Paris and David love visiting museums together, making it a special part of every trip they take. So, it only made sense for them to get married in one. Initially, their vision changed quite a bit, but over time, it transformed into an elegant and timeless affair inspired by Old Hollywood. The bride’s dress and David’s choice to wear a tux played key roles in this vision. With a refined color palette, tasteful decor, and chic fashion, their Baltimore Museum of Art wedding was everything they dreamed of.

The beautiful museum influenced their design choices, so they kept things simple to let its charm shine through. For their ceremony at the Fox Court–an exquisite neoclassical room with a soaring coffered ceiling and elegant Ionic columns–they only needed dark Tiffany chairs and aisle florals. The same room was transformed for the reception, with tables filled with lush low centerpieces and candles, creating a cozy atmosphere for intimate conversations and a great time with their loved ones.

The couple carefully chose every element of their celebration, creating an unforgettable event. Keep scrolling to see how beautifully Rachel Stenger captured each curated detail and emotional moment, leaving us inspired by this stunning celebration.

The Couple:

Paris and David

The Wedding:

Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland, United States

A 1960s-Inspired Wedding Dress and a Modern Twist

I’m an outlier when I say I had no idea what wedding dress style I wanted when we got engaged. I didn’t have a Pinterest board or any photos of dresses I liked saved on my phone. This was because, genuinely, I’m not too fond of most wedding dresses on the market. But when I stumbled across Danielle Frankel, I knew immediately that I had found my designer. Her dresses were undeniably cool, elegant, and unique without being too avant-garde. The dress I chose, the Noa, felt like something out of a 1960s black and white film, which, unbeknownst to me then, was exactly what I was looking for. My second look was a no-brainer; I had my mother’s wedding dress from 1977 tailored into a modern mini. I also knew that I wanted to wear my shoes all night long, so I opted for the always-elegant Prada leather slingback pumps with a shorter heel height.

Twiggy-Inspired Eye Design for a Unique Bridal Look

I wanted my hair and makeup to reflect the style of the dresses, something a bit unusual without being distracting. I sent my artist, Eva Varfolomeeva, a few inspirational photos, and she came up with the perfect eye design, something reminiscent of Twiggy from the 1960s.

The Design Evolution of Their Baltimore Museum of Art Wedding

Our vision for our wedding changed quite a bit throughout the wedding planning process. When we first started planning, I envisioned a much darker, autumn-focused color palette. But as the months went on, my vision shifted to something a bit more elegant and timeless, in the style of Old Hollywood. My dress was one of the inspirations for that vision, as was David’s decision to wear a tux. The venue itself also influenced our design choices—the museum is so beautiful on its own that we didn’t feel the need to add much to it. We also wanted the design elements we chose to complement the venue’s color palette and style, so we opted for subtler and more refined colors and textures. For example, the large floral urns on either side of the altar were painted with beige stone to match the large Ionic columns that flank Fox Court.

A Memorable First Look and Private Walk Through the Galleries

There were a few “most memorable” moments for us. One was the first look on the front steps of the museum. As I was walking down the steps towards David, I could see that he was wiping away tears already, well before he turned around. David often talks about the sound of my heels on the steps behind him as something he’ll never forget. We also lucked out with beautiful weather for mid-April and sunny skies in the mid-60s, for which we were so grateful. Another memorable moment was when David and I snuck away towards the end of the night to walk through some of the museum galleries on our own. It was just us and the security guard, who was busy dancing by himself to the music from our live band playing in the other room. It was so nice to have a few minutes together and reflect on this huge moment in our lives.

Making Their Baltimore Museum of Art Wedding Planning Easier with a Professional

Our biggest piece of advice would be to hire a planner. Working with our planner, Julie Partridge, was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. She made the process so much more manageable for both of us, especially since we were planning our wedding from another state. We also suggest making date nights out of your more arduous decision-making sessions. If we had a long list of decisions, we’d grab a drink at our favorite local bar and check things off the list.

The Benefits of an Intimate Wedding Celebration

We were proud of so many aspects of our wedding, but one in particular was that we got to spend time with every single one of our guests. It was so important to us that our wedding be small enough for us to celebrate with our closest family and friends, and with only 75 guests, we could do that. Having a small wedding allowed us to focus on what matters most to us: excellent food, high-quality drinks, and beautiful flowers. For example, we found champagne at our local wine store in Brooklyn that we loved, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs, so we shipped in a case from France.

A Love for Museums Led to the Perfect Wedding Venue

One of our favorite things to do as a couple is visit museums. In every city and new country we visit, we always make time for a museum trip, so it felt fitting for us to get married in one. We also wanted our wedding to feel effortlessly elegant, and the Baltimore Museum of Art was just that. It didn’t require excessive decoration or adornment. It was beautiful, just as it was.

Personalized Wedding Gifts With a Touch of History at Their Baltimore Museum of Art Wedding

My gift to David was a pair of cufflinks to wear on the wedding day. I wanted something that reflected both our appreciation for antique jewelry and our venue. I was also looking for a set from the same era as my engagement ring (late 19th century). I chose a pair of late 19th-century gold cufflinks with gray hematite intaglios of Trojan knights, which came from an estate sale linked to the royal family; they felt like pieces we might see wandering around a museum exhibit. David spent much time looking for his perfect wedding watch in the months leading up to the wedding. He ultimately landed on a vintage Cartier Tank from the 1970s. On the day of our rehearsal dinner, David surprised me with my own Cartier Tank from 1991, David’s birth year.

Congratulations to Paris and David on their unbelievably elegant and intimate Baltimore Museum of Art wedding. A heartfelt thank you to Rachel Stenger for beautifully capturing every moment of their special day, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing the right venue for your wedding sets the stage for an unforgettable day. It’s more than just a backdrop; it shapes the atmosphere and ambiance, reflecting your style and personality. Whether you envision a rustic barn, a serene beach, or a historic museum, the venue is pivotal in creating lasting memories. Take your time, explore your options, and let our guide help you find a place that resonates with your vision—a decision that will make your wedding day truly magical.