[Wedding] Fran & Joe – Baltimore Yacht Club

One of the coolest things about this wedding was that bridal prep took place right down the street from my parents’ place in Baltimore. This meant an extra 30 minutes of much needed sleep for yours truly (that’s having criss-crossed up and down the East coast for the better part of a month WITH a newborn in the house!). But aside from that, we loved all the details that went into Fran and Joe‘s wedding: ring designs, bagpipes, flowers, stationery, pink socks…yes, I said pink socks (more on that later). And because I’ve known Joe for the better part of two decades, this wedding was especially touching to capture. It was amazing to watch this rambunctious trouble-maker grow up to become a well-groomed gentleman who was going to share a very much grown-up life with an equally beautiful young woman. Because our families had been so intertwined throughout the years, it wasn’t like photographing our usual clients’ weddings: it was more like coming over for a very fancy Thanksgiving dinner with family, and I just happened to have my fancy cameras with me :).

Stationery and flowers for Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wedding dress for Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Signage for Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Flower girl puts on a hat during prep at Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride looks into mirror during prep at Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bridal prep for Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Ring-dog on the morning of Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groomsmen folding pocket square on the morning of Joe and Fran's wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom's prep for a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom's prep for a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom's prep for a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

It takes a truly manly-man to carry off pink…and that’s why they’re all wearing ’em :).

Bagpipe player at Joe and Fran's wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Flower girl and ring-dog during procession at Joe and Fran's wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom sheds a tear during wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Joe and Fran's wedding ceremony at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bridal portraits after a wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bridal portraits after a wedding at Notre Dame of Maryland. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bridal portraits after a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bridal portraits after a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bridal portraits after a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Sunset wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Candy station at Joe and Fran's wedding reception at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

I nearly devoured this entire candy table. Goodness gracious.

First dances during a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

First dances during a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

First dances during a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Joe and Fran's wedding reception at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Joe and Fran's wedding reception at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Maybe it’s the lack of sleep, or hormones, but I was practically bawling my eyes out during speeches!

Ring photo with a Maryland crab at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Ring photo…with a Maryland twist :).

Wedding reception at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.Wedding reception at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wedding reception at the Baltimore Yacht Club.

Sparkler send-off after a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.Sparkler send-off after a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.Sparkler send-off after a wedding at the Baltimore Yacht Club. Captured by Baltimore wedding photographer Ben Lau.

We love sparkler send-offs :).

Ben Lau with his Baltimore couple Joe and Fran.Congratulations again Fran and Joe. It truly was an honor to capture your special day.
Don’t let another 15 years pass before I see you guys again :).

Ceremony :: Notre Dame of Maryland
Reception :: Baltimore Yacht Club
Hair/Make-Up :: Picture Perfect – Make-up by Chrissy
Secondary Photography :: Amanda Stolarski

We took a brief pause this weekend from our regular posting schedule due to the events that took place in CT. Aside from the fact that our eyes were glued to all the news surrounding the events, our hearts simply weren’t all there to post up all these happy moments. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims, their families and friends. It’s a brief reminder that we shouldn’t just celebrate our love for one another on special dates such as weddings, birthdays and holidays – but we should be celebrating our love with our closest friends and family, every single day of our lives.

On that note, we look forward to sharing much more love with you guys this week :).

Much love, friends!

Ben & Karis

 

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Northern NJ, NYC documentary Wedding Photographer, Educator & All-Around Nice Guy

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