When you mention having a winter wedding in Boston, you might get a few interesting looks. It’s totally a gamble, but when you see a wedding like this one captured by Forevercandid Photography at the Exchange Center you’ll quickly see it’s totally worth the risk. The city just seems to shine, and that’s only enhanced by this gorgeous couple and their absolutely perfect wedding. See it all here.
From The Bride…It can be quite a gamble getting married in Boston in mid-November… you never know what you’re going to get, be it rain, wind, or even snow. but every inch of David and my November 16th wedding was nothing short of beautiful, sunshiny perfection. From my bouquet wrapped in pieces of my great-great grandmother’s “something old” gown to my “something blue” toenails, from the trolley to the rustic custom made street name table signs, from the wedding cake made by my wonderful aunt to late night ice cream sandwich truck, it was a deeply personal and truly special evening that we and (hopefully our guests!) will never forget.
David and my journey to the altar didn’t begin as most do. As friends for several years, our relationship slowly began to transition into something more, and nearly four years after our first official date, David popped the question in the middle of a snow storm in NYC, the city where we had met and fallen in love. Eleven months later we made it official in Boston, my hometown.
We spent much time thinking through many of the details of our wedding, and it was genuinely a jointly planned affair. We opted to keep things simple with black and white attire for the wedding party. We added color in with flowers, using an array of purples in the bouquets and arrangements. The groom wanted a few special touches of his own and opted for gingham suspenders and matching bow ties for the ring bearers. We were able to carry the black and white through the other details of the reception as well for a clean, consistent palate.
My mom and my 90 year old grandmas, my future mother-in-law, my girls and I started the day with champagne in a private room on the 3rd floor of the reception hall, wearing matching monogrammed shirts, even for our 6 year old flower girl. We all had their hair done by the same stylist and friend of the family who had done my mom’s hair for her wedding over 30 years before, and who had given me my first haircut and had done my hair for most of my life. David, the fathers and ring bearers, and the groomsmen gathered at the hotel before coming to the reception venue. They munched on some snacks and cold beers before David headed off to the first look meeting spot.
The first look was a joyful, emotional meeting of two hearts. David and I had just exchanged really sweet, personal letters so seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day was extra special. After much hugging, smiling and picture taking in front of the sailboats in the harbor, we were joined by the rest of the wedding party for some quick pics before boarding a trolley to St. Cecilia’s Church. The the flower girl and ring bearers who were David’s niece and nephews, walked down the aisle carrying a wooden heart shaped sign that said “Uncle David, here comes your girl” and a small wooden ring box with our initials. We chose readings, a poem, and a song to be performed during the ceremony, which was officiated by Fr. Kevin Wildes, president of Loyola New Orleans and close friend of David and his family. We had wanted the ceremony to be short and sweet, but personal and involve those who had helped shaped their lives. One of the highlights was my aunt singing a simply gorgeous song right after we took our vows.
Following the ceremony, the wedding party dashed off to Copley Square for some more pictures in the declining light before heading over to dance the night away and celebrate! Upon pulling up to the venue, our fantastic photographer Amber quickly snapped a few romantic moonlight pictures of David and I against the full moon. We then mingled with guests on the 2nd floor of the Exchange Center during the cocktail hour before heading downstairs for dinner. The entry table was lined with the purple bridesmaid bouquets. Place cards were stuck into chocolate dipped strawberries, also from my aunts bakery, and tables were named for streets that were important to us: where we grew up, where we went to college, places in NYC we had met and fallen in love, and the name of the street where we will begin our married life together. In lieu of a traditional guest book, guests signed a photo book of pictures of us together through the years. With big windows looking over Boston Harbor, the reception was illuminated by boats and buildings and the unbelievable full moon as a backdrop.
David and I kicked off the party with a choreographed first dance to “You Are the Best Thing” and our fabulous band had guests up and grooving within minutes of the reception starting. Dinner was a duet plate of chicken and salmon, and the cake was custom made by my aunt, who is a baker and owner of several well known bakeries in the Boston area. The loose black and white theme was reflected in the black and white paper lanterns, the black and white ivy table cloths, and the rustic driftwood street signs. After heartfelt and funny speeches from my dad, the maid of honor, best man, and David himself, the band played all of our favorite songs as guests danced the night away, especially my new mother-in-law, who put everyone to shame with her moves. Toward the end of the night, an ice cream food truck pulled up with custom made cookie ice cream sandwiches. The band transitioned to DJ-ing the last hour of the party and the dance floor remained packed right up until the end. All in all, it was the perfect celebration and a joyous night!
Photography: Forevercandid Photography | Videography: Boston Event Films | Church: St. Cecilia Parish | Reception: Exchange Conference Center | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Catering: East Meets West Catering | Make Up: Beauty Entourage | Hair: Cathy Staunton Salon Fabio | Lighting: Boston Event Lighting | Band: Wilson Stevens | Grooms Attire: Calvin Klein | Transportation: Old Town Trolley | Bridal Gown: La Reine Bridal | Bridal Veil: La Reine Bridal | Bride's Shrug: Tulip Bridal | Cake & Strawberries: Quebrada Baking Co. | Flowers & Bouquets: A Wild Flower By June Rubin | Ice Cream Truck: Frozen Hoagies | Linens: Table Toppers of Newton | Signage: Tumbleweed & Dandelion