Our groom getting ready at their home in the South End.

Our bride getting ready at a suite at the Westin Copley.

Orchids from Hawaiin shores….

Special lei’s for the groom, groomsmen, ring bearer and father of the bride.

Such a great entrance for a bride into the courtyard of the BPL.

Yup. It’s scary.

This little guy’s eyes are so expressive.

Celebrating with friends, part one.

So many fun kids!

 There are so many more great images to come from their portraits in the park and their wild reception at the MOS, so definitely keep checking back.

Their pup didn’t get to enjoy the festivities, but waited for them in their suite.

Family portrait.

This was potentially a dangerous cake moment. But fear not, all worked out just fine.

A new member of our team?

A steamy evening meant so crazy air and light.

Ahhhh….. Tiffany’s.

Congrats to Janette and Wes. Special thanks to all of the professionals who helped make their day amazing….

Location for getting ready: Fairmont Copley Plaza / Ceremony Venue: Lauren Lukason from the Trinity Church Boston / Reception Venue: Tracey Gavin from the Fairmont Copley Plaza / Hair Team & Make-up Artist: Mariolga Pantazopoulos / Gown Designer: Marchesa / Bridesmaids Dresses: Lazaro / Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers / Groomsmen’s Attire: Joseph A. Bank / Officiant: Reverend Pamela Foster / Cake: Ellen Bartlett from Cakes to Remember / Floral Design: Orly Khon from Tangerine Creations / Band: Brian Delac at Murray Hill Entertainment / Ceremony Musicians: Steven Organek / Videographer: Nathan Suher from Wedding Reels Video / Transportation/limo: Gideon and Beth from The Original Party Trolley Boston / Invitations: Alice Ng from By Alice Boutique / Save the Dates: Minted

Want more? Check out their back bay engagement session and their Trinity Church wedding ceremony.

Before Amanda and Greg joined their guests, we had to capture just one image. Love the levels in the Liberty, a great chance to play around with creative portrait ideas.

Of course, we couldn’t and wouldn’t keep them away from their favorite peeps for long.

Family announcements and entrances.

Much applause for our bride and groom. And love the expression on the young man in the back.

First dance romance.

Sweetness, joined by friends and family on the dancefloor.

Hilarious. Greg with his not-so-little-anymore girl.

Let the fun begin.

Amanda selected amazingly cool props for our Faux-to Booth, and the guests rocked them.

Favorite from the end of the night. Our bride and her mom.

A big round of thanks to Amanda and Greg for including us in your super-fab day. And much gratitude to the team of pro’s who made the day absolutely perfect.

Wedding Venue: The Liberty Hotel / Hair + Make-up: Sara Faella + Sara’s Glam Squad / Bride’s Gown: Lazaro via Kleinfeld / Bride’s + Bridesmaids’ Earrings: TEJANI / Custom Gown Hanger: Suspended Moments by Dawn Hill Creations / Bridesmaid Dresses: Alvina Valenta via Here Comes the Bridesmaid / Junior Bridesmaid Dress: Bari Jay via Bridal Reflections / Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Floral Design: Winston Flowers / Furniture Rentals: Taylor Creative / Dance Floor + Linen Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Lighting Design: Swank AV /Cake & Cupcakes: I Dream of Jeanne Cakes / Custom Cake Topper: Crystal Celebration / Ceremony Music: La Bella Musica / DJ: Seth Isaacs of Beat Train Productions / Officiant: Gary D. Fine / Invitation Design: Go Against the Grain / Invitation Printing: Lion in the Sun

Want more? Check out the slideshow from this Style Me Pretty featured wedding and their at-home engagement session.

If you would like to see more from Amy and Phil, check out their wedding blog entry 1 and 2, their engagement and wedding slideshows.

Amanda and I had talked a bit about what she liked in portraits, and one of the things we wanted to capture was intimacy in the midst of busy-ness. Usually on the bridge in the Public Garden this is an easy task, because there are tons of people around. On this particular Sunday afternoon, it was actually a challenge to get people in our photo, and then to encourage them to keep walking. They were all so nice and respectful, not wanting to interrupt their session. Oh, the irony. Patience, however, paid off, as we captured this moment.

Not having too many people also had it’s benefits.

We could go anywhere without worrying about them. And were even able to capture a bit of fall, though in general the trees hadn’t started to turn.

You may recall we took a cab to the gardens. Amanda carefully gets out.

Back at the Copley Plaza, we took a few more portraits. Love the lines of the staircase.

Introductions, right into their first dance.

Such a sweet moment when Ed dances with his mum (mum because he’s from England).

The toasts were fantastic. Ed’s step-dad and best man went first. He was hilarious.

Amanda’s dad had his turn as well. Of course, he shared one or two embarassing stories.

Loving the autumn colors infused into their cake.

Another super special tradition. Amanda’s sorority sisters from Duke, sang her a song and passed around a candle in her honor.

Then the party really got underway. This crew knew how to have a good time.

One last treat from their celebration.

Many congrats to Amand and Ed. Such an all around amazing day. So many people to thank for helping make it perfect.

Getting ready and reception venue: Alice Fay from the Fairmont Copley Plaza
Ceremony venue: Helen McCrady from the Old South Church
Officiant: Cal Grenzel from the Old South Church
Cake: Ellen from Cakes to Remember
Floral Designer: Rob Galeski from Twig
Lighting Design: Paul from Boston Uplights
DJ: Greg from 5 Star Events
Cocktail hour musicians: Felice from Gilded Harps
Calligraphy: Katrin from Calligraphy Katrina and Maison du Papier
Gown Designer: Lazaro dress from Christinas Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: Saison Boutique
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Mens Wearhouse
Hair: Erik from Will Charles Salon
Make-up: Dani Wagener from Dani Wagener Studios

If you want to see more, check out their first entry and their PicFlick.

Talented? Case in point. Ed carved this traditional Welsh lovespoon himself; it’s all from one piece of wood. Typically this is given earlier in the relationship, but Ed’s gift on their wedding morning couldn’t have been more sweet or more appreciated. We included the engagement ring in the photo, another very special gift.

And the wedding ringshot on the Globe.

And now to Ed, during his getting ready at the Copley Plaza. Did I mention his sense of humor?

The gents took the stairs down to the Oak Room, for a toast before the ceremony.

A good opportunity for a portrait of our dashing groom.

Meanwhile, the ladies were still getting ready. Dani Wagener provided her expertise for Amanda’s make-up.

Love this photo of Amanda’s wedding dress in her hotel room; mysterious and romantic.

Such intricate and beautiful detailing.

Amanda is a classic beauty; she chose to keep her personal style natural, simple, elegant. It was perfect for her.

The ladies also enjoyed a toast before the ceremony.

So pretty.

Her church is across the square and she can see it from the window. Getting ready for her big day, she looks out.

The ceremony in the Gordon Chapel of the Old South Church had a very intimate feel. I also especially liked the Gothic look of the space as it reminded of Duke, where Amanda went to school (about 10 years after me).

They included readings by friends.

This little gal really wanted to be with the bride.

Afterwards we took portraits in and around the church and on the square lawn. A casual bridal party shot.

A classic bride and groom (aka husband and wife) portrait.

When we finished up there, I hopped in a cab with Amanda and Ed to take photos at the Public Gardens. Love this moment in the taxi. Definitely one of my favorite photos of the year.

More to come for sure… there were tons of amazing portraits at the Garden and a great party with their wonderful families, so check back soon.

Let me start by saying that Amanda and Greg are awesome. He was pretty laid back about all of the wedding stuff; she had definite ideas. And her ideas were amazing! Amanda is a lady all sewn up with style- from head to toe, truly. Her dress, her shoes, her hair, her make-up, her jewelry= stunning. The decor, the location, the food= fantastic. Throughout the planning, Greg provided the witty commentary that was needed to balance Amanda’s perfect vision.

When we were able to finally meet in person at their engagement session (virtual conversation up until then due to their living out of state), I knew their wedding was going to be an absolute blast. And it really was. These two set the stage for an incredible party; their friends and family obliged with energetic dancing and celebratory spirit. And it was a great way for us to conclude our 2011 wedding season. So let’s get to sharing some pics….

Amanda checking out the work of her make-up artist, natural beauty shining through.

Having chosen to see each other beforehand, Greg and Amanda enjoyed a first look on one of the catwalks at the Liberty. Greg’s big smile.

And a beautiful silhouette, kiss, and pretty fall views from the hotel.

A fun bridal party pic. The Liberty Hotel is an old jail and as such still has some of the prison character.

Couple portraits. One of my favorites is always the moment before the kiss.

A few of Greg.

Did I not say she had amazing style? I totally love her dress by Lazaro.

Ruffly fun for this bridal portrait.

Amanda went to hide away before her guests arrived, but Greg got to check out the ceremony space. He was pretty excited about the day!

The ceremony included all sorts of personal touches, with only ladies standing up for the Bride and a family ceremony for the groom’s daughter, Olivia. It was truly special. Here, Olivia walks down the aisle in her role as junior bridesmaid.

Amanda’s entrance.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this photo captured by Dave. Everyone is so happy and Amanda is absolutely glowing as her Dad kisses her.

Of course, it doesn’t stop there. She can’t stop smiling at her groom.

Sealed with a kiss.

Such a beautiful beginning to their lives together as husband and wife. And in their next entry, it’s all about the party! Get ready for some real fun.

At the Charles Hotel, we had a little extra time for portraits. (We had originally planned to take portraits at the pedestrian bridge over the Charles River, but it was covered in scaffolding. So bummed about that, but really glad the hotel has a pretty awesome lobby.) The lighting and the art at the hotel is mysterious and rich, lending to some amazingly unique images. Here, blending reality with a dreamlike quality- kind of like a wedding day, actually.

Meanwhile the guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour. One of my favorite things about the Charles Hotel as a venue is this courtyard.

Inside the romantic scene was being set with candles,

Warm lighting and vibrant colorful floral arrangements,

And this decadent, sparkly wedding cake.

Eleni and Johnnie made their grand entrance.

Right into their first dance.

As is the Greek custom, their family and friends showered them with money.

Ultimately they were joined on the dance floor by everyone. I especially enjoyed their nephews dancing crazily beside them.

And the party begins….

After the DJ got things heated up, the Greek band led the Greek dancing.

A highlight for all… the men’s dance. Hilarious. I am not 100% sure what it is about, but the boys have to get down on their knees,

On their backs,

and drink. Too much fun!

And I’ll drink to that.

Huge congrats to Eleni and Johnnie and their families. What an amazing celebration. We are so glad we could document it for you.

Additional thanks to all of the pro’s who help make it a fantastic day:

Ceremony Officiant and Venue: V. Rev. Dr. Cleopas Strongylis of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Reception venue and planner: Sarah Chatigny of the Charles Hotel

Caterer: Henrietta’s Table at the Charles Hotel

Cake: Danny Angelopolus at the Charles Hotel

Brides wedding gown: Monique Lhullier from L’elite Bridal Salon

Bridesmaids dresses: Melissa at Allegria Bridal with Jim Hjelm and Lazaro gowns

Groom and groomsmens tuxes: Russo’s Tux

Bride’s hair: Maria Iannessa from Bella Capelli

Bride’s make-up: Eddie Fee

Floral and lighting design: Donna Fucaloro of Pepperberry Flowers

DJ: Kostas Flathras of Hellenic Sound Productions

Ceremony Musicians: Lindsey McChord of Longly School of Music

Videographer: Jesse Barack of Mass Videography

Invitations and other printed materials: Lynne Johnson of The Inviting Company

If you still want more, check out their engagement session, Part 1, and their PicFlick.

Then there was their engagement session, which was loads of fun. The North End was Johnnie’s stomping ground, and where they had their first date. We saw more of the neighborhood than we ever had before. And then during our pre-wedding meeting, we asked them what they were most looking forward to and they both reiterated, “We can’t wait to be married!”

So we knew the day would be extraordinarily special, focused on their love and we knew based on how much fun these two are, that their friends and family would surely be a blast as well. We were not disappointed.

We started at Eleni’s parents home for her getting ready photos and family portraits.

Gotta love her dress, but this image is also about the home that she grew up in- the chandelier, the china cabinet and other family heirlooms.

Dave popped outside to get a photo of all the boys in the family. Eleni couldn’t resist sneaking in. Only one little guy noticed. Then Dave headed off to Johnnie’s mom’s house for their family photos.

Meanwhile, Eleni was helped into her beautiful dress by her mom and her sisters.

I took a few portraits of Eleni in her parents bedroom. The window light was gorgeous. But I also love all of the family details. In this image, I was able to capture her mother watching as well as her parents wedding photo on the wall, a layered story.

And the boys helped her make her way down the stairs.

On the way out, she kicked the glass of water down the stairs. Then she hopped into her vintage limo.

Meanwhile, Dave and the boys had made it to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Johnnie can totally pull off the Godfather look; he has the perfect smile.

But his true nature comes out as he waits in the back of the church. He must be thinking, “When can we start already?!”

And then the festivities began in earnest. The boys made their way out to the sanctuary. And as his niece was walking down the aisle, his sister waved her on enthusiastically.

Eleni waited outside the doors with her parents.

From the moment she entered, she and Johnnie were all smiles. And he kept stealing glances at his beautiful bride.

Just before the kiss, Johnnie’s smile grows even bigger.

And what a kiss it was!

Portraits followed… here’s one quick glimpse of what is to come following the ceremony.

And the Charles Hotel reception follows that with some seriously fun and funny Greek dancing!

and tears…

And laughter as Phil wiped away Amy’s tears.

They also took the opportunity to hold each others’ hands during the ceremony.

And sealed it with a kiss.

Lots of smiles and cheers as they exited the church.

After family portraits and a tea ceremony at the church, we continued to the Black Swan Country Club, where they would host their reception. They wanted a few more portraits on the golf course, so we started with those.

The stone wall separating the greens is very New England.

Loving the reaction of the bridal party to this kiss.

Inside, Amy changes so she would have just the right outfit for their first dance, a beautifully choreographed number. Of course, that also meant opportunities for portraits of the couple prior to their entrance.

Practicing alone.

As they were being introduced, the bridesmaids and groomsmen had a special dance of their own for Amy and Phil.

Oh the fun moves in this dance. Spinning…

and lifting.

After the Best Man’s toast which spoke to all of the things that make Phil, Phil; he was in full smile mode.

Taking his mom for a spin.

Finally the cake cutting. Gotta love this little sweet treat which was situated on top.

All around a beautiful day and kudos go to all of the professionals who helped make it such:
Getting ready location: the Liberty Hotel
Ceremony venue: Myca Wherlie from High Rock Arlington Church
Reception site: Caryl Nansel of Black Swan Country Club

Wedding gown: Maggie Sottero
Bride’s hair: Joe from Hair Adventure
Bride’s make-up: Veronica Shin
Groom’s attire: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Cakes! Bakery
Floral design: Myca Wehrli from Whirly Girl Flowers
Uplights: Paul Therrien from Boston Uplights

Want more? Check out their slideshow.