Jenna and Victor's Literary-Themed Wedding at Historic Westminster Hall and Burying Grounds


Jenna and Victor’s wedding was a celebration of love, literature, and history, set against the backdrop of the iconic Westminster Hall and Burying Grounds. This unique venue, known for its Gothic architecture and connection to Edgar Allan Poe, provided the perfect setting for their literary-themed wedding. From vintage book centerpieces to poetic vows, every detail of their special day was thoughtfully crafted to reflect their shared passion for classic literature.


Why Westminster Hall and Burying Grounds?


Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Westminster Hall and Burying Grounds is steeped in history and charm. The venue, which dates back to the 19th century, is not only an architectural gem but also the final resting place of the famous writer Edgar Allan Poe. Here’s why Jenna and Victor chose this historic location for their literary-themed wedding:


  • Historic Significance: The venue’s rich history and connection to Poe added a layer of depth and meaning to their celebration, making it more than just a wedding but a tribute to their love of literature.
  • Gothic Architecture: The Gothic Revival architecture of Westminster Hall provided a dramatic and romantic backdrop, perfect for a wedding inspired by classic novels and poetry.
  • Unique Atmosphere: The combination of the hall’s historic interiors and the surrounding burying grounds created a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that was both enchanting and memorable.
Burgundy wedding invitation suite with RSVP card and floral accents on brick surface.
Black and white wedding stationery flat lay with flowers and response cards.
Wedding invitation suite featuring burgundy cards and botanical details on rustic background.
Elegant maroon wedding invitation with response cards and decorative elements.
Wedding stationery with daffodil flower accent and RSVP card on brick surface.
A wooden table setup with cards and decorative mailbox in dim romantic lighting.
A vintage-style card organizer with multiple compartments displaying white cards and floral decorations.
A vintage book with pages folded into the word 'love' sits on a white tablecloth with soft bokeh lights and flowers.
An artistic book sculpture with folded pages creating three-dimensional text on a white tablecloth.
Elegant table setting with peach floral centerpiece, framed photo, and table number.
A elegant table centerpiece with peach and white flowers arranged with vintage books and decor.
An ornate table setting featuring vintage books, a table number, and colorful floral centerpiece in a church venue.
An elegant round dining table set with white linens, crystal glasses and floral centerpiece in a church setting.
A church interior with large pipe organ and gothic windows set up for an elegant event.
Gothic brick church facade featuring arched wooden doors and decorative windows with iron fencing.
Tall brick church tower with Gothic windows and architectural details against overcast sky.
Historic brick church with tall bell tower and iron fence along brick sidewalk in urban setting.
Gothic church exterior with winding brick pathway and tall spire tower.
Wedding decor display with vintage mailbox and decorative items on wooden table.
A wooden display box with antique frames and decorative items in a warm, moody setting.
A wooden card holder display with multiple slots holding white cards and decorated with greenery.
Vintage table number and ornate frame sitting on antique book.
Event attendees viewing program or menu board at indoor gathering.

Literary-Themed Wedding Details


Jenna and Victor’s wedding was filled with literary-inspired touches that paid homage to their favorite books and authors. Here’s a look at some of the creative details that made their wedding day truly special:


  • Bookish Invitations: The couple set the tone for their wedding with custom-designed invitations that resembled vintage book covers, featuring elegant typography and a classic design.
  • Ceremony Readings: Instead of traditional readings, Jenna and Victor chose excerpts from their favorite novels and poems, adding a personal and meaningful touch to their ceremony.
  • Literary Centerpieces: Each table at the reception was named after a beloved author or literary work, with vintage books, quill pens, and candles serving as centerpieces. The decor perfectly complemented the historic setting of Westminster Hall.
  • Custom Vows: The couple wrote their own vows, incorporating quotes from literary classics that resonated with their relationship. Their heartfelt words added a layer of intimacy and romance to the ceremony.
  • Book-Themed Cake: The wedding cake was a true showstopper, designed to look like a stack of old leather-bound books, complete with gold lettering and intricate details. The cake was both a visual and culinary delight.
Church sanctuary with pipe organ and Gothic windows set up for an event.
Elegant wedding reception table setting in church sanctuary with pipe organ backdrop.
Intimate moment during church event with gathering of attendees.
Audience members laugh and enjoy a performance in an auditorium setting.
Woman in sparkly navy dress smiles while seated in an auditorium.
Three formally dressed speakers stand on stage in a church with organ pipes and stained glass windows.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a historic church interior with high ceilings.
Groomsmen stand in front of large church organ pipes during wedding ceremony.
Wedding party members stand at attention during formal church ceremony.
Bride walks down aisle in elegant white dress holding colorful bouquet.
Wedding processional in church sanctuary with wooden floors and balcony.
Wedding ceremony proceedings on raised platform with large pipe organ backdrop.
Wedding ceremony taking place on stage with ornate pipe organ in background.
A joyful wedding ceremony takes place in a church with an elegant organ backdrop and beautiful floral bouquet.
Wedding guests smile and laugh while seated in church pews during a ceremony.
A heartwarming moment during a wedding ceremony with a beautiful bouquet of pink and peach flowers.
A tender kiss shared during a wedding ceremony with a stunning floral bouquet.
A wedding ceremony beneath grand church organ pipes in an ornate architectural setting.
A wedding ceremony takes place in front of decorative organ pipes with an officiant leading the service.
A wide shot of a church wedding ceremony with elegant organ pipes and gathered guests.
An intimate wedding ceremony moment captured in front of ornate church architecture.
Wedding ceremony proceedings with an officiant in a beautiful church setting.
A couple exchanges vows in front of majestic church organ pipes during their wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony in a church with a couple exchanging rings in front of a wooden altar and organ pipes.
A wedding ceremony taking place in front of an ornate pipe organ in a church.
A romantic wedding moment captured in front of a grand church organ backdrop.
Newlyweds walking down the aisle of a church with a magnificent pipe organ in the background.
A joyful wedding recessional with guests applauding as the couple walks down the aisle.
Wedding guests applauding during a ceremony in a traditional church setting.
Close-up of a bride holding a beautiful pink and peach floral bouquet during the ceremony.
A black and white photo of newlyweds walking together in an interior stairwell.

Capturing the Magic


The historic charm and unique atmosphere of Westminster Hall provided endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos. The venue’s Gothic architecture, combined with the couple’s literary-themed decor, created a dreamlike setting that was beautifully captured in their wedding photography. From intimate portraits in the burying grounds to candid moments in the hall, every photo told the story of Jenna and Victor’s love in a way that was both timeless and enchanting.


Why a Literary-Themed Wedding?

Jenna and Victor’s wedding is a perfect example of how a themed wedding can be both personal and elegant. By choosing a theme that reflected their shared passion for literature as english teachers, they were able to create a wedding that was uniquely theirs. Here’s why a literary-themed wedding might be the perfect choice for other couples:


  • Personal Touches: A literary theme allows couples to incorporate elements that are meaningful to their relationship, from favorite books to cherished quotes.
  • Timeless Elegance: Classic literature has a timeless appeal, and a wedding inspired by these works can exude a sense of elegance and sophistication.
  • Creative Opportunities: From decor to vows, a literary theme offers endless opportunities for creativity, allowing couples to put their own spin on traditional wedding elements.


A romantic moment between newlyweds outside a historic brick church building.
A candid moment between newlyweds sharing laughter outside a brick church.
A couple embraces at their wedding with a colorful bouquet featuring roses and greenery.
A black and white photo of newlyweds walking along a brick path near a historic building.
Newlyweds walk along a brick pathway beside an old brick building on their wedding day.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a brick path surrounded by autumn foliage.
A wedding bouquet wrapped with a red ribbon and decorated with a small ornament.
Black and white closeup of hands holding a bouquet tied with ribbon.
Wedding couple stands before a historic brick church with gothic architecture.
Romantic wedding moment captured outside a historic brick church with tall spire.
Wedding portrait in front of a brick church with fall foliage.
Elegant wedding bouquet with pink and burgundy flowers held against a white dress.
Close-up of hands wearing delicate rings holding a vibrant wedding bouquet with pink and white flowers.
Wedding couple standing in front of brick building with ivy wall and flowing white dress.
Wedding photo showing couple in formal attire by brick building with lush greenery.
Black and white portrait of couple in wedding attire against brick building backdrop.
Wedding couple embracing in garden setting with flowing veil and florals.
Romantic wedding portrait against ivy wall with bride holding pink bouquet.
Wedding couple sharing intimate moment outside historic brick church.
Close-up shot of gentle touch between newlyweds showing wedding rings.
Candid wedding moment with bride holding bouquet in garden setting.
Artistic shot of hands reaching toward each other in wedding ceremony moment.
A groom in a black tuxedo smiles while holding a pink and burgundy floral bouquet against an ivy-covered wall.
A formal wedding portrait of a groom holding a romantic bouquet against a lush garden backdrop.
Close-up shot of hands adjusting a black bowtie and white dress shirt cuffs.
A wedding couple poses on historic brick church steps with a flowing white veil.
A dramatic wedding portrait against Gothic church architecture with towering brick walls.
A romantic moment captured as newlyweds share a tender gesture on church steps.
A wedding couple embraces in front of bare winter trees and historic brick buildings.
An intimate wedding portrait showing a tender moment between newlyweds against autumn trees.
A bride in a elegant white gown holds a bouquet while standing before a Gothic church entrance.
A bridal portrait featuring an off-shoulder gown and pink and burgundy bouquet against church steps.
A tender wedding moment between a couple at a gothic church entrance with a vibrant pink and white floral bouquet.
A romantic newlywed couple sharing a joyful moment outside a brick church with a lush pink bouquet.
A candid wedding photo of a laughing couple in front of an ornate wooden church door.
An intimate wedding kiss captured against a historic brick church backdrop.
A grand pipe organ serves as backdrop to an elegant white-clothed wedding table.
A vintage-style wedding table setting with ornate frames, glassware and elegant place settings.
An elegant white wedding cake decorated with intricate piping and adorable frog cake toppers.
A close-up of whimsical frog bride and groom cake toppers on a white wedding cake.
An elaborate display of wedding cupcakes and desserts arranged on tiered stands.
Artistically decorated wedding cupcakes with strawberries and swirled frosting on lace doilies.
Wedding reception setup in a historic church venue with organ pipes and round tables beneath gothic windows.
Emotional wedding ceremony moment inside a church with warm lighting and wooden details.
Reception celebration with guests in elegant attire inside beautiful venue space.
Wedding couple making grand entrance down elegant staircase at reception venue.
Couple walking together across wooden floor during wedding reception.
Dramatic black and white photo of wedding dress and veil against large church organ pipes.
Elegant wedding reception setup with dessert tables and wooden organ backdrop.
Intimate wedding moment at reception table with church organ pipes in background.
Guest giving speech during wedding reception in historic church venue.
Wedding celebration with toasts and laughter at reception in front of church organ pipes.
Wedding reception in a historic church venue with large pipe organ backdrop and decorated dining tables.
Wedding toasts being given at a reception with large church organ pipes in the background.
Couple sharing a joyful moment during wedding toasts at their reception.
Speaker delivering a wedding toast in front of ornate church organ pipes.
Wedding celebration toasts in front of decorated church organ backdrop.
Black and white photo of wedding guests raising glasses in celebration.
First dance at wedding reception with illuminated pipe organ and romantic lighting.
Couple dancing during their wedding reception in a grand church hall.
Newlyweds sharing their first dance in an elegant church venue with guests looking on.
Wedding couple dancing beneath towering church organ pipes during their reception.
A wedding couple shares their first dance in a church hall with a grand pipe organ in the background.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple dancing at their wedding reception.
A couple dances together during a wedding reception in a church venue with decorative organ pipes.
A couple cuts their elegant white wedding cake together at their reception.
A newlywed couple slices into their tiered white wedding cake during their reception.
A couple playfully feeds each other wedding cake at their reception.
A couple shares a lighthearted moment while feeding each other wedding cake.
A couple shares a sweet kiss after feeding each other wedding cake at their reception.
A couple slow dances while guests dance around them at a wedding reception with organ pipes in background.
A wedding reception in full swing with couples dancing on the wooden floor beneath organ pipes.

Conclusion


Jenna and Victor’s literary-themed wedding at Westminster Hall and Burying Grounds was a beautiful blend of history, love, and literature. The unique setting, combined with thoughtful details and personal touches, made their wedding day an unforgettable experience for them and their guests. Whether you’re a book lover or simply looking for inspiration for a unique wedding theme, their story is a testament to the power of love and creativity.