Jessica & Ed @ Pier 5 Baltimore Basilica

Jessica and Ed married in December, and as most of you recall - we had a very snowy winter this year! Luckily, this was not one of those weekends where we got a ton of snow - but there was a dusting expected in the area - which made for a perfect backdrop as the larger flakes started to fall right after the ceremony! :)

Jessica and Ed wed at the Baltimore Basilica - a church I was very excited to shoot in since it is a beautiful building! However, my excitement to shoot in the church turned into photographic frustration upon entering, as I was assigned a guard to watch me the entire time and was told with the exception of the processional, I had to stay not only behind the congregation -- but behind a good 30-40 empty rows behind the congregation for the entire time! -- and what could I do - I had a guard literally following me!

It was an interesting experience simply because I have never had a church be so unaccommodating when it comes to a photography -- and I've shot in a lot of churches with all kinds of strange rules!! :)

But, the building is beautiful, and served as a great place to shoot after the ceremony for the formals and as a great back drop for some bride and groom shots as well!

Jess and Ed had a bit of time between their ceremony and reception, so I hopped right onto the trolley with them and their bridal party and we went around town taking photos! - The most important stop being a trip to Claddagh's Pub where the couple met!! :)

I love when brides open their minds to shots outside of the box like this! - Not only for the fact that it is simply a bar where the 2 met - but any stop for photos outside of the typical church scene can produce some excellent shots that will give some variety to the photos from your wedding day! - I always encourage brides to literally drive the route from the ceremony to reception location and if you see some spots along the way that you think might yield some cool photos - plan on making a quick stop with your photographer!! :)

Once we were done bouncing around town for photos, it was on to Pier 5 hotel, where I must say, I am completely impressed with the staff... they were excellent! Everyone, even staff not working the wedding is very nice and helpful! -- I loved working here and cant wait to return! :)

Jess and Ed had no shortage of fun friends and the party got kicked off right away with an outstanding DJ (who at Pier 5 is literally above the dance floor)!

Here are a handful of the shots throughout the day!