We started 2019 with the marriage of Elizabeth + Phil. Their marriage brings together 5 teenage girls – who were all thrilled to be a part of the day. Its days like these that make me want to get married again so my kiddos can be a part of such an important and meaningful day. Their wedding ceremony & celebration both took place at The Langham Boston, a gorgeous boutique hotel. But if it wasn’t already incredible, we learned that this was the last wedding they were hosting until they reopen in 15ish months after a HUGE renovation. The next phase of The Langham sounds AHHH-MAZING and I can’t wait to see. But for now, let’s enjoy E+P’s day…
We love winter weddings! I have a good one for you today – its Lauren & David’s Boston wedding, which was on the first of December. The day started at Boston Park Plaza, the perfect place to kick off an elegant black tie wedding.
Beautiful Lauren referred to the wedding day at “picture day” – after all, its not every day you have your own personal photog squad! Her ladies were ready to celebrate…a quick picture turned into laughs and stories and hugs.
Now to David & the guys, just a couple of floors down at Boston Park Plaza.
The guys were calm and ready. I love this picture of David, relaxing with his buds before the first look with his bride.
Lauren had the most beautiful attire – from her lace Pronovia’s gown to her Manolo Blahniks…and her rings! I’ve never seen a ring like her wedding band by Tristori. Diamonds all around but flexible, almost like platinum netting. Her beautiful mama and cousin helped her with final preparations.
I’m obsessed with the birds on a wire above! THE CUTEST little butter balls.
Let’s talk about the wedding day for a second. You’ve always heard it goes by so quickly, right? One way to maximize the day is with a first look, which starts the “together” part of the day sooner. One other thing that helps? Really enjoying EACH part of the day. You’ve taken care of all the planning. Now live it in a way that’s totally you.
Lauren & David love to scare each other. So what better opportunity than when his back is turned for their first look?! I told him she’d be out in a minute, while she literally waited behind him. She got him! Hehehe I’m still laughing about it.
Cheers to this incredible wedding party, willing to troop to the Boston Public Garden in the freezing cold for their favorite bride & groom.
Wedding preparations at Boston Park Plaza, check. Wedding pictures at Boston Public Garden, check. Now to Granite Links to get married! Just outside of the city, Granite Links has incredible views, the most accommodating staff and a gorgeous ballroom.
We photograph a good number of Jewish weddings in Boston each year, and one of my favorite parts is the Ketubah signing. Each is so unique and always such a personal, warm celebration of their commitment to one another.
Lauren & David (or Butter & Drey) wrote the most beautiful vows to one another. Promises to be there for one another, committed to laughing together and loving for always.
Mazel Tov!
The Grand Ballroom looked incredible thanks to the hard work by Granite Links (Michelle & team!), Petals & Design Light Co. Montilla’s Bakery provided the beautiful cake, and Hip Pocket Orchestra was already playing, ready to welcome everyone in as the doors opened.
The dance floor exploded QUICK after a short first dance – on to the Horah!
When a dozen of your favorite people are on standby for a Vanity Fair-esque portrait…
Dancing with your love, with a quick break for smore-in-a-cup. That’s my idea of a perfect ending to a perfect night. Well done, Butter & Drey. Picture day was a good one.
2018 has been the year of rainy Saturdays. Rain sometimes means rearranging the day, making last minute changes to the timeline. Sue & Jon’s October wedding day started with rain, but thanks to team decisions on first look, portraits, etc, it didn’t matter in the least. Here’s a look into their beautiful wedding day.
Sue got ready at her childhood home in Milton. Her mom welcomed us with coffee and homemade scones. I could’ve kissed her. And Sue was enjoying hair & makeup by her team from Cut-Splice who traveled from Charlestown to take care of her.
The morning was peaceful and our bride was happy.
Her parents’ home is SO cute. Initial plans were to meet at Turners Pond in Milton for their first look and family portraits, but the front steps of her parents’ home was a beautiful and sweet plan B. Here’s Jon, arriving to meet his almost-wifey before heading to St Agatha Parish in Milton.
I love that both of Sue’s parents walked her down the aisle. She’s the baby of the family and the last of 18 cousins to get married. So much love and anticipation for this moment!
The rain completely cleared up during their ceremony, so outdoor portraits were on! Sue & Jon’s wedding reception was at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge. We LOVE the Royal Sonesta! Bianca and team are awesome, and the views can’t be beat.
If a dress swishes, I say swish away girlfriend! Sue was ready.
After portraits, we moved inside for cocktail hour and then dinner and dancing in the Ballroom. I love the way the sun cast through the windows to light up the tables. The room was elegant and classy, with gold chevari chairs and white and gold centerpieces.
World Premiere Band performed at their wedding, and put on a killer show. This was our first time working with them, and I would hands down recommend this band. They were talented and so much fun, and they were nice too. A bonus when we all eat dinner together in the vendor room. 🙂
Sue & Jon are so sweet together. One of the first things Sue told me about Jon is that he’s always thinking about her happiness. He’s such a thoughtful guy, and he’s loved by so many friends. Its funny, because the way she’s describing him is also the way I saw her treating him. They have so much shared respect and love for one another. Definitely a good team as they move forward in life together. Whether spending time with her dog, or traveling the globe together.
Sue’s family came to party! I mentioned that she’s the last of 18 cousins to get married. That’s a huge family! And they brought their A-game to this wedding. World Premiere Band got an easy group, that’s for sure. The dance floor was packed all night. Keep scrolling, you’ll see!
xoxo, Sue & Jon. We hope you love this highlight. Next up, your video trailer, complete photo collection, and cinematic wedding film!
Wedding Venue: Royal Sonesta Boston – Cambridge MA
Wedding days don’t always run smoothly. So I’d imagine that Ben & Rachel are still pinching themselves on the perfection of their wedding day at Royal Sonesta Boston. It was such a smooth, calm, fun day filled with good friends, good times and meaningful moments. We were thrilled to provide both their wedding photography and wedding videography as a husband and wife team. More on our cinematic wedding film services here.
Here’s a glimpse into their beautiful September wedding.
The Royal Sonesta Boston is just across the Charles River, and is a beautiful spot for anyone looking for a Boston wedding venue with views of the city. You can see everything from the Museum of Science to the Prudential Center and iconic Citco sign from the Royal Sonesta. The team there is top-notch, led by our fave – events manager Bianca, and the ballroom is stunning, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Charles.
Rachel and her girls were so ready to start the day. I presented her with the Engagement Guest Book we created for her, and I love all the emotions happening just after she looked through the book with her bridesmaids, Mom and Grandmother. Her mom, close to tears, and her girls, so happy for her, as she glowed. Ready to marry her best friend.
Hey, Ben! His room was busy with excitement – all of his groomsmen, his parents and grandmother and Rachel’s dad, all there to help this guy get ready.
The guys actually had time to relax and play cards beforehand, while the ladies finished up.
Rachel was absolutely stunning. I’m so taken with this picture of her approaching Ben for their first look. Stunning.
After portraits, we headed inside for their Ketubah signing and Jewish wedding ceremony.
I love the progression of light outside as the sun dips below the horizon during their ceremony.
The ballroom was downright regal, with white centerpieces by Flou(-e)r, gold chevari chairs and gold tea lights along the tables.
Time to celebrate…with the help of Nightshift, one of our favorite Boston wedding bands. Everyone. Was. Ready. Especially for the jewish dancing and Horah!
The dance floor was insane. The perfect wedding trifecta: dinner, drinks, dancing. Enjoyed by all. On our way out, we flipped through the Guest Book we designed for them, and we were overwhelmed by the love encapsulated in one book. Their engagement pictures, with anticipation of this day, surrounded by messages of love and joy written by their favorite people. Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together for this sweet, fun couple.
We had the recent pleasure of photographing and filming Anita & Gerry’s incredible wedding day at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. The Hyatt Regency is the iconic “steps” hotel that overlooks the Charles River, with fantastic views of Boston. Plans were to be indoors most of the day for three traditional wedding ceremonies: a Chinese Tea Ceremony, a Cambodian Knot Tying Ceremony, and an American Vow Exchange Ceremony. Plans to stay inside were a blessing, as cell phones beeped warnings of potential tornado threats. Though you’d thankfully never know it from inside the hotel. The weather didn’t affect their day one bit.
Anita & Gerry’s wedding day was filled with tradition, outfit changes, laughs, and even a little Boyz II Men acapella. We worked nearly 12 hours to capture it all for Anita & Gerry, and I loved the entire day. Both for the festive excitement, and also for the in-between moments. These two are quiet and kind, both thoughtfully asking about our new puppy throughout the day, catching up on chats we had during their Boston Public Garden engagement session and in planning conversations over the last year.
I wish I had a gorgeous pair of shoes on my wedding day! Love Anita’s Jimmy Choo selection.
Anita’s beautiful mama reminisced on rubbing lotion on Anita’s skin when she was a baby…and was happy to do so again on her wedding day!
The guys got ready downstairs – Gerry was beyond ready to see Anita, and marry his love after 10 years together. Also, we loved their EDM playlist. 🙂
The guys headed up to greet the girls and play door games – in Chinese tradition – so Gerry would be granted access to his love. While Anita waited behind closed doors, he passed envelopes of money to her bridesmaids until they decided he was worthy. Once he made it into the room, the ladies gave him and his groomsmen a set of challenges to get to his bride. This was one of my favorite parts of the day.
After singing Boyz II Men (Yoshi was not impressed), Gerry was able to greet Anita with promises for their married life together. Then, to their Chinese Tea Ceremony!
At the Tea Ceremony, they served tea to their elders and received gifts and blessings. Meanwhile, custom Cambodian outfits were being prepared upstairs for the Knot ceremony.
Anita explained the ceremony to me so perfectly beforehand, and while the ceremony was led entirely in Cambodian, an english-speaking translator was there to translate and explain each part of the ceremony. It was rich with tradition and history, all to bless this incredible couple.
We headed back upstairs to prepare for the final ceremony of the day – vow exchanges. Anita presented her mom and each of her bridesmaids with a thoughtful note and gift, and brought her mama to tears with her kind words. …Yoshi, still not impressed while Anita put on her custom crystal-beaded veil shawl. ;-p
Remember that tornado warning I mentioned? That was a distant memory by the time we were ready for portraits. Time was tight, but thankfully the Hyatt Regency Cambridge has a courtyard perfect for natural light portraits. We got through our list in record time, giving us the chance to head across Memorial Drive for a few evening portraits with Anita & Gerry.
The Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge faces the Boston skyline – the views were stellar, and I have to give a HUGE shout out to Ashley, their event manager. She kept things running smoothly and was a joy to work with.
The celebration that night was insane. Three wedding ceremonies and they still hit the dance floor hard, so happy to be celebrating their marriage with their family and friends. They’ve grown up together over the last 10 years, through hard times and good times, always there for each other and their family.
Congratulations, Anita & Gerry. We are so happy for you, and honored to have been a part of your day!
I’ve spent the morning trying to figure out how to shorten Josh & Rachel’s gorgeous Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel wedding – but between their Park Street Church wedding ceremony, portraits at the Boston Public Garden and Fort Point Channel, and killer dance party reception at the always-awesome Renaissance Hotel, I’ve finally decided this. It is impossible to shorten their wedding preview any further. Impossible. So without further audieu…enjoy!
This is what it looks like to get your dream watch on your wedding day from your about-to-be-wifey. Shock and awe, people!
I love their expressions as they anticipate seeing each other for the first time as Rachel starts down the aisle at their Park Street Church wedding ceremony.
Rachel had her own Kate Middleton princess moment as she and Josh stepped out on the balcony at Park Street Chuch, overlooking Park & Tremont St, with hundreds of onlookers waiting to greet them.
Next we headed to the Boston Public Garden for portraits.
Next we headed over to Fort Point Channel for more pictures before the reception.
Best. Photobomb. Ever.
So Josh has a ton of energy, and came to their Renaissance Seaport Hotel wedding reception ready to party. Their DJ (Ron Carpendito) had their guests line the dancefloor and ready for a fast one as soon as they hit the dancefloor.
Love!
I loved most that every time a slow song came on, he knew exactly where Rachel was and found her to dance.
This was an unbelieveable wedding of an incredibly kind and fun couple that required a ton of pictures to do the preview justice. Congratulations to Josh & Rachel!
Damon and Kathleen’s Boston Hyatt Harborside wedding was summertime perfection – they were married on the lawn outside the Hyatt in East Boston, which overlook Boston Harbor. This is most definitely the best view of Boston, and made for an incredible backdrop for their “I do’s”.
Ben and I were beyond thrilled to spend the day with these two and their family & friends. They’re incredibly laid back and super fun. I don’t think I caught either of them without a smile on their face at any point in the day. Oh and their adorable pup Ralph (yes, he’s a Wheaton Terrier) who joined them at their engagement session, was the ring bearer! As if that weren’t enough to be excited about, there were so many familiar faces, from college friends (Umass and the Arlington crew!) to past wedding couples (the beautiful MOH may look familiar, I photographed Erin & Patrick’s wedding in 2011!). Also, one of our new favorite Boston bands, and Kathleen’s beautiful lace wedding gown! Ok, I’m going to stop here and just let you enjoy the pictures.
The forecast predicted rain, but that didn’t get Jess & Mike down about their Boston College wedding day. And the day did start with a grey drizzle – but with Boston College as the backdrop for their first look and wedding ceremony at St Ignatius Parish, we were pretty much covered with fantastic indoor “Plan B” locations. Fast forward a couple of hours when the sun came out just in time for their first look and we happily tore up Plan B and headed outside. Its possible that there couldn’t be a prettier location for couples looking for beautiful architecture and castles in the Boston area – Boston College was primed to perfection, and we made the most of it spending time at all of Jess’s (a proud BC Alum) favorite buildings.
Jess has the most incredible eye lashes. I’m still astonished by them, they look like extensions but are 100% hers! She radiates happiness and kindess, I love the portrait of her on the right. It captures up her personality so perfectly.
Everyone pitched in to get the perfect fit here, while dad watched on from the corner of the room.
The clouds were just starting to clear when we met Mike & the guys at BC.
One of Jess’s favorite spots on campus is the field in front of the library, so we chose this as the location of their first look, with the BC Eagle watching over.
After portraits, we got ready to headed to their St Ignatius Church wedding ceremony.
Instead of a traditional receiving line at the end of the ceremony, Jess & Mike greeted all of their guests as they entered cocktail hour. And the wedding celebration continued at Lake Pearl Luciano in Wrentham!
Congrats Mike and Jess. I can’t begin to explain what a pleasure it was being alongside on your wedding day!
Meaghan and Steve’s Omni Parker House wedding in Boston was simply stunning, from Boston Public Garden pictures to their ceremony and wedding reception at the Omni Parker House. It was an absolutely perfect formal Boston wedding. You may remember these two from their engagement session in the South End last fall. Here’s a glimpse into their beautiful wedding day.
Before the first look, we took a couple of minutes to create some beautiful, timeless portraits of Meaghan. Also below is a picture of the hardcover guest book we designed for them using pictures from their engagement session.
Meaghan made her way through the crowd of tourists to Old City Hall, the location we selected for their first look. And as luck would have it, the area was quiet and empty, with just Steve waiting for his bride.
The first look is such a special moment between the bride and groom. These two enjoyed the time with each other, seemingly without a care in the world. It was beautiful to watch. These are the moments that make photographing weddings so fulfilling. To be invited into a couple’s lives on one of the most important days in the lives, and to mindfully capture the moments and details in a way that will bring all of the memories back. So that they may look at their wedding photographs and remember exactly how they felt that day. He can still hear her laugh. And they can share these moments with their family, both now and in the future.
After the first look, we headed to the Boston Public Gardens for their portraits. But not before a colorful tour of Beacon Hill, courtesy of good friend, JP and tour-guide-on-demand.
We snuck across from the Gardens with just Meaghan and Steve. I love the dappled light through the trees, and how softly it wraps around them. It just adds to the romance of their quiet time together.
I love portraits at the Boston Public Garden – the variety is endless.
The wedding ceremony was at the Omni Parker House in the Grand Ballroom.
A lot of the ceremony was interestingly about avocados and quacamole. Without a doubt the most entertaining ceremony, and I hope someone recorded it. The avocado message tied in on several different levels, and was carried through to the handmade quacamole bar as guests exited the ceremony, a definite show stealer!
The details came together beautifully, from the menu to cake to the flowers and table setting.
And then the celebration began with a big opening, and continued with lots of amazing food and dancing late into the night.
And my personal favorite, captured just as the elevator door was closing. Congratulations Meaghan & Steve!
Ben & I had the privilege of photographing Dave & Janessa’s beautiful BC Club wedding in downtown Boston. This was Ben’s first wedding of 2013, now that our baby boy Cooper is 5 months old…so many of the beautiful shots below are his – I’m still in awe of his talent. Makes me love him that much more.
But back to Dave & Janessa – the day started dark and stormy. But after 10 minutes of rain, the sun came out just in time for their wedding ceremony at St Charles Borromeo Church in Woburn MA. And Janessa was glowing just the same in her beautiful beaded gown & Jimmy Choo‘s. After their ceremony we headed to Fan Pier for family & wedding party pictures. (J&D entrusted me with selecting their portrait locations, I love when clients ask me to do this for them!) I have to say, this group was so much fun to photograph. We had some great shots planned, and lots more popped up (pun intended, see below) during the session. Love shots in the street but Janessa – the yellow ones don’t stop!
A few quick pictures at Post Office Square and then up to the BC Club. Its not often a couple has their wedding on the 36th floor overlooking all of Boston and beyond. So of course we first captured the sunset with some beautiful silhouette shots before J&D headed to cocktail hour. The rest of the night was magic, thanks to the sounds of Brick Park Entertainment. If you’re looking for a band, check them out. They’re amazing…
