In the heart of Baltimore, Erin and Athalie transformed a grand ballroom into a vision of timeless romance for their fall wedding. The space glowed with candlelight, lush white florals adorned every corner, and floating arrangements created a scene that felt almost otherworldly. From heartfelt traditions like jumping the broom to a vibrant sneaker ball that broke all the rules of convention, the day was a seamless reflection of Erin and Athalie’s love, style, and story.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Style: Timeless, romantic, sophisticated
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 200
Setting: Ballroom
Season: Fall
Erin and Athalie’s love story began during the stillness of the pandemic, where a simple Instagram interaction turned into something extraordinary. Athalie, a digital creator, and Erin, an IT professional, first connected when Athalie returned to Baltimore after a decade in Los Angeles. Their first date sparked an undeniable connection, leading Athalie to relocate to the East Coast just months later. Two years into their relationship, Athalie proposed at the top of a lighthouse in Martha’s Vineyard—a place rich with meaning for Erin and her family. Surrounded by shared memories and the warm embrace of locals who joined in their joy, the proposal was a magical moment that solidified their bond and marked the beginning of their forever.
Location & Planning
Erin and Athalie envisioned a wedding that seamlessly combined timeless elegance with personal touches, and the ballroom setting in Baltimore proved to be the perfect backdrop for their dreams. Inspired by the muted tones and refined aesthetic of Kevin Love and Kate Bock’s wedding, they aimed for a celebration filled with warmth, romance, and understated sophistication. Lush white florals, flickering candles, and a dramatic long estate table with floating arrangements created the enchanting atmosphere they had hoped for.
Bringing this vision to life was no small feat, but their planner, Love Clark Events, meticulously curated every detail. From the suspended floral installations to the perfectly placed candles, their work ensured every moment felt cohesive and unforgettable, turning the couple’s year-long planning journey into a day that exceeded all expectations.
Morning & First Look
Athalie spent his morning with his groomsmen in a warm and joyful atmosphere. He wore a white tuxedo jacket from The Black Tux, paired with tailored black trousers and a classic bow tie. Thoughtful details, including a vintage watch borrowed from his father-in-law and engraved cufflinks, added sentimental touches to his look. His groomsmen, dressed in sharp black suits, shared laughter and anticipation, adding a sense of lightheartedness to the morning.
Erin’s wedding morning was filled with a quiet excitement as she prepared in an elegant bridal suite alongside her bridesmaids. She chose a strapless satin gown by Pronovias for the ceremony, its sleek silhouette epitomizing timeless sophistication. Her hair cascaded in soft waves, and her makeup highlighted her natural beauty, creating a radiant bridal look. Holding a cascading bouquet of white orchids, Erin’s style perfectly complemented the romantic and refined atmosphere of the day. Her bridesmaids wore muted satin dresses paired with delicate baby’s breath bouquets, a subtle yet stunning nod to the wedding’s understated elegance.
Their first look took place on a stunning staircase, offering an intimate and emotional moment before the day’s celebrations began. As Erin descended, her cascading orchid bouquet and satin gown glowed in the natural light, creating a truly breathtaking scene. Following this private moment, they joined their wedding party for portraits that captured both the elegance of the day and the tangible joy among their closest friends.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in a classic chapel, a setting that perfectly complemented Erin and Athalie’s vision of timeless romance. The chapel’s high ceilings, stained-glass windows, and intricate architectural details created a serene and elegant atmosphere. The aisle was lined with lush arrangements of white flowers, primarily orchids and roses, which added a refined yet organic feel to the space. Tall white candles in sleek glass holders flanked the floral arrangements, their soft glow creating a warm and inviting ambiance. At the altar, a breathtaking installation of cascading orchids and greenery framed the couple as they exchanged vows, making the moment feel both intimate and grand.
The ceremony itself was rich with meaning and tradition, reflecting Erin and Athalie’s personal story and shared values. The bridal party entered one by one, walking the length of the aisle to ensure each attendant had their moment in the spotlight. “The ceremony’s style was a seamless mix of traditional and modern, perfectly embodying the couple’s personalities and values,” the planner Love Clark Events described.
A unity candle ceremony brought both families together, symbolizing their bond and commitment to one another. One of the most powerful moments was the couple jumping the broom, honoring African American heritage and its history of resilience. As Erin and Athalie leapt together, they felt “a profound sense of fullness, love, and anticipation for the life they were about to build,” making this a ceremony that resonated deeply with everyone present.
"After the ceremony, Erin and Athalie were overcome with gratitude and joy, feeling deeply fulfilled and ready to take on their journey as partners in life."
Decor & Setting
The reception was a breathtaking display of timeless elegance, held in a grand ballroom illuminated by a warm glow of candlelight. The long estate tables, central to the design, were adorned with cascading arrangements of baby’s breath and white roses, creating an ethereal and romantic atmosphere. Clear ghost chairs and gold-rimmed chargers added a modern touch, while delicate napkins tied with satin ribbons complemented the overall palette.
Tall glass candlesticks and votive candles added dimension and depth, bathing the room in a soft, ambient light. Orchids and roses were thoughtfully placed throughout, enhancing the luxurious yet intimate feel of the space. The planner, Love Clark Events, described the decor as “modern minimalism meeting timeless beauty,” with every detail designed to reflect Erin and Athalie’s vision for an unforgettable evening.
Reception
The reception began with a joyful transition into a night of celebration as guests gathered to enjoy an exquisite dinner. A carefully curated menu by Class Act Catering by Jim Britton delighted guests with dishes that reflected Erin and Athalie’s appreciation for flavor and presentation. The ambiance of the evening was set by soft candlelight and the sound of clinking glasses as heartfelt toasts were made by the couple’s closest friends and family.
The first dance was a truly magical moment, set to a live performance of Etta James’s iconic song At Last by Erin’s sister, who is also one of her bridesmaids. Her heartfelt rendition added an intimate and deeply emotional touch, as Erin and Athalie swayed together under the warm light of the ballroom. The room was filled with applause as the couple shared this unforgettable moment, a perfect reflection of their journey to this day.
Later in the evening, the couple gathered with their guests for the highly anticipated cake-cutting. The stunning cake by Baked in Baltimore was both a visual masterpiece and a delicious treat. Designed in elegant white tones with delicate floral details, it perfectly complemented the wedding’s aesthetic.
Erin changed into her second dress, a vintage Amsale gown with sentimental ties, adding a special touch to the moment. The laughter and joy shared during the cake-cutting were a testament to the warmth and love that surrounded the couple throughout the evening.
For the dance floor festivities, Erin made her final outfit change, donning a chic dress from Club L London paired with her Off-White x Jordan 4 sneakers, embodying her and Athalie’s love for streetwear. Guests eagerly joined in, swapping formal shoes for sneakers and turning the reception into a vibrant sneaker ball. Laughter, movement, and joy filled the room as the DJ kept the party alive late into the night. The celebration concluded with one final slow dance surrounded by loved ones and a sweet farewell, as guests received beautifully packaged cupcakes, leaving everyone with a piece of Erin and Athalie’s unforgettable day.
"The planning process was a labor of love, ensuring every detail reflected their vision. From the floating flowers to the perfectly placed candles, the day felt like a dream."
Advice from the couple:
• Take time to enjoy the process and don’t get too caught up in the details. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed but remember that the day is about celebrating your love and the people who mean the most to you.
• Whether it’s a meaningful tradition like jumping the broom, a heartfelt performance, or incorporating things you both love, like the
sneaker ball, don’t be afraid to add in what makes your relationship unique. It will make the day feel even more special.
• Surround yourself with people who understand your vision and can help bring it to life.
• And when it comes to the big day, take moments to step back and enjoy it. It goes by so fast!
PLANNER Love Clark Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Jasmine Kerbel | VIDEOGRAPHER Once Like A Spark | FLORALS Petalosdc | MUA Tia Morgan | CATERING Class Act Catering by Jim Britton | CAKE Baked in Baltimore | RENTALS Bluxe Event Rentals, Da Vinci Florist | PHOTOBOOTH J Bleu Rentals | DJ Karl Hunt | DRAPING DJ Max Powers
