An Elegant Formal Wedding With Burgundy, Black and Gold Details at Martin’s West in Baltimore, Maryland
Brittany Lilley and Larry Dennis Jr. clicked immediately. “He became the drummer in my hometown church, and I sang on the praise team,” the bride explains. “We were around each other a lot, so we became friends. We made each other laugh and found that we had so much in common: sports teams, music, family and morals. Everything just kind of aligned.” After their engagement, the couple agreed they wanted their July wedding to have an upscale feel infused with great fun.
Working to create a dreamy aesthetic for their big day, the bride and groom settled on a color palette fit for royalty. Their vision consisted of white and gold with hints of blush and burgundy. “It felt airy and regal,” Brittany shares. “The white might seem typical, but it gave such a clean canvas and allowed us to highlight details.” The fashion of the day aligned with their elevated, classic vibe perfectly. The bride’s Esè gown bore a fit-and-flare silhouette and a sweetheart neckline with light-catching beading. The groom chose a designer suit with a black floral-print jacket and a sleek black bow tie paired with Louis Vuitton shoes.
When the summer day arrived, friends and family gathered in the grand hall venue to watch the vow exchange. The elegant ceremony space featured a raised platform at the end of an ivory aisle, flanked by pillars with white floral arrangements of varying sizes in glass vases. “Our space for the ceremony was clean and crisp. White draping and a chic white vinyl aisle with pedestal bouquets front and center,” tells Brittany. “Not too much decor, as not to take away from the beautiful wedding party and the details of the bride and groom!”
After the newlyweds jumped the broom, the lively festivities began. The reception held a sweetheart stage for the new Mr. and Mrs. to sit and take in their event. “Our stage was a dream come true,” details the bride. “Hundreds of flowers were perfectly positioned and draped on large golden chrome arches and the glass coffee table. We sat in the middle on an ivory couch surrounded by dozens of floor candles.” Attendees sat in gold chairs around round dining tables with a mix of tall and low centerpieces. The room’s flowers accented the whimsical feel of the day: lush ivory peonies with minimal greenery to stick with the white-centered color palette and evoke luxury. “The flowers were a ‘wow factor’ for sure—they were one of the most talked about elements of our wedding.”
Through the dancing and the merriment of the evening, Brittany and Larry were able to embrace their mutual love of music. “We hired a go-go band (led by friends of ours) to entertain and bring the energy. We are both musicians and have our own band, so we were given the opportunity to jump on stage and join our hired band for one song together,” recounts the bride. “I sang, and my husband played the drums for the Beyoncé remix of “Before I Let Go,” and it was a mountain of a moment together that will never be forgotten.”
When asked to give their best advice on the wedding planning process, the newlyweds were quick to respond. “Invest in a wedding planner!” they urge. “I remember my bridesmaids asking me all morning how I was so calm. I honestly just had nothing to worry about,” Brittany adds. “We fully trusted our planner, and she gave us the confidence that she could pull our dream wedding together… and it was perfect.” In addition to that practical advice, the bride and groom wanted to speak directly to those who tend to people-please: “You should know that as much as you want to please others, the wedding is about you and your fiancé! Incorporate the things that YOU want. If your guest list is filled with people who truly make themselves known in BOTH of your lives, they will be happy and supportive no matter what. Enjoy your special day, and make it about the two of you. You deserve it.”
