Aida + Andrew | The Grand Baltimore Wedding Photos

Aida and Andrew’s wedding was one of the most fun celebrations that we have photographed in a long time! The couple and their families were full of life and enjoyed the day to the fullest!

Their day started at Aida’s parents’ house where the bride and her bridal party got ready with many of Aida’s relatives. Throughout the morning we could hear people singing joyfully in the background and dancing to traditional Ethiopian songs!

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Once Aida was ready she waited in the living room for Andrew to come and playfully “kidnapp” her in a Anasgebam Sergenya. This is a joyful Ethiopian wedding tradition that roughly translates to “We won’t let the groom in.” During this playful moment, the bride’s family and friends block the groom and his groomsmen from entering or taking the bride away, creating a fun back-and-forth with singing, dancing, and laughter.

What makes the tradition so meaningful is that it symbolizes the groom “earning” his way into the bride’s family and the merging of two families through celebration and community. The energy during Anasgebam Sergenya is unforgettable—relatives singing traditional songs, guests cheering, and everyone fully participating in the joy of the wedding day.

For documentary wedding photography, moments like these are incredibly special because they are filled with genuine emotion, movement, and cultural storytelling. The tradition is not just about ceremony—it is about connection, family, and the excitement surrounding the beginning of a new chapter together for the bride and groom

The Ceremony at the Grand Baltimore

Aida and Andrew’s ceremony took place at the Grand Baltimore. Before the wedding the couple exchanged private vows in the beautiful library.

There are some wedding ceremonies that stay with you long after the day is over, and this emotional ceremony at The Grand Baltimore was one of them. Family members wiped away tears during the vows and every word spoken during the ceremony felt deeply personal. What made the ceremony so unforgettable was not just how beautiful it looked, but how much it was felt.

Couple’s portraits at Federal Hill in Baltimore

The Reception at Martin’s West

Aida and Andrew had their reception at Martin’s West. There was a lot of energy from the moment the bride and groom entered the ballroom. The dance floor was always filled with people dancing!