MARTIN’S WEST | APRIL & VINCENT | BALTIMORE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

GETTING READY

I arrived to a house full of happy ladies. In matching hoodies and leggings, the bride tribe gathered around April’s kitchen island for a few more toasts. April snuggled with her dogs while her bridesmaids gathered everything they would need at the venue. A party bus arrived to pick them up! Vinny was just a few minutes away getting ready at his parent’s home. The boys were doing similar things, getting ready for the day. A few shots of Fireball and photos later, the guys were ready to head to Martin’s West also. They, too, took a party bus.

Once at Martin’s West, the two parties took their place in separate on-site suites to relax. The girl’s touched up their hair and make-up while the guys perfected details on their tuxes. April shared a “First Look” with her bridesmaids and her father, while staying tucked away from the groom leading up to the ceremony.

CEREMONY

Guests took their seats in a large ballroom. Whimsical, sweet decor graced the aisle. All of the details were created by Vinny’s mother, an element that both the bride and groom were proud of her for. Choosing the traditional unveil, the first time Vincent would see April was as she approached him. This was a moment they both mentioned anticipating so much. April said seeing Vinny was like “watching all other people disappear as if it was just the two of” them.

PARTY TIME

April, Vinny, and I talked quite a few times about maximizing as much time during their reception as possible. This meant working quickly through cocktail hour, and getting them inside for introductions promptly because I knew that’s what they were most excited about. Introductions kicked off the celebration. The bridal party entered, dancing their way to the head table. April and Vinny followed in true style, Vinny tossing his jacket to the ground and April twirling her ballgown dress. Dinner was served, but guests were already making their way to the dance floor to get down. It was an EPIC reception and clear that everyone there enjoyed themselves.

FIVE FUN FACTS

Vincent was actually best friend’s with April’s younger sister when they were children. April felt she was too cool to hang out with her sister and her friends, but would later change her mind in her 20’s as she saw Vinny in a new (adult!) light.
When April went dress shopping, she was fully opposed to a ballgown. Per other party’s suggestions, she decided to try one and was immediately taken with it.
One of Vinny and April’s favorite things to do is to go out on the motorcycle together.
April and her father had one of the best father-daughter dances that I’ve ever seen. The way he picked her up and tossed her around was SO sweet. His pride for her beamed that day, and you could tell they have a special relationship. As a Daddy’s Girl, myself, the moment really tugged at my heart strings.
Vincent and April’s biggest piece of advice: “Don’t worry about what ANYONE else wants. It’s your day, and you get to choose exactly what that means to you two, no one else.”