Once a year or so, I find myself back at the beautiful Boston Park Plaza for a wedding, and it’s always a pleasure to work in this grand venue with its stunning ballroom and wonderful location right by the Boston Public Garden. Not to mention the fantastic staff, headed up by the lovely Michaela!

Alex and Austin first reached out to me in March last year, and I was excited to hear that they would be having an Albanian ceremony (a first for me!) at St George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral, followed by photos in the Public Garden and reception at the Park Plaza.

I started my day in Alex’s suite where she and her eight bridesmaids were getting ready, while my wonderful second photographer Jeremy headed over to see Austin in one of the conference rooms. The couple chose not to have a first look, so it made sense for us to maximize their photos by having a second photographer for this wedding. Jeremy captured cocktail hour and some details while I photographed the couple, the wedding party and their families in the Garden.

The ceremony was so beautiful. The cathedral itself is absolutely stunning, and the music throughout was a delight. One thing I hadn’t expected was that the couple faced forward for the entire ceremony, meaning their backs were to us – but we were able to sneak a few side-on photos during key moments, and of course got some great photos while they circled the altar.

We lucked out with a beautiful afternoon for photos, and because it was later in the day we had such amazing light in the Public Garden – and no other weddings in sight, yay! I know a lot of photographers and planners really push for a first look, but that’s one big advantage to not having one even if it makes the timeline a little trickier, and usually requires a second photographer in order to document everything important.

After portraits, I finished up taking photos of the absolutely beautiful reception decor while Jeremy photographed guests enjoying cocktails and appetizers. I loved the classic black and white theme to the ballroom, with spectacular florals by Gregory at Flou(-e)r, fabulous soft, warm lighting by DesignLight, and signage by Inked by Jackie. Some special unique touches that were especially thoughtful included the cannoli cart by Chic Carts and the custom etched stemware. There was also a beautiful photobooth with flower wall (by Flower Walls Boston) for guests. All these stunning design elements – and of course the timeline and planning – were overseen by the absolutely fabulous Alexis of Unique Weddings by Alexis. She was a dream to work with and I hope we get to work together again soon!

There were so many great moments during the reception but my favorites included: when the wall between the cocktail hour room and the grand ballroom slides open to the amazement of guests; Austin & Alex’s amazing first dance with so many pro moves I can’t even begin to list them; the Greek line dancing (so fun) and then the most wonderful, touching toasts (so many tears!)

Later in the evening, Alex and Austin both changed outfits, and we took a few more portraits in the moody seating area outside the ballroom, then there was time for a few last dancing photos before heading home.

Thank you Alex and Austin for a wonderful day – I hope you enjoy these favorites. There are tons more beautiful details, portraits and moments coming your way in a few weeks!