Annapolis Wedding Day

Tracie & Nick’s Historic Inns of Annapolis, Downtown Annapolis Wedding

Tracie & Nicke met while Nick was interning at the US Navy Museum where Tracie worked. So it really was a full circle moment when they celebrated their wedding day in Downtown Annapolis, just down the street from where they met in 2018. Their Annapolis wedding day was filled with so many emotions and a beautiful joining of two families and cultures.

Annapolis, the City where it all Began

After a private first look in the courtyard at Governor Calvert House, we headed around State Circle for portraits in front of the State House. Tracie & Nick had a great group of friends and siblings to support them throughout the day. The stress was low and the vibes were high thanks to them. While taking photos, they saw the flyover for the Naval Academy football game just a few blocks away.

It’s All in the Details

Their celestial themed wedding transformed the Governor Calvert House ballroom. The candle lit reception and colorful jewel-toned florals made for an inviting, fun, and modern feel. Nothing that felt too stiff or fussy for Tracie and Nick!

A Ceremony of Both Traditional & Non-traditional

When it came to their ceremony, it was one of intention. They chose to walk down the aisle together to start their marriage as equal partners. While at the same time, honoring Nick’s filipino heritage. The laying of the cord and veil, and the passing of the coins.

Bringing New Orleans to Annapolis

Cocktail hour began with a second line around state circle to celebrate when Tracie lived in New Orleans during college. Starting the party off on a high note, Naptown Brass Band helped set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Rather than attend cocktail hour with their guests, Tracie and Nick opted for a private moment with portraits and drinks on their guest room balcony. And might I say, the golden hour light was so dreamy!

Toasting the Newlyweds

The energy continued into speeches with Nick’s dad sharing a story claiming he was the reason Tracie and Nick met. He had challenged Nick when he was just 15 that he wouldn’t get in to US Naval Academy. Well challenge accepted because he was accepted, and only then was it that the two met. So maybe dad has something to claim there?

A Moment for the Mother of the Bride

Tracie wanted to take a special moment to recognize her mom. Father’s of the Bride get all of the highlights on the wedding day: the first look, walking down the aisle, the father daughter dance. For Tracie, it was equally as important for her mom to have a highlight of her own. She gifted her mom her bouquet, thanking her mom for devoting her life to raising and supporting her.

Honoring Love Ones

Sadly, Nick’s mom has passed away, but her presence and warmth was felt throughout the day. In place of the traditional mother-son dance, Nick had the chance to dance with each woman in his life who had filled the void of his mom’s passing. He danced with both of his grandmothers, his sister and aunts, and friends of his mom’s. I felt so honored to have been able to witness this moment of sadness and joy.

Came for the Love, Stayed for the Party

Tracie and Nick kicked off the reception with the “money dance”, a Filipino tradition where guests take turns pinning money on the bride and groom in exchange for a dance, symbolizing a blessing of financial prosperity for their future together.

Leading up to the wedding, Tracie made hundreds of homemade chocolate chip cookies as their wedding favors. Such a sweet (literally!) personal touch to enjoy a favorite family recipe.

The couple, and of course their awesome DJ Troy, had the guests dancing til the very last song, with Nick showing off his Tik Tok dance moves on more than one occasion. Tracie and Nick’s Annapolis wedding day was one epic celebration!

I feel so blessed to have been able to witness Tracie and Nick’s love story and feel the warmth and love from their family. I hope you both enjoy a lifetime of happiness and chocolate chip cookies weekly.

Vendor team

View more from Tracie & Nick’s day

Looking for more in Maryland? Check out Abbey & Mac’s Howard County Conservancy engagement session.

If you are a couple reading this, I’d love to chat about your Baltimore wedding day or engagement session! Please feel free to reach out. Now booking for 2025 and 2026 weddings.

Nicole Simensky Photography is a Baltimore wedding photographer for the modern couple, bringing bold emotional storytelling to your wedding day. Through a calm and comfortable approach, your wedding memories will be captured authentically. Nicole Simensky Photography serves Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, and Central PA.