Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Wedding

The Magic of a Winter Wedding in Downtown Baltimore

Ellen and Shane’s February wedding was one of those days that just felt special from beginning to end. They started with a ceremony at Ellen’s family chapel and ended the night celebrating at Baltimore’s Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. It was elegant, meaningful, and filled with those little touches that made it completely theirs.

A Family Chapel Ceremony Full of Meaning

The chapel where they said “I do” is the same one Ellen’s grandparents were married in, which made it feel extra magical. We even took the time to recreate some of their wedding portraits outside the very same doors, it gave me chills watching history come full circle. Later in the day, Ellen slipped on her grandmother’s fur coat when the air turned cold, which was such a chic nod to the past. She also had pieces of both grandmothers’ and her mom’s dresses sewn into her gown, and her bouquet was wrapped with fabric from her grandfathers’ handkerchiefs. I adored how she carried her family with her throughout the day in these quiet but powerful ways.

Baltimore’s Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Reception

The reception at Renaissance Harborplace Hotel brought in their Polish traditions, which added so much personality. Guests experienced the wine and bread blessing, the veil and hat removal, and the small dance, all surrounded by candlelight, music, and joy. One of my favorite details was their seating chart: a grand piano covered in stacked chocolate boxes, each holding a guest’s name and table number. It was such a creative mix of formality and fun.

Elegant Winter Wedding Style

From start to finish, Ellen and Shane wanted their wedding to feel classic and refined, inspired by the generations before them. Their palette of black, misty grey, and gold was timeless, and they looked incredible – Ellen with her sleek bun and elegant gown, Shane in his black tux, and their bridal party glowing in soft grey. For entertainment, they surprised everyone with an electric violin and saxophone that turned cocktail hour into a full-on vibe. And later in the night, guests recorded sweet (and funny) messages on a vintage gossip bench guest book while dancing to RhythMix Entertainment’s playlist.

Why I Loved Photographing Ellen & Shane’s Day

As a Baltimore wedding photographer, this was such a joy to capture. I loved being a part of their story, the quiet, sentimental moments outside the chapel, and then the big, lively party overlooking the harbor. Ellen and Shane are the kind of couple who make you feel lucky to do this job, and their day is one I’ll never forget.

If you’re planning your own Renaissance Harborplace Hotel wedding, I’d love to connect. As a Baltimore wedding photographer, I focus on capturing both the striking portraits and the candid moments that make your day feel effortless and true to you.