What a treat to be back at the Boston Park Plaza this July for my first ever wedding with the incredible Marrero Events! I had the great pleasure of working with Ashley, who recently joined Paula’s fabulous company (she was previously at The Newbury) – Ashley is one of the kindest and sweetest planners I’ve worked with, and she turned Natalie & Lincoln’s vision into a spectacular event. The florals by Ila Design … oh my goodness!

I started my day with Natalie and the girls, first photographing the details (I love the commissioned watercolor of the Park Plaza that they used on the menu and cocktail napkins) then getting some final photos of Natalie’s makeup. Once all the girls were ready to go, Natalie popped a bottle of Champagne on the outdoor patio of the Garden Suite, then her new mother-in-law gave a quick toast. My favorite photos as always are the in-between moments … and of course the photos that followed of Natalie getting dressed with her mom and maid of honor. It was a tight squeeze in the bedroom of the suite – luckily Mike of Summer Wind Wedding Films and I get on GREAT – and I love what I was able to capture.

Lincoln and the guys made the finishing touches to their getting ready in the handsome Hancock Room of the Park Plaza. It’s such a neat room, with wood paneling and moody window light, and the guys were a lot of fun to photograph – I always tell my couples that I can get twice the photos of the guys in half the time … I always really enjoy the fast paced documentation of the guys’ getting ready time.

There was also a super sweet emotional moment when Lincoln opened one of his gifts from Natalie – she had framed tiny photos of his late father and grandfather on a pin for him to wear throughout the wedding day. And Lincoln also gave Natalie an incredibly thoughtful gift: a charm of St Cecilia with the words “pray for us”. They are a deeply faithful couple and Natalie was so touched.

The ceremony took place at my favorite catholic church in Boston, St Cecilia. It’s my favorite because not only is it a beautiful space, but they are also pretty relaxed about photography and videography – so many downtown Boston churches are SO restrictive. Before the ceremony began, I set up my third camera on a tripod on the balcony for some epic photos of Natalie’s entrance. And everyone’s favorite priest Father John was fantastic – engaging and funny.

After the ceremony we took some extended family photos at the church, then Natalie and Lincoln and I jumped in the vintage Rolls Royce and headed to Boston Public Garden where we met up with immediate family and the wedding party for some more group shots, followed by some couples’ portraits. The Rolls was absolutely gorgeous, but also a little temperamental (she’s an older lady with many years of service behind her!) We made it back to the Park Plaza without incident but just as we were parking, she decided she’d had enough of the heat and stalled. Lincoln and a couple of bystanders ended up pushing her into her parking spot which made for a fun photo!

After a couple quick portraits at the hotel, I joined guests at cocktail hour for a few minutes – mostly to capture the epic escort card table with 7′ pouring flower urns (!) and musicians – then spent some time photographing the tablescapes in the grand ballroom. The flowers were incredible.

Some reception highlights included Lincoln & Natalie’s balcony entrance (definitely my preferred way to make an entrance at a Boston Park Plaza wedding) and choreographed first dance complete with lifts; the sweet and funny toasts by Natalie’s maid of honor and Lincoln’s two brothers; and the fantastic parent dances that were almost as impressive as the couple’s first dance! Beantown Band delivered an epic dance party as always and Natalie’s dress change was the final highlight of the night for me.

Thanks to all involved in this beautiful day for trusting me to be part of such a fabulous vendor team. I hope you enjoy my highlights from this gorgeous Park Plaza Boston wedding!