Treating their guests to a waterfront party overlooking the Boston Harbor, this adorable bride and groom created a classic scene with loads of personalized details at the New England Aquarium. I love when couples think outside the box when it comes to choosing their wedding venue. They certainly transformed this premier Boston attraction into the perfect space to celebrate. And Leah Haydock Photography perfectly captured it all! Click here to see the all her incredible images!
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From the bride… Matt and I met in college, but it wasn’t until five years later that we reconnected during a getaway at a Newport, Rhode Island, beach house with group of friends. I soon moved from NYC to Boston, where he was living, and we’ve been together ever since in what feels like a fairy tale. I’d always envisioned a colorful, vibrant wedding on the waterfront. Living in Boston, with most our guests coming from out of town, I knew I wanted a wedding in the city that would be convenient and accessible. Luckily, I didn’t have to compromise my dream of an ocean-side wedding: we got married at a historic church and had the reception at the New England Aquarium, along Boston Harbor. Keeping with my Irish roots and love of all things Irish, I chose kelly green bridesmaids dresses by Jenny Yoo and kept the green theme throughout the wedding in our stationary, welcome bags and more. I wore a Priscilla of Boston gown in ivory. The bodice was fitted with spectacular detail and a bow on my left hip. Inside the dress pocket, I was able to pin my grandmother’s four leaf clover pin, which was the perfect way to have her there with me. My engagement ring is my grandmother’s diamond which Matt got beautifully reset. I also wore her vintage emerald and diamond bracelet to complete the simple, elegant look.
A few days before our wedding, the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup championship. This was great news for the city, but when I learned that the team’s victory parade would close streets and fill the city on the same afternoon as my wedding, with a celebration right near the church, I got very nervous. It ended up being the best blessing in disguise. The energy around Boston that day was something we can’t even explain. Our guests had a blast and were so excited to be part of history. Matt especially loved getting our picture taken with one of the Boston Bruins’ star players.
Our reception was a dream come true. When we discovered the New England Aquarium’s spectacular pier overlooking the water, we were immediately hooked. We had both really wanted a wedding on the water so this couldn’t have been anymore perfect. Plus, we are both huge animal lovers so it really made the venue something special to us as a couple. We were able to take pictures inside the penguin exhibit, and our guests could watch the harbor seals and fur seals during cocktail hour. Everyone loved it! The aquarium catered the reception with many delicious hors d’oeuvres including a fabulous mashed potato martini bar with all the fixings. They made each and every dish unique with little animal figurines, which the guests loved. The reception started at 6 p.m. and gave way to the perfect sunset over the sailboats in the harbor. The tent was a stark white so we added in some lanterns and up lighting to give it a soft romantic feel. The tables were covered in greens, whites, navy, and pinks with breathtaking floral centerpieces by Milestones Flowers. The view of the harbour was the best decoration of all! The guests danced the night away after dinner and as they just started to get hungry again, we had a late night food station of sliders and mini grilled cheeses — our favorite foods. After sunset, we were surprised when a boat parade of lights sailed across the harbor — it was like our own special finale. It was my dream come true in every way … It was the perfect day!
Wedding Photography: Leah Haydock Photography / Ceremony: Trinity Church Boston in Boston, Massachusetts / Reception: The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts / Event Planning: Andria Medeiros of Infinite Events / Wedding Flowers + Linens: Milestone’s Flower Shop (508-672-3332) / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott / Band: The Manhattan Touch / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Hair: Jano Rago / Makeup: Dani Wagener / Lighting: Boston Uplights / Cinematography: JMP Productions