Oct
10
When last I wrote about Jess and Ivan’s wedding, I spoke all about how chill they were and how they most looked forward to socializing with their friends and family. So when we shared the photos with them for their premiere, it was no suprise that they were most interested in seeing the faces of all their loved ones. They would point out, "Oh, there’s so and so" or "that’s my cousin…" or "that’s your neighbor from the time you were two…" Or "he was there when Ivan proposed in Ireland." Well you get the point. Their special day was all about the people.
Of course, the wedding day planning all started with the two of them and their desire to share their lives together. So I will pick up with the ceremony…
They pretty much kept all of the traditional events of the day short and sweet. And the ceremony was also very streamlined. They did, however, include the kiss.
Because they elected to see each other before the tea ceremony and the western ceremony, we also took their formal portraits before the ceremony and they were able to attend cocktail hour.
Ivan found a way to chat with the friends right next to him and the ones across the room. 
Jess hadn’t seen many of her childhood friends in a long time. She enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with her crew.
One of the best parts of the Downtown Harvard Club is the view. Check out the sunset.
I love it when a bride and groom are surrounded by their friends and family as they take the dance floor for the first dance. Though it seems for this moment, Jess and Ivan were in a world all to themselves…
Jess’ dad gave the one toast, and he too kept it brief. That didn’t keep him from getting in a few good laughs.
I plan to share more details from their day later, but I couldn’t resist sharing this cake. It’s AMAZING!!! They wanted to honor Ivan’s chinese heritage so they had Konditor Meister decorate it with the double happiness. The swirls are like the clasps, frogs, that are the "buttons" on a Chinese dress.
And then it’s party time. Jess’ grandfather on the dance floor…
I am not sure if it was a special request or if the DJ just knew our boy Ivan. But Ivan is a HUGE Red Sox fan so when the DJ played Papelbon’s special song, Ivan and his friends thoroughly enjoyed themselves doing the Riverdance.
And one last image from the night…
And their slideshow….
Special thanks to:
Tania and all of the folks at the Downtown Harvard Club- Tania is an amazing coordinator; she helped with Jess getting ready, provided the forgotten hairspray, and was always in the background guiding the day.
Also for taking care of all the special details:
Wedding cake: Konditor Meister
Floral: Nellie’s Wildflowers
Entertainment: Entertainment Specialists
Officiant: Justice of the Peace Helen Kerivan
Many, many thanks to Ivan and Jess. I am so, so glad you asked us to photograph your wedding. It was so much fun and such a special way to celebrate with you two.
Sep
29
Jess and Ivan’s wedding was definitely a relaxed affair. It was all about kicking back with friends and family and enjoying a good meal with good drinks. Jess kept everything very low-key. No bridal party, simple portraits, and lots of time to see everyone. In fact, Ivan said his favorite part was shmoozing with everyone during the reception.
We started our day with Jess as she was getting ready in her suite at the Langham Hotel. We had suggested that she and Ivan choose someone to help out with putting on the dress and other such details since she didn’t have any bridesmaids. They chose Ivan’s cousin Rebecca, who was absolutely amazing. She was such a pro. I know Ivan and Jess were grateful to her and so were we.
Like I said, Jess was very relaxed. When we arrived, she was all set, except for the dress, which we had asked her to wait to put on. So she was basically chilling out, while we took a few photos of the dress (as seen in the mirror behind her) and the shoes and other details.
Dave coordinated with Ivan so that he was waiting for Jess to arrive at Post Office Square to see her for the first time. I brought Jess down. Ivan had his back to her until she told him she was ready. And then he got his first look at his gorgeous bride. Joyful!
Since the wedding was at the downtown Boston Harvard Club and they were staying just a few blocks away, we chose to walk the streets for our portrait session. And as it happens in many financial districts, there was a Fidelity Investments office. And as it happens, Ivan and Jess met while working at Fidelity. So, of course, we had to have a photo of our happy couple with Fidelity in the background. It kind of reminds me of an advertisement for financial planning or some such thing. "Start your Happily Ever After off on the right foot with Fidelity…" We won’t go into the meaning of Jess and Ivan walking the opposite direction of the One Way sign, one detail I enjoy a lot.
And then we captured a few images with the more typical cityscape in the background.
We headed into the lobby of the Harvard Club building for Jess and Ivan to rest their feet.
Jess’ mom and dad arrived and Jess’ mom caught her first glimpse of Jess through the window; Jess looked stunning in her wedding gown- no wonder her mom was so excited.
When the rest of their family members arrived, we all went to the top floor, where the Harvard Club resides. We took the family formals in the Shawmut Room. I love this space because of the beautiful mural on the back wall and the windows opposite it. It was a perfect spot for these pictures. However, I love this photo because of how much Jess and her mom are enjoying themselves.
For the tea ceremony, Jess changed into a traditional Chinese QiPao.
Ivan’s parents were just as enthusiastic and fun as Jess’ and no one stood too much on protocal. It was all about celebrating this fabulous couple.
Still some traditions were followed faithfully. Jess was given this beautiful jade jewelry, along with the red envelopes she and Ivan received.
Still to come, the Western ceremony, the cocktail hour as the sun set, and the fabulous party. In the meantime, if you want more right now, you can check out their engagement session.
And I just had to share one more photo to give you a taste of what their guests enjoyed when they ventured to the 38th floor- this gorgeous view of Boston.
Aug
26
This weekend, we snuck in an engagement session with Jess and Ivan, whose wedding is in just over a week. We wanted to make sure we had this chance to get together in a relaxed setting before the wedding. And also, to share the photos with them and get their feedback before the big day. The weather had been less than cooperative for our initial plans, but this day was perfect. As was the location.
With the Back Bay as our playground, we enjoyed the wealth of possibilities our fair city has to offer. Gotta love Boston!
We actually know Ivan and Jess pretty well already. Ivan and Dave had been roommates in college at UMass Amherst; as soon as we moved back to the Boston area, we got together with them. We instantly adored Jess.
And of course, playdates with Max and their pup Noodle were a must. Both dogs love the tennis ball and neither is agressive about having it. Excellent playmates.
Perhaps my favorite thing about heading out on a photographic double date with Ivan and Jess was pausing to watch them interact with each other. They laugh so much!!!
And my other favorite thing was watching them play with Noodle- who is totally absolutely adorable. Such a happy family.
And so cute, Noodle watching Jess and Ivan. Like he wants to join in.
All around a great morning! Thank you both- we had so much fun.
We really can’t wait for your wedding at the Harvard Club. It is going to be amazing. And we are totally going to take you up on your offer to hang out and dance for a bit after we are finished shooting!
If you want to see more, check out their slideshow.
