Each year I photograph several Boston City Hall elopements, and they are often some of my very favorite weddings to photograph. I love the intimacy of a tiny wedding, and it is also a huge responsibility, documenting this day not just for the couple, but for all their family and friends who aren’t there.

When Anna and Mike first contacted me, they told me, “we really love the idea of marrying in the ugliest building in town. Winter can be really crummy around here, so we thought our marriage would be a fun thing to brighten things up a bit – this year and anniversaries to come.” I immediately knew I had to photograph this wedding – I absolutely love this sentiment; what an amazing way to make winter in Boston a beautiful thing!

I was with Anna and Mike for just three short hours, but it was a day that was perfect in its simplicity and raw beauty. I had fun hanging out with Anna and the families in her hotel room at the Nine Zero Hotel as she finished up getting ready. She had two vintage fur coats to choose between (both of which were modeled for us) and three pairs of shoes. I’m slightly disappointed Anna didn’t go with the florescent lime green socks/gold sandal combo. 🙂

Mike and Anna met up outside City Hall in Boston for some portraits before their elopement ceremony. I tried to capture the magical ugliness of the building – and found myself falling for the stark cement pillars. City Hall is described by Wikipedia as “a controversial and prominent example of the brutalist architectural style”. Well, it works for us!

Both Anna and Mike’s immediate families joined us for the ceremony, and we were ushered into a larger room than the tiny office where marriages usually take place at City Hall. I loved that Anna’s grandfather joined them for the ceremony, and one of my favorite moments from the day was after it was over and he choked up; he was sad that his late wife hadn’t been able to be there (and this still chokes me up, looking back).

After some family photos outside City Hall, Anna, Mike and I walked back to their apartment in the North End, taking a few photos on the way. We finished with some shots right across the street from their home – perfect and simple, just as it should be. Thank you Anna and Mike for trusting me to document your beautiful elopement. If you’re reading this on a computer (not a mobile device!) please enjoy the slideshow below!