Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue/Federal Hill

Spin with the Bride and Groom

Baltimore Museum of Industry

The Wedding

Ceremony

Reception

Cover photo by Alyssa - H'ART.SPEAX Photography. @hartspeax

Our Wedding

Liz’s Side:We met on February 24, 2018, through the dating app Bumble. Decided to go out on a date later that evening, Jimmy being the gentleman he is let me pick the time and place, so I picked my favorite sushi restaurant-Matsuri at 7:00 pm. We sat upstairs, in the quiet area and it was an enjoyable evening and he paid! He wouldn’t even let me split it with him. After dinner we went back to his place to play darts and meet his roommates. I was winning at darts and only had to hit the bullseye (in darts you have to finish with a bullseye), so Jimmy said let's make a bet; if I catch up and hit the bullseye, then you have to give me a kiss on the cheek, me being overconfident in winning I agreed to the terms especially since I had already hit the bullseye several times. Well, he caught up and won, so after that he walked me home, and we went out on date every day since then. On April 22, 2022 (Earth Day), Jimmy decided to come home early from the office to work from home. After lunch, he decided to go outside for a walk with me to get coffee, when we came back, he decided he was finished working, and then started measuring our whole (including me on the couch). Now, to a normal person this would be an odd thing to do, however, Jimmy is an Architectural Engineer, so it is not uncommon for him to start measuring things and make designs. But then, he continued this and moved on to the electricity and decided he was going to re-wire the whole living room, which would have interrupted my Netflix and chill (on my day off), so I used logic and reason to convince him that this would be a terrible idea. So instead, he just decided to figure out where all the electrical lines in the living room are and where these random light switches in our living room go to, which apparently, they are just dead, the electricity stops before it even gets to the light switch. Jimmy measured and designed this for 4 hours, and yes even for an Architectural Engineer this is odd to design schematics for 4 hours just of your living room. So, I asked him if everything was, okay? And he said yes and then asked if I wanted to get sushi at Matsuri tonight, I said sure do I need to change out of my work-out clothes and should I get my nails done? He said no and had no indication of a ring box in his pocket (he was wearing a tee-shirt and jeans, so I would have seen a ring box), honestly, I thought he was breaking up with me, so I was trying to figure out what I did wrong. About two hours later we headed to Matsuri, and he’s asking me about all these dates and stuff we did in the past (basically he was walking me down memory lane). Then, we got to the restaurant, and he had a reservation upstairs, like when we first met. Then, he was telling me how I am his best friend, and he can’t imagine living without me, dropped down on knee and said will you marry me? Of course, I said yes! Now here we are planning our forever! Jimmy's Side:Coming soon!

Our Story

2 weeks in Italy!

Departure from Maryland

Arrive in Venice!

Welcome to Italy!Upon our arrival to Marco Polo Airport in Venice, Jimmy and I will meet our private English speaking assistant and transfer us to Venice hotel by water taxi boat.

About the HotelIl Palazzo Experimental is a crossroads for visitors and locals. The Palazzo is near to such cultural attractions as the Guggenheim Collection and the Galleria dell’Accademia, but slightly off the main tourist path, with a secret back garden that lets out onto a quiet canal served by the hotel’s own pontoon. The restaurant serves sustainable and locally sourced Venetian fare, and is a fixture on the nightlife scene for locals and travelers alike.About the Location20 minutes walking distance to St. Mark's Square20 minutes walking distance to Rialto's Bridge15 minutes walking distance to P.le Roma/S. Lucia Train station

Must See and Do in Venice! Rialto Bridge &amp; St. Mark’s Basilica, Explore Murano and the Canals St. Mark’s Basilica- This beautiful church is also known as “the Golden Basilica” due to its stunning mosaics. On the way to the Basilica, we'll walk on the iconic Rialto Bridge: a stone arch bridge crossing over the narrowest point of the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. Built in the closing years of the 16th century, it is renowned as an architectural and engineering achievement. Lunch at leisure and we'll enjoy Venice on our own this afternoon, walking along the streets and shops of this city. We may also consider discovering the Frari Basilica and San Polo district, reaching Murano island known for its superlative glass artisans or strolling through the picturesque Burano island. We may consider doing a romantic gondola ride through the canals in the late afternoon or early evening.&nbsp;Then head on to a romantic canal-side dinner.&nbsp;

Hidden Gems of Venice -Cantina Do Mori-The Grand Canal is lined with a varying mixture of expensive, tourist-targeting places to eat. But there is a glimpse some local life, so we may stop in. This traditional Venetian haunt has such a local feel that it doesn’t even have tables. Food and drinks are served at the long wooden bar. Said to have been around since the 1400s, locals claim that years ago the charismatic Lothario Casanova used to frequent the bar with his friends. They offer light food or cicchetti, which ranges from tramezzini – crustless sandwiches stuffed with cured meats and cheeses – to lightly fried artichoke hearts. Wash these down with the local sweet, fizzy red wine, which is surprisingly refreshing on a hot day. -San Francesco della Vigna-Due to its position at the eastern end of the city beyond the old dockyards, this church is often empty even in the height of the busy season. Started by Italian sculptor and architect Sansovino in 1534 at the behest of Doge Andrea Gritti, the facade was completed by Palladio in 1572. The Renaissance interior is large and airy, and houses some exquisite frescoes such as the Madonna and Child Enthroned by Antonio da Negroponte. Here, a regal, delicate-faced Mary poses in a rose bower flanked by orange trees; her eyes look down to the naked baby Jesus, who she balances precariously on her knee. -Dorsoduro Area-One of the six sestiere, or districts of Venice, Dorsoduro is less crowded than most. With the recent opening of new luxury hotels it will no doubt rise in popularity. Crossing over the Ponte dell’Academia you come across some charming independent boutiques along Piscina Former. The waterside Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the best cultural attractions in Venice. The museum focuses on modern European and American art. The nearby Gallerie dell’Accademia boasts an important collection of 19th century art spread over 3 buildings. There are several interesting churches in Dorsoduro, including the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and San Sebastiano. The latter has some impressive floor length paintings by Paolo Veronese, f you fancy a gelato, head to Nico at Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo, on the waterfront for a chocolate hazelnut Gianduiotto.One of the nicknames of Venice is the City of Masks. Popular during Venice Carnival, the papier maché masks enabled the wearer to hide their social status and identity. This 800 year old tradition is alive and well in Venice today. Find the secret Venice mask shop,&nbsp;Ca’Macana, famous for having created the masks for the Stanley Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut. Theaters such as the Vienna Opera House also use their masks regularly.

Off to Florence

We'll check in at Riva Lofts Florence About the HotelRiva Lofts is a jewel set on the left bank of the Arno, a short distance from the Renaissance center of Florence. A complex with a centuries-old history, a former factory since 1880, then transformed into craft workshops and, in 1999, into the home-studio of the architect Claudio Nardi.&nbsp; Thanks to its slightly secluded position, it gives its guests the opportunity to relax in an intimate but not isolated place and to appreciate its authentic atmosphere in peace, away from the daily hustle and bustle. Riva Lofts is an urban refuge where you can indulge in every little pleasure: in summer you can lie down in the sun by the pool; in winter you can sit in front of the fireplace in the stone-walled lounge. Or you can take one of the vintage bicycles and, crossing the Arno, breathe the air of the large Cascine park or get lost among the buildings of the historic centre. About the LocationLocated on the south bank of the Arno in Isolotto, a suburb west of the city centre, Riva Lofts is a collection of early-20th-century stone buildings – once artisan workshops – that have been converted into an urban retreat by local architect Claudio Nardi. It's a 20 minute taxi-ride from Piazza della Signoria, but you can use one of the vintage hotel bikes to get in and out of town via a riverside path. A quick 10 minute walk gets you to the buzzy Oltrarno neighborhood, with its multiple eating, drinking and shopping choices. The new tramline, which runs to the station takes five minutes to city center and there’s a stop two minutes’ walk from the hotel.

Cradle of Renaissance This morning&nbsp;we'll begin a Jimmy-guided walking tour of the city including the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Signoria, the Cathedral Complex and the Accademia Gallery, admiring&nbsp;Michelangelo' s David masterpiece.&nbsp; Balance of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own or we'll relax by the hotel pool.&nbsp;

Hidden Gems of Florence We'll spend the day exploring unique areas of Florence by bike. -The Oltrarno District- Borgo San Jacopo-&nbsp;We'll be exploring like a local! Then, we'll head to Oltrarno on the other side of the Arno River, the less-crowded and coolest neighborhood of Florence. Here, on Borgo San Jacopo, a secret street near Ponte Vecchio, where we'll admire beautiful palaces including towers and take in spectacular views over the old bridge and river. Via dei Serragli-&nbsp;Ready set shop!&nbsp;Clothing at&nbsp;Frame, leather goods at&nbsp;Quoio&nbsp;and a mix of clothing and vintage home wears at&nbsp;Indigo Mood. To truly cover all of your shopping bases, we may indulge in locally made hats and shoes at&nbsp;Reinhard Plank&nbsp;and jewellery at&nbsp;Nokike Atelier. -Via Roma and Via dei Calzaiuoli-Florence’s main shopping hub is made of two key streets that bridge the iconic Duomo and the main square of Piazza della Signoria. On Via Roma, find high-end brands like&nbsp;Miu Miu,&nbsp;Armani&nbsp;and the paradise that is&nbsp;Luisa via Roma. With a history that dates back to 1930, the destination today is home to the latest designs by luxury labels including&nbsp;Valentino&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fendi&nbsp;on its ground-floor showroom. Nearby,&nbsp;La Rinascente&nbsp;department store has six floors dedicated to fashion and homewares with a roof terrace ideal for a post-shop spritz while&nbsp;Via dei Calzaiuoli&nbsp;houses high street labels from&nbsp;Calzedonia&nbsp;to retail outlet&nbsp;Coin. -Traffic signs by Clet-&nbsp;When in Florence, we will be reading all traffic signs! Why you might ask? A local artist called Clet has been adding stickers to them since the summer of 2010. Now, they are part of the art scene of Florence, even if many people, including the administrators of the town, don’t really appreciate them. -Don't miss these gems at Palazzo Vecchio-Michelangelo’s Secret Carving-&nbsp;On the façade of Palazzo Vecchio, the administrative city centre of Florence, you can spot a hidden face carved by Michelangelo. The artist used to spend most of his time in the square, and, by legend, he carved the face of a man who used to bore him with stories behind the man’s back while Michelangelo was pretending to listen.&nbsp; Perseus with the Head of Medusa-&nbsp;One of the most beautiful places to visit in Florence is Loggia dei Lanzi, a coveted pavilion near Palazzo Vecchio with several statues made by Italian artists. One of the most famous is the&nbsp;Perseus with the Head of Medusa,&nbsp;sculpted by the great Benvenuto Cellini. The cool thing here is not only the spectacular front of the statue but also the back, where there is a face carved into the back of Perseus’s head. This is the self-portrait of Cellini himself. -Street Art in Via Toscanella-Near the majestic Piazza Pitti, with its stunning Pitti Palace, there is a narrow, hidden street with beautiful murals. The name is Via Toscanella, and, for street art enthusiasts, it is a must-see in Florence.

Half Day Vineyard Tour and Lunch in the Tuscan Countryside After breakfast, we'll meet your private driver and&nbsp;vehicle.&nbsp;Enjoy a leisurely ride into the countryside where you will first enjoy a morning winery and vineyard tour with lunch to follow.&nbsp;Return to the hotel in the early afternoon.

Check out at Riva Lofts Florence

Check in at Hotel Chapter Roma! About the HotelIf Rome is your oyster, then 4-Star Chapter Roma is your bedrock. Found behind an old door in a narrow side street of Regola. Glamorous and gritty, the hotel’s public spaces are filled with a mix of classic and contemporary art and graffiti to parallel the creative spirit and energy of the famously vibrant neighborhood, featuring art by Warios, Cyrcle, Alice Pasquini and Willy Verginer. The rooms on the other hand are just that, great rooms. Simple but surprising, curated with a mix of local and international designer furniture pieces and bespoke finishes. The rooms are little calms in the the Rome's historic, cultural, and nightlife storms.&nbsp; About the LocationIn the heart of Rome, near art galleries, irreverent concept stores, antique artisan shops and historical sites. We will take a walk through history and go anywhere anywhere and everywhere! Because the hotel is centrally located in Rome for exploring the Eternal City. We'll adventure to the Baroque area, including the iconic Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Montecitorio, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Wonders of The Vatican We''ll eat an Early breakfast and leave for Vatican City!&nbsp; We'll admire the wonders of St. Peter’s Church, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip the line ticketed entrance, enjoying art of all centuries.&nbsp;

ANCIENT ROME: We'll find somewhere to grab breakfast and make our way by taxi to the Coliseum . Entry will be a breeze with skip the line tickets for the entrance at Coliseum and Roman Forums. Step into history glancing at the wonderful highlights of this place: marvel at the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and other highlights of the Palatine Hill.&nbsp;

More to come still, check back soon!

Honeymoon

Registry

All photos by Alyssa - H'ART.SPEAX, if you would like to use any of them on social media please tag her @hartspeax

Reception-Everyone together

Reception-Bouquet Toss

Reception-Garter Toss

Reception-Cake

Reception-First Dance, Father-Daugher Dance, Mother-Son Dance

Reception-Introductions

Reception-Awaiting introductions

Couple Portraits

Family & Friends

Groom's Party

Bride's Party

Wedding Party

First Look

Bridal Prep

Grooms Prep

Engagement Photos

Fun photos!

Photos

Videos of ceremony coming soon!

Videos

Hers

Best friend since childhood probably knows me better than myself!

Samantha Gibbons

Best friend found in college years! Oh yeah and we shared great memories working together at Hopkins and then hanging at the Tiki barge after work :) .

Annrose Hije

Best friend found through the same occupation 👩‍🔬.

Katie Schwarz

Tori Gay

Tia Gay

Beca Sweat

Mark Weaver

Josh Stewart

Michael Hardesty

Nick Rogers

Joe Brenner

Andrew Patterson

Q + A

BWI is only about 12 minutes away.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

book using website link button below, it will take you right to the rooms reserved for our wedding.

Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor

Travel - Airport & Hotel

Merritt has kindly offered to host a free cycle class on Sunday August 13th the morning of the wedding at 0930-1030. Merritt has Life Fitness ICG group exercise bikes, you can find out more about there cycle classes and the instructor - Jax Stone on their website. If planning to attend this wedding cycle class please email Liz at lpm1008@gmail.com, so she can get you added to the roster. Jax is already working on the playlist for the ride! Description of the class:A vigorous cardio class without comparison! Start training with power and take indoor cycling to the next level. Coached using the 5 Color Zones (white - blue - green - yellow - red) that indicate the level of intensity. Perfect for any fitness enthusiast, recreational cyclist, or serious racer. This class aims to increase your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) through the use of interval training. All fitness levels.

You will have the best time! They make the best drinks (I always get a dirty martini, which is not typically on their signature drinks list, Jimmy typically gets a signature drink; e.g. Manhattan, Sazerac, etc.), and are super fun. Jimmy and I have been there 4 times now, they change up there magic show.

Illusions Bar & Theater

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

Looking for a pick me up? Or maybe the weather is bad? 3 Bean is that cute little coffee shop in the neighborhood.

3 Bean Coffee By Vagrant Coffee

Whiskey on the waterfront is on Saturdays, and tours of the distillery-book in advance.

Sagamore Spirit Distillery

American Visionary Art Museum

Easy location, parking, and on the water. However, this is not a Hispanic restaurant it is more Jamaican, please keep that in mind when you order a margarita it might not be what you are looking for... so ask them before you order a drink. They also have drinks to go... which Jimmy and I will get and walk around the Harbor, which is still allowed.

Elizabeth & James

Elizabeth & James

Travel - Airport & Hotel

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor