One Couple's Elegant Wedding in Baltimore, Maryland

Maurice and Kelly Reid first met through work. "I had been in the healthcare field my entire adult life and had never met such a brilliant, dedicated physician who truly cared about his patients, their families, and their outcome," says Kelly. "Maurice is so kind, compassionate, and genuine. It was so easy to fall in love with him."

While visiting the National Harbor in September 2016, the couple rode a ferris wheel overlooking Washington, D.C., and Maurice took the opportunity to propose to a shocked and elated Kelly. Naturally, she responded with a resounding "yes!"

On September 16, 2017, the couple traveled from their hometown of Harford County, Maryland, to wed at the Four Seasons Baltimore with 275 loved ones. The rooftop ceremony was followed by an elegant reception with draped linens, beautiful chandeliers, and a white-and-cream color palette. "Our wedding day was absolutely everything we could have hoped and dreamed of—flawless, beautiful, and filled with passion and love!" says Kelly.

The Stationery Suite

Just Ink on Paper designed the stationery suite with white and silver elements, which hinted at the wedding's color palette. Pearl, rhinestone, and satin ribbon details were the finishing touches.

The Venue

Kelly and Maurice wed at the Four Seasons Baltimore, which offers incredible view of the city's downtown area and the Inner Harbor. "The view at our ceremony was the unforgettable backdrop of Baltimore—absolutely breathtaking!" says the bride.

Elegant Attire

Maurice wore a custom-made tuxedo from Christopher Schafer Clothier. "He has always had an amazing sense of style and he truly had the chance to express himself by designing such a sharp, handsome look for our day," says Kelly.

The bride-to-be spotted her form-fitting white Galia Lahav wedding dress with cut-out shapes and beaded details while flipping through a magazine. Knowing she wanted to marry Maurice wearing this specific gown, she tracked it down and shipped it to her house. "As soon as I put my dress on, I knew it was meant to be!" she says.

The Details

Since Kelly's wedding dress had so many great details, she decided to forgo a traditional veil. Instead, she wore a partial up-do that cascaded down her shoulder and really showed off the back of the dress. "I also had a silver floral hair piece that provided an eye-catching detail at the crown of my hair," she adds.

The Bouquet

Victoria Clausen Floral Events created Kelly's bouquet with white calla lilies. A silver brooch tied the flowers together.

The Rings

To surprise his wife-to-be, Maurice designed an emerald-cut diamond engagement ring with Radcliffe Jewelers. "Maurice has amazing taste, and as soon as I saw my ring, I completely lost it. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry I had ever seen," says Kelly. The couple opted for classic, elegant wedding bands that would "stand the test of time."

The Wedding Party

The wedding party consisted of the pair's children, siblings, and best friends. "We had so much fun getting ready with our respective parties," says Kelly. "Maurice and the boys got ready together while the girls [in Vera Wang] and I got all prettied up over mimosas and laughter."

The First Look

Kelly and Maurice did their first look near the harbor, followed by portraits with Audra Wrisley Photography around the hotel's property.

The Ceremony Site

The ceremony took place on an outdoor terrace at the hotel. Guests sat in rows of chiavari chairs and white flower petals and candles in glass vases decorated the aisle. Arrangements of white roses, hydrangeas, and orchids by Victoria Clausen Floral Events also adorned the space.

The Processional

Kelly's son, Brandon, walked her down the aisle. "It was an extremely emotional and special moment to share with him. He has grown into a strong, kind, and loving man. I will always cherish that walk I took with him," says Kelly.

The Ceremony

Reverend Bill Teyssier officiated Kelly and Maurice's wedding ceremony as the sun began to set over Baltimore. "Although our entire wedding was special and beautiful, our ceremony was the most important part for us both," says Kelly. "We were standing before those we loved most in our lives, expressing our complete and unconditional love and dedication to one another. Knowing that we were speaking our vows before God and those whom mean the most to us was by far the most powerful moment."

The Recessional

"At Last" by Etta James played during the recessional. "It was both joyful and surreal. I had waited my entire life for this man, and at last, he was mine and I was his," says Kelly.

After the ceremony, guests attended cocktail hour inside the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies provided sunset views over Baltimore. The Four Seasons catered a martini bar, passed hors d' oeuvres (lobster BLTs, crispy pancetta, lamb chops, and Ahi tuna poke), and a Chesapeake Bay seafood bar (oysters, shrimp cocktail, snow crab claws, and various sauces).

The Escort Cards

The escort cards were arranged on a large white canvas, along with the couple's new monogram and an elaborate floral arrangement.

The Reception

The reception took place in the grand ballroom of the Four Seasons Baltimore. The couple chose a color palette of soft cream and white with silver accents. "We wanted to transform the ballroom into a classic, elegant, and pure space where everyone could feel light," says Kelly. White linens from Chair Covers & Linens draped from the walls and ceilings, while chandeliers provided a soft glow. Kelly and Maurice also added their new monogram onto the round dance floor; the shape served as a symbol of the couple's love for their family and each other.

The Sweetheart Table

According to Kelly, "Throughout the initial planning process, Maurice and I both wanted to throw a reception that was a true party for all of those who shared in and supported our love and happiness. We wanted great food, upbeat music, delicious drinks, and fantastic company! We also wanted a very classic, beautiful wedding that we would look back on and always remember the pure beauty that it was." To take everything in, the newlyweds sat at a sweetheart table with a mirrored top decorated with an eye-catching flower display by Victoria Clausen Floral Events.

Sit Back and Relax

The lounge area contained a bar and white velvet sofas from White Glove Rentals. Guests took breaks from dancing in the elegant space.

A Unique Guest Book

Instead of a traditional guest book, family members and friends wrote advice for the couple and put it inside a piñata. The newlyweds plan to break open the piñata on their first anniversary. "It was such a new, fun way to keep our guests entertained and involved not only in our wedding day, but in our marriage as well," says the bride.

The Treats

Cake by Jason baked a black bottom cake, which was displayed on top of a mirror flanked by four floral arrangements. The couple also served a red velvet cheesecake fruit tart.

The First Dance

The newlyweds danced to "For You" by Kenny Lattimore. "In those moments, in the arms of my husband, the whole world slipped away. It was as if it were just he and I, alone on the dance floor together and forever. I will always remember and cherish those precious first few moments with my husband," says Kelly.

Dancing Through the Night

As the night wound down, Kelly and Maurice danced with other special people in their lives: Kelly shared a dance with her children to "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, while Maurice and his mother swayed to "Mama" by Boyz II Men. "All of the beauty, the lights, the glam, the laughter and the tears—it was all so perfect," says Kelly. "Nothing, though, could be as perfect as leaving at the end of the night with my husband!! At the end of the day, no matter how great the wedding was, there was nothing more beautiful than my husband's hand in mine as we walked away Dr. and Mrs. Maurice Reid!"

After the wedding, the newlyweds embarked on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise, and they visited Spain, France, Italy, and Greece during the first days of married life together.

Sources

Photography, Audra Wrisley Photography

Location and Catering, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

Event planning and design, Elle Ellinghaus Designs

Flowers, Victoria Clausen Floral Events

Videography, Shutter and Sound

Officiant, Reverend Bill Teyssier

Stationery, Just Ink on Paper

Cake, Cake by Jason

Music, Encore

Rentals, Chair Covers & Linens (linens and chair draping); Select Event Group (chairs, tables, and tabletop); White Glove Rentals (lounge furniture)

Bride's dress, Galia Lahav

Hair, About Faces Day Spa & Salon

Makeup, Tymia Yvette

Bridesmaids' dresses, Vera Wang

Groom's tuxedo, Christopher Schafer Clothier

Lighting, Draping, and Bars, Eventpro