My final wedding of 2022 was back at my favorite of all venues, the Boston Public Library. I am so lucky to photograph there multiple times each year, and what an absolutely GORGEOUS wedding to end my season!

Jaclyn & Matt got ready separately at their condo building in the Seaport. Jaclyn and the girls were in the Sky Deck space, and Matt in their condo. I especially loved Jaclyn’s interactions with her mom while she was getting dressed, and then the super sweet first look with her dad a few minutes later. I’m such a sucker for a father-daughter moment. It was also super cute when Jaclyn and her dad showed off their matching Louboutin red soles and I can’t believe I actually captured this fleeting moment (it was definitely one of those times where I was able to be ready by listening instead of watching, something I sometimes explain to couples when I talk about what “documentary wedding photography” means to me).

We held the couple’s first look on the Haborwalk, and lucked out with bright blue skies and not too many passersby. I really love photographing at Fan Pier Park as it has a little of everything: downtown skyline views, water, rustic old bridges, loved leafy green shaded areas … and when it’s a sunny day, the light there is really beautiful. It was the perfect spot for some relaxed family portraits, and some fun group shots with the large wedding party.

The ceremony was held at the small but beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage, also in the Seaport. I loved that we were able to use the passageway to the side of the altar for some unique angles during the ceremony – most Boston churches have pretty strict rules about where you’re allowed to photograph, and although this was also the case at Our Lady, the places we were allowed were absolutely fantastic. I especially love the angle I was able to get for capturing the lighting of the remembrance candle.

Some of my favorite photos from the day were immediately following the ceremony when Matt and Jaclyn stepped out of the church; they are both so exuberant, and the light was fantastic!

We took the trolley over to the Boston Public Library, ahead of guests, so we could make some portraits in the beautiful spaces there. The lighting and decor were jaw-dropping – huge shout-outs to Orly Khon Floral, Suzanne Lowell of SBL Lighting, and Gabrielle of Stone Event Planning for really knocking it out the park with the decor and atmosphere. The entire Library was absolutely stunning! I was especially taken with the way Suzanne and Orly collaborated on the decor in Bate’s Hall; instead of pin-spotting, each floral arrangement was subtly and delicately lit with an individual light, creating so much texture and richness in an already amazing space. It really helps with photography when it’s done like this instead of using bright-as-a-galaxy pin spots on the tables and leaving the rest of the room (including the people) in darkness. The textured ceiling wash also beautifully highlighted the grand ceiling in Bates.

Dinner began with Jaclyn & Matt’s entrance into their first dance and I have finally figured out the best lenses to use for this setup. I’m usually thrown a little off guard by the space (it’s really tight when the room is packed with 200+ guests) but this time I was armed with my wide lenses, and had some subtle video light to work with, courtesy of Jim at Boston Wedding Films.

Toasts were sweet, and funny; I love all the laughter I was able to capture during the best men and maids of honor toasts. After dinner we headed into the Abbey Room where the party really started. I figured this would be a big dancing crowd and they did not disappoint! Soho (Nightshift Entertainment) were phenomenal, as always. I was telling a friend from San Diego just last night what a privilege it is to work with some of the best musicians in the country, here in Boston, every Saturday night.

Thank you Jaclyn & Matt for making this the best possible end to my long 2022 wedding season; I have absolutely loved working with you both and hope you love your teasers! And last but not least, a huge thank you to Sydney & Meghan at The Catered Affair for always making it such a seamless and fun experience working at the Boston Public Library, you ladies are awesome. 🙂