The George Peabody Library is a pretty epic wedding venue, and the fact that it’s just a short drive up to Baltimore is a huge plus for us all. Edwina Bawuah and Joseph (Joe) Kollo sure played up the space with their stunning portraits taken at their blush pink wedding in July. Take a look at their whole day in the photos below by Andy Li for Sincereli.
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Though they’d met in physics class while both were studying at Temple University, Edwina was in a relationship, so Joe was forced to fall for her from afar. Three years later, however, when Joe hosted an alumni event that Edwina attended, both were single. “We exchanged cordial conversation but failed to exchange contact information—that’s where Facebook stepped in!” says Edwina. “Joe sent me a message on Facebook…to convince me that Facebook was too impersonal of a place to communicate and that he could ‘better keep in touch’ if he had my phone number. He didn’t have to convince me much.”
After working her way through grad school at Johns Hopkins, Edwina wanted to celebrate her graduation with a trip. Joe was game, but told her that she wasn’t allowed to know where they were going. He kept their itinerary a surprise until they boarded a flight headed to London. From there they traveled to Amsterdam, then Paris, where Joe brought Edwina to Monet’s garden in Giverny to propose.
After a four-year engagement, Joe and Edwina celebrated with loved ones at The George Peabody Library. “My favorite detail was the venue, which Joe actually discovered,” says Edwina. “Walking in to get a sneak peek before our guests came in and seeing the flowers on the tables, the gold plates in their setting, and then looking up to see the stacks—it was beautiful.”
At the end of the night, Edwina and Joe changed into custom reception outfits made of traditional West African fabrics. They danced with guests, and shared with them their favorite ice cream in the form of a Taharka Brothers’ food truck that pulled up to end the night on a sweet note.
VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: The George Peabody Library | Photographer: Andy Li for Sincereli | Event Coordinator & Caterer: Chef’s Expressions | Bride’s Gown: Bodice by Martina Liana, skirt by Monique Lhuillier, Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection | Groom’s Attire: Sid Mashburn | Hair Dresser: Naneke Green, The Beauty Studio | Makeup Artist: Jamaya Moore Makeup Artist | Cake: Fancy Cakes by Leslie | Florals & Lighting: DaVinci| Transportation: Uber Black | Music/Entertainment: DJ Fly Ty Harris | Invitations: Julian Giles | Bride’s Reception Dress: Custom by Divine Designs by Ms. Abigail | Groom’s Reception Jacket: Custom by Issa | Ice Cream: Taharka Brothers
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
