Nov
09
And color too.
Last night, Alyssa and Slava came by for their wedding premiere. We had such a great time sharing their photos with them and hearing more of the stories behind their wedding day- stories like how the color palette of blue and yellow reflected Alyssa’s favorite colors and how their friend Tex enjoyed their wedding so much he suggested they have a wedding every week. It also became clear that these two look great from every angle and in every style. And so I am excited to share the photos from their ceremony and reception. Dave and Brian did such a fabulous day capturing the joy and spirit of the day.
The ketubah signing is the Jewish marriage contract and there’s a special ceremony for this that occurs before the chuppah ceremony. Alyssa and Slava were surrounded by their families and a couple of friends.
I am completely enamored with their ceremony. There was so much laughter and joy in it.
Check out the full view. A beautiful chuppah decorated with orchids and a runner with flower petals along the sides.
So sweet the way Slava holds her hand.
These two are so much fun. Honestly we were laughing non-stop last night. And you totally get that in this photo as they leave the ceremony for the reception. It’s play time.
Oh me, oh my. These gentlemen lifted Alyssa way up in the air during the hora. She almost fell off, but amazingly held onto the chair for a bit longer.
The feeling of joy when reaching the ground again, safely.
The Hotpockets (Alyssa and her two girlfriends sang together in high school and that’s the name of their group) dancing and singing their hearts out. Now if only they had taken the stage with Powerhouse….
Everyone took a break for a few toasts. Alyssa’s sister sharing her thoughts.
Which were highly amusing to Alyssa and Slava.
And then more partying. Actually to hear Dave tell it, the dancing was crazy fun. And to see the photos, I have to agree. These people know how to celebrate.
The groomsmen dancing up a storm.
The bridesmaids dancing up a storm.
The guests dancing up a storm.
The bride and groom dancing up a storm.
So much fun and you can absolutely feel all of the joyous energy.
During the slow songs, our associate Brian captured the next two beautiful images. And I love the way they tell a story when I look at them side by side.
The present.
What the future holds.
One last super sweet image. Dave took Alyssa and Slava aside during the reception so he could capture a portrait of them at night, and so they could enjoy a quiet, private moment to take it all in. Here they are amidst their ceremony site.
Special thanks to all of the pros who made their wedding so beautiful:
Wedding gown: Priscilla of Boston
Bridesmaids dresses: L’Elite
Groom’s suit: Saks Fifth Avenue
Hair: Kristy’s Hair Studio
Officiant: Rabbi David Meyer of Temple Emanu-el
Floral design: William Mizuta
Caterer: Toby Karlyn from Celebrations Gourmet
Cake: Ellen Bartlett of Cakes to Remember
DJ/Band: Alan James from Powerhouse
Invitations: Heleene Fink from Special Occassions
And huge thanks to their hosts for sharing this amazing location.
Last, but definitely not least, much gratitude to Alyssa, Slava and your wonderful families for sharing your wedding day with us.
If you would like to see more from Alyssa and Slava’s waterfront wedding, check out their engagement session, sneak peek and their slideshow.
Aug
03
A party that happens to be a wedding allows for all sorts of non-traditional elements and playful bits. Donna, along with her designer Jane from D’Lish Intimate Catering, pushed the boundaries at every turn.
Opening with my favorite of all the details from Donna and Jimmy’s wedding- the Cake. Konditor Meister definitely outdid themselves with this wild animal print cake. So so so fun!
Taking a step back in time. The ketubah that Donna and Jimmy signed prior to their chuppah ceremony.
On to cocktail hour, drinks galore and check out the awesome zebra print linen below.
Multiple small glass containers held orchids in the lobby and cocktail space.
Time for the reception. A peak from above, looking down onto the table arrangement. Loving the gold linens, which match the Chiavari chairs.
The menu and place setting.
The centerpiece, orchids in a clear vase. Candlelight completes the look.
The head table had its own centerpiece arrangements. Love the peonies.
And a look at the whole set up.
Gotta give credit where credit is due. And the pros who helped make their event spectacular definitely deserve props. Inspiration provided by Donna and Jimmy’s Team:
Event designer: Jane Pofcher Goldman of D’Lish Intimate Catering
Getting Ready Venue: The Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Exchange Conference Center, Boston
Caterer: Legal Seafoods
Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister
Floral design: Winston Flowers
Chuppah Design: Jessica Erickson
Chuppah Rental: Tommy Wholesale Design
Linens: Rentals Unlimited
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang
Invitations and Graphics: Jessica Erickson of J.L. Erickson Design
If you still want more, check out their e-session in Ashland, their sneak preview, their scoop and their slideshow.
Jul
23
Fun. That’s what Donna and Jimmy are all about. And they wanted their wedding to express that part of themselves. Donna explained the evening as "a party where where there also happens to be a wedding." She totally hit the mark. People were smiling and eating and laughing and dancing all night long. And even the wedding ceremony was filled with joy and cheers. The gray skies couldn’t bring anyone down.
Donna and Jimmy started their day at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge; breaking all the rules, they got ready in the same room, so we didn’t do a special first look moment. Instead we started right in on the portraits. First one of our dashing groom.
And one of our lovely bride, looking stunning in her Vera Wang gown.
Then off to the Exchange Conference Center on Boston‘s waterfront. The guests had already begun to arrive and were being treated to drinks and good company. Donna was excited to see everyone.
Soon Donna and Jimmy were whisked away to a room upstairs for their Ketubah signing ceremony. A few of their closest friends and family joined them.
Totally cute holding hands under the table.
And one looking in from the outside.
We had hoped to go outside for portraits on the pier, but the weather that day thwarted our plans. Dave was able to give them a taste of the view through a window.
When getting married the second time around, there are definitely different people at your wedding. For Donna, the fact that her sons could walk her down the aisle made the day all the more special. Still she couldn’t take her eyes off Jimmy as she walked towards him.
The stories told during the ceremony were warm and funny, but my favorite moment was their kiss. Even the guests were super excited about it!
And Donna and Jimmy look so happy to have sealed the deal.
More soon, but if you just can’t get enough of Donna and Jimmy, check out their Ashland e-session, complete with a Harley-Davidson.
Sep
21
Erin and Darren met in London, got engaged in Paris, and have lived in the Boston area (Erin’s hometown) for the past few years. Their wedding had all the makings of a great international affair – lots of British humor and good fun mixed with the best Boston has to offer and some really special touches from Paris. Not to mention, that these two are just so lovely together. I am so glad we could be a part of their celebration.
We started the day at the Boston Harbor Hotel and ran into Darren in the lobby first thing. Erin needed a little more time to finish getting ready before they got to see each other, but I honestly don’t think he wanted to wait a moment longer. We did not delay. We went right up to see Erin and capture her preparation.
The emotions on a wedding day are really what make it so rewarding to photograph. Erin and Darren’s wedding day was simply filled with great moments and expressions through and through. Here’s a series of my favorites, all from "first sights".
Erin’s mom takes her in- all decked out with the dress, the veil, the shoes- her completed look.
Erin and Darren had their first meeting outside the Boston Harbor Hotel, on Rowes Wharf. Darren stood with his back to Erin until she was ready. She told him to turn around and his eyes lit up.
Of course, this was also the first time she got to see him.
Body language says a lot, too. So sweet.
After they had a chance to enjoy the moment, we all hopped in their car (thank you to our fabulous driver Erika) and headed over to the Boston Public Gardens for a few photos. Erin had visions of willow trees and the swan boats and all the beautiful flowers, and I don’t blame her. What a stunning landscape! Still, those photos are definitively rivaled by the simplicity of this one that shows off Erin’s classic beauty.
We finished our portrait tour back at the waterfront with a few around the hotel. Dave and I had spotted this mirrored sculpture nearby on a prior to visit to the hotel. We knew we wanted to play there. Erin and Darren were amenable. So chic.
Then the day really got underway. The ketubah signing and bedeken ceremony took place in the board room. And they were officially married by Jewish law.
Followed by the ceremony under the chuppah in the Wharf Room. But for now, I leave you with just this one little hint of what’s to come.
Soon to follow… the ceremony, the party, and all of their special details.
Sep
11
Yelena and Rob’s wedding was definitively all about the fun. And there was a lot of fun to be had. Everyone came ready to celebrate these two fabulous people. There was enthusiasm and vigor aplenty and a whole lot of love and admiration too. We had the perfect recipe for a great evening.
We started our day with Yelena in her suite at the Fairmont Copley Plaza as she was getting her hair and make-up done. Her closest girlfriends and family were are all around, checking in and getting ready themselves.
And then came the unveiling of the dress. It was a pretty momentous occasion and her dad was super excited for it. He definitely had to be there and wanted to help place it where we needed it so we could get some beautiful pictures. I love when dads get involved. And really, I can’t blame him. Yelena’s dress was stunning. She chose a Vera Wang gown that perfectly accentuated her classic beauty alongside her modern sophistication and style. Gorgeous!
Before we ventured downstairs for the Ketubah signing and Bedeken, we wanted to capture a few portraits of Yelena alone.
And then downstairs for Yelena and Rob to see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
He was already in the room where they would meet up. But his groomsmen didn’t want him to catch a glimpse of Yelena before she was ready. No peeking, Rob!
Yelena entered. Both their faces lit up. Lots of smiles and laughter followed.
After the ketubah and bedeken ceremonies, Yelena and Rob met under the chuppah for the traditional Jewish ceremony with all of their guests. They utilized the St. James Room at the Copley- what a great feel.
A few of my favorite candid moments from the ceremony…
Yelena and Rob went off for their yichud. The remaining family members were totally amusing as they exited.
Rob’s brother "connecting" with his friends and family…
The portraits followed. The boys were philosophical. Or rather, hysterical. Serious fun.
And I leave you with just one from our portrait session with Yelena and Rob.
This is clearly just the beginning of Yelena and Rob’s amazing celebration. There was dancing, dancing, and more dancing- along with great food and good times hanging with family and friends.
If you want a few more, you can also check out our Facebook Page where we posted their sneak peak.
Jun
10
Sara and Mike are just about the funniest couple alive. Seriously, they have the best sense of humors (or is it senses of humor?). We couldn’t wait for their wedding, because we knew we would be laughing and smiling all day long.
Here’s my favorite humorous moment from the bedecken. Sara’s checking out Mike to make sure he’s the right guy. Turns out he is.
What I didn’t count on, was the tears they would bring to my eyes.
During their ketubah signing ceremony, the Rabbi allowed for them to share some thoughts with each other. They were so tender and honest with each other.
And the way Mike looks at Sara simply melts my heart.
Here Mike is ensuring that Sara is indeed Sara. When I look at this image, I somehow make the same expression that Sara does. I can’t help it. Quivery happiness all over.
Alas, I have gotten ahead of myself. So allow me to take a step back.
I have known Mike for several years; we met while performing in a comedy improv group- Blue Blanket Improv- in California. Mike has since moved on and even started his own- Chicken Scratch Improv. And Dave knew Mike from their swing dancing days. We met Sara (and puppy Oscar) last fall and were instantly enamored. Mike and Sara are absolutely perfect together, and perfect parents for Oscar. When they chose us to photograph their wedding at Kennolyn near Santa Cruz, we started counting down the days.
We started off – me with Sara as she and her bridesmaids were getting ready and Dave with the handsome groom…
and his Entourage,
which included his adorable nephew. Precious missing teeth!
The guys have it a lot easier. Here, the women getting ready…Sara almost in her dress.
And a nod to Sara’s fabulous shoulders and back. She is a triathelete and spends tons of time in the pool. The pay-off is clear.
Just before the boys joined the girls for the ketubah signing, Sara and her beautiful little flower girl compared dresses.
Mike arrives. And Sara welcomes him in.
The Rabbi in the background. Flower girl, apparently, not so interested in that.
Then we head over for the ceremony under the huppah.
And Sara walks down the aisle with her mom…
I can’t wait to share more and there will definitely be lots, lots more. Of course, more from the reception, but I will also be sharing about the flowers. They were amazing! Bouquets and bouttonieres galore by Laughin’ Gal Floral. Definitely check back soon!
Oct
08
Party time!
I am thrilled to share the reception portion of Jesse and Ariana’s wedding day. As you may recall, they held their ketubah and bedeken ceremonies in the Berkeley Botanic Garden and then celebrated their huppah ceremony on the Brazilian Room patio, all in Tilden Park. The reception continued immediately following the ceremony. Because we took the formal portraits down in the Botanic Gardens, Ariana and Jesse were able to kick-back and enjoy the cocktail hour.
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Sep
30
Ariana and Jesse are two of the kindest, warmest, most affectionate, down-to-earth people we have met. And they were an absolute joy to celebrate with.
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