My final Boston Public Library wedding of the year was back in the classic locations: a post-sunset ceremony in the gorgeous Courtyard, dinner in Bates Hall, and dancing in the Abbey Room. But there were some things that were new to me, including two of my fellow vendors – it was my first wedding working with the absolutely delightful JeanKarla (JK) of Mavinhouse and the ever-lovely Greg of Willowtree Films, and I hope it’s not my last! I also got to see old friends Table & Tulip (florals) and Kahootz band, and I had my wonderful long-time second photographer Jeremy back with me which was a treat (most of the time I’m shooting solo these days). Some of the photos below are his – including Ang’s getting ready, and many of the more candid wedding party photos, as well as a bunch of guest photos and the ceremony balcony shots.

This wonderful couple blew me away with their fashion-forward, editorial engagement photos last fall and I had been dreaming about their wedding day ever since. I was mostly dying to see what they would be wearing, to be perfectly honest, and they did not disappoint! Angela wore a custom patterned tux, complete with cummerbund and Eleanor’s initials and their wedding date hidden inside. Eleanor was the first bride to wear her epic dress by Pnina Tornai. The collar, long sleeves and delicate lace were everything. And that veil! Such a dream. They both looked absolutely incredible, and 100% true to their individual personal styles.

I started the day at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, photographing a couple of flatlay setups with the invitation suite and Angela’s personal details. I then scooted straight over to Beacon Hill to do the same for Eleanor who was getting ready in her parents’ incredible apartment (that light – so perfect). Jeremy covered Angela’s getting ready with her intimate wedding party (mostly family) while I covered Eleanor’s epic posse of girls. I always tell my couples not to worry about keeping the numbers balanced – just make sure you are surrounded by the people you really love and we’ll figure out the rest.

Angela arrived for the first look in a vintage Bentley and we took full advantage of that gorgeous car parked on one of Beacon Hill’s pretty streets, for photos and video. After some portraits I jumped in with Eleanor and Angela and we drove over to meet with Ang’s family for some photos at the Fairmont and on the steps to the BPL. We were originally hoping to make use of the steps but had to be creative as there was a huge market in front of the Library that afternoon.

At 5:30pm we headed inside and took some portraits around the Library; I found a new favorite angle to photograph in the Courtyard thanks to Greg, and of course we took a bunch of photos on the grand staircase.

A little before 7pm, guests took their seats in the Courtyard for the ceremony. I haven’t shown the photos here but the wedding party entrances were really unique, with pairs coming from each side of the courtyard, meeting briefly behind the fountain, then walking around the fountain separately. It is really hard to capture well in photos, but it makes for a really cool live experience for guests. I think if I had a couple do this for the processional again, I would try to photograph from one of the balconies instead, as it could make a really interesting shot from above during a daylight wedding.

The ceremony was so lovely; Eleanor’s father officiated and he was such a great speaker – eloquent and emotional – and there were also a couple of really funny moments. Just like Angela, her wedding party was the teary-eyed side, and I love that Jeremy caught a couple of her party wiping away tears. They also had a couple of readings including one by Ang’s nephew who did such an awesome job!

Cocktail hour was busy as ever, with me taking a bunch of family photos by the fountain, then heading upstairs to photograph details, while Jeremy handled candids of friends and family enjoying drinks and nibbles. JK and the lovely planners at The Catered Affair had Eleanor and Angela head upstairs a few minutes early for a room reveal, then I snuck a quick photo of them watching cocktail hour from the balcony off the Abbey Room. This is one of my favorites as it is completely candid (I don’t think they realized I was there at all) and I bet it was a really nice quiet moment for them.

Dinner in Bates Hall was as magical as ever, starting with the sweetest first dance to a song performed by a friend of the couple. During dinner, there were some wonderful toasts (and more tears!) then a quiet cake cutting as guests were finishing their entrees. After dinner, Kahootz turned up the energy in the Abbey Room and I ended my eveing with some fun dance floor shots.

Thank you to both Angela & Eleanor, and the wonderful vendor team, for a magical wedding day. I hope you enjoy these highlights!