Church & Company Wedding in Baltimore: Matthew + Michelle

Mantas Kubilinskas

Jan 5, 2019

3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Couple pouring champagne into a tower of glasses at the reception

Documentary Wedding Photographer Every time I meet a new couple I‘m always interested in their story as it‘s each time unique and inspiring. This full of joy couple – Matthew and Michelle – met at a college party and Matt (according to Michelle) was the party animal that no one could take their eyes off. The couple still has the pictures from that night of Michelle holding her stomach from laughing so hard because of him.

Black-and-white photograph of a man in a white shirt and dark vest descending a narrow indoor staircase beside a worn cabinet.

As the couple remembers Facebook was only 3 years old back then. It was an easy way to connect and of course, also check out pictures from the latest party.

Black-and-white low-angle photograph of a large dog with a smaller dog between its legs and men standing in a kitchen behind them.

Michelle said that she finds it so interesting that there is a picture which they have from that party that says: „IT‘S OFFICIAL...I love Lambie“ (Lambie is Matthew's surname). Even though they had hardly known each other for just 24 hours. As the bride later on said – she didn't think she believed in love at first sight until she saw that comment 5 years into their relationship. Kind of a magical story, right? As they both agree – their favorite thing to do together is a laugh! Whether it's in the good times or the bad, these two always find a way to make each other crack up. The couple agrees that they have rather different personalities, as Michelle is very free-spirited and bold, while Matt is quieter and reserved. This surface level dichotomy actually brings them both together as their personalities according to them balance them out. As a couple, they are goofy, weird, athletic, loving and overall grounded. Although many see them as total opposites as people say opposites attract. And this is the case!

Black-and-white photograph of a dog wearing a polka-dot bow tie yawning on a carpet beside stuffed toys.

I was really joyful to take the pictures of their wedding day which was a huge double occasion as it also was a New Year’s Eve!

Black-and-white mirror reflection of a laughing woman in a white robe having her hair curled by another woman.

A wedding story that began with a laugh

Matthew and Michelle's story began at a college party, where his sense of humor made an impression that outlasted the evening. That detail matters to me more than a checklist of formal poses. When a couple has known each other through different stages of life, their wedding photographs should hold a little of that history, even if nobody seeing the gallery knows the backstory.

At a venue such as Church & Company in Baltimore, I want to make room for the architecture and the gathering without losing the small exchanges that make the photographs personal. A wider frame can show the ceremony space; a close one might show two friends recognizing a familiar joke. Both belong in a complete story. I would rather follow a real reaction than interrupt it to arrange everyone more neatly.

When planning photography in an event space, ask where getting ready, the ceremony and the reception will happen, and whether the available light changes between them. Confirm the spaces included in your booking and where formal family portraits can happen without blocking guests. A workable plan gives us time for a few directed portraits and then lets the celebration unfold.

My work is a pleasure and I’m always happy to help, just name the location and time and I’ll be there! Please contact me if you want to get a photo session for any occasion of yours. It can be taken in any place of the world, believe me, I will be glad to help you all the ways that I can! Church & Company Baltimore Church and Co. rent the sanctuary out for weddings, large gatherings, and music performances. This place is in Baltimore.

Black-and-white photograph of a laughing woman in a white robe holding a striped coat in an indoor doorway.

Explore more wedding photography by Mantas Kubilinskas.

Black-and-white photograph of a barefoot child in pajamas reaching toward white flower bouquets held by an adult.

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Holiday lights outline brick row houses beneath a blue sky, with parked cars and two people standing in a doorway.

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Black-and-white photograph of a woman in a beaded white dress and a man in a suit raising party horns beneath 2018 balloons.

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Two laughing women in navy and burgundy dresses stand together, one holding a phone and microphone.

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Black sneakers with Air lettering beneath a beaded white dress stand among heeled shoes on a wooden floor scattered with confetti.

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Black-and-white photograph of two women in party hats taking a phone selfie beneath 2018 balloons.

Black-and-white photograph of a woman in a sequined dress extending a tasseled party horn toward the camera.

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Black-and-white photograph of three women beside a white wall, with New Year headbands, phones and drinks.

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Black-and-white photograph of people raising coupe glasses around a woman in a beaded white dress beneath 2018 balloons.

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A man in a pale green shirt and bow tie faces a woman in green lace as both blow extended paper party horns.

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Black-and-white photograph of a child in a white shirt resting against an adult's shoulder beneath 2018 balloons.

Three women stand together in party hats and headbands, with one holding a bitten pastry and another wearing glasses and a red lace dress.

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Black-and-white photograph of a woman in a lace-patterned dress leaning forward and gesturing with both hands among other guests.

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