angela + ethan | CINNABAR HILLS GOLF CLUB WEDDING

Ethan was in his second year of his residency at the University of Maryland. Angela was just starting her third year of medical school. They met when Angela’s surgical rotation took her through the ophthomology department – specifically, Ethan’s department. The two were paired together in many mentoring sessions. To Ethan, Angela was a bright and curious student. To Angela, Ethan was a great teacher and physician, and their relationship was strictly professional. It wasn’t until a couple weeks after Angela’s rotation ended that they both happened to be out at the same bar in Baltimore on a Saturday night. With plenty of liquid courage, Angela approached Ethan and asked him out! After verifying that Angela had no interest in pursuing ophtho as a career, Ethan agreed and suggested a Thai restaurant for their first date. Two nights later, they started dating and never stopped.

Angela and Ethan were married almost a year when they decided to celebrate their marriage in front of friends and family. Rather than trying to make their “wedding day” the perfect visual celebration, these two decided to elope at a small courthouse and then focus on recognizing all the friends and loved ones involved in leading them to one another. People came from all over the globe. The bride wore the palest blush gown. Her groom spun her around and around and they made toasts to every single guest in attendance. And in their selfless, loving gestures.. this became one of my favorite weddings of all time. Hope you all enjoy the photos!

: Angela crafted her own “double happiness” cake topper! Each character on its own means “joy”, but together, they are the traditional Chinese symbol of marriage. To me, this character has always looked like two twin people wearing matching hats – which I guess is a pretty good metaphor for marriage 🙂

: Angela and Ethan’s “first look” was such a joyful moment that her mom (and maids!) couldn’t help but sneak in to watch the action. I absolutely loved how much extra time we were able to take for couple and bridal party portraits before the ceremony!

: Angela and Ethan’s ceremony was full of personal and unique moments that paid tribute to their respective backgrounds. Their ceremony was jointly officiated by Angela’s cousin Daniel and Ethan’s cousin Maggie, who actually did not meet each other until the day of the wedding! Despite this, Daniel and Maggie conducted an absolutely beautiful ceremony, blended with different traditions and faiths that reflected Angela and Ethan’s relationship perfectly.

: In recognition of Ethan’s half-Jewish heritage, the couple included a glass breaking portion at the end of their ceremony. Angela later slipped into a traditional Chinese red qipao dress during the reception!