisked the two blocks away to The Baltimore Basilica.  The Baltimore Basilica is known as America’s First Cathedral, and it is a showstopper!  Natural light pours into the cathedral– for photographers, a dream!  Flash photography is prohibited during Catholic services, and we Catholics have the MOST yellow of interior lights.  The cathedral, however…. dreamy.

Also, the decor!  Check out the vaudeville-like curtains- so cool!  There is also inlaid art and domed ceilings.

I love all weddings, but weddings at the cathedral add an extra layer of elegance.  Elements common to many Catholic weddings feel like they are all dressed up when at the cathedral– including a community blessing, readings, presentation of the gifts, and a prayer before the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In addition to capturing the majesty of a full Catholic wedding Mass, I love to capture what’s happening in the crowd.  Just to let you know, these crowd photos are a no-no at many churches in the Arlington Archdiocese.

I agree with many of the churches in the Arlington Archdiocese that a photographer scanning the crowd can be distracting, and detract from the Mass.  “Can be.”  This is were my ninja skills as a Catholic and a photographer come into play.  My mom jokes that I “know all the passwords” at a Catholic wedding service.  True statement.  I know when and how to photograph in a way that has even the strictest priests praising my couples’ choice of photographer.

A key to balancing the priest’s/ church’s photography restrictions and a couple’s desire to remember their day is using zoom, angles, and general ninja moves to capture images without being noticed.  Images of the parents, for instance, are so important!  I love capturing moments of parents reliving their own vows or praying for their children.  Yep, this ninja caught Justin’s and Caroline’s parents in the act!

And then the Mass was over with a kiss and a grand exit!

Woo-hoo!  Then they were off in a classic car!

And the party began!  The Grand Historic Venue is an awesome venue to host a wedding!  Caroline and Justin made sure their guests were in for a great time!  Live music entertained guests during cocktail hour while the band prepared to get guests jamming during the reception.

The reception room easily fit the 250 guests.  Guests were hugged in marble, murals and beautiful florals.  Even the cake seemed stately surrounded by marble walls.

After dinner, the band got the party started!  The Baltimore wedding band, The Bachelor Boys, are one of the best bands I’ve heard!  Do you see this dance floor?  It was packed!  Everyone danced!

As the night drew to a close, Caroline and Justin changed into the “get-away” outfits, and returned for the band’s last set.

… and then they were off!  Back to the world, this time changed.  No longer “him” and “her,” but now as a “they.”  Caroline and Justin, I hope you continue to make each other and your families as happy as you did on your wedding day.  Much love, Eddie!

Coordinator:  Renee Coshin Coolbaugh, Your Day Your Way!