High school sweethearts on the Baltimore harbor
Dena and Jake were married at Ampersea, right on the water in Baltimore, Maryland. Their story started in a high school cafeteria. In his vows, Jake remembers the first time he saw Dena walk in with her curly hair, brown eyes and a smile that caught his attention right away. He knew then he had to get to know her.
They held on through prom, graduation, and college at Towson University and the University of Maryland. As their officiant put it, nothing could stop them, “not even 295 during rush hour.”
Vows about coming home
Their vows are the heart of this film. They talked about being each other’s safe space, best friend and home, and about a line first said just to sound cool: “If it’s meant to be, you’ll know where to find me.” All these years later, it turned out to be true.
Words from the people who know them best
Family carried the rest of the story. We heard about “Hurricane Dena,” the nickname her grandfather gave her, from a sister grateful for the calm Jake brings, a brother who called Jake his first rival, first teammate and first best friend, and parents watching their kids become the people they always hoped they’d be.
Filming at Ampersea
Ampersea gave us the Baltimore waterfront from start to finish: a first look on the pier beside the tall ships, a ceremony under a red heart arch with the harbor behind them, portraits on the docks at golden hour, and a reception that turned into a full dance party under the lights.
Planning a Baltimore or DMV wedding?
MMEshots films weddings across Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Texas, Florida and the Pacific Northwest. Our goal is the same at every venue: love stories that feel like you. See more DMV films on our DC, Maryland & Virginia wedding videographer page, watch more love stories, see pricing, or check your date.