It was about an hour and a half into Natalie and Darren’s reception when a guest jokingly remarked, “Man, do you think they love each other because it’s hard for me to tell!” I laughed in response because it was so obvious that Darren and Natalie are completely, undeniably,  head over heels in love. From the huge smile that graced Natalie’s face when she walked down the aisle, to the way Darren tenderly kissed her nose and then wrapped his jacket around her after the ceremony to ward off the chilly air, to the way these two stole glances all night long when they thought no one was looking, to the way Darren would gently take Natalie’s face in his hands and kiss her forehead, every gesture they made toward each other spoke of the deep love and affection they share.

When I first met Darren and Natalie at Dublin Roasters, I knew we would immediately be a great fit when they started talking about their shared love of board games and Harry Potter. Then, when they mentioned their plans to incorporate a few Harry Potter details into their wedding I played it cool, acknowledging that I loved Harry Potter and thought it would be a great idea!   Of course, as soon as I got in the car I sent my sisters an all caps text with about twenty exclamation points about how I might get to photograph a Harry Potter themed wedding! 😂  I didn’t know exactly what to expect, or how “all out” they were going to go, but I certainly didn’t expect the details to look as magical as they did. From the stunning “always” wedding cake, to the Sorting Hat for the place card table, to each table’s centerpiece representing a different Hogwarts class, to the Gryffindor socks that Natalie wore, all of the details were incredibly thoughtful and beautiful executed.

Natalie made these beautiful bouquets by herself! Each bridesmaid’s bouquet was made from pages out of her favorite book, and Natalie’s flowers were made from pages out of her, Darren’s, and her bridesmaids favorite books including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Pride and Prejudice, and the Ranger’s Handbook. I can’t imagine how long it must have taken Natalie to craft these!

It’s been a tradition in Darren’s family during weddings to get a classic picture of the men pointing at their watches. This time, Darren decided to switch things up a little by embracing his millennial son who (like the rest of us) relies on his phone for a watch!

Instead of ring bearers, they had “ring security” and I love how seriously these boys took their job! (Also for all my HP fans out there, notice the 9 3/4 pin?)

I love this sweet moment captured of Darren hugging his mom just moments after the ceremony. 

Catoctin Hall at Musket Ridge is one of my favorite reception halls in the Frederick area.

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for, feast your eyes on these amazing Harry Potter wedding details!

My favorite detail of the night. This cake by Cakes to Die For is just perfection! 

Congratulations you two! I was so honored to be a part of your Harry Potter themed wedding and wish you the happiest of marriages!

Vendors:

Venue: Catoctin Hall at Musket Ridge

Cake: Cakes to Die For

Menswear: The Black Tux

Hair stylist: Keshia Knopf of Aura Salons by KK