2020 has uprooted the plans and dreams of so many people globally, so it makes my heart so happy to share stories of persistent joy and love that refuses to be stopped – like the day Amy & Kirk were married in an intimate wedding elopement at her parents’ home, just outside of Boston.
This sweet family has so much style & grace and the wedding day started so calm. Amy kept saying “I just feel so zen!” She later elaborated that being in the home she grew up in, and felt so at home in, was helping put her in the best, calm mood. While elopement preparations went on downstairs, Amy and her sweet sister Grace laughed and shared stories upstairs, with mom on standby for anything they needed.
The intimate wedding ceremony happened on the back deck, and was officiated by Amy’s brother who did an incredible job. There were readings and prayers and beautiful sentiment for these two, who’s original dreams for May 23, 2020 was to be married in a church and celebrate with their wedding reception at Liberty Hotel in Boston. That party will still happen, but this day was, in the end, an unexpected gift.
Married! And here’s everyone who came together to make the day happen.
The wedding celebration moved inside to her dad’s office-turned-mini-ballroom. I love that they chose to celebrate some of the wedding traditions – they enjoyed a first dance together as husband and wife, into a short father/daughter and mother/son dance, and then everyone present, dancing and laughing together. As I watched from an outside perspective, this was the moment that moved me most. There was so much joy in that room, and so much love as these two families officially became one. The magic I felt was very different from a big wedding.
Toasts to the newlyweds were given, with stories about their meeting and journey together shared. Grace whipped up the signature drink – cosmopolitans – a favorite of the bride, groom and both their moms! In the end, everyone said a few words of love and well-wishes for these two as they start married life together.
And before the moment had passed, Amy’s sweet mom turned and toasted to me. It was so kind and unexpected and I was pretty close to tears, if we’re being honest, but I kept it together. Catherine, your words meant so much to me and I will forever be honored by the memory of that moment. Thank you.
The day continued with an incredible dinner & cake prepared by Commonwealth in Cambridge, dancing and video chats with best friends and cousins.
Each person at the wedding came together to make this day happen:
Wedding Venue: Amy’s childhood home
Wedding Planning & Catering Manager: Amy’s mom
Officiant: Amy’s brother
Ceremony readers: Amy’s sister + Kirk’s brother
Florist: a friend of Kirk’s mom – they were gorgeous!
DJ & Bartender: Amy’s sister
Photographer’s Assistant: Kirk’s dad, Amy’s dad, Amy’s brother’s sweet girlfriend (I had so much help! It was the best.)
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang via David’s Bridal just weeks before the day
Seamstress: not needed – fit literally fit perfect straight off the rack!
Catering & Cake: Commonwealth Cambridge
Cookies: Kirk’s dad (SO good!)
Lastly – a plea to 2020 couples: if you had plans for a big wedding that were foiled by the pandemic, please consider planning something special on your original wedding date. This intimate wedding elopement created so much joy and moments they otherwise wouldn’t have together. From witnessing it all, it feels tragic to think that they might not have had this day.
Amy & Kirk, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your celebration…I can’t wait to celebrate again at Liberty Hotel!!
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