Andy and Alexa’s Cylburn Arboretum wedding was intimate, heartfelt, and beautifully rooted in nature. Set against the lush gardens and historic mansion in Baltimore, their day felt peaceful, intentional, and deeply personal. As a Cylburn Arboretum Wedding Photographer, it is always a joy to document celebrations here. The venue offers a perfect balance of botanical beauty, timeless architecture and quiet elegance.
From Stanford Grad School to Forever
Andy and Alexa first met during their first year of graduate school at Stanford University. Alexa was enrolled in the Bioengineering PhD program, while Andy was pursuing his PhD in Biochemistry.
Their introduction came through a shared friend, Zack, Andy’s roommate and Alexa’s closest friend in Bioengineering. Zack would later become an integral part of their wedding day as the officiant.
The two also shared a bioethics class, where they began getting to know each other beyond casual introductions. Over time, friendship turned into something more meaningful, growing naturally through shared interests and mutual respect.
Their first official date took place at a restaurant called INDO, marking the beginning of a relationship grounded in curiosity, connection, and shared experiences.
A Proposal Surrounded by Greenery
Andy proposed during a day that reflected their love for Baltimore and nature.
They started with brunch at Water for Chocolate, which has since become one of their favorite restaurants. Afterward, they headed to the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park.
Inside the Tropical House, surrounded by lush greenery and warm light, Andy proposed. It was intimate, emotional, and perfectly aligned with the botanical theme that would later shape their wedding day.
Why They Chose Cylburn Arboretum
When it came time to choose a venue, Cylburn Arboretum felt like a natural fit. Not only does it connect to Druid Hill Park and their engagement story, but it also reflects their shared love for the outdoors.
Andy and Alexa envisioned a wedding that felt organic and grounded in nature. Cylburn Arboretum provided the ideal backdrop with its gardens, historic mansion and peaceful setting.
Their wedding style was outdoorsy, natural, and botanical, featuring soft tones of sage green and dusty blue that blended beautifully with the surrounding landscape.
For couples planning here, working with a seasoned Cylburn Arboretum Wedding Photographer ensures the venue’s beauty and flow are documented seamlessly.
Getting Ready Inside the Cylburn Arboretum Mansion
The day began inside the Cylburn Arboretum Mansion, where Alexa got ready surrounded by close family. She was joined by her sister, who served as her only bridesmaid, adding to the intimate feel of the morning.
Andy got ready with his brother, his only groomsman, sharing quiet moments before the ceremony. The mansion’s classic architecture and natural window light created an elegant setting for pre-ceremony portraits.
As a Cylburn Arboretum Wedding Photographer, the mansion is always a favorite location for timeless getting-ready images.
A Ceremony Beneath the Black Walnut Tree
The ceremony took place outdoors beneath the iconic black walnut tree, one of the most beloved ceremony locations at Cylburn Arboretum.
With family and friends in attendance, the ceremony felt warm, intentional, and deeply personal. Zack officiated, making the moment even more meaningful as Andy and Alexa exchanged vows.
Nature provided a serene backdrop, with soft light filtering through the trees. Capturing ceremonies here is one of the many reasons couples seek out an experienced Cylburn Arboretum Wedding Photographer.
Portraits Throughout the Arboretum Grounds
After the ceremony, we explored the grounds for portraits across several stunning locations:
- Inside the historic mansion
- In front of the mansion façade
- Beneath the black walnut tree
- Along the arboretum’s winding paths and gardens
Cylburn Arboretum offers incredible variety, allowing couples to enjoy both formal and relaxed portraits without leaving the venue. Every season brings its own character, making it a dream location for wedding photography.
A Botanical Baltimore Wedding to Remember
Andy and Alexa’s Cylburn Arboretum wedding was a true reflection of who they are—thoughtful, grounded, and deeply connected to one another.
From their academic beginnings at Stanford to their botanical celebration in Baltimore, their story unfolded beautifully in one of the city’s most iconic venues.
It was an honor to document their day as a Cylburn Arboretum Wedding Photographer, preserving moments they will cherish for a lifetime.
Planning Your Own Cylburn Arboretum Wedding?
Cylburn Arboretum Wedding Photographer
Cylburn Arboretum is one of Baltimore’s most scenic and versatile wedding venues. Its gardens, historic mansion, and natural light create an unforgettable setting for timeless wedding photographs.
As a Cylburn Arboretum Wedding Photographer, I understand the venue’s layout, best portrait locations, and ideal lighting throughout the day. This allows for a relaxed experience and beautifully cohesive imagery.
Contact JB Elliott Photography to learn more about photographing your Cylburn Arboretum wedding.
Having a college roommate officiate the ceremony adds a sweet personal layer to the day. Those sage green tones fit the garden backdrop perfectly.
Amazing photographs. Cylburn Arboretum looks like such an beautiful backdrop as a wedding venue. I bet the couple are so happy.
As someone planning a wedding at Cylburn Arboretum, this post was incredibly helpful. It’s great to see how different areas of the venue photograph throughout the day.
This is a great example of why choosing an experienced Cylburn Arboretum wedding photographer matters. You clearly know the best portrait locations around the grounds.
The Cylburn Arboretum sounds like a wonderful location to hold a wedding and take fabulous pictures. I love the beautiful setting which works perfectly with the botanical theme.
Cylburn Arboretum is a stunning property! The beautiful grounds and the architecture of the mansion make it a perfect place to get married.
The ceremony under the trees is stunning. Cylburn Arboretum truly is one of the best outdoor wedding venues in Baltimore.
Love these photos!! Everything is perfect from the colors to the scenery to the beautiful couple and everything in between! You really can’t go wrong choosing Cylburn Arboretum!
The mansion getting-ready photos are stunning. Cylburn Arboretum has so much character, and your images really highlight the elegance of the space.