When Emma and Jon reached out to me about photographing their wedding at Union Mills Public House, I could just immediately tell this was going to be a damn special day. Something about them from the first phone call! The way they allow their lives to be filled with JOY, is something that was really beautiful to capture as a photographer. 

When I got to the venue the celebration was in full swing!

Emma & Jon got ready with their friends while their amazing vendor team set up the space for the ceremony & reception. Their coordinator was the incredible Black Rock Weddings (seriously, hire her!) And the florals were done by the bride’s best friend. It was really special to have such a personal touch from a loved one. Not to mention she absolutely nailed it. The vibes were immaculate.

Union Mills Public House is a fantastic venue if you’re getting married in Maryland. I can’t say enough good things about this space. 

It’s got that red exposed brick vibe with a warm, open concept space. It is the kind of venue that manages to keep things feel intimate BUT still elevated at the same time. Win-win. All the little details throughout the space are thoughtfully curated for both the guests experience IRL, and the photos afterward. It’s a special venue that can blend those two intentions, in my opinion! 

Emma and Jon said I Do in front of their closest friends and family in the cozy space set up in front of a bank of windows.

Their undiluted joy was a hallmark vibe of the entire event. Emma’s delighted grin when she saw her husband-to-be waiting for her was only matched by his teary-eyed joy at seeing his bride. It was their (happy) world and everyone else was living in it! 

And can we have a moment for Emma’s bridal era look?? Her fitted bodice gown was perfection, and she looked radiant in her simple hairstyle, by Updos for I Do’s, a local Maryland hair stylist. Emma did her own makeup and she looked incredible the entire night. I’m forever impressed by my brides! 

The ceremony space at Union Mills Public House was set up with large bulb string lights overhead and simple guest seating.

Emma’s best friend did a fantastic job using florals to punctuate the space without overtaking it. The upscale industrial feel was exactly what Jon & Emma had envisioned! They wanted a perfect blend of fun, retro, whimsical, colorful, and sweet! I think the vendor team nailed it! 

After they were officially married, they kicked off the reception with a cocktail hour for their guests.

Instead of sneaking out for portraits, they opted to spend the time mingling with their family and friends. Emma and Jon wanted nothing more than to sink into their wedding day and be truly present. And they did just that. Laughing with their besties, grabbing drinks at the bar, and kicking off the toasts with a heartfelt thank you to their friends. 

And their reception?? LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR RECEPTION.

This was one of the liveliest, most fun, exciting parties I’ve ever had the honor of photographing. When the dance floor opened: it did. not. close. Emma and Jon’s friends know how to show up.

The main highlight was probably when they danced to the theme song of Heated Rivalry on the dance floor. I mean, come on, does it get more iconic in the year of 2026?? 

Another highlight was the influences of Lebanese culture on the reception. Jon’s family are Lebanese and so there was some traditional dances and songs as well and it was just truly incredible! They also had traditional Lebanese desserts instead of wedding cake, YUM. 

Emma and Jon know how to throw a PARTY. They served late night pizza, which was DELISH!! And danced the night away to celebrate finally being a freakin’ married couple!! 

As a Maryland wedding photographer, I get to photograph so many special days. When I go home afterward, I kinda just sit in awe that my actual job is documenting & preserving these lifelong memories for my couples. 

Emma and Jon’s day at Union Mills Public House is a wedding that is going to stay with me forever.

Not just because it was gorgeous (it was), but because the unfiltered joy was allowed to flow endlessly through their space. Not many people can express their love and happiness so freely, and that was such a beautiful thing to witness, and document! 

Congratulations to you two lovebirds! I’m so happy for you and felt so honored to be a small part of your big day!  

Vendors:

Photography: Meee

Coordinator: Black Rock Weddings 

Venue & Catering: Union Mills Public House in Frederick Maryland

Florals: DIY by the Brides best friend!

Hair: Up Do’s for I Do’s 

Make up: DIY by the Bride

DJ: Toussaint Productions