A Gilded Age Inspired Wedding at the George Peabody Library

The wedding's aesthetic, beautifully captured through the photography of Nikki Santerre and the videography of Anna + Mateo, seamlessly blended the opulence of the Gilded Age with a touch of playful charm. Every detail, from the decor to the written materials, reflected this unique fusion. Guests were encouraged to dress in “literary chic with a romantic twist,” perfectly complementing the thoughtfully curated yet fun-loving atmosphere of the summer Sunday celebration.

Daniel proposed at the same table in their favorite restaurant (Le Bouchon du Grove) where they had their first date, making it both a surprise and deeply meaningful. He hid a toi et moi ring, crafted from her mother’s and grandmother’s diamonds, in a napkin, symbolizing years of love and strong marriage – a perfect reflection of their hopes and dreams for the future.

Emily’s wedding dress was an instant choice – the second she tried it on, and she knew it was “the one.” Inspired by the Gilded Age and reminiscent of her favorite painting, “Madame X” by John Singer Sargent, the gown connected her love for fashion history. Coupled with a Vera Wang veil and vintage-inspired earrings by Asheville designer Jeffrey Burroughs, it felt like a perfect blend of timeless elegance and personal significance.

no wedding party

no wedding party

The couple’s signature drink, thoughtfully named after their beloved dog, Julep, was a charming nod to Daniel's Kentucky roots. As a true bourbon connoisseur, the groom has a deep appreciation for the spirit, so it only felt right to put a creative twist on the classic mint julep. The result was a refreshing Blackberry Mint Julep—a delightful blend of smooth Woodford Reserve Bourbon and a house-made blackberry mint simple syrup, served over ice and finished with a fragrant sprig of mint. This bespoke cocktail not only honored Daniel’s heritage but also offered guests a taste of something unique and unforgettable. To let guests know about their speciality cocktail, we had a local artist, Steph Gould, create a watercolor of their dog. As the evening drew on, guests were treated to a late-night indulgence in the form of mini cannolis, a sweet, nostalgic offering from Vaccaro’s, a cherished Baltimore family favorite. These bite-sized delicacies were the perfect end to a perfect celebration, delighting everyone with their creamy filling and crisp, golden shells. They were displayed in custom trays made by White Glove Rentals, that said "The Eberts".

Family members carried bouquets of calla lilies, a deeply meaningful gesture that paid tribute to the very first bouquet Daniel gave Emily on their first date, and again when he proposed. These elegant blooms, with their graceful curves and timeless beauty, symbolized not just love, but the continuity of their journey together. Emily, with her keen eye for design, always gravitated toward arrangements that featured a touch of asymmetry or an unexpected, idiosyncratic detail. It was the little imperfections that made each piece feel more personal, more unique—much like their love story itself. The tables were styled to evoke the opulent yet eclectic feel of the Gilded Age, infused with a sense of maximalism that felt both bold and romantic. The long, sweeping tables were adorned by Kate Campbell Floral with low, full floral runners that stretched from one end to the other, creating a lush, continuous ribbon of color and life. These runners, brimming with vibrant blooms and verdant greens, imbued the space with a soft, romantic atmosphere, further enhanced by the glow of twinkling cafe lights strung above. The soft golden light, suspended from stack to stack, bathed the entire room in a warm, intimate glow, turning the venue into a dreamlike setting where every detail—from the flowers to the lighting to the carefully chosen mismatched elements—came together to create a celebration of love, beauty, and thoughtful design.

Emily’s wedding cake became a family project, as she dreamed of a buttercream cake reminiscent of Publix but couldn’t make it work logistically because of the wedding location. Her family, including her niece and nephew, scoured the Baltimore area with blind taste tests, ultimately finding Fresh Bakery that delivered a buttercream that, in Emily’s eyes, surpassed even her original vision.

Emily and Daniel’s wedding ceremony was deeply personal, officiated by Emily’s cousin, Rabbi Josh Franklin. The couple exchanged self-written vows, both unknowingly centered around defining words, reflecting their shared love of language while the programs were designed to resemble books. The chuppah was covered with Emily’s pink tallit from her bat mitzvah, adding a personal and spiritual touch. The couple also drank from a family Kiddish cup that has been used in Emily’s family weddings for over a century, symbolizing the continuity of tradition and the blessing of their union. Their first dance was to “Turning Page” by Sleeping at Last, symbolizing their view of love as an ongoing story and a tribute to the magnificent library setting. A special moment occurred when the band honored Emily’s parents by playing their wedding song, celebrating their 43rd anniversary that same weekend.

Emily and Daniel’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration of their shared passion for language and etymology. As a unique gesture, they selected a meaningful word for each guest, crafting personalized definitions that reflected the individual’s significance in their lives. These words were beautifully printed by local stationery designer, MLC Designs, on a custom bookmark, which served as both the guest's escort card and a thoughtful favor.

Adding a whimsical touch, they shared their tradition of “lucky cows”—small tokens they had exchanged early in their relationship to symbolize their bond—by inviting guests to take one home for their own good fortune.

During a visit to tour the venue together, Emily leaned in and whispered to her planner and designer, LynnAaron with Nouvelle Weddings, that she wanted one of those charming "Ring for Champagne" signs. In the end, not one, but two signs were created, each perfectly paired with a stunning floral arrangement and a their signature drink sign. These eye-catching touches were strategically placed on the couple’s 360-degree bar, ensuring that guests could easily ring for bubbly as they sipped their favorite cocktails, adding a touch of whimsy and refinement to the evening's festivities.