Massachusetts Weddings

Summer is here and the sunshine covered coast is calling, which is why we’re heading seaside thanks to the lens of Sarah Jayne Photography. Set in a charming town, this duo literally tied a knot in anticipation of their upcoming nuptials. Capturing a sweetly nautical yet perfectly preppy e-sesh, it’s New England at it’s finest and you can see every darling detail in the gallery!

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From Sarah Jayne Photography… Katie and Tucker met on the sailing team at Roger Williams University, and have a shared love for the ocean. When it came to selecting a location for their engagement session, Rockport was a natural pick, with its charming seaside town, rocky coastline and sailboats dotting the harbor. These two are so natural together, and I just love the way Tucker is looking at Katie in all of these photos. What a beautiful couple, inside and out!

Photography: Sarah Jayne Photography | Makeup: Tada Makeup | Venue: Rockport Massachusetts

I’m just going to come out and say it, the Cape is magic. Want proof? One look at the snaps from Lynette Boyle of this romantic affair awash with whimsical details (like pineapple accented decor) and you’ll see just what I mean. It’s the type of wedding that’ll have you pinning for days, and you can watch it all unfold right over here!

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From Lynette Boyle Photography…When Holly contacted me last year about photographing her and Brian’s wedding on the Cape, it was a no brainer to say yes. Having known the family personally for years and photographing Holly’s sister’s wedding, I knew I would be in for a good party. Holly and Brian met through mutual friends a few years ago, though ironically enough, Holly’s sister had knew the groom in college. She jokes that the first time Holly came to visit her for a long weekend in Boston (over 10 years ago), Brian was most likely in the same club! Though it didn’t happen that night, sparks eventually flew all those years later, and it wasn’t too long before Brian proposed.

Holly and Brian both have a classic, but contemporary style that just clicks. I’m pretty certain that even if they had not coordinated the maids and the men before hand, the bridal party would have looked flawless. They played off their gorgeous ocean front venue, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, with a navy, blush, and gold color palette. They chose a bit of classic resort whimsy by including pineapples throughout their décor. Holly was a stunning bride in her Matthew Christopher gown. Her hair and makeup were absolutely classic…seriously, that hair! She even wore the same veil her sister wore two years ago on her wedding day. The maids’ long dresses ruffled softly in the ocean breeze, and the guys looked sharp in their classic navy suits, with just a pop of blush from their Vineyard Vines ties. Their florals were cream, white, and blush, and featured showstoppers like peonies and hydrangeas. Blush peonies adorned their four-tiered cake, which featured the same dove rings that appeared on Holly’s grandmother’s wedding cake.

Being organized was the key to making it easy for these two to let go and enjoy their celebration. Instead of spending time stressing out about little details, they made their important decisions early on and were happy to let their vendors take the wheel. This allowed them to be present with their guests, knowing that any small hiccups that might occur probably weren’t very important anyways. Their May wedding was absolutely perfect…sunny and warm with a light breeze, but most importantly, it was filled with their loved ones from near and far.

Photography: Lynette Boyle Photography | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Brattle Square Florist | Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher | Cake: Montilio's | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Laura Preshong | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club | Makeup Artist: Blush & Tryst | Hair Stylist: Stacey Kuehn | Band: Night Shift Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Vineyard Vines | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Groomsmen Attire: Brooks Brothers | Wedding Venue: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club | Bridal Boutique: Allegria Bridal | Bride's Clutch: Shopbop | Bride's Hair Clip: jennifer behr | Bride's Jewelry: Miriam's Jewelry | Bride's Jewelry: Marcia Moran | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Invitation Suite: Checkerboards | Mr + Mrs Chair Back Sign: BHLDN | Pineapple Candles: Anthropologie | Program And Menu: Wedding Paper Divas | Wedding Dress Hanger: BHLDN | Wooden H+B Sign: Rustic Marlin

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Lynette Boyle Photography

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Nantucket is a truly magical place – the endless coastlines, shingled cottages, and breathtaking views – it’s hard not to love every inch of that sweet little island. So when a team of talented vendors join forces to create inspiration that beautifully compliments the Grey Lady, we just know it’s going to be good. Styled and shot by Melissa Jill with florals from The Local Bouquet, stationery by Foil & Ink and one gorgeous Sarah Seven gown from The Dress Theory – this gallery is just everything. 

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Speaking of the breeze, the Sarah Seven dress has a chiffon skirt that provides amazing movement in the sea air. The gentle flow of it makes our model Annamarie look absolutely ethereal.

The invitation suite, created by Jacki Miller with Foil & Ink, harmonizes perfectly with the historic lighthouse setting and with the color palette.

When I think of Nantucket, I always think of this lighthouse, Great Point Light. It sits at the very tip of the island, right where Nantucket Sound meets the ocean. There’s a loneliness and beauty about this remote lighthouse that makes it feel like the very soul of New England.

Photography: Melissa Jill Photography | Styling: Melissa Jill Photography | Floral Design: The Local Bouquet | Stationery: Jacki Miller Photo + Design | Venue: Nantucket Island | Dress Provider: The Dress Theory | Models: Annamarie & Ryan Akins | Ribbon: FrouFrou Chic | Wedding Dress Designer: Sarah Seven

This stunning inspiration shoot from Lindsey Ocker Photography proves it’s all in the details. From the yummy looking drinks, to the pretty custom calligraphy and invitation suite, to the ah-mazingly romantic “chandelier” of greenery and burdgundy amaranthus, this cozy shoot has it all! Don’t miss a single ounce of the romance, in the gallery right here.

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Photography: Lindsey Ocker Photography | Event Styling: Ina + Luby | Floral Design: Sweet Annie Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Gossamer | Make-Up: Karla Patricia | Hair: Jennifer Tawa | Venue: Private Residence | Bridal Accessories: Hushed Commotion | Calligraphy/Stationary: Extras By Alaina | Craft Cocktails: WanderLush

One of the best things about hiring a great florist is that they know all the must-have tips and tricks to ensure your flowers look their absolute best on your big day. Worried that your flowers will lose their vibrancy before you even hit the aisle? Don’t be. Becca from Petal Floral Design shares some secret pro tips for keeping your flowers fresh longer in the video below!

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5 Ways to Make Your Flowers Last Longer

Put them in lots of fresh room temperature water, and change the water daily.

Add a tablet of bayer aspirin to a glass of water.

Keep the flowers in a cool space – ideally between 50 and 60 degrees.

Add a tablespoon of mouthwash for every liter of water.

Drop a copper penny into your vase.

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Elysium Productions

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Living in New England, I’m well aware of how ridiculously beautiful the Cape can be. That doesn’t mean that a gorgeous wedding there goes by my desk unnoticed though. I spent some quality time with this gem from Kelly Dillon right here and I can guarantee you’ll be dreaming of beachside blooms and salt water kisses by the time you get through this gorgeous gallery.

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From the Bride… AJ and I met originally in our late teens through a mutual friend that had gone to elementary school with AJ and worked with me in high school. About 10 years later, our same mutual friend threw a Halloween party where we reunited and the rest, as they say, is history. AJ and I spent the next seven years traveling and building a life together and then in late April of 2014, in our home surrounded by flowers, candles and photos of the two of us, AJ got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! As we began planning our wedding, we knew we wanted it to be a bit more than a day, we wanted a weekend away where our family and friends could get to know one another and escape their fast paced lives. Enter Cape Cod. My family has been spending our summer vacations there for the past 50 or so years. It’s a very special spot in the world as it is a place that everyone comes together, no matter how far away someone lives or where they are, everyone comes back to Cape Cod to reunite in the summer.

We wanted the wedding to feel like a fancy party we were throwing in our back yard and for the location to be a spot where many of our friends and family could stay for the weekend. Happening upon the Winslow Estate was a dream come true. The estate is not only beautiful and well loved, but the view from the backyard is unbelievable. When I brought AJ there for the first time, he said, “Well, this is the best view I’ve ever seen on Cape Cod!” We were sold!

The Winslow’s were wonderful to work with and recommended great vendors. AJ and I arranged for a few special activities over the weekend like a whale watching trip for those in town early and instead of a rehearsal dinner, we held a welcome dinner for everyone at a favorite family restaurant. For the actual wedding, I imagined a beautiful tent with soft romantic colors that was pretty but not over the top. A showcase of New England’s seafood was high on the priority list and a raw bar was a must have. Being on the ocean, we included some nautical items throughout the wedding like lanterns, and the navigational coordinates of the location on our cocktail napkins. We also incorporated birch tree items and other wooden elements for balance throughout the wedding. AJ’s last name is Birchler and he’s an arborist so including birch trees into each part of the day was a must! In the months leading up to the wedding, AJ and I worked on DIY projects like the birch arbor and home-brewed beer we made for the occasion. So many family and friends also pitched in, and we couldn’t have pulled this off without them!

Our wedding was filled with wonderful friends and family, amazing food, so much dancing, and laughter and love. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day, and still can’t believe that this is our real life!

Photography: Kelly Dillon Photography | Floral Design: Fancy Flowers | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Invitations: Daughter Earth | Wedding Shoes: LK Bennett | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: The Casual Gourmet | Hair & Makeup: Blusing Brides | Ties: The Tie Bar | Groom's Attire: Nordstrom | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Wedding Venue: Winslow Estate | Tent: Undercover Tent | Rentals: New England Country Rentals

I can spot a New England wedding from a mile away. Whether it’s a seaside soiree at the cape, a Vermont barn wedding or a traditional Berkshire affair like this beauty from Heather Waraksa. And lovelies, this one is sure to have you wrapped around it’s little finger if classic is your jam. From the sophisticated invites by Ceci New York to the stunning arrangements from Sayles Livingston Flowers, make sure to peruse every ounce of goodness this gallery has to offer.

From the Bride… We met in 2007, working together as the two most junior professionals in a small, 14-person group inside of a big bank. We started dating, and tried, very poorly, to keep our relationship under wraps. As we would learn later, everyone knew the entire time, but they let us keep up the charade that we were just work colleagues.

After six years of dating, Dave decided to pop the question in Paris where we had taken our first vacation together. I was suspicious as Dave walked me all around the city. That evening when we were getting ready to go to dinner, Dave took me out on the room’s balcony (I was partially made-up with my hair still in a towel) and proposed. It was perfect.

What made the wedding special and unique was that it had the feeling of a destination wedding even though it was only a few hours from New York City. The hotel is located in the old New England town of Lenox in the Berkshires, but it was built in the style of a 16th century Florentine Palazzo. Guests felt transported to a remote Italian villa but with less travel time and all the comforts of home.

We are both whiskey lovers and decided to personalize guest gift bags with a bottle of bitters, which included Dave’s own “fall manhattan” recipe. At the reception’s after-party, guests enjoyed my manhattan cocktail from an engraved “Geenberg” whiskey barrel.

The most memorable part of the day was after the ceremony but before cocktail hour when we had a small window of time to ourselves to just enjoy the moment. The feeling after being announced married was indescribable and for us to be able to enjoy the emotions together and not be rushed off to other duties was incredibly special.

Photography: Heather Waraksa | Event Planning: In Any Event | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Stationery: Ceci New York | Catering: Wheatleigh | Makeup: MakeupNV | Hair: Nikki Avanzino | Lighting: Exquisite Events | Band: Hal Prince | Tuxedo: Seize Sur Vingt | Ceremony Music: Vogue Music Events | Venue: Wheatleigh | Tent: Classical Tents | Cufflinks: Jason Ascher | Earrings: Lux Bond and Greene | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Linens And Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Paper Goods: Invitations By Ana

June means wedding season, and wedding season means peonies (which just so happen to be my very favorite flower). So it’s no surprise that I love this wedding with the bride’s bouquet of fluffy white peonies and the buttery yellow and soft blush color scheme that plays up The Commons 1854’s French-inspired ballroom. Add in a sweet couple and photographs by Ruth Eileen Photography, and you have everything needed for a beautiful wedding. See it all here.

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From the Bride… When I met Jonathan, I knew he was the other part of me, my perfect counterpart and that our wedding would reflect the romantic part of us we had discovered in one another. While we love modern art and technology we have a certain timelessness that shapes who we are as a couple. We both stand strong on our spiritual beliefs and trust in a love that is pure, holy and dignified. When we started planning our wedding, we knew the look and feel would reflect these virtues that we live our life by as well. We wanted to pick colors that were bright and simple, resembling the redemption that we felt on our wedding day.

Pastel yellow floor length bridesmaid dresses, Chantilly lace gown, fluffy white peonies, baby’s breath, bow ties and blush accents were added to our wedding palette with such ease. Both our church ceremony and reception locations were modeled after designs from the 1800’s and we LOVED that it represents our home in New England that is full of history, culture and class. There were white high arches, wooden pews and stainless glass in the church I grew up in that created the reverence we wanted for a worship service.

The Commons 1854 was designed after a French era with the ballroom including crystal chandeliers, sleek wooden floors, gold and white crown molding- we loved the clean and classic look it provided. Guests were stunned by the structure of the building and more than satisfied with their decadent menu. Tall skinny glass vases of baby’s breath looked perfect in the beautiful ballroom with scripture verses we created for each table, reflecting our love for God. Jonathan not only designed the table cards, but the seating chart and all the wedding invitations as well (he is a graphic designer). We had fun working together to pick out the content, the wording and the color schemes of all the print work. It turned out better than we imagined and we were grateful that we had our hands in every detail in the end. We had so much fun and everyone danced the night away! We enjoyed a lot of Spanish music and crazy dancing! The pictures reflect the pure joy, love, and complete bliss we felt that day.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Event Design: Mount Harvest | Floral Design: Wedding Flowers by Annette | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Makeup: Alice Upton | Hair: The Salon On Haven | DJ: DJ Paul Brogna - Mass Rhythm | Venue: The Topsfield Commons 1854

In the world of drop-dead gorgeous images, Sweet Monday Photography reigns supreme.  Think soft, light-filled captures that are as romantic as they are stunning and you are most definitely on the right track. So when it comes to soaking in the pretty, we’re all about devoting a day to Sweet Monday’s latest masterpiece… a shoot that is chock-full of outdoor beauty and spring-filled happy.

Known for their love of nature and ability to capture those special moments you didn’t even realize were happening, Sweet Monday Photography is endlessly inspired by the New England landscape… and it shows in every moment of this gorgeous styled shoot set against the stunning Mount in the Berkshires. Picture classic meets modern details and colorful blooms with a touch of traditional lovely and a splash of bohemian charm.  It’s all sorts of seriously stunning, lovelies… and it’s just what we’ve come to expect from Sweet Monday Photography.

Whether you’re looking to capture your love against a golden autumn backdrop, or snuggled up with the snow twinkling in the background, Sweet Monday’s talented team of photogs will most definitely preserve those special moments that you will cherish for always.  Contact them now to start your journey to beautiful photography.  You can thank us later, loves.

What: Sweet Monday Photography is offering 20% off any of their standard wedding photography Collections for weddings with either the ceremony or reception taking place outdoors in 2016 or 2017!

How: Interested couples just need to mention this post when inquiring about Sweet Monday’s availability on their wedding date via the contact form on their website. Discount is not applicable for custom Collections, but may be applied to any of the standard packages.  The discount will be honored a total of 10 times on a first come, first served basis.  Click here for more info!

Photography: Sweet Monday Photography | Event Design: LoLo Event Design | Floral Design: Poppy Floral | Wedding Dress: Flair Bridesmaid Boutique | Invitations: Lynn Graham Designs | Jewelry: Ore Jewelry by Sophie Hughes | Makeup Artist: Making Faces Weddings | Hair Stylist: Love Notes by June | Calligraphy: Pier Gustafson | Suit: The Black Tux | Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Mount | Desserts: Tatte Bakery | Models: Model Club Inc. | Rentals: Peterson Party Center

As you New Englanders know, Martha’s Vineyard is prime real estate when it comes to wedding. But capturing the nautical style while still being utterly timeless, chic and on trend is a little bit tricky. Enter, this adorable fete. With photography by Kelly Dillon Photography and a film from Ready Set Film, you are in for a 101 of Seaside Chic. And there is more here!

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From The Bride…We met on Match.com in December 2009. Yes, one in five couples!

Since Mike had attended College of Charleston for undergrad, he had always wanted to take me there. We planned a trip in April 2013. Upon arrival at the cute bed and breakfast, Mike had ordered champagne to the room and a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. We had a day to ourselves and went sightseeing around the city. On the second day, we went to the beach near where he lived during college. After laying out on a blanket for a bit, Mike proposed! Short and sweet…he opened the ring box, told me he loved me, and asked if I would marry him. I said yes! We cuddled for a bit and took a couple pictures to commemorate the moment.

After that, we went for a burger (our favorite food) at a great local place. Then returned to the hotel, where I was instructed to dress up. After changing, we walked downstairs to find a horse and carriage. We took a ride around old Charleston. Very romantic! We ended the ride at a fancy hotel, where Mike said we were going to get a drink on their rooftop. I had always said that I wanted my friends to be around to celebrate my engagement, as my Mom had passed away in 2004 and I felt it would be comforting. Upon getting to the rooftop, I was surprised by my now Maid of Honor (Laura) and Bridesmaid (Caroline), as well as their boyfriend/husbands. It was such a perfect moment and really completed the day! We spent the rest of the weekend celebrating with our friends, enjoying the beautifully classic Charleston, and getting so excited about the future.

We actually don’t have any roots in Martha’s Vineyard. Maybe it’s our planning sides, but we loved the idea of taking on an unknown place and making new memories. Overall, we really just want our close friends and family to have fun and be in love at our wedding. It is a destination party weekend.

One of our unexpected and favorite parts of the day was the wind during the ceremony and pictures. Out on the lighthouse/beach, it’s very windy and most people complain about that. We think it added a natural, unexpected energy. It blew my veil and toned down the formality that weddings can have. Best part of it all – We can always go back to the spot we got married and remember the day.

Photography: Kelly Dillon Photography | Videography: readyset[film] | Floral Design: MV Florist | Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal | Invitations: Rachel Marvin Creative | Ceremony Venue: Edgartown Lighthouse | Reception Venue: Harbor View Hotel | Bride's Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Makeup: House Of Colour | Hair: Sea Spa Salon | Entertainment: Mike Benjamin Band | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Groomsmen's Attire: Jos A Bank | Rentals: Seaside Celebrations

Most of us in New England have spend some, if not all, of our Summers on Cape Cod. Because it’s like Boston’s little gift for surviving the Winter. Perfect beaches, quaint towns, a laidback but sort of Kennedy-esque vibe. So it’s no wonder it’s also home to so many lovely weddings. And this particular celebration – with images from Ned Jackson Photography and a cake by one of our favorites, Delicious Desserts – doesn’t disappoint. Just make sure you also spend some time in the galleries.

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From Ned Jackson Photography… Kate and Bryan were married on an absolutely stunning fall day in September down in Hyannis, MA. The town has a special meaning for them as Bryan’s family has a home there and they have spent lots of time out on the water. I even had the opportunity to join them for an engagement session out on the beach and I knew they would not be a difficult couple to work with! They were about as easygoing as you could be and we had an absolute blast. When their wedding day rolled around, it was so fun to be a part of the mix. The girls and guys got ready across the street from each other and the water was never more than a few steps away (I think you’ll feel that theme throughout their images). Their ceremony was held at a small chapel in Hyannisport, followed by the reception at the Hyannisport Country Club.

From the Bride & Groom… Our story began the first day of freshman orientation at Babson College. We instantly became friends and although it took us a year to officially start dating our friendship quickly grew into love. Over the seven years we were together most of our favorite memories as a couple were spent on Cape Cod, a place near and dear to our hearts, as we enjoyed so much time with family and friends who shaped our relationship over the years. It was a no brainer to officially start our life together in a spot we treasure so greatly.

We began planning in our minds the quintessential Cape Cod wedding, with every detail hoping to bring our loved ones an experience that was personal, fun and very “us.” We wanted our guests to feel like they were coming to visit for a fun and relaxing Cape weekend. We were fortunate to spend our wedding weekend in Bryan’s parents Hyannis neighborhood where the bridesmaids, groomsmen, bride’s parents and groom’s parents each had a house to get ready in. Guests were invited to play lawn games before the wedding festivities officially began. Our ceremony took place in a quaint Chapel in Hyannisport that we run by every weekend in the summer and Bryan’s high school Priest from Houston, Texas officiated our wedding. Our reception took place at the Hyannisport Club, rich with history and picturesque views of Nantucket Sound. As the sun set dinner began followed by nonstop dancing on the deck.

It was extremely important to us for the details of our wedding to express our style as a couple, to be both traditional and fun. Nautical colors of navy, white and gold were a must. We had a blast picking out our invitations that included a custom map of our wedding locations. Some of our other favorite details were our welcome boxes with a personalized wedding timeline, surprising our mothers with bouquets that included pictures of their parents who have passed, yellow groomsmen anchor socks, place cards that were little message in bottles including notes to our guests, signature cocktails, custom menus which included food stations themed by our favorite locations; Boston, Cape Cod and Houston, monkey knots and nautical rope for the cocktail and dining centerpieces, ice cream cone favors and our navy and white ribbon wedding cake.

Our night ended with a trolley ride back to the Evans’ backyard for an epic tented after party. The day was filled with so many special memories with our closest family and friends. It truly was the most perfect day and way to celebrate the beginning of our life as Mr. and Mrs.

Photography: Ned Jackson Photography | Cinematography: JPOD Productions | Floral Design: All About Flowers For Weddings | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Cake: Delicious Desserts | Invitations: William Arthur Fine Stationery | Ceremony Venue: Union Chapel | Reception Venue: Hyannisport Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup: Charlotte Phinney | Hair: Colleen McLaughlin | Band: Search Party | Groom's Attire: J. Hilburn | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Ceremony Music: Boston String Quartet | Transportation: Cape Destinations | Bridal Boutique: Cristina's Bridal | Invitation Shop: Soiree Andover | Rentals: Be Our Guest

The State Room in Boston, MA is one of those iconic places to get married. With sprawling floor to window ceilings, it’s impossible to not get chills when you enter the dramatic space which is why this winter wedding took my breath away. The sophisticated affair captured by Kate Preftakes Photography oozes romance and every detail was planned to perfection. From the gorgeous invites by Smudge Ink to an aisle lined with rose petals, you can see every gorgeous detail here.

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From the Kate Preftakes Photography… Cassie and Jason had the loveliest winter wedding in downtown Boston! We started out at the incredible Ames Hotel for getting ready photos and a first look then headed over to The State Room where the wedding was held. I don’t think it’s possible to convey how much I loved Cassie’s dress! She was stunning from head to toe and there was such a classic elegance to their entire black tie affair. Not only were these two gorgeous, but they were so incredibly happy and sweet all day. When a couple is utterly in love with each other it really shows and happiness radiates around them. Such was the case with Cassie and Jason and their entire families.

The State Room is an incredible venue with the most amazing view of Boston. The ceremony was timed to view a sunset but what they got was gently falling snow and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The room just sparkled with all of Cassie’s little touches and Longwood Events always makes their events flawless. The band Kahootz kept the party going and the dance floor was packed all night!

From the Bride… I wanted to bring traditional elements to our wedding since the State Room is a very modern venue. The blank canvas opened the doors to lots of glitter and gold I wanted to incorporate. My grandmother’s fur stole was my something borrowed and I loved having her with me the day of in spirit. We knew we wanted great food and dancing therefore Kahootz was a given! I feel so blessed to have Jason and to share our day with family and friends.

Photography: Kate Preftakes Photography | Floral Design: Michele Bernard | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: I Dream of Jeanne Cakes | Invitations: Smudge Ink, Inc. | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Band: Kahootz | Venue: State Room: A Longwood Venue

One of the best perks of tying the knot? Sprucing up your newlywed abode with registry goodies, of course. A few weeks ago, we partnered with the West Elm to launch their brand new wedding registry. Alongside some of our favorite local vendors, we pored over their gorgeous wares, snapped fun photo booth pics, indulged in sweets from Mayflour and Blackbird Doughnuts, and got to chat with some pretty darn adorable Boston soon-to-be’s. It was an incredible day to say the least and we were so happy to be a part of West Elm‘s new adventure!

Petal Floral Design‘s spread was so indicative of designer Becca’s aesthetic….lush, organic and utterly beautiful. Becca can basically transform any space into something dreams are made of and she used a few elements from West Elm to crank it up a couple of notches. But honestly, the best part about Becca is that she is one of the coolest chicks I know and just wants to do what she loves most…make beautiful things. 

Ruthie is one of our nearest and dearest friends and she was on hand to not only show off her gorgeous portfolio, but to also shoot the gathering in all its glory. Ruthie is responsible for so many of our favorite moments on Style Me Pretty and not surprisingly, she really captured the event so beautifully. We heart Ruthie in a big way.

I’ve been a longtime admirer of Lauren‘s work so to get to meet the lovely lady behind the genius was a definite highlight. And when I tell you she didn’t disappoint, that might be the understatement of the century. Lauren is the very definition of loveliness and she came equipped with one of the cutest favors I’ve ever seen – tiny firestarter kits for late summer nights under the stars. I could die.

I could basically fall in love with anyone that offers me free samples of buttercream but Jocelyn of Mayflour Cakes is on an entirely other level. She was doling out petite bites of heaven that had the words honey and lavender in them and to be honest, I was shoveling them into my mouth faster than I could hear any more about them. Plus, she just has a way with beautiful cakes so they were as pretty as they were yummy.

I think my husband Tait – also an SMP-er – basically rooted himself beside the Blackbird Doughnut display. And funny, the whole crowd seemed to innately migrate towards them too. Why? Oh maybe because these doughnuts are AH.MAZING. Dark Chocolate Ganache, Lemon Raspberry and oh I don’t know, some other amazing flavors were definitely the belle of the ball.

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Photography: Ruth Eileen | Wedding Registry: West Elm | Event Design + Firestarter Favors: Lauren Wells Design & Styling | Floral Design: Petal Floral Design | Cakes: Mayflour Cake + Confections | Doughnuts: Blackbird Doughnuts

I’m lucky enough to live close to the Boston Public Garden, but still stop and stare at its beauty every visit. Spacious and serene, it’s also one idyllic spot for wedding pics. Jen Ing snapped these lovebirds among the garden’s romantic trees – complete with pup in tow – before heading to their celebration at a nearby restaurant. From these pics to the restaurant’s chic style, we have a winner, hands down.

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From Jen Ing Photography… Lily and Andy held an intimate wedding at Cinquecento restaurant in Boston. With only six months to plan the wedding, they wanted to keep things simple and intimate. Lily and Andy are self-proclaimed foodies and their vision of a perfect wedding was to eat and drink the night away with family and friends. Thus came the idea to throw a large dinner party and indulge in a delicious meal together instead of having a traditional wedding reception.

The wedding vision was inspired by Lily’s Jenny Packham dress, which she found after trying on only four wedding dresses! Says the bride, “I loved how light and comfortable I felt and knowing that I would not have to fuss around with a big skirt on our wedding day. My favorite part of the dress was the delicate flutter sleeves. I limited myself to doing only a few DIY projects. Paper Source had some gorgeous invitations with gold-foiled designs which I used to print our table numbers, signature drink menus and seating assignments. Our favors were artisan marshmallows tucked into muslin bags with a custom stamp which I hand-stamped myself. I had the most fun working with our coordinator at Cinquecento to come up with our signature drinks. Mine was a mocktail called ‘The Blushing Bride’ and Andy’s was a gin-based cocktail called ‘The Dapper Gin-tlemen.'”

Lily and Andy included some romantic art deco elements in touches of pink and gold, an homage to the Gatsby era, and neutral florals which beautifully complemented the restaurant’s more masculine and rustic aesthetic of reclaimed wood, bricks, and leather.

Prior to the wedding, we got some lovely shots of Lily and Andy together in Boston’s lush Public Garden, always a favorite for portraits. The couple says doing their first look and portraits was their favorite part of the day, especially since their dog, Polly, got to make an appearance.

Photography: Jen Ing Photography | Floral Design: Mahoney's Garden | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Cake: Konditor Meister | Stationery: Minted | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair & Makeup: Vanessa Bridal And Image | Favors: Malvi | Groom's Attire: Milton's | Wedding Venue: Cinquecento | Bridal Boutique: Allegria Bridal | Music: Intermezzo Chamber Players

For starters, my Groom is a huge history buff. So, when this next slice of history landed in my lap I just couldn’t wait to share. Because not only did this darling duo wed on historic land graced with Poppy Floral bouquets, but the Groom also happens to be a direct descendent of an American Founding Father, John Adams himself! Straight from Sweet Monday Photography, it’s a gallery chock-full of history (like the Bride’s heirloom veil!) and you can witness it all here!

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(Only direct descendants of the Adams family, through the male line, are allowed to get married at the Adams National Historical Park and it’s especially important to the ladies that run the museum that we mention this fact as they are concerned about fielding phone calls from non-Adams brides wanting to get married there.)

Professional photography is not usually allowed at the Adams House, however since Rett and his family own the property and lease it to the National Parks Services, we had free reign over the property and many of its artifacts (with strict supervision, of course!). The most stunning example is the heirloom veil that Leatha wore for the ceremony which was originally purchased by Charles Francis Adams in 1854 for his daughter Louisa’s marriage to Charles Kuhn. The veil was donated to the park in 1957 from Mary Ogden Abbott, who requested it be available to “descendants of Charles Francis Adams, the Ambassador to England, who might wish to use it at her wedding.” Leatha is only the fifth bride to wear the veil.

Rett & Leatha were married in the courtyard next to the Old House where John & Abigail used to live. Built in 1731, John & Abigail called the home “Peacefield” during their day as it was a refuge from the war & politics for four generations of Adams. Leatha made her entrance walking across the lawn past a white rose bush originally planted by Abigail Adams which she had brought with her from England (Rosa X alba, a simple white, single petal rose that the family called the York rose.)

We also took some portraits at the corner of the property near the black walnut tree which is attributed to John Quincy Adams, 6th President.

The reception took place inside the old Carriage House. Rett & Leatha had planned just a simple meal with family & friends but were surprised with a song and first dance by one of Rett’s groomsmen. Ending the night was another surprise…in honor of Flag Day, a park across the street had fireworks!

To the best of everyone’s recollection, Rett & Leatha are only the third couple to have a wedding at the Old House, the last one being in 1901.

We were so honored to be part of this uniquely historic event!

Photography: Sweet Monday Photography | Floral Design: Poppy Floral | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Sugar Plum Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Makeup Artist: Manda Carco | Hair Stylist: Amy Lynne Poirier | Venue: Adams National Historical Park | Custom Watercolor & Calligraphy (Seating Chart & Table Numbers): Damn Good Calligraphy | Dress Shop: Musette Bridal

I love calling Boston my city. It’s got a cozy kind of charm with all it’s historic buildings and quaint cobblestone streets tucked into a gorgeous harbor. And right there in the middle of it, sits the Old State House where these two lovebirds said their beautiful I do’s—the Bride holding her sweet peach garden rose bouquet from Winston Flowers and the Groom looking dapper in gray. Kelly Dillon documented the day with these breathtaking images—see it all here!

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From the beautiful Bride… Leo and I met actually a few blocks down from the Old State House at Bell in Hand (Americas oldest tavern). After 5 years together Leo proposed to me on a train we were taking down to Florida. Every year we would take a sleeper car down the east coast from Boston to Florida together. It was a perfect place to propose!

I really wanted our wedding to be relaxed and intimate. I liked the idea of having our ceremony in a historic building, and when we saw the old state house we fell in love with the space. I wanted the decor to be modern but have a vintage feel since we were getting married in a historic building. We wanted things polished but not perfect looking to leave things a bit more informal. I also wanted people to leave with few tokens. I like the idea of handkerchiefs for ceremony that could be useful and also great for everyone. I asked Leo to design the logo for our wedding, we used this on the handkerchiefs and we played off of the coat of arms, lion an unicorn that is on the old state house. If you look at the time on these it is set to 5:30, the time of our ceremony. I also used the lions for the escort cards.

Photography: Kelly Dillon Photography | Floral Design: Winston Flowers | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Ceremony: Old State House Boston | Ceremony Venue: Old State House Boston | Reception Venue: Mistral Bistro | Shoes: BHLDN | Makeup: Tryst Studio | Hair: Stacey Kuehn

Delicate papel picado and hand-printed paperie (that was designed by the Groom!) set a whimsical tone at this tented Shaker farm wedding, that was filled with personal details (like the travel stories printed at each reception table) and family-first moments (like the Groom’s touching tribute to his late father). Isabelle Selby Photography captured all the sweetness here, so take a peek and fall in love.

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From Isabelle Selby Photography… This was a truly special and spectacular event because of all the love, support and emotion that went into the day. From my first conversation with Persis I knew that she was going to invest much time and energy into the day to make sure it was the wedding of her dreams, and I believe that she succeeded. There were so many special moments throughout the day from Persis’ grandma reading from the Sikh Holy Book to a moment in honor of Ryan’s dad who passed away the Christmas before their wedding. They truly honored him during the ceremony and his memory was an important part of the day.

In addition to this the details were gorgeous. The setting of a Shaker farm was very important to the couple and they let the natural beauty show. Ryan, the groom, made all of the printed design details including the invitation and they presented photos on the card table with old photos of family members. The table numbers were locations that they had traveled to together since they are avid travelers and each table had a story from that location. The big tent for dinner had farm tables and Shaker chairs, Mexican papel picado banners strung throughout the tent with their names “PERSIS + RYAN” cut out so beautifully along with bistro lights and handmade signs throughout. All in all it was a gorgeous event and wonderful display of their love for each other.

Photography: Isabelle Selby Photography | Videography: Silvia Foz | Event Planning: Eutopia Events | Floral Design: Maryanne Gillooly Design | Wedding Dress: Shareen Vintage | Cake: Bake Me Pretty | Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung | Catering: Savory Harvest Catering | Makeup: Sonya Heimann | Lighting: Rob Alberti's Event Services | DJ: Beat Train Productions | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Officiant: Grace Ceremonies | Hotel: Red Lion Inn | Venue: Hancock Shaker Village | Ceremony Musicians: Michael Nix | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan | Paper Goods: Ryan Adair | Rentals: Classical Tents | Watch: Uniform Wares

A stylish and cosmopolitan affair, this next celebration is one lovely tribute. For when planning their Big Day this pair wanted to honor beautiful Boston, the city they live in and love. From their fabulous first dance straight from the lens of Long Haul Films and every moment in between (including a few lightening bolts) it’s all waiting for you in the gallery!

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From the beautiful Bride… When my husband and I got engaged we knew very little about weddings or wedding planning. I had only attended a couple family weddings and my husband a few friends, so we started this process with the naiveté it takes to either create something really unique or totally screw it up. Luckily, with the help of family and friends I believe we achieved the former.

We got engaged in March of 2013, one month before the Boston Marathon bombings. Both of us attended the marathon that day and our hearts ached for those directly impacted by what transpired. We also watched as people banded together around the victims and their loved ones and were so moved by the residents of the great city of Boston. At the time we were on our wedding venue search and when we saw the State Room and its views of the city skyline we knew it was the place for us. We owe Boston a great deal, as it is the city we met, the city we’ve made our home and the city we’ve built our careers. We wanted our wedding to be an ode to Boston and that was at the core of every decision we made.

Tributes to the city were included every detail; including our invitations, our rehearsal dinner (which was held at the Old State House) and through our color palette of gray, white and gold. In lieu of favors we made a donation to the world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. I also decided to let my bridesmaids choose their own gray gowns. They are all so unique and I didn’t feel right putting them in matching dresses. Similar to buildings in a city skyline, the individual dresses looked even more beautiful when grouped together.

We also wanted our wedding to convey who we are as a couple even behind closed doors. An important part of that is dancing. Chase and I are not trained dancers by any stretch but we love it and tend to dance in that “pretend like no one is watching” way. Whether at other weddings or in our living room alone it’s important part of who we are as a couple so we really wanted to showcase this on our big day. We practiced for months and performed a dance to Phillip Phillips “Gone, Gone, Gone.” It was definitely one of the highlights of the day for us.

You can never predict the weather but we never thought it would be 100 degrees on our September wedding, of course it was. And as the ominous dark clouds rolled in we thought the thunderstorms and hurricane winds were going to put a huge damper on our day. Someone must’ve been looking out for us because we made it to the State Room just in time to watch a beautiful lightning storm from the very top of Boston’s skyline. What’s that they say about good luck and rain? There has to be some meaning behind thunder and lightning, right?

I could go on and on about our day but I wanted to share a post from our videographer as I believe she captured the day perfectly.

From Melissa Dowler at Long Haul Films… I’m going to apologize up front, because I’m about to play blatant favorites. I know I shouldn’t but I can’t pretend. This was one of my favorite weddings of the season to film. In fact, this might have been one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever filmed. Of all time, hands down, drop the mic. BOOM.

The reason is because Jess and Chase are, well, pretty much awesome. In their business lives, Jess and Chase are creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, drivers of change in their community. On a personal level, they are two of the most authentic, funny, smart and high energy people you’ll ever meet. Just being around Jess and Chase gives you good vibes.

Full disclosure, before the wedding we already knew these two pretty well, especially Chase who is a commercial client we film with almost every week (not sick of us yet, are you Chase?) So we thought we had a pretty good handle on what their wedding day would be like. We knew it would be fun and light-hearted. We knew it would be stylish and cosmopolitan. We expected there would be a lot of epic dancing. All that was true, and then some (more blatant favoritism: BEST. FIRST. DANCE. EVER.). Beyond all of that, what this wedding also had, and what made it so incredibly wonderful to film, was HEART.

Jess and Chase, thanks not only for having us film your wedding, but for challenging us to create something different and unique, to reflect who you two are. We can’t wait to see you conquer the world together.

Photography: Zev Fisher Photography | Floral Design: Fleur De Lis By Charlotte | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Wedding Cake: I Dream of Jeanne Cakes | Invitations: An Elegant Affair | Ceremony Venue: Arlington Street Church | Reception Venue: State Room: A Longwood Venue | Hair And Makeup: Nicole's Salon | DJ: Nuimage Entertainment | Video: Long Haul Films

Sandy shores set the scene for this stunning Cape Cod fete, that perfectly blends a nautical color palette and rustic accents (that the Bride DIY’d herself!) with a traditional elegance that makes these nuptials completely timeless. (The Bride and Groom also happen to look picture perfect in every one of Summer Street Photography‘s shots.) Check out the full gallery here for the rest!

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From the Bride… After 6 years of dating Dave and I got married at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, MA on a hot, humid September day. Surrounded by close family and friends, we were married by my godfather in an intimate beachside ceremony.

I did all the planning and decorating myself, attempting to achieve a rustic beach feel with baby’s breath, blue hydrangeas, and burlap accents. The Bridesmaids wore the dresses of their choice in a color and designer of my choice- we wanted to look back on our wedding pictures and be able to capture the unique personalities of our bridal party.

Summer Street Photography made us feel at ease and gave us just enough direction to snap some incredible pictures. We look back on our day and see such so much happiness, it was a truly magical day!

Photography: Summer Street Photography | Floral Design: Flowers By Anna | Wedding Dress: Musette Bridal | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Country Weddings Bridal Boutique | Makeup Artist: Danielle Dumas Austin | Hair Stylist: Kristy LoScuito | Entertainment: 5 Star Events | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Groomsmen's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Ceremony And Reception Venue: Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Course

This gorgeous wedding at L’Adana, is truly the perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern details. From the vibrant violet braidesmaids’ dresses to the matching florals and lighting, Event Planner Shannon St. Pierre, left no detail unperfected — the men even got in on the fun with a custom cigar bar! Take a peek below, then check out the full gallery from Servidone Studios Photography to see the rest!

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Photography: Servidone Studios Photography | Event Planning: L'Andana | Floral Design: Michele Bernard | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Reception Venue: L'Andana | Band: Night Rhythm