Oct
13
Those were the words written on our Facebook page by the father of our bride after seeing the sneak peek. And I feel compelled to comply. After all, Shelley and Andreas’ wedding at the Wang was simply dazzling, and not only because of the beautiful space in which they got married, but also because there was so much joy in the day.
So allow me to continue where I left off….
Shelley made her entrance on the grand staircase of the Wang Theatre lobby.
It really is an enticing place, a perfect place for a wedding. You know something momentous is happening when you step into the Wang.
I love the expression on Shelley’s face as she listens. Makes my heart melt.
And then after the ceremony, Shelley and Andreas retreated for a bit of alone time. In the Jewish custom, this is the yichud. A time for the newlyweds to breathe and take in the moment. Shelley and Andreas enjoyed even the moments before they got to the room.
During the cocktail hour, we completed the formal portraits.
Getting to know Andreas and his relationship with his brothers, we had learned of their super-human strength. For your viewing pleasure, we have captured one of their amazing feats- Andreas sending his brothers through the air with a simple push.
Being based primarily in the north and on the west coast, Dave and I had never had the pleasure of witnessing this special tradition, that of the Second Line, which comes out of New Orleans. It is basically a parade that celebrates the bride and groom- there are handkerchiefs, umbrellas, and fun music.
The reception got underway with more special dances and speeches. There were tears and laughter aplenty.
Andreas with his mom.
Shelley with her dad.
Shelley had a pretty short list of things she wanted to make sure we captured beyond our usual, but the rings shot was definitely one of them. Because Shelley had centered her theme around Boston (her rehearsal dinner included a picnic in the park and a Duck Tour), she had guests sign an actual book, rather than a traditional guest book. We chose to use this as the backdrop for her ring shot.
Towards the end of the evening, we took Shelley and Andreas outside for a few nighttime portraits. Under the Wang’s marquee, the lights were lit, creating a perfect backdrop for this closing shot.
Shelley and Andreas’ wedding was spectacular and there are so many professionals to thank for all your help.
First Maria and Sean and their team at the Citi Performing Arts Center- thank you so much for taking care of everything so perfectly. We look forward to working with you again.
And to Danielle of Full Circle Events, we really appreciate your guidance.
For helping create the look, feel, taste and sound of the day, thanks go out to:
Paula at Gourmet Catering
Glynn and David from Sweet Tooth for the cake
Gay at Whole Foods who provided the floral
Juanita Barbour from Eyes on Me for the Shelley’s make-up
Sarah from Back Bay Hair Designs
Meagan and Ralph from the InterContinental Hotel
Dav El Car Service for the transportration
And last, but definitively not least, their fabulous officiant Deb.
But most of all, we want to thank Shelley, Andreas and both of your families. I am so glad we could be a part of this journey with you. What a joy it has been!
Now, I am sure you want more, more, more, so definitely check out their engagement session part 1, part 2 and slideshow, along with their sneak preview. And absolutely do not miss out on their wedding movie!
Oct
05
Ever since we met Shelley and Andreas, I have been soooooo excited about their wedding. And for lots and lots of reasons. For one, Shelley came to us because she was referred by another Boston photographer, a friend of ours and hers, who was going to be a guest at the wedding, so I knew it would be fun. And because they were getting married at the Wang- where my dearest friend took me to see the ballet version of Romeo and Juliet about 10 years ago and I fell in love with the theater and the ballet. Also because Shelley has such a great sense of style- if you have been following her blog, The Spotted Duck, you totally understand her chic-ness. And it doesn’t hurt that Shelley and Andreas both grew up in my neck of the woods- the Washington Metro Area. And because we had an awesome time with them on their engagement session- bowling? seriously? so cool.
But really, the biggest reason is because Shelley and Andreas are amazing together. High School sweethearts who figured it out early on and have been in love ever since. They have really, truly grown up together. They have been through the roughest of times and the absolute best of times together. So how could I not be excited to share in one of the best of times?
And now for a glimpse of their day…
We met up with Shelley in her room at the Intercontinental Hotel. With her friends and family around her, she donned her dress. We captured a few of her alone. The room had this awesome red settee and she looked so perfect lounging in it. Don’t you just love the birdcage veil?
A little bustling….
Andreas coordinating before the big meet up.
Yeah! They get to see each other. Well, almost.
We popped into a hired car (the driver was awesome, by the way) who took us around the city for the portraits. We started at the Carousel on the greenway.
Can I just say? People are so nice. The guy who ran the Carousel was great. He let us hop on for a few quick pictures all by ourselves. And everyone watching and waiting was really nice too. They just smiled and offered congrats to our joyous couple.
Then off to Beacon Hill for brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and red doors. Quintessential Boston!
Shelley’s very modern, textured bouquet…
We arrived at the to the Wang, where the wedding festivities occured. The boys kick back in the groom’s lounge for a bit.
And one more portrait. The whole gang in the theater…
Wow- there so many more images to share, but for now, if you want more, check out their engagement session: story 1, story 2, and the slideshow.
Sep
17
Did I promise dancing? Or did I promise dancing?
When Heather met up with us for her planning meeting, we talked about all sorts of details regarding timing and portraits for her wedding at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. But what she was most excited about was the dancing. She couldn’t wait for the party. She wanted to see all of her friends and family having a good time. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. But before we get to the dancing party, a few formalities, with a less formal air.
Early on in the dinner reception, Heather’s dad welcomed guests and toasted the bride and groom and their future together.
His words and thoughts definitely connected with Heather.
Throughout dinner, the guests relaxed and got to know each other. Many were meeting each other for the first time. The long tables were perfect not only for the physical space of the ICA’s theater, but also for encouraging interactions. Conversations never lulled.
Being a theater, dramatic lighting was a must. The reception had an elegant chic feel to it.
Christian took a spin around to visit with his friends and family who had traveled from Italy to celebrate with he and Heather. There was much joy and merriment.
After the sun set, Dave stepped outside to take in the whole scene. On the left the theater’s long expansive window allowing a view into the dinner reception, and to the right Boston’s beautiful waterfront skyline.
And now for the party….
One of my fave’s of the night. I love the feeling Dave captured in this image- the intenisty, the connectedness, the energy….
From the abstract to the literal. These two were crazy fun on the dance floor; they had some serious moves.
Feeling the music.
A little showmanship and all about the fun.
I have to close with my favorite image from the night. For me, this one image tells Heather and Christian’s story. Actually watching them dance together, I got to see so much about how they work together- the give, the take- each completely in tune with the other. And so clearly enjoying being together. I can’t help smiling.
Everyone had a great time dancing under the stars. All in all a truly amazing evening.
And now my chance to say thank you to a truly fabulous team of professionals who created and assisted in making this vision a reality:
I absolutely have to thank Kim Stone and Billy Evers of Rafanelli Events and their amazing colleagues. What a night! Heather and Christian didn’t have a thing to worry about with you guys on the job. The whole event went perfectly. And the look of it all, the feel of it all…. Well, don’t worry, I will go on in another blog post, but for now I just have to say I loved the way you mixed a modern aesthetic with classic elements. You guys throw one hell of a party!
Also thank you to:
The ICA Staff, who took care of all aspects of the location including lighting
The crew from Wolfgang Puck for their amazing food and service
Cakes to Remember for the beautiful wedding cake
The look of the evening would not have been complete without the talent and assistance of:
Winston Floral
Be Our Guest
Signature Event Rentals
Party by Design
Peterson’s Party Center
The entertainment for the evening was out of this world. Huge kudos to DJ Kupah an DJ Kaz from Upside Entertainment.
And a special thank you to Matt Teuten of Matt Teuten Photography for the photo booth. What a hit!
A few final thank yous for helping the get the day started on the right foot:
Westin Waterfront Hotel
Vera Wang for Heather’s gorgeous white dress
Luis from Luz Beauty for the hair and make-up
Congrats again Heather and Christian! You guys make an amazing couple; it was such a joy documenting your celebration.
If you would like to see more from Heather and Christian’s Soiree, check out their sneak preview and their slideshow.
Aug
28
Heather and Christian were married earlier this year in Italy. But Heather knew that she wanted to have a fabulous bash with all of her friends and family when she and Christian made it to the States. She enlisted the help of the talented crew at Rafanelli Events to make her dream party come true. Working with them while living abroad in Lebanon was a challenge she was up to and the end result turned out magnificent.
I began the day with Heather as she and her mom were getting ready at the Westin Boston Waterfront.
A little pampering and some fabulous music courtesy of Luiz (Luz Beauty) and his ipod got the party started on the right foot. Let me just say Heather was definitively the most easy-going bride. She was totally calm and relaxed during what can sometimes be a little bit of an anxious time. She sat back and assessed and enjoyed everything as it was happening. That said, this prep time was a lot of fun and we all wanted to start dancing right then and there. Okay so maybe some of us actually did.
Love the silhouette as Luiz plays with Heather’s hair.
Mom, who had finished just as I arrived, enjoyed the view as Heather finished up.
Then we all headed over the Institute of Contemporary Art, where the real festivities were set to take place.
And there we met up with Heather’s husband, Christian. I love how his face lights up when he looks at Heather.
Dave and I took a few portraits with our gorgeous couple in and around the ICA. The view of the Boston Harbor is so beautiful and we had a truly lovely evening.
And then the celebration really got underway. The cocktail hour was held outside on the back deck of the ICA.
The Rafanelli team put together some really fabulous touches for Heather and Christian, including their own personalized Italian sodas (appropriate given that Christian is from Italy, they met in Italy and were married in Italy) and photos in acrylic frames from their wedding ceremony.
And a quick peak of what’s to come. The dinner reception was in the ICA’s theater. Love the fabulous view and the setting sun. The colors of the sky perfectly matched the lighting, floral and linens for the event. Stunning work!
Check back soon for more from the Heather and Christian’s elegant and modern soiree. There will definitely be loads of details to share from the rest of the evening and you are not going to believe the dancing at this event. It was non-stop amazing fun.
Aug
09
When I walked into the Boston Mandarin Oriental, the gentleman at the door greeted me with, "Welcome home!" and boy, oh, boy had I come home. The Mandarin is a lovely modern hotel with amenities like you wouldn’t believe. To start, their standard rooms are larger than most older hotel’s junior suites. This brand is known for quality, luxury, excellence- all with an Asian flare. You will discover that they go the extra mile with all of their events as well.
Located in the heart of the Back Bay, the hotel is perfect for the cosmopolitan bride and groom who want an urban feel and access to some of the traditionally beautiful architecture of Boston. It is an easy ride over to Commonwealth Ave‘s tree-lined pedestrian way, and perfect for guests staying at the hotel to enjoy great restaurants and shopping when they are not partying it up at your celebration.
The first thing you notice, after the greeting, is the Mandarin‘s modern architecture and decor- clean lines and exquisite materials. Even the floral arrangements in the lobby speak to the aesthetic.
The entrance….
The complete view…
I can’t help gushing about the event spaces and staff. Once again, you will be wowed with service and style. All of the rooms have beautiful furniture and artwork on the walls. It feels like you are in a place where people might live. Very welcoming.
And the details of each space are lovely. My favorites are the light fixtures…
And the fabric walls. A really nice touch.
And then there is the service. I met up with Rachel, who is the Catering and Conference Services Manager responsible for weddings and social events. She is fabulous; she and her staff will totally take care of all your needs. Even the needs you didn’t know you had. For instance, the staff brings out Japanese slippers before dancing so that ladies can wear something a little more comfortable for that portion of the evening. Also they bring warm scented towels between dinner courses and cool towels during dancing. Amazing!
And for the bride and groom who want to make the space extraordinary, Rachel’s team will take care of it. They can change the lights on the panels in the back of the ballroom (pictured below in yellow) to be almost any color. There are also spotlights that they direct on the tables. They can change the color of these as well as put gobos (which create shadow patterns) in them. All of this is included! I was floored.
Another awesome bonus- there’s a great salon (Mizu) in the hotel. Super convenient!
But I save the very best part for last. This is brand new, hot-off-the-presses information- the Mandarin has secured the rights to have weddings outdoors in the space behind the hotel. So now you can have your fabulous outdoor ceremony and your super-chic reception all in one location. To top it off, check out the view. The John Hancock Building and Boston skyline are totally within reach.
If you are looking for a Boston wedding site with understated elegance and service that will knock your socks off, you have to got to check out the Mandarin.
Apr
08
The designers of today are totally upping the ante with unique ways to set a table. Check out this black and white themed table. I love the Victorian chairs and the chic lighted table. And the floral arrangements of varied different flowers all in shades of white. This would be perfect for a winter wedding.
Dave captured this at the Westchester Ritz Bridal Show while photographing for David Tutera, who was speaking and displaying his work.
Check out more from the show here.
