Long, long ago we photographed our first wedding at Thompson Island, a Boston Harbor island and total hidden gem outdoor wedding venue.

We couldn’t have been happier to be back for Caroline + Patrick’s island wedding.

Caroline got ready with her sister, mom, Patrick’s mom + cousins/best friends…her beautiful nephew definitely stole the show with those big baby blues.

I think one of the hardest parts of the day was not having her best friend Kelly at the wedding. While we’re all so happy to be celebrating together again, there is always that fear that you or someone you love will have Covid, and that’s what happened with her sweet friend. But the whole day through, she was on Caroline’s mind, and I was wowed by C’s commitment to her friend, even on her biggest day. They facetimed in the morning, and Kelly was there virtually throughout the entire day (you’ll see her pop up a bunch!), and I found her FaceTiming again during the reception. This is love.

One of her bridesmaids commented that Caroline had a SJP-vibe going, and I couldn’t agree more – sophisticated + modern but also fun + adorable!

One of the coolest parts to getting married on an island is the transportation! Thompson Island has a private ferry that escorts guests from the Seaport in Boston to the destination. It also makes for a dramatic-in-the-best-way first look spot!

This group was so much fun, and the best sports – we got through portraits in record time and couldn’t have asked for better overcast island weather to protect everyone from squinty eyes + unflattering lighting! The light was something photographers dream about.

When your brother flies home from Asia to be there with you…the sisters were smitten to have him back for the day!

Patrick is kind + easy-going, and I loved seeing where he gets these traits. These moments with his parents are so special, who were so lovely and quick with compliments all day!

The ceremony was in the pasture with incredible views of the Boston Skyline. Patrick + Caroline asked Caroline’s brother in law to officiate the wedding for them. These two postponed their wedding from 2020, but still got married last year, so instead of exchanging vows, they had a champagne toast with their friends + family.

The decor in the pavilion, where their wedding reception was held, was decored in the most perfect blend of simple, garden, campy, outdoor lovely. That’s a lot of descriptors, but you’ll see. Have you ever seen a cuter disposable place setting? Eco-friendly and adorable. That’s my kind of combo!

While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, there was a whole team preparing for dinner – they hired The Broadway Group to bring in food from their favorite restaurants in Southie. From a raw bar + charcuterie to chips + guac, tacos + a gelato bar.

As cocktail hour was winding down and guests were invited to the pavilion, we skipped out for a golf cart ride to the “quiet” side of the island. These two are best friends above all else, and have so much love + respect for one another. They also just really enjoy time together, so it was fun to see them talk and laugh together. And this is the first time I’ve ever asked a bride to jog through a field. Caroline trusted me and went for it…I LOVE the result! That dress is absolutely gorgeous and so fun! bride running through field Boston

Ok, so this next picture looks like its late into the reception, right? But it’s not…this was actually BEFORE their first dance. They were introduced to ‘S.O.B’ by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats…we’re OBSESSED with this song at our house, so we freaked when they played it and everyone RAN to the dance floor to join in.

And then the first dance + parent dances.

Dinner + toasts…Patrick’s best bud Doug gave one of the most colorful toasts I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard a lot of toasts! haha, we’re still laughing about it – can someone send us a video of it!?

The Sultans band was INCREDIBLE. The rest of the night was a blast and we loved every minute of it. Denise, thank you for making us feel at home on your island. Caroline + Patrick, thank you for your kindness + trust. What a day – congrats, you two!