It’s a rare thing for me to experience so many wonderful “firsts” at one wedding – but I will forever remember with fondness this fantastic couple and their unique (and challenging!) wedding day.

After a very unfortunate year of events, most notably Kaila losing her father a few months before the wedding, I was utterly bummed to see that weather was also not cooperating with our plans for outdoor photos in the Public Garden and on Comm Ave, and their BPL courtyard ceremony. This couple deserved a break!

So together with their planner Linnea Tangorra, we brainstormed some options for photos where they could be outside but sheltered from the downpours, and we ended up having their first look and group photos at the MIT Dome in Cambridge – which turned out to be an absolute dream location … aside from the walk to get to the covered area and the lack of a ramp for a wheelchair (Kaila’s mom Michelle had broken her ankle just a couple weeks prior).

During the getting ready time, Kaila and Chino also had to make the difficult decision about whether or not to move their ceremony to the backup rain location – I try not to influence my couples when it comes to important decisions like this, but I was definitely secretly cheering when Kaila made the brave call to have an outdoor ceremony no matter what!

The rain poured down during the ceremony, but Linnea’s assistant helped with her dress as Kaila walked down the aisle, the wonderful staff at The Catered Affair erected a large umbrella to cover the couple and their officiant, and the wedding party had umbrellas ready to go. It was absolutely beautiful, and so unique, and I am thrilled that they were still able to have their ceremony in this grand, iconic location despite the abysmal weather.

After the ceremony, my lovely second photographer Billy handled cocktail hour while I took some group photos on the grand staircase, then headed up to Bates to photograph the gorgeous details (Table & Tulip worked their usual magic with the florals). Kaila had set up a little memory table to honor her dad – she also had a seat for him at the ceremony, marked with a single rose, such a thoughtful touch. There was a photo of her visiting her dad in hospital, wearing her wedding dress, that brought me to tears.

During the reception I was excited to photograph my very first Nigerian wedding traditions! Chino grew up in Dorchester, but his family is Nigerian and I absolutely loved the bright colors and sumptuous fabrics, as well as the very fun palm wine ceremony (where Kaila had to find Chino hidden amongst the guests) and the kola nut ceremony.

During dinner we had lovely toasts by Kaila’s mom and sister, and Chino’s best men, then after dinner we headed into the Abbey room for dancing. After a VERY lively mother-son dance, Kaila, her mom (in wheelchair) and sister shared a really awesome dance choreographed to a Carol King song. It was probably the coolest and most unique parent dance I’ve witnessed, which is saying a lot at this point in my career!

I ended the night with some fun dancing photos and a quick treat at the dessert bar that was set up in the Chevannes Gallery. What an amazing celebration – kudos to Chino and Kaila for remaining so incredibly positive when plans didn’t go quite as hoped. I hope you enjoy these early favorites.