Apr
29
Yes, it’s true I am a Wedding Geek. I know a lot about weddings; I follow the trends; I get excited when new things are afoot. Still, I never thought of myself as a true wedding geek. I didn’t drop everything to read about Tom and Katie‘s wedding or the Clinton wedding. I just am not a famous wedding geek. But today was different. Today was about history. Today I woke up at 4am to "attend" Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton. And I am so glad I did.
To be sure, I was not alone in the insanity. Thousands upon thousands of people joined the celebration to varying degrees. And here in the western suburbs of Boston, a few of us ladies met up at SD Events to be a part of this particular wedding.
Tasha Bracken invited us to a very special breakfast. We came in our wedding finery, especially the hats, chatted, gazed, dreamed, laughed, and celebrated.
Oh, and we were joined by ABC News and the Boston Herald who came to document our shindig. (Let me know if you see me on TV. Who knows, I may be famous!)
Special note, the lady to the far left with the notebook is Anna Nieman, a wedding dress designer who creates custom couture gowns. This weekend, she will take this sketch and create a copy of Kate’s stunning McQueen gown. I can’t wait to see it!
Tasha’s color palette for the party was refreshing spring tones- pinks, purples, and greens.
The food was British inspired- tea, scones, and little tea sandwiches- the best of English food to be sure. Oh and there was also coffee, orange juice, and champagne. It was a wedding, after all.
For those who may have forgotten or didn’t own hats, Glam Couture provided a few special accoutrements for the gathering.
Tasha not only created the party for us, she created a table arrangement like what the royals might have at their reception. Fun, flirty yellow and white tulips with white feathers.
Set on a periwinkle blue tablecloth with silver and blue china; crystal goblets, some with silver trim to match. (Table settings provided by Be Our Guest). The whole look was stunning!
What a morning! I can only say with heartfelt sincerity that I wish Will and Kate all the best. They seem to be a truly warm couple with obvious love between them.
If you want to see a few more from this little party, check them out here.
Apr
28
The W Boston really is an amazing venue, as I mentioned before, and now you can see what I mean. Such inspiration in the spaces, materials, concept. Totally got our juices flowing for this winter wedding shoot last month.
First stop, Studio 3. Floor to ceiling windows make for great views and dynamic photos.
Every girl loves a little time at the spa.
Cocktails at the bar.
Working our way upstairs for the party.
Dave’s view.
My view.
The view from the hallway. If it had been warmer, we totally would have gone outside to the surrounding areas.
Special thanks to our fabulous model Melissa, the extraordinarily talented Jacki Norrie of Wedding Tresses, Winston Flowers, Naomi from Generations CinemaStories (see video here) and all of the wonderful talent at the W.
Apr
19
With the opening of the Mez, the W offered Boston something new, modern, chic and exciting. Here’s a bit of inspiration designed for you to see how you could transform the Mez for your W wedding.
Stephanie and Tara, two of the W talent, created these fabulous table displays with the help of Be Our Guest and Winston Flowers, showcasing the ways in which the Mez spaces can be transformed.
My favorite table with whites, golds and soft pink calla lilies.
Perfect for a bachelorette party, a 40th birthday party or even a bat mitzvah.
Perfect for a sophisticated, fun adult party.
A few special touches to the lobby at the top of the steps…
And one of the studios.
Oh and then there’s the food at the W. Oh me, oh my, mouthwatering and beautiful.
These fries with truffle oil were out of this world delish!
Food is Art, a specialty at the hotel.
In addition to the event, we photographed a bride throughout the hotel. We wanted to show off how cool the venue is and how many different places there are for portraits. We spent well over 2 hours shooting and didn’t get to do everything we wanted. The possibilities are endless. So check back soon for images for our shoot with Melissa.
Mar
05
I am so so so excited for Willine and Ken to become parents. We had the great pleasure of getting to know them during their maternity session in Boston a few weeks ago, and they are so much fun. We wandered around the Boston Common, Beacon Hill and the Public Gardens. Even warmed up with a hot chocolate at Starbucks. Good times, for sure.
I know their little one’s life is going to be filled with music and intelligence and laughter, not to mention a great sense of style and good looks. That’s one lucky kid. Check out the super sweet mom-and-dad-to-be.
Many thanks to Willine and Ken for being so wonderful to work with. You guys are great! Of course, we also have to thank you Wendy and Wesley for introducing you to us. And we can’t wait to see you (and the newest addition to the family) at Pamela and Albert‘s wedding this summer.
Jan
30
Jackie and Scott’s fabulous New Year’s Eve wedding at the Boston Intercontinental Hotel was an absolute blast. The perfect way to kick off the next year and the next decade. We finished off our last entry with the church ceremony. The newlyweds hopped into the limo with their entourage and started the party. Truly, the limo was hopping with dance music and laughter. We made it to the hotel and were all set for a fun portrait session.
All of the family and friends who were needed for portraits hung out together during cocktail hour. The boys had a good time messing with Scott.
A few of Jackie and Scott enjoying their newlywed status. So sweet together.
Before the guests came into the ballroom, we wanted to capture the magic created by Winston Flowers for Jackie and Scott. The winter theme was gorgeous. Jackie had given Ryan and Pam a few guidelines as to what she was looking for, but they totally exceded her expectations with all of the special details- from orchids dripping from the tall arrangements to silver globes and varied candle styles and heights.
At our planning meeting before the wedding, there had been some discussion about the song they would choose for their first dance. And while I watched them dance, I knew the song actually didn’t matter. They were so in the moment, so with each other; their dance was only about them.
Toasts soon followed and the best man got everyone’s attention with jokes and surprises galore.
Stealing a kiss after the cake cutting.
The dance floor was soon mobbed and guests enjoyed all of the hoopla of the night. I love the way this photo Dave created captures the energy on the dance floor.
A bit of romance. I am a complete sucker for couples who get into the specialness of a wedding.
New Year’s Eve in Boston is not known to be the warmest of times. In fact it snowed earlier in the day, but this crew could not be stopped. They wanted a photo outside by the waterfront and the holiday decorations. So we took the party on the road; everyone had such a good time.
Did I say party? Yes. Definitely. Dancing like you wouldn’t believe. Dancing with smiles.
Dancing with hats.
Dancing that turned into kissing at midnight!
What a truly amazingly fun evening! And from what I hear the party continued well into 2010, with everyone hanging out ’til dawn.
Huge congratulations to Jackie and Scott, and to your family! And also many, many thanks for including us in your wonderful celebration. We adore you guys.
Also much gratitude to all of the professionals who contributed to this wonderful New Year’s Eve wedding:
Reception Site: Paul Melino and Ralph Black and their team at the Boston Intercontinental Hotel
Ceremony Site: Father Farrell of Our Lady of Assumption
Hair: Bobby Pinkham and Marie of Skin for All Seasons
Make-up: Jessica Russo from Bobbi Brown
Bride’s gown: Vera Wang Boston
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Vera Wang Boston
Groom and groomsmen’s tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Ellen Bartlett from Cakes to Remember
Floral Design and decor: Ryan Zoeller and Pam Boudreau from Winston Flowers
Lighting design: Paul from Boston Uplights
DJ: Peter Accolla from Nulmage Entertainment
Invitations: Arabella Papers
Save the dates: Mark Harris Stationers
Want to see more from Jackie and Scott’s New Year’s Eve wedding? Check out their slideshow and their PicFlic on facebook.
Jan
21
Let me start by saying the Greeks know how to celebrate! They seriously have a rollicking good time at their parties- there’s dancing and dancing and more dancing and lots of hugging and smiling and laughing. Viki and Niko’s wedding certainly had all of the above, plus a substantial dose of very chic style.
After leaving the church amidst rice and confetti and diving for cover in the limo, the champagne was opened as the bridal party left for their portraits.
The crew stopped off at Faneuil Hall to enjoy the beautiful architecture and the fabulous winter decorations.
I adore Viki’s style- she looked like she stepped out of a painting of a greek goddess, with some very modern touches. Her Vera Wang dress was bejeweled at the neckline and had layers of light tulle. The back was accented with several little bows. She completed her look with stunning pieces of crystal jewelry, a very chic veil and a furry wintery wrap.
As it was just after Christmas, holiday lights draped the trees, there were wreaths decorating the buildings, and they even had a beautiful Christmas tree in the Quincy Market courtyard.
I think this image totally captures the spirit of the day. I love how the world continues to move and hussle and bustle, but Viki and Niko are in their own world and time has stopped for them.
Showing off the beauty of Boston’s light display. Simply magical.
After the portraits, we walked around the corner to 60 State Street- where Longwood Events‘ State Room is on the 38th floor. This, of course, translates into spectacular views. Above the city, Viki and Niko made their entrance into their first dance. The guests honored the romance of the moment and gave them some time to enjoy it.
Then everyone gathered around them and began showering Viki and Niko with money. So very fun.
Soon after, the Best Man took the floor to give his toast.
He brought down the house with laughs.
Then Viki’s sister and her koumbara both gave their toasts. They brought down the house with tears of joy and love.
Viki and her twin sister after the toast.
Viki took the dance floor again; this time with her father. I am totally enamored by his smile.
The Greek dancing got underway. Everyone was in such a good mood.
At one point, a spontaneous performance occurred. Niko took the stage and put on a dance for Viki. Viki soon took her turn.Then others followed to dance in honor of the bride and groom.
Remember that view of Boston I mentioned? The windows in the State Room are amazing, but with everything going on, it is easy for a bride and groom not to experience their surroundings. However, Viki and Niko paused for a moment to take it all in and to enjoy being with each other.
Many thanks to all of the people who helped make Viki and Niko’s wedding day so very special:
Father Cleopas and Mrs. Pangiota at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Stuart Horwitz and Joslin Carroll and their team at the State Room
For the bridal party’s look:
Hair: Ana Meleger of Jesamondo Salon and Spa
Make-up: Dani Wagener
Wedding gown designer: Patricia at Vera Wang
Flower girl dresses: Shanna at Fairy Wonderful
Groom’s attire: Armani
Ringbearer’s tuxedos: Classic Tuxedo on Newbury Street
For tantalizing all of the senses:
Floral Design: Lee Hopwood from Merriweathers
Lighting Design: The State Room
Ceremony Musicians: organist Dimitri Yiannacopoulos
DJ: Kosta Blathras
Caterer and wedding cake: The State Room
Invitations: Heath from MasterLabPhoto.com
Additional printed materials: Tara Vaccaro Gudmundsen
Limo: Rene Doherty from Black Tie Limousine
And many thanks to Generations Cinematories for helping us document the day. Naomi, Jack, Lauren and Jean- it was great working by your sides.
And of course, much gratitude to Viki and Niko for choosing us to photograph your day. We had an amazing time. It has been such fun getting to know you and celebrate with you.
If you would like to see more from this festive and fashionable evening, check out their sneak peek and their slideshow.
Jan
16
When Jackie and Scott chose to get married on New Year’s Eve 2010, they selected a night that would symbolize all of the things that weddings are meant to be- a tribute to their history, the start of something new, a celebration of family and love and joy. Really I can’t think of a more perfect way to start the next decade than a wedding. And they had one hell of a good time at their party. But I am getting ahead of myself.
So let’s begin with 2009, the last day of the 00′s decade. We had snow that day; it is Boston after all. So our New Year’s Eve was freshly painted with white. A scene setting image from the ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel, where Jackie was getting ready and would later celebrate with family and friends.
Then up to her amazing suite to put on her dress. I captured a few of the details. First the shoes…
And then her Vera Wang dress. Absolutely loved the style and it looked amazing on Jackie. The lines like a sunburst from the side are quite flattering.
When Jackie was all set, we headed off to the church. She looked fabulous; even had the perfect wool coat to keep her warm.
Meanwhile, Scott was already at the church, preparing for the ceremony to begin.
Jackie was accompanied into the church. Note all of the fabulous candles and the beautiful display at the front of the church. Winston Flowers created the decor and winter theme for Jackie’s wedding and they did an absolutely phenomenal job- they brought the look together with lights, candles, greens, whites, silvers, and blues in all sorts of textures. Amazing!
Jackie and Scott had a Catholic ceremony at her family church north of Boston. I love the way Winston decorated the church interior. As you entered, you walked through an archway of greens dripping with crystals in fabulous glass vases. You felt like you were walking into a magical space.
Jackie and Scott were so cute during the ceremony; they found lots to enjoy and smile about.
Happy Newlyweds!
I have to leave with one little teaser image of what’s to come. Jackie had one wish for her wedding decor and she honestly didn’t think she was going to be able to get it. She wanted an escort card table of acrylic. She had seen a picture of one during her planning and totally fell in love with it. When she told Ryan and Pam of Winston Flowers, they made her dream come true. And wow!!!
Definitely check back as we party all night long with Jackie and Scott, bid a fond farewell to 2009 and say hello to 2010. More amazing photos to come!
Jan
10
Just after Christmas and just before New Year’s we had the good fortune to photograph Viki and Niko’s wedding at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the State Room. Viki and Niko are such an absolutely delightful couple- they both have the warmest smiles. You can’t help but want to be around them.
When Naomi from Generations Cinemastories and I arrived at Viki’s home to document her getting ready, I could not believe how calm she was. All of her family was there to celebrate and help and there were adorable children running about. Viki just smiled at all of it and continued doing whatever she needed in order to get ready.
While she finished with her prep, I captured a few details of her dress. She selected a gown by Vera Wang, and it might be the most unique dress I have ever seen- jewels on top and tulle for the skirt- light, airy and extraordinarily sophisticated. Best of all, it was perfect on Viki.
Viki is one half of a set of twins and her sister was there throughout. I love this photo of the two of them. Viki had just put on her dress and Eva was watching on- both with gorgeous happy smiles.
At their home, there were several Greek rituals and traditions that took place. Viki’s dad helped her with her dress. She wrote the names of the single ladies on her shoe; apparently the first one to rub off is the next to get married- no need to toss the bouquet. And her koumbara (aka religious sponsor) helped put on her shoes and insisted on sending her off with a little good luck cash. Once all these were complete and we took a few portraits, we were off to the church.
While I was in Boston, Dave headed down to Niko’s family’s home to capture a few of the groom’s traditions and a few of Niko getting ready. When I saw this one from Dave’s set, I couldn’t help but smile. This may be the first time I have seen the groom get his hair done for the wedding.
We met up at the church- and what a church it was. But I share this image just to give you a sense of the day. We had been dodging awful weather and expected that it might snow or rain. Somehow the fates stepped in and shed a little sunshine on Viki and Niko’s wedding day. We even enjoyed blue skies….
And light streamed in through the stain glass windows.
While we are looking at the flower girls, you have to hear about their tutu dresses. The girls’ gowns matched Viki’s perfectly. She found them at a children’s boutique; they looked like little fairy princesses. So precious!
The ceremony began shortly after I arrived.
It included traditional Greek Orthodox customs- the crowns, the candles, the drinking of wine. And of course, it was set in this absolutely stunning space. Did I mention I love this church? So colorful and artful, pretty much every direction you look.
After the ceremony, a few portraits. One of the happy couple.
And then off they went with rice and confetti tossed at them as they made their way to the limo. Honestly, even after well over 100 weddings, I had never seen actual rice thrown before. Very fun!
There are lots more to come- portraits at night around Faneuil Hall and one rockin’ good time at the State Room reception, complete with awesome Greek dancing. So definitely check back.
Apr
25
Ever the romantic, I am totally in love with these pink orchids all wrapped up in willow branches and surrounded by candles. This table setting definitely has a tropical feel mixed with old world elegance. I think this arrangement could work in any season and would definitely wow your guests.
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.
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.
