Classic Elegance: Beautiful Ballroom Wedding in Baltimore

Ashlee and Ryan first met as children in middle school, where Ashlee was Ryan’s school-yard crush. In adulthood, Ashlee and Ryan would come to realize they had found “the one” within each other when feeling inspired and encouraged by their relationship to continuously reach new goals in life. It was during a family brunch, celebrating their graduation from University, when Ryan decided to make their relationship forever – asking Ashlee, during a toast, to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife…

Read all about Ashlee & Ryan in their beautiful ballroom wedding in Baltimore – captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Chip Dizard Weddings, with photography assistance by MunaLuchi Coterie members Trene Forbes, and Enhance Moments Photography, and featuring planning by MunaLuchi Coterie member Plan Accordingly Events.

Bride & Groom: Ashlee & Ryan
Occupations: Management/Program Analyst & Supervisory Security Specialist
Wedding Date: January 18, 2019
Wedding Location: Baltimore, MD

How did you meet? We met as children, at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School. I was Ryan’s middle school crush…but i don’t remember him!

Tell us about the proposal. After graduation we we decided to have a holiday brunch for our families. We affectionately named it “Boozy Brunch.” We planned everything, with the help of a few friends, we (meaning “I”) pulled it off. However, being tired before the event, I opted to forgo my makeup and nail appointment that day. My best friend, the only one in the world that knew what was happening, cringed and forced me to do my make-up. I laugh about this now because I had no idea – marriage was the furthest thing from my mind. But as we were wrapping up, Ryan proposed while giving the toast. Once the shock wore off I finally said yes!

How did you know they were “the one”? When you are inspired and encouraged by your significant other to reach your goals…

Describe your wedding attire. I would describe our attire much like I would our personalities; my dress was simple and elegant, and his tux was subtle-wow.

How was your dress shopping experience? My dress shopping experience was amazing. I didn’t take my large bridal party. Just my mom and I on a whim stopped in and I tried on three dresses. The second one was it! I walked out of the store with it that same day.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We didn’t include large significant cultural traditions in our ceremony, such as jumping the broom. However, Ryan and I both graduated from HBCUs. So I would have to say, our experiences were adequately represented in our decor and musical selection. I even remember telling the DJ, no worries, but turn up – I want everyone to feel like they are on the yard! That is exactly what we had – a wedding to remember!

Wedding party gifts: Groomsman Herschel toiletry bags. Bridesmaid: robes and 30 min mini spa dates at message envy.
Favorite item on the menu: Lamp chops and crab cakes.
First dance song: “Why I Love You” by MAJOR.

What are your favorite memories from the wedding? Being able to see all of our family from out of town!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Hire a planner! Do not do it all on your own. It’s not worth it. Just enjoy the day.

Vendors:
Planner: Plan Accordingly Events
Photography: Chip Dizard Weddings
Second Shooters: Trene Forbes, Enhance Moments Photography
Photo Assistant: Chiara Law
Videography: Gifted Films
Venue: The Grand Baltimore
Make Up: Faces by Cree
Hair: R. Chanel Styles
Decor Rentals & Sweetheart Table, Florals Arrangements: Inner Circle Decor
Throne Chair Rentals: Decor Up
Floral Arrangements, Bouquets, Corsages, & Boutonnieres: Scentsational Florals
Flower Wall Backdrops: DNicole Settings
Lighting & Smoke Cloud: Lights by Blue
DJ: Prince of Peds
Violinist: Marvillous Beats
Desserts: MoniStar Pastry
Cake: Artistic Desserts