It’s not often that a wedding ceremony is interrupted by a seal. You read that right…a SEAL. But that’s exactly what happened at Alyssa & Andy’s New England Aquarium wedding in Boston. Their wedding ceremony took place along Boston Harbor’s Harborwalk. Spectacular views of the ocean and setting sun, and a few comical interruptions that Rabbi Howard Jaffe tied in beautifully. Alyssa, how happy are you to have added videography?! We captured it ALL and can’t wait for you to see! But first we’ll start with a sneak peek of your wedding pictures.
We started our day at The Langham, our favorite boutique hotel in downtown Boston. I rave about them always, but I have to say again, their customer service and attention to detail goes above and beyond every time. They are all about “surprise & delight!”
Alyssa and her girls had hair & makeup by the best – Christy & Co!
In a room bustling with activity, I love that Alyssa took a few minutes to read Andy’s letter. She shut everything out and paid attention only to his words.
The guys also got ready at The Langham, totally hamming it up for us, getting dressed efficiently with time for a toast…or 2…or 10.
Andy & Alyssa planned to see each other for the first time at Post Office Square, just outside The Langham. We tackled some of their family portraits here before heading to Christopher Columbus Park, one of our favorite places to shoot.
Andy’s mom checking out her son’s gorgeous bride!
There was a themed recycled-bottle artwork display at the archs at Christopher Columbus Park, and that theme happened to be fish! It was meant to be, perfect for their Boston Aquarium wedding.
Christopher Columbus Park was PACKED. As expected on a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon. But what was unexpected was the street musicians, who broke into “Here comes the Bride” as Alyssa & Andy walked down the stairs to the Boston Harbor. The whole place cheered, and this pretty much set the stage for the fanfare they’d continue to receive as we strolled along the Harborwalk.
Soft, beautiful florals by Whim Events.
In customary jewish tradition, Alyssa & Andy signed a Ketubah prior to the wedding ceremony, with Rabbi Howard and their closest family and friends. This meaningful document was artfully created by Alyssa’s dad. Andy took the moment to give a heartfelt thanks to the people they love most. This is truly what defines this couple – the love they have for one another and the people around them. They exude loving kindness.
In observance of the Shabbat, Alyssa & Andy’s wedding ceremony was planned for sundown. Love the soft pastel light of this time of night.
This ceremony – this day really – was filled with so much affection. Hugs and happy tears abound. I loved that Andy walked down the aisle, hand in hand with his parents. And he greeted every single bridesmaid, groomsmen and flower girl (ok, just one flower girl) with a warm hug, before hugging Alyssa’s parents and happily taking Alyssa by the hand. It was the sweetest head-of-aisle greeting I’ve ever seen. And that’s saying a lot – I think we’ve photographed over 200 weddings at this point.
The Rabbi versus The Seal. Rabbi Howard magically worked it into his talk and won!
The New England Aquarium is seriously an amazing wedding venue find. I don’t think people realize they have space for weddings. Alyssa told me emphatically that they were not crazy fish people, but that the Aquarium had everything they were looking for: a wedding ceremony location overlooking the Boston Harbor, right along the Harborwalk; a tented reception in the back; plus a fully-entertaining cocktail hour. The food was also fantastic.
Alyssa & Andy came into their wedding reception at a full-on run. They were ready to get the party started. Her talented brother sang their first dance song for them. It was incredible and meant so much to Alyssa. From there, Mike at Entertainment Specialists was ready to keep it going!
And then the dancing! Awesome uplighting by Design Light Co.
Cannolis and other sweet treats from Modern Pastry, plus views of the harbor and the nighttime Boston skyline, plus SO much dancing.
Alyssa & Andy, this was such a loving, fun, happy day. We were so glad to be a part of it with you, and there are so many moments we’ll never forget. We’re working on so much video & photo love for you right now…more to come soon, friends!
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Joseph
[…] first met Melissa & Evan when we photographed her beautiful bridesmaid & friend Alyssa’s wedding, when she married Andy at the New England Aquarium in Boston. We loved getting to see them along with Alyssa’s parents, too! It was such a fun […]