This past Saturday, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Lu and Sam’s beautiful Belmont Manor wedding day in Elkridge, MD. Though it was mid-October, you wouldn’t have known it from the weather! We were blessed with warm, mild temperatures and endless blue skies—the ideal backdrop for their outdoor wedding day! Belmont Manor’s lush gardens and rolling fields couldn’t have been more perfect for Lu and Sam’s celebration, and from the moment I arrived, it was clear this day was going to be something truly special.
I arrived at Belmont Manor to find Lu’s suite buzzing with excitement, laughter, and a playlist filled with Taylor Swift!
Her closest friends, family, and even her beloved pup were by her side as hair and makeup were well underway. The energy in the room was contagious—everyone was thrilled to be part of this special day, and it showed in every smile and happy tear. I jumped right into photographing some of their beautiful wedding details, which were so carefully chosen to reflect the style and personality of their day. Fresh florals, soft stationery in timeless hues displaying a custom watercolor of their venue, and, of course, Lu’s incredible dress with the most unreal bow detail made for some seriously stunning photos!
The moment Lu stepped into her dress is one I’ll never forget. With the help of her grandmother, sister, and her sweet pup Libby (who stole a bit of the show with her cuteness!), Lu transformed into the most breathtaking bride. Her gown was classic yet modern, and the joy in the room was undeniable. There were happy tears, heartfelt hugs, and lots of giggles as her loved ones helped her get ready.
Her bridesmaids were also stunning, dressed in a variety of light blue tones, with each one choosing a dress style that suited them perfectly. The mix of patterns and styles added such a unique touch, and the bouquets—filled with fluffy pink, coral, and blue blooms—tied everything together beautifully. I absolutely loved how the bridesmaids’ individual styles reflected their personalities while maintaining a cohesive and elegant look for the wedding party!
The ceremony was held in Belmont Manor’s Magnolia Grove, a location that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
Lu and Sam’s pup, Libby, had the honor of walking down the aisle to kick off the procession, and she was the perfect little escort! After that, the rest of the wedding party made their way down the aisle, with Lu and her father being the last to appear.
I don’t think there was a dry eye in sight as Lu and her dad walked hand in hand toward Sam. Both were beaming, though you could see the emotion behind their smiles—happy tears were flowing as Lu reached Sam at the altar. During the ceremony, they shared the sweetest personal vows, with words that spoke directly from their hearts. Their grandmothers also played a special role, reading meaningful passages that added such a beautiful, personal touch to the ceremony. It was a moment that truly felt like the coming together of two families, filled with love and warmth.
When their dear friend and officiant pronounced them as spouses, the joy on their faces was unmatched! Lu and Sam recessed down the aisle hand in hand, radiating happiness as their guests cheered for the newlyweds.
After the ceremony, we headed to the pool house for wedding party and family portraits.
With the grounds of Belmont Manor as our backdrop and the gorgeous glow of early evening that comes in the month of October, we captured so many beautiful moments full of joy and laughter. But the real magic happened when it was just Lu and Sam for their couple’s portraits!
Golden hour at Belmont Manor is something else entirely, and Lu and Sam got to experience it at its finest! As the sun began to set, it cast the most perfect golden glow across the property, creating the dreamiest atmosphere for their portraits. These two giggled, twirled, and snuggled their way through the session, and their joy was so evident in every shot. It was clear that they were soaking in every moment of their first day as a married couple, and it was such an honor to be there to capture it all!
While cocktail hour took place on the Bird Bath Garden lawn, their reception was held just a short walk away inside a gorgeous tent that was dripping with florals!
Lu and Sam had clearly poured their hearts into every detail of the reception. Ginger jars filled with lush blooms adorned the tables, and there were so many thoughtful personal touches throughout the space. From the sweet signage to the carefully curated décor, it was clear this reception was designed to be both beautiful and meaningful.
The reception kicked off with a few hilarious and emotional toasts, followed by Lu and Sam’s dances with their parents, which were incredibly sweet. And then came their first dance as a married couple! Watching them share this moment on the dance floor was so special, especially knowing how deeply they care for one another and how much joy they bring to everyone around them.
I had a feeling their dance floor would be one to remember—and I was right! From the first song, the energy was electric. Lu and Sam are the kind of people who make everyone feel at home, and it was clear that their guests loved celebrating alongside them. The dance floor was full of laughter, joy, and plenty of Chappell and Taylor! It was the perfect end to a perfect day, and I couldn’t have imagined a better celebration for this amazing couple.
I can’t wait for you to scroll through some of my favorite moments from Lu and Sam’s Belmont Manor Wedding Day. Enjoy this peek into their beautiful celebration!
A shoutout to Lu and Sam’s amazing vendor team:
Venue: Belmont Manor & Historic Park | Catering: Putting on the Ritz | Wedding Planner & Florals: Oak and Poppy Event Design | Bridal Gown Boutique: The Dressing Room | Bridal Gown Designer: Essense of Australia | Bride’s Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Hair and Makeup: Updos for I Dos | Dessert: Sugar Bakers Cakes | Stationery: Simply Rosie Designs | Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co. | Reception Entertainment: Toussaint Productions
Congrats, cuties! It was such a joy to photograph your wedding day! And now for some pretty film scans!
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