Jen and DJ wanted a no-fuss, stress free Baltimore wedding that fit their personalities and allowed their dogs to be a big part. And guess what? That’s exactly what they got! With tPoz Photography there to capture it all, the fun-loving duo wed in Canton Square in a ceremony officiated by a good friend, who also happens to own a favorite bar of theirs (which they made a pit stop at!). Their vows were based on Elvis songs, their cake topper was inspired by the Day of the Dead and they enjoyed a simple dinner with family and cocktail reception with friends to celebrate. They are the perfect example of not letting any traditions or norms getting in the way of doing what they love on their wedding day and we love that!

From Jen: Our wedding was fun, casual and low stress! We initially wanted to have a destination wedding, but because my fiance had military orders pending, we knew we couldn’t plan anything too far out into the future. So, we decided we’d have a fun, intimate ceremony at or near our home and then go on a fabulous honeymoon when he completed his training deployment. We didn’t worry about colors and such, we just looked for items that made us happy and fit with our personality. I found an inexpensive, fun dress that I loved (and fit right off the rack), we ordered a small but delicious cake, asked a friend to perform the ceremony and it all just fell into place.

I do a lot of work with pit bull rescue and advocacy, so we really hoped that our dogs could be a part of our day. We eventually decided to just get married in the public square near our home, “Canton Square” – since there was no need for “seating” or decor, we didn’t need to worry about rentals etc. Both pups were there, in bow tie and white “girly” collar.

Our wedding vows, written by a friend, were all based on Elvis song lyrics, we were laughing so hard that there was no time for stress or nerves!

We decided to have a small reception/cocktail party at our home, but because we have limited space we opted for a small family dinner at a local restaurant on Friday evening, after our ceremony and then a party at our house on Saturday night for our friends.

I LOVE our custom made “day of the dead” wedding cake topper, with bride, groom and representations of our two pit bulls!

Jen’s advice to other DC-area couples:

We really just looked for things that fit with who we are – the local restaurant that a friend owns, where we got engaged, was where we had our wedding dinner. The friend who married us owns our favorite bar in the Canton Square area. We’re both pretty laid back and casual and our ceremony fit our personality well. Find things that you love, but don’t get caught up on tradition – make the day yours. Find a few special things that mean something to your and your spouse and focus on those.

The following Washington, DC area wedding vendors contributed to Jen and DJ’s wedding:

Family Dinner Venue: Annabellee Tavern
Cocktail Party Catering (Following Day): The Dogwood
Photography: tPoz Photography
Floral Design: O’Donnell Florist, 410-732-0020
Cake Topper: Tamra Kohl
Wedding cake from SugarBakers
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Hair: Padma Salon
Makeup: Kiss N’ Make-up

Don’t forget to visit our vendor guide for more fabulous Washington, DC area wedding professionals or our real wedding gallery for more beautiful Washington, DC area weddings!

Photo Credits: tPoz Photography

Submitted via Two Bright Lights