Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
Sometimes all it takes is a little twist of fate to bring tow people together. For Julie and Evan Lubeck, 30 and 31, that twist happened on stage. "We met doing a show together," says Julie. "It was Evan's last before he went to get his MBA, and I wasn't even initially cast — I was a last-minute replacement!" Happily, the pair found themselves in rehearsals together, and sparks flew.
The New York-based couple got engaged at one of their favorite iconic spots in the city: Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. "As we stopped I sort of spoiled the moment," says Julie. "I jokingly said 'You're not doing it here, right?!'" Thankfully, Evan wouldn't be deterred — especially because a friend of theirs was hiding nearby, camera in hand. "We sat at the edge of the fountain together and had a sweet, intimate moment amongst the tourists who had no idea what was happening," remembers Julie.
For their wedding on July 6th, 2013, Evan and Julie returned to her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, with 150 guests in tow. They let their venue, The George Peabody Library, put a bookish spin on their vintage décor, and chose Lindsay Hite of Readyluck to get it all on film.
Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
As a nod to their venue, Julie and Evan's invitations featured a library theme, down to the "May we borrow you?" save the date detailing their relationship milestones. "We used Kelly green and bright colors to give it a '50s feel," says the bride.
Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
A pair of brooch-topped satin d'Orsay pumps peeked out from beneath Julie's gown.
Julie had two words in mind as she shopped for her wedding dress: sexy and sweet. She found what she was looking for in a chiffon sweetheart gown by Ivy & Aster, which she topped with a beaded sash for a touch of glam. "The sash is, fittingly, called Glamorama!" says Julie. Her bold bouquet featured pink peonies, coral roses, yellow billy balls, and dusty miller leaves.
The groom donned a classic tuxedo with a black bow tie. "We wanted a formal, elegant look," says the bride.
Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
For the ceremony, Julie wore the earrings her sister wore to her own wedding, perfectly framed by her side-swept curls.
Julie's sister, Brooke, served as both wedding designer and matron of honor. "It was so fun putting together all of the little details with her," says Julie. Brooke wore a Kelly green chiffon gown and matching necklace. Julie's best friend, Tyler, was the Bride's Man, wearing a tux with a green polka-dotted bow tie that matched Brooke's dress. Evan's groomsmen wore black tuxedos to match the groom.
Julie walked down the aisle alongside her father as the couple's friend played an acoustic guitar rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." "I grew up performing at the church in choral concerts," says Julie. "I was so proud to share such a special place with our friends and family."
The couple's ceremony was filled with love, respect, spirituality, and openness. The couple's friends performed, playing the processional and recessional music, as well as singing during the candle lighting. The newlyweds walked back up the aisle to "You are the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne.
"The Peabody Library is absolutely stunning," says Julie, who loved introducing their guests to historic Baltimore. Guests sipped cocktails and ate mini crab cakes in the library's museum as a three-piece jazz band played before coming into the library for dinner and dancing.
Centerpieces paired bright flower arrangements with old books, vintage sheet music, and textured tablecloths.
"Before the wedding Brooke and I scoured antique stores for décor pieces to use in the arrangements," says Julie. Coral roses, pink peonies, and billy balls added a pop of color to the room. Evan and Julie's chairs were marked with Mr. and Mrs. signs made of vintage sheet music.
Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
The four-course dinner menu featured a summer salad with strawberries and goat cheese, ravioli with spinach and ricotta in a brown butter sauce, and chicken roulade with potatoes and asparagus. "Guests still talk about how amazing the food was," says the bride.
Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
The photo booth was a huge hit. Julie's sister made mustache and chalkboard signs, and found frames and vintage telephones to use as props.
Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck
The four-tiered wedding cake was alternating layers of carrot cake with cream cheese filling and yellow cake with lemon curd and fresh blueberries, topped with fresh roses and peonies.
Evan and Julie had their first dance to "Like Someone in Love" by Chet Baker before a DJ got everyone onto the dance floor. "We found our DJ, John Paul Berry, at my sister's wedding," says Julie. "The first thing we did after we set a date was see if he was free to do our wedding, too."
The couple, who honeymooned in Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, loved the feeling of being in a room with everyone they love. "Is there a repeat button for that somewhere?" asks Julie. The pair made sure to prioritize during the wedding planning process. "We didn't obsess over the little things," Julie says. "We wanted great food, amazing music, and incredible photography so we could relive it all, and that's exactly what we got!"
Ceremony Venue: Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church || Reception Venue: The George Peabody Library || Wedding Design and Coordination: Brooke Granger Events || Bride's Wedding Dress & Sash: Ivy & Aster || Hair: Lindsay of Darrell Barrett Salon || Makeup: Rachael Beecy || Bridesmaid's Dress: Jenny Yoo || Wedding Rings: Engagement ring & bride's band- The Clay Pot, groom's band Little King Jewelry || Florist: Crimson & Clover || Invitations: Yes, Dear Studio || Paper Goods: 3 Eggs Design || Music: Absolute Entertainment || Catering & Cake: Chef's Expressions || Rentals: Table Toppers || Photo Booth Favors: Charm City Photobooths || Videography: Mint Wedding Cinematography || Photography: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck