historic site

Sweet Messiness

While working on Ariel and David’s wedding photos, I came across a series of David’s changing expressions when he was waiting for Ari to walk down the aisle to become his wife. First off, you may recall that these two saw each other before the ceremony. And still this moment was extraordinarily emotional. This was my experience on our wedding day and has been my experience observing several other grooms, but seeing David in this way, I knew instantly how I would describe this particular phenomen. David was truly a Sweet Mess (the nice version of Christian‘s ‘hot mess‘). And I gotta say I adore that about him.

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While I think that term is particularly appropriate for gentlemen, Ari wasn’t far behind. From tears to laughter in moments. Beautiful.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- bride and groom triptec from wedding ceremony overlooking fall hills- central mass

To give you a sense of the scene around them, check out the view from their ceremony site at the Fruitlands Museum. They chose to celebrate their nuptials in a field, under a tree, overlooking the valley. And clearly they have done some good things in their lives, because karma was on their side. It had been raining the whole week before and then rained again the whole week after. But on their wedding day, the skies were perfect.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- view of wedding ceremony site overlooking stunning fall views

More laughter.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- bride and groom all kinds of laughter during wedding ceremony

Ari and David added many personal touches. I especially liked that their unity candle was lit with flames from both parents; all of their guests also lit candles as part of the ceremony.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- candle lighting during wedding ceremony under a tree in central massachusetts

Happiness.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- bride and groom happily married walking down the aisle from their wedding ceremony

After a few portraits as the sun was setting, we returned to the tent for the reception. And they went right into their first dance. Loving the twirling skirt captured by my associate Rene. Last night, during their premiere, Ari and David shared that they had only spent about 10 minutes planning their dance. Really? I still don’t believe it. They completely owned it.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- first dance to spanish song with a lot of pep- flare of brides dress

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma-bride and groom's first dance during wedding reception- massachusetts

Ari’s sister gave such a nice toast with a sweet story. More laughter ensued.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma-moh and sister of bride's toast at her wedding reception

Ariel’s dad enjoying dancing with his daughter.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma-bride dancing with her father at her wedding reception

And David with his mom. More sweetness.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- groom dancing with his mother under the tented wedding reception

And then there were the guests. Clearly enjoying the music.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- bridesmaid dancing a good dance at her friends wedding

This is just one of many fun photos of Ariel’s mom. She wore a smile literally every time I looked at her.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- mother of the bride dancing under the tent during the wedding party- massachusetts

During one of the extra toasts.

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- sister and mother of the bride embrace during toasts at wedding reception

Then at last, Ariel had a little free time to get down on the dance floor. Good times!

fruitlands-museum-museum-harvard-ma- bride enjoys some time on the dancefloor during wedding reception under tent- boston suburbs massachusetts

What an amazing day! Congrats and many thanks to Ariel and David for including us in your celebration.

And much gratitude to the team of pros who helped everything go so smoothly. First of all, Francie Dorman from Linnea Tangorra Wedding Planning, you did a wonderful job. It was great to work with you.

And the rest of the best:
Getting ready venue: Le Meridien Hotel
Ceremony and reception site: Lillian Lee from the Fruitlands Museum
Floral: Meredith McCarthy Floral Design and Tangorra Wedding Planning
Officiant: Rev. Sylvia Johnson
Caterer: Fireside Catering
DJ: Greg "Gates" Plowman from Entertainment Concepts
Invitations: Lilywillow Paper and Press and Gus and Ruby Letterpress
Hair: Melissa Gullotti
Make-up: Dani Wagener
Bride’s dress: a private label
Groom’s suit: Ralph Lauren

Want more of Ari and David? Definitely check out their engagement session, their sneak peek and their PicFlick.

Show and Tell

During her speech, Ariel’s sister shared a story about a time when she was in elementary school and she brought someone super special to show and tell, because that someone was so wonderful she wanted to share. Ariel and David’s wedding was one of those things that’s so beautiful, I would bring it to Show and Tell, if I could. So today we have a virtual Show and Tell.

Ariel and David’s wedding day was filled with warmth, overwhelming emotions and so much love. Tears were spilling all over the place amidst huge infectious smiles. Such joy at every turn. The energy and the ease of the day balanced just so, allowing our bride and groom to feel relaxed and excited all at the same time.

I started with Ariel for a few details and getting ready photos.

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One of the things I remember strongly from our first meeting was that Ariel had a vision for jewel tones to be incorporated into her wedding design. I had no idea this would play out in such fun ways. For instance, she wore emerald green shoes under her wedding dress. Love it.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- green wedding shoes and love sign- details

Her sister/maid of honor helped her get into her dress.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- maid of honor helps bride into her dress- metro west boston

The rest of the bridesmaids and her mom also assisted.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- sister of bride and mother of bride help her into her dress- hillside wedding- historic site

Meanwhile, my associate Rene was hanging with the boys, capturing their getting ready downstairs.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- groom helps groomsman get ready- boston suburbs

Apparently this handkerchief took awhile to fold just right, though it looks effortless here.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- groom's suit very stylish with colorful pocket handkerchief- western northern suburb of boston

Ariel and David chose to see each before the ceremony, in part so that they had time for their portraits before the sun went down. I am so glad they did. They had a beautiful, private chance to take each other in. And then they had simply lovely light for their portraits.

On her way to her groom.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- bride walks to see her groom for first time on their wedding day

David waiting for her to approach.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- groom awaits his bride for first time on wedding day

The Fruitlands Museum, where Ariel and David, celebrated their wedding has absolutely beautiful grounds- gardens, forests, fields and varied historic buildings. We wanted to stay away from the ceremony site, so spent our time amidst the trees and the meadow.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- bride and groom on the grounds of the historic site enjoying the scenery- massachusetts

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- bride and groom by the fountain in the gardens of the historic venue

And did I mention the funky tree sculptures? I wasn’t sure I was going to take any photos with them but then Ariel told me that her aunt had a connection to the artist. Honestly, this turns out to be one of my favorite images. It feels like this guy is protecting them or looking out for them in some fashion.

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- crazy tree sculpture with bride and groom on the site grounds

So loving this smile on Ariel’s face as we head to the ceremony. Time to get married!

fruitlands-museum-wedding-harvard-ma-ariel-david- big smiles from the bride as she prepares to walk down the aisle for her wedding ceremony- massachusetts couple

Just a tease for now. More soon with photos from their beautiful ceremony overlooking the hills at sunset and their wonderfully fun party.

Want more from Ariel and David now? I highly recommend viewing their engagement photos. Beautiful!

Site Visit: The Crane Estate

Dave and I had the opportunity to visit Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich and all I can say is WOW!!! One of my friends had gotten married there a few years ago and was telling me about the venue, I was so excited to see it as he had nothing but positive reviews. But honestly it is even better than he described.

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- venue- ipswich ma

First of all there are multiple fabulous options for an outdoor wedding. I know it is hard to think about that right now with the first serious snow just melting and more on the way, but that was always the way I pictured my wedding. I am pretty sure I am not alone on that one. So if you are like me and felt an outdoor wedding was your first choice, you have 3 great options: on the lawn facing the beach, on the lawn facing down the hill towards ocean views, and in the Italian Garden.

A few photos of option 2:

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- ipswich wedding site- massachusetts

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- ocean views at site- ipswich and essex ma

A few from option 3 (I think this is what I would do- I love the feeling of this secluded garden space- feels like ancient ruins)

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- italian garden at essex estate

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- sunken italian gardens at ispwich venue- mass

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- sculptures at ipswich wedding venue

Laura Daly and her team are great. They will also have a perfect back up plan, in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. We got a peek at the indoor option and it truly is lovely.

The best spot for cocktail hour, in my opinion, is on the back patio. I love this location because you get to enjoy the sweeping views of the water and have the gorgeous architecture as a back drop. Plus if you wanted to do a group photo it’s an excellent location for that.

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- great house cocktail hour site

Side note, awesome story, these two griffin statues were given to the Crane family as a gift from their servants. They had the sculptures custom made to protect the house. All I have to say is that the Crane’s must have been amazing employers to generate that kind of love from their staff.

castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- griffins at the great house- cocktail reception patio

Then you have two options for your reception as well. You can host the party indoors- the spaces are grand and elegant. Or outdoors on another patio. You could even tent the outdoor space.

And I just had to share a few of my favorite details from the site.

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castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding venue- mass

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Dave and I enjoying the view.

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castle_hill_crane_estate_wedding- sculpture north of boston

I almost missed these bas relief sculptures of the cranes. Very cool and very appropriate.

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All in all, I was amazed by the beauty of this wedding venue and the thoughtful consideration of their events team. I also really appreciate that they are making efforts to be green and provide environmentally beneficial resources, plus when you have a wedding at a historic site like this, your rental fee contributes to the greater good. Not a bad way to celebrate, in my opinion.

Allegro Gets Gilded

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We are so excited because we were just invited to be a part of Gilded Boston‘s bridal show- the Gilded Bride- at the Algonquin Club in the Back Bay in Boston. This event was designed specifically with the stylish bride-to-be in mind and will be a happy alternative to larger bridal expos. We will be photographing the event as well as sharing our work. It is this Sunday, April 26 from Noon to 5 pm. You receive a $5 discount when you pre-register online. We hope to see you there!

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Site Visit: Boston Park Plaza

Oh me, oh my. The Boston Park Plaza Hotel is simply fabulous! Last week, I met up with Abby Brennan, their wedding coordinator, and blogger extraordinaire of Peaches by Plum.

boston_park_plaza- boston city view of john hancock buliding

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Wedding Showcase at The Lord Thompson Manor

I was so amazed this weekend and last at the Lord Thompson Manor. We love the venue, but this was the first time we had been there for their wedding showcase. What an extraordinary event! Jackie brought everything together beautifully.

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lord thompson manor bride- ct

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Site Visit: The Liberty Hotel, Beacon Hill

We had a fabulous visit at the Liberty Hotel, located in Boston‘s Beacon Hill neighborhood. This place is amazing, a former prison turned into a modern chic luxury hotel. All of the special touches speak to the history of the place. And yet the fabulous design makes you feel like you are absolutely in the present. We were told they even brought in a Buddhist monk to bless the hotel before it opened. They definitely covered all their bases. And what is left is a perfect mesh of old and new.

grand entrance of the liberty hotel in boston mass- beacon hill

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