Jan
10
I pick up where I left off with Eleni and Johnnie’s joyous wedding. We had just finished our portrait session at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, so Eleni and Johnnie climbed into their vintage limo to head to Cambridge for their reception.
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.
Jan
04
We knew that Eleni and Johnnie’s wedding was going to be fantastic long before the actual day arrived. First there was our initial consult and the way Johnnie looks at Eleni. And at that first meeting, he shared how much he wanted to just get married so they could start their life as a family.
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!
May
02
The show at Skera showcased a number of wedding gowns I have recently designed and reconstructed. More and more couples are choosing to make their weddings into unique expressions of their personalities, values, and experiences. In my work I have seen brides expressing an increased interest in restyling vintage gowns -particularly those belonging to a cherished family member and in creating a bridal look that is less traditional (think less fairy princess and more red carpet). In many cases, if a family heirloom is damaged or cannot be successfully reworked elements of the original piece may be incorporated into the contemporary dress. Color has also been a major trend.
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