Dec
26
Details don’t make a wedding, but they certainly can make it elegant, fun, romantic…. you name it. Here’s a bit of inspiration from Lindsay and Rob’s wedding which absolutely was all three of those.
Lindsay’s bouquet with soft pinks, purples, yellows and whites- roses, dahlias, berries and more- it had a romantic country garden feel to it.
Her flower girl’s bouquet with similar flowers in a brighter color pallette- yellows and oranges and pinks- was a perfect complement to Lindsay’s bouquet and the coral dresses the bridesmaids wore.
Lindsay is supremely talented, a graphic designer for a game company, a jewelry designer, a cake designer. She can pretty much do it all. And she certainly had her share of DIY projects. Including this beautiful necklace and the necklaces she game to her bridesmaids, each one unique.
She also made this special something for her hair.
The earrings however were an heirloom, something old.
Because they met at Hasbro and love games, their was tons of whimsy and playfulness in their day. Here, our groom’s boutonniere- with yellow calla lily- has a Scrabble letter attached to it. Happens to be an R for his name, Rob. The groomsmen all had similar flowers with their own letters.
Kiddush cup for their Jewish wedding ceremony under the chuppah.
The look of the ceremony continued with rustic elegance in fall shades.
Another DIY project by the couple, the ringbearer’s pillow with birch bark and moss.
The Garden House at Look Park looked amazing, warm, romantic, elegant. Then the names of each tables are names of games – Life is at the forefront.
They made a game of it, with the escort cards. Guests had pieces from the game on their name card. They had to match the piece to the game to find their table.
View from the sweetheart table, with bride’s bouquet as centerpiece.
At the guests’ tables, a little entertainment- Trivial Pursuit: the Lindsay and Rob Edition.
Cake designed by Lindsay to match her chocolate brown and coral orange theme, as well as the touches of fall.
The printed pieces also stunning. No surprise there. Menu…
Invitation suite.
The sweetest touch: Lindsay and Rob created cookie mixes for guests to take home. We made one batch for their premiere and instantly became addicted. Out of this world delish!
Congrats to Lindsay and Rob on creating a supremely special event in which the details helped tell the story of who you are individually and as a couple.
And many thanks to the wedding experts who made the whole day such a success:
Getting ready location: Ruby Meng from Hotel Northampton
Ceremony venue: Jill Larken from Look Park, Pines Theater
Reception site: Jill Larken from Look Park, Garden House
Wedding planner: Caroline Levin from Sweet Caroline Weddings
Dress boutique: Bridal Heirlooms
Gown designer: Demetrios
Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo
Groomâ?(tm)s suit: Hugo Boss
Groomsmen attire: Menswearhouse
Make-up: Karrie Welch
Ceremony musicians: Chari Peno from Con Fuoco Music
Entertainment: Tommy Plante from Hard At Play
Lighting: Jim Powers from CJC Event Lighting
Florist: Heather Sullivan from Durocher Florist
Caterer: Blue Heron Catering
Cake: Susan Forest from Royal Icings
Officiant: Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
Want more from Lindsay and Rob’s wedding? Check out their sneak peek, scoop, and PicFlick.
Nov
15
Romance + surprises + games = crazy good times for our bride, groom, their families, and their friends at this Look Park wedding.
Lindsay and Rob kicked off their wedding reception in the Garden House with an awesome first dance. Just the two of them at first….
Then the kids joined in.
And then more guests joined in with choreographed moves. And then more guests. A flash mob of awesome creation. And in the end, it was just Lindsay and Rob again. So fun!
Of course, Lindsay’s mom loved it and had to embrace her daughter.
Rob’s brother and best man entertained guests and Rob with one hell of a great speech.
It doesn’t hurt that he is actually a stand-up comic, but still he had his moments of seriousness.
Lindsay and her dad.
Rob and his mom.
Lindsay and her new step-son.
And Lindsay’s parents enjoying the party. Really, everyone wanted to be on this dancefloor.
And the whole family went up in the chair for the hora. First, Lindsay, then Rob…
Then their daughter and finally their son. He seemed to be enjoying this Jewish tradition.
I love that Lindsay had a chance to dance with her girlfriends too.
The party was wild good times with dancing….
And creative use of the game-inspired table names. (More on this bit of genious in a later blog post.)
Congrats to Lindsay and Rob! A fabulous day to begin a fabulous marriage!
And many thanks to the wedding experts who made the whole day such a success:
Getting ready location: Ruby Meng from Hotel Northampton
Ceremony venue: Jill Larken from Look Park, Pines Theater
Reception site: Jill Larken from Look Park, Garden House
Wedding planner: Caroline Levin from Sweet Caroline Weddings
Dress boutique: Bridal Heirlooms
Gown designer: Demetrios
Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo
Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss
Groomsmen attire: Menswearhouse
Make-up: Karrie Welch
Ceremony musicians: Chari Peno from Con Fuoco Music
Entertainment: Tommy Plante from Hard At Play
Lighting: Jim Powers from CJC Event Lighting
Florist: Heather Sullivan from Durocher Florist
Caterer: Blue Heron Catering
Cake: Susan Forest from Royal Icings
Officiant: Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
Want more from Lindsay and Rob’s wedding? Check out their PicFlick.
Nov
01
When I met Lindsay and Rob about a year ago, I didn’t know them at all. They found us through Lindsay’s wedding gown boutique and came in because they liked what they had heard and saw. But all of that changed when we started to get to know each other. We quickly became friends. And really, if you met them, you would find them irrestibly fun and engaging too. They are easy to love- creative, talented, intelligent, so sweet on each other. I loved all of their stories. When they came over last winter to hang out, we played board games (an occupational hazard for them and a lot of fun for all of us). So when their wedding day arrived, it felt like we were going to the wedding of dear friends, and we wanted everything to be perfect for them. In truth, I think it was. So here’s a few of our favorites from their wedding day….
Dave popped by Rob’s room at the Hotel Northampton to see how things were going there. He and his son (aka ringbearer) were finishing getting ready. Loved the tailored suits and ties.
Meanwhile Lindsay was getting ready with the help of Rob’s little girl (aka flower girl).
Separately they made their way to the Pines Theater in Look Park, where they would enjoy a first look before the ceremony. Lindsay was so excited to see Rob she couldn’t wait, so she peeked out at him (his back was to her) from behind the bushes.
Then she walked out and made her way down to him.
If you want to see a few more from this first look (which was sweet and fun), check out their sneak peek on our facebook page. Following the first look, we had a good bit of time to enjoy the park and create portraits. We started with a few in the theater. These glorious trees rise behind the stage.
Then made our way over to the kiddie train. We only had a quick moment here because there was a long line of visitors waiting for the train, but the bridal party was able to hop on quickly.
There is some absolutely beautiful scenery in Look Park; one of my favorite spots is by this river.
Playtime? Absolutely (and this is only the beginning).
A super sweet family portrait.
Our ringbearer was hilarious.
Quick trip to mini-golf before the ketubah signing.
The guests have started to arrive and the kids couldn’t help but play with the bubbles in the field below the stage.
A strong embrace when Rob’s son arrives at the chuppah.
Rob’s daughter spreading rose petals for Lindsay to walk on.
A grand entrance.
So here’s the part where being a friend to the bride and groom can actually present challenges. Rob and Lindsay prepared beautiful and touching vows for each other. I couldn’t help myself; I was in tears, just like everyone else.
After the vows.
After the kiss and the glass stomp, Lindsay and Rob dashed off! It was like all of the pent up feelings of the day were released in a physical expression of energetic joy. (And Dave nearly got run over- too funny!)
They were soon followed by the kids.
More to come from the second half of the day and all of their amazing details.
Feb
03
When I think back to Pamela and Albert’s wedding this summer, I am reminded of the music, and the food. But for this entry I think I will focus on the music. It was a lyrical day from beginning to end. And the music was always accompanied by intense emotion, both spiritual and later humorous.
When last I wrote, the bride and groom were just about to walk down the aisle. Here I begin with some of the music from their ceremony at the Boston Chinese Evangelical Church in Newton.
This little one was humming to her own tune.
And our bride and groom with heartfelt song.
One of their friends lead the group.
A quiet moment of prayer during the service.
After the ceremony, we had a few minutes for portraits and stopped by Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. The MFA has some really lovely architectural elements.
Then off to Veronique for the reception. Food is a huge part of their lives, so Pamela and Albert treated their guests to a five course meal.
One of the most fun Chinese customs is for the bride to change dresses during the evening. Of course this meant more getting ready photographs for me.
Pamela looked lovely in each and everyone.
Then back in the reception, as the couple toasted their friends, they were serenaded. Here’s their reaction to the group.
And ending with the boys singing their hearts out!
What an absolutely enjoyable day. Congrats again to Pamela and Albert and much gratitude for including us.
Special thanks to the team of pros who helped with their beautiful wedding:
Tea Ceremony Venue: Jennifer Dzialo of the Hotel Commonwealth
Church Ceremony: Pastor Kenneth Kwong of the Boston Chinese Evangelical Church
Wedding Reception Site: Erica Phillips from Veronique, Longwood Events
Hair and make-up: Brenda Situ
Wedding gown designer: Priscilla of Boston
Bridesmaids dresses: Dessy
Groom’s tuxedo: Cour Carre
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Veronique, Longwood Events
Floral Design: Jenn Cahill of Tangled Web
Invitations and other printed materials: Rain Chan of H2 Cards
Want more from Pamela and Albert? Check out their engagement session, sneak preview, and slideshow.
Jan
17
We are thrilled when we get to do engagement sessions with our clients. Not only are they a great opportunity for us to get to know each other, an e-session is a wonderful chance to "practice" being in front of the camera. Sure, some of us have a love affair with the camera. But most of us are less ready to jump in front of the lens. And I have found that doing the engagement session is a perfect way for couples to find their groove with us and to get some truly fabulous photos at the same time.
So today I thought I would share one of my favorite e-sessions Dave photographed this summer. I have been saving this one and it really is great. Alyssa and Slava are absolutely wonderful people, truly sweet on each other and both with great senses of humor. For their e-session, Dave met them at the Fort Point Channel, with stunning views of the Boston skyline and the harbor. Beautiful!
Here’s a few from their late afternoon portrait session….
If you want more from Alyssa and Slava, check out their engagement slideshow or their wedding sneak peek and scoop. Enjoy!
Dec
20
When I think back to Brenna and Dan’s fall wedding at the Boston Harbor Hotel, there are two things that particularly stand out. The first was the romance. Their love is truly captivating; they are so into each other. During the ceremony, they kept stealing kisses. The rest of the night continued in the same fashion. So sweet, so cute, so fun! Of course, their portraits reflect their intimacy. Check out Dan’s smile as they snuggle up to each other.
We also wanted to capture the beauty of their surroundings. And there is nothing like the BHH’s rotunda. Gorgeous.
And then there was the rain- intermittent and not at all dampening their spirits- providing an opportunity to pull out our red umbrella. This one under the rotunda.
Brenna in the Wharf Room, playing with her veil. Classic.
The second thing that I will remember was the food. Brenna and Dan love good food and have travelled all over the world experiencing the best of it. They wanted to share that with their guests. Thus a six-course meal was the centerpiece of their reception. I promise a future blog post all about the food, which looked amazing, and was personally prepared for them by the executive chef of Meritage, Daniel Bruce. What a treat!
Of the course the evening also included lots of time for fun and play. Brenna with a friend and her sister.
Dan’s toast.
The best man’s toast and reason to celebrate!
This crew was hilarious. They wanted a few group photos during the reception, but I think they were simply having too much fun.
First dance. Sweetness.
Looking on.
Then more dancing between courses. Group hug!
Enjoying the dance floor.
Really everyone seemed to have an amazing time. The whole celebration was intimate and warm, with smiles, laugther and kisses throughout the evening. Many thanks and congrats to Brenna and Dan for welcoming us into your celebration.
And much gratitude to the team of professionals who helped make the day a success:
Getting ready venue: Boston Harbor Hotel
Church: St Stephen’s Church on Hanover St, North End
Reception site: Michael Bovin and his talented staff; the Wharf Room at the Boston Harbor Hotel
Hair: Janet, Salon Marc Harris Newbury Street
Make-up: Sherri Snowden
Wedding gown: Monique Lhuillier
Planner: Michael Boivin, Boston Harbor Hotel
Caterer: Daniel Bruce, executive chef of Meritage
Cakes and desserts: DessertWorks, Norwood
Floral design: Honey, Lotus Designs
DJ: Dave Pettengill, Music Management
Ceremony musician: AnneMarie David
Transportation: Old Town Trolleys
Invitations: Mark Harris Stationer, Chestnut Hill
Save the Dates: Mark Harris Stationer, Chestnut Hill
So many great photos from Brenna and Dan’s wedding! Definitely check out their sneak preview and their slideshow.
Nov
21
For a couple that likes the changing seasons and the outdoors, it seemed only fitting that Amy and Alex would get married in the spring and capture the beauty of the fall for their e-session. While November seemed past prime time for colorful leaves, Dave was able to find some still gorgeous trees at Larz Anderson park. The backdrop of orange, gold and chestnut combined with the autumn sun was perfect to highlight the warmth and playfulness of Amy and Alex. I am sure these will make you smile.
Thank you both for a great session. We are looking forward to your Boston Harbor Hotel wedding this spring!
Still want more? Check out Amy and Alex’s slideshow.
Nov
18
A few years back, Brenna found herself in London for work. During her stint, she met Dan and they fell in love. When she started to plan their wedding though, she decided that Boston (where she was from and her family still lives) was the perfect location. Her stateside friends and family would easily be able to join in the celebration and she and Dan could introduce their English family and friends to a great town.
I started the day with Brenna in her bridal suite at the Boston Harbor Hotel. When I arrived, she was in the midst of having her make-up applied.
A final check before she put on her dress.
When I initially met with Brenna and her mom, I remembered Brenna talking about her wedding gown and how she was so excited about the dress. (I can’t help myself- when the groom’s not there, I always ask.) So I myself was looking forward to seeing what she picked, and I absolutely love this Monique Lhullier gown she chose.
The lace and the silhouette looked amazing on her, and she was completely at ease in this dress.
A classic beauty.
I would be remiss if I didn’t share a portrait of Dan. Such a cutie.
When Brenna was all set, she and her sister rode in a town car to St. Stephen’s Church.
Awaiting our arrival were two ushers.
The walk down the aisle can be a nervous one, but Brenna found great joy in seeing her friends.
Simple elegance of St. Stephen’s.
These two are absolutely and completely enamored with each other. They couldn’t help smiling and kissing and snuggling at every chance. It was a joy to observe because their smiles are truly infectious. Like this moment when Brenna is placing the ring on Dan’s finger.
Of course, there were a few tears from the guests.
After they sealed the deal with a kiss.
A few portraits at the church. We popped up to the balcony for some quiet moments.
One of my absolute favorites. This one feels like it should be on the front of a Going to the Chapel single. Plus you can see the red brick of the North End through the window.
More to come soon from their portraits at the Boston Harbor Hotel and the fun reception in Wharf Room.
Nov
11
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.
While I think that term is particularly appropriate for gentlemen, Ari wasn’t far behind. From tears to laughter in moments. Beautiful.
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.
More laughter.
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.
Happiness.
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.
Ari’s sister gave such a nice toast with a sweet story. More laughter ensued.
Ariel’s dad enjoying dancing with his daughter.
And David with his mom. More sweetness.
And then there were the guests. Clearly enjoying the music.
This is just one of many fun photos of Ariel’s mom. She wore a smile literally every time I looked at her.
During one of the extra toasts.
Then at last, Ariel had a little free time to get down on the dance floor. Good times!
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.
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.
