Clare & Sean

Occupations Sean is a chief of staff to Rep. Johnny Olszewski in the U.S. House Of Representatives; Clare is an artist

Wedding date September 21, 2024

Number of Guests 90

Number of Attendants 6

How You Met Clare was both hosting (and attending) her new employee orientation for the City of Baltimore, and she left an empty chair beside her. Sean, also attending his new employee orientation, arrived late, and that empty chair was the only one left. They ended up sitting together and signing each other’s paperwork. They parted ways and that was that. Until they reconnected weeks later and re-met in the basement of The Brewer’s Art.

The Engagement Two days after their ninth anniversary, their new kitten, Guy Scritchie, approached Clare wearing a collar with a ring attached and a tag reading “MARRY ME” (because the tag machine had a character limit and no punctuation).

Most Unexpected Event On Your Wedding Day A friend driving straight from Michigan to Baltimore was set to give a reading during the ceremony. When they didn’t show, Sean had to subtly motion to our officiant to skip the reading. It was seamless. Until our friend magically appeared during cocktail hour.

Turns out, he accidentally attended another wedding next door and only realized it when he didn’t recognize anyone (especially the bride or groom!) To make up for it, he gave a dramatic reading mid-reception.

Piece of Advice We wanted as little stress as possible during planning and wanted to focus on our guests eating good food and having fun. If we found ourselves getting worked up about something, or bending over backwards to make something work, we would take a beat and evaluate if it was worth it. Sometimes it was (we got the crab cakes) and sometimes it wasn’t (the bridal party wore clothes they already had.)

Wedding Design Inspiration We took inspiration from our shared favorite/best season (fall, obviously) and one of our favorite collections of art from the Cloisters in New York: the late gothic “Unicorn Tapestries.” As a result, we focused on dark florals and evocative tablescapes that were designed to let the already gorgeous atmosphere of Gertrude’s shine.

What Was Unique and Special About Your Wedding Day It fell one day before our 10th dating anniversary and, of course, was also the subject of everyone’s favorite Earth, Wind, and Fire song.

Favorite Details Clare printed silk table runners with late Renaissance etchings, coordinating with the black and white candlesticks and vases.

BRIDESMAIDS Katie made her own self-designed gown, Nora wore Marchesa Notte via Rent the Runway CAKE Tiramisu by Patisserie Poupon CATERER Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen DAY OF COORDINATOR Simply Created Events FLOWERS Flowers grown by Good Dog Farms and arranged by bride, bridesmaids, and mother of the bride. GROOM AND GROOMSMEN Christopher Schafer Clothier (groom); groomsmen wore their own suits. GROOMING Courtney Burgess at Charm City Hair Studio HONEYMOON Ireland (pubs, sheep, and Galway oysters). INVITATIONS DIY LOCATION Gertrude’s inside the Baltimore Museum of Art MUSIC The Dapper DJs WEDDING DRESS Jill Andrews Gowns