Baltimore Wedding Photographer Kathy Freundel » 443.844.2352

When you know, you know.

It’s that simple.

Linda’s struggle?   How could it be the second dress I put on? The day after I got engaged? And I just stopped in because I was excited but my Mom and sister aren’t even here.

Linda had never been in the capable hands of designer Drew VanLandingham, principle at VanLandingham Design Studios when she floated into Francesca’s Bridal Salon on a late winter afternoon.

Very wise woman, that Francesca . . . to host a Saturday afternoon prosecco party with the DVL.

Linda put on her first dress and said to Drew . . . “I just feel it needs a little more drama.”  Hand to  chin, Drew thought for  a beat, turned and pointed to the mannequin in the store front. “Peggy, love, can you just take that dress off that mannequin? That’s Linda’s dress.”

Truth. Check it out.

Cause when you know, you just know. And you can’t unknow what you know.

Keep your ear to the ground for the DVL . . . there’s already a buzz. . .

and when I know, I know.

Black Porsche. Dark shades. Taciturn with a capital T . . . I didn’t get the full flavor of his Venezuelan mojo until well into our shoot.

Fierce white dress, easy giggle, porcelain skin and complete body awareness . . . she is the perfect Eastern European complement to his swarthy good looks. Yep, her Polish accent makes her completely irresistible.

Baska and Greg were married in a civil ceremony in January, and wisely knew that they’d better document before too much time passed.  And whoever said that February on the eastern seaboard does not provide prime conditions for outdoor shooting was wrong. Dead wrong.

We chased beautiful late afternoon light over the grounds of the Historical Society of Baltimore County. We talked mechanical engineering (him) and life with a family of engineers (her). And they did a bit of kissing and laughing along the way.

The Porsche was darn hot too.

My reader, I want to tell you something that’s happened more than a couple times this year. Couples will contact me after the wedding day (sometimes even thirty years!)  to say . . . can we hire you just for an hour or so to get some killer wedding images? These are clients whose weddings I did not shoot.

Smart clients. Because for the price of a romantic meal at a restaurant, they get a gift that they don’t have to work off in the gym,  a gift that lasts forever. . . and to the boys who think they don’t like being in front of my camera? . . . it’s some pretty effective foreplay. Win-win.

They journeyed the growing years sharing their group of friends in Carroll County, Maryland. They eventually reconnected down south . . .Lynchburg, Virginia to be exact, where she studied to be a psychologist and he, an electrical engineer. Liberty University provided a large canvas on which to dream bold strokes of love and hope. The oldest church in our sweet town of Westminster, Maryland provided the canvas on which to begin the rest of their lives. Ryan arrived first and hid in the sanctuary. Brooke’s limo dropped her at the church steps. Their first look . . . kinda like two kids on Christmas morning . . . receiving the best gift ever.

Perfect color palette for beautiful Brooke . . .the sunshine just streams out of her spirit. Obviously Ryan is drawn to the light. It was obvious in the way that he was  overwhelmed with pure joy the entire night. I kept smiling as I’d find Ryan at different points in the night holding Brooke’s sassy yellow heels . . . or her gorgeous bouquet.

Madeline Flack of Madelines Flowerworks of Roland Park realized Brooke’s desire to hold sunshine in her hands.

Marcie Lenick was the designer for the event. She and lighting designer Michael Poist absolutely transformed the space at Crossroads Community Church. It was jaw dropping gorgeous. I am a firm believer that it’s all about the light and the details. . . creating the atmosphere. And Marcie and Michael . . . they know their craft.

How’s that for the face of “I can’t believe this beauty is mine!”

Greg Miller officiated  a beautiful marriage service. At one point the parents of Brooke and Ryan surrounded them for a private time of prayer. They have such a sure foundation on which to begin their lives together. What love . . . what a gift.

Jennifer Pearre created the cake.

Brooke and Ryan, it was a honor to document the beginning of your union. What a perfect way to send out 2011 . . . and welcome in new possibilities.

View the gallery here . . .

Every detail was fully realized at their mid autumn sunset wedding on the grounds of historic Gramercy Mansion. Erin and Tyler planned a vintage wedding . . . 40′s retro with a funky twist. The one detail they couldn’t control was the light.   So, Erin called  me in to flesh out a bit of their photography; to do a bit of light chasing with them.  I’m  really fond of two things . . . light chasing and leading lines . . .oh,  and funkycool bridal couples . . . and nontraditional weddings with garnet rings.  Yep. Erin + Tyler, I love the way you roll:)

Facebook.

It conjures kisses and disses, but for Lauren and Robert the kisses have it. Decades after first love at 15, they reunited and reignited.  No letting it slide this time,  despite the inconvenience of those long states that separated them. They revisited their old haunts, recreated their first dates and knew very quickly. The night before the wedding she gave him a piece of ocean glass she’d been saving for her future one and only.   It was written all over them all night long. That connection that kept shouting, “There you are! . . .  I’ve waited so long for you.” Actually, DMB said it best during their last dance . . . “Eyes closed, we’re gonna spin through the stars/ Our arms wide as the sky/ We’re  gonna ride the blue all the way to the end of the world.” Best part? They are at the beginning of their world. The best place to be, IMO.

Grace . . . the gift of  your very own daughter being your very own maid of honor.

Canterbury Strings bliss.

The locket that holds the key to her past. dad and stepdad.

Sea glass love letter. Bet it’s still in his pocket.

Overhills Mansion in Catonsville, Maryland. Dusk.

Adam shifted his weight from leg to leg as he waited for Megan to descend the lobby staircase of uber modern Aloft Washington National Harbor. I knew it would be an intense moment, for I enjoyed a big taste of Megan and Adam and their intimate bond earlier this spring when we spent an afternoon traveling together through downtown Baltimore to document their love story. Have I mentioned that I lovelovelove to capture a wedding day first look?  I put on my big gun  and stand way back to let it organically unfold. Their first look marked the start of an incredible day in the heart of DC. . . .Megan and Adam surrounded by family and friends celebrating their passion for one another.

Not  allowing uncooperative weather to dampen their day, we used the stormy skies as dramatic backdrop.

Tyler and I arrived earlier in the day to scope out alternative shooting locations . . . not a hard find at all.

Betsy Robinson outfitted  Megan in  Essence of Australia perfection, complete with monogram sewn into the dress, hanging on a personalized hanger than Megan found on Etsy.

Megan, you are absolutely breathtaking on the inside and out. Your family and friends were speaking it all day, and well, every time Adam glances your way, it gets written all over his face.

Getting ready for the first look . . . have I mentioned that I LOVE it when my couples choose to share their first look soley with one another? I do.  I so do.

Yep. He came for her. And they had their moment. My favorite element of this photo is the fish head sneaker at the top of steps. . . .that woulda’ been kinda awkward.

I’m not telling the whole truth here. Yes, they were alone in the stairwell . . . but up in the balcony were her bridesmaids and their immediate families watching it all unfold. Yeah, some heckling and cheering from the peanut gallery.

Aforementioned peanut gallery, in part.

Complete peanut gallery.  Still cheering and heckling. The way it is when you have a long history with your friends.

We were able to chase down pockets on beautiful light throughout the afternoon.

Remember that look of Adam’s I told you about?? There it is.

Adam makes his promise to Megan. . .

. . . and she receives it to her very core.

National Harbor Sunset Room with incredible views overlooking the water and a huge sculpture of Poseidon reaching out of the sand was a gorgeous backdrop to the evening.

And Washington Talent’s Lance Ortega did a great job keeping the party rolling. Seriously . . . that dance floor was full the whole night. That’s the mark of a man who knows how to mix tunage well.

Adam and his fraternity brothers from Penn State sat Megan in the middle of the room and serenaded her. A heartfelt serenade. Sing Off material? This I cannot say.

You know a bride is enjoying her party when this remains untouched all evening!

Megan and Adam, my dad’s alway told me . . . “worry about the things you can change, let go of the things you can’t.” You walked that wisdom all day long. The result? Your wedding was a joy to everyone around you . . . all evening long. Thank you for allowing me to document your intimate bond, twice now. I am grateful.

They’ve got resolve. And they don’t  mess around. It presented in their determination to let go of everything unimportant and immerse in the real. For Risa,  that meant  reading her heartfelt vows to Patrick  in husky whisper, as the guests strained to catch snippets of getting lost in the desert and waking with a long morning kiss.  For Patrick that meant indulging in Junior’s desire to wander among the guests pre ceremony, exploring the open arms of cherished family and friends. And so the evening continued, abundant in its lack of pretension and formality. Just the way Risa and Patrick purposed it should be.  Elegant and stately Kentlands Mansion, nestled in the hills of historic Gaithersburg, Maryland provided perfect contrast to the easy flow of Risa and Patrick enveloped by their family and friends.

A perfect blend in so many ways.

Eddie Cobian . . . a gift of perfection for you both.

Vows.

Jessica Robinson and her team at Sardi’s of Washington, DC provided a seamless backdrop of exquisite taste for the evening with the party hosted by R.J. Walls.

Risa and Patrick, thank you for the privilege. You are beautiful together. Just perfect.

She’s sharp. Extrememly. Well spoken. Bright. Disarmingly warm. A power woman educational administrator.

He’s tall. Handsome. Man of thoughtful word and method.  Basketball coach. Tenacious.

He wanted her. Because, well, she is a total catch.

Together, they are perfection. They adore one another. I felt it in the way they spoke of one another when apart. The way they caught the other’s eye in a crowded room. And, yeah, the way they kiss. Like nobody else is in the room. no, wait . . . universe. yea, universe.  Nice.

Frederick’s stately Ceresville Mansion was a canvas of elegant class for Robyn and Stephen. Total class, start to finish.

Jessica Haute Couture. My girl Robyn knows what she wants. Love that about her.

Pave. J. Brown Jewelers style.

Gorgeous hair by Erica of Silver Immersion and makeup to die for by Monica.

Robyn . . .you and beautiful go hand in hand . . . through and through.

Stephen was so comfortable in front of the lens. So much fun to shoot.

Can you say “game face?”

Meet Pam Mensah, designer . . . the woman behind the magic. Pam’s design was breathtaking, incorporating uplighting by Chris Riddle of Beat 2 Beat DJ’s.

Amber of SweetAmbs hand painted each of these exquisite vanilla spice monogrammed cookies. The most beautiful cookies I’ve ever seen. Truly.

One of the best parts of watching Robyn + Stephen together is to see him draw her out. Robyn is every bit the elegant and refined lady. But there are snippets, when she looks into Stephen’s eyes that she let’s that sparkle shine . . . and he gets a huge smile of delight on his face every time she does. It’s trust. That’s what it is.

Robyn + Stephen . . .I love it when my clients are also my friends. So grateful.

Thanks so much for making me part of your circle. I love you guys.

It’s all there. faith. values. family. friends. passion . . . .

It was the union of two dynasties . . . Carroll County style. The Shriver family of Westminster.  The Myers family of New Windsor.  Now . . . if you’re native to our neck of the woods, you get the implications. Generations of farmers . . .  and it all happened at Justin’s family’s homestead, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Union Mills/ Shriver Family Homestead.

But theirs  was a wedding meaningful to me for another reason. Jenna is one of my colleagues. A fine photographer. An artist in her own right  . . . the girl has it all together, with an eye for graphic design, a penchant for color and the uncanny ability to bring it all together so that it’s not obvious, but sings harmony against the backdrop of her vibrant personality.

Jenna . . . seriously? You are smokin’!!

Bill Rumbaugh officiated this truly sincere and meaningful ceremony. Their last act before becoming one? To serve one another in a foot washing ritual. Beautiful.

The Myers family . . . New Windsor.

The Shriver Family . . .  Westminster.

The table arrangements . . . did I mention that Jenna is amazingly creative????

Dearest reader . . . I beg your indulgence . . .I fell in love with these rings . . . I couldn’t stop . . . please forgive. . .

ok . . . I feel better that I shared that with you:)

Barn party . . . .classic Carroll County Style . . .

My sweet Rorey . . .whose internal and external monologue had me fascinated the whole day. Priceless.

Justin and Jenna are magic together. And that kissing thing? They’ve got that down pretty well . . . just sayin.

Justin . . . she’ll keep your days full of risk and adventure . . . Jenna . . .  he’ll  be your rock and your voice of balance.  Perfection, I’d say.

American. Classic.

Justin and Jenna . . . thank you, thank you, thank you, for choosing me. I am humbled and honored. Truly.

Catering:  Westminster’s: Kountry Kafe

DJ: Jazzy Chad’s DJ Service

Floral arrangements: The Cutting Garden . . .

Couture veil and accessories by Jessica Couture Bridal of New York.

It was only a year ago they went crashing into one another. Preparing for senior year at UNC Greensboro, she had moved north for the summer. He of the T. Rowe Price corporate world, was looking for some relaxation in the magic of an eastern seaboard summer night. They met under the blanket of stars at a summer night throw down. . .  music. . . . nighttime swimming. . . . bonfire. . .  a cocktail of romance. They fell hard and fast, and when you know, you know. It just is.

Corrin and Kevin recreated the magic for all their family and friends at Holbrook Hollow Farm . . . under the stars, where it all began. No pretense. No stuffiness. No show. No shoes. Just the way my girl, CeeCee, and her man, Kevin, like to roll.

With a classic country pig roast/ country barbecue thrown by our county’s best executive chef, Patrick Peregoy . . . music by Bmore’s amazing Jim Cabral with special guest, Carl (mine!) . . . updos by Ms. Pam Hepner. . . kept on on the rails by rock star wedding coordinator/ stand up comedienne . . .Ms. Jennifer Cassell . . . all graciously hosted by Paul and Deb Wooden . . . well, the best part is that every single person felt so fully at home that the party started in full dress and ended in the pool . . . the way we country folk like to throw down.

Corrin . . . all that time we’ve spent in the gazebo . . . talking about the real parts of being married . . . I just wanna say, your man, Kevin, is in for the adventure that he’s been looking for in you:)

Drop dead, girlfriend. Drop dead.

A taste of hot sauce, southern girl style.

Bedside photo. Right there.

Incredible cupcake tower by Snickerdoodles Bakery of Hampstead, MD. The newspaper came to do a story on the cupcake tower!

Corrin and Kevin. Thank you for making me feel like a cherished part of your family. You are magic together!