Ah, where to start with this one …?  Maybe with a photo.  This is Rowe and Dan.  They are the first gay guys I’ve ever photographed getting married, and they are wonderful, wonderful people, cute as a button, and I adore them.  🙂

Dan and Rowe’s wedding was at one of the most beautiful venues in town – the Taj Boston. Luxurious but not ostentatious, it was the perfect fit for these smart, stylish and modest guys. I started my day in the tea room on the second floor, photographing their cute invitation suite. I’m a huge fan of the custom postage stamps from Zazzle – and the whole cool, graphic look they had going on:

The utterly delightful coordinator at the Taj, Monique Lampson, took me upstairs to Dan’s room where he was getting ready with his brother Mark and sister-in-law Rachel. I don’t often get to take the early prep shots with guys so you bet I had fun getting some photos of Dan shaving!

Dan was super-excited, beaming and giggling. 🙂

Then, I headed up to meet Rowe in the gorgeous suite they had reserved. Rowe was really nervous about the day ahead so I spent the first few minutes grabbing a couple more detail shots. I loved the engraved cufflinks with their initials and wedding date on them:

Rachel helped Rowe with his bow tie and cufflinks … and I am kinda a little bit in love with the James Bond look that Rowe has going on in this next photo on the right:

Despite rain having been forecast all week, we lucked out and had a dry afternoon – perfect for a sweet first look in the Boston Public Garden!

There were tears (yay!) and then giggles. 🙂 Stapleton Floral Design wanted to create something really unique for Rowe and Dan – hence these rather wonderful upside-down boutonnieres.

After a couple of formal portraits, we had a little explore of the Public Gardens. My mission for portraits there is always: beautiful light (even when it’s overcast) with a pretty background that isn’t chockablock full of other people and a great expression on my subjects. The last bit was easy; these guys are adorable together.

After a little while, we were joined by Rowe and Dan’s attendants. The girls got extra-special unusual bouquets to hold too!

They all looked SO GOOD in their formal attire (and you just can’t beat a groom – or two – in a tux!)

One last portrait of Rowe and Dan to end with … and coming in a few days, their gorgeous ceremony and very lively night club style wedding reception on the roof terrace at the Taj. If you’d like to be the first to know when Part Two arrives … come on over and like my Facebook Page!