A little over a week ago I photographed the most fun couple at a sort-of new-to-me venue, the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. I say sort-of new because I have actually photographed a wedding there before, many years ago, helping out a friend. But this was my first time as the primary photographer, and what a perfect fall day we had!

I started my day taking some final getting ready photos with Amy and Jesse in their separate rooms, then we set up their first look in the sweet garden on the first floor – this space can also be used for smaller ceremonies, and it was a lovely, very private feeling spot.

Immediately after their first look, Jesse and Amy had a sweet, emotional (and funny) private vow exchange. I absolutely love this new tradition, and highly recommend it both to my more private couples, to those who are unable to write their own vows for the ceremony (some religious institutions require the standard vows), and honestly anyone who really wants their vows captured in the most intimate way. I am able to get such beautiful photos when the vows take place outside, with lovely light, and no restrictions on where I can be to photograph them.

After their vows, Amy and Jesse’s wonderful families joined us for photos in the garden. The ring bearer’s father, Amy’s cousin, was hilarious and he was actually a huge help in getting everyone laughing naturally. He also very kindly acted as chauffeur so that we could take a few photos at the Longfellow Bridge to take in views of the Charles and the perfect fall colors.

The ceremony took place in the Riverside Pavilion, which was beautifully decorated by Anna of Elegant Blooms, a silk florals rental company (love the environmental friendliness of this). The ceremony was officiated by Amy’s sister Nicole who did such a great job, and there was a super fun Polish tradition as part of the ceremony – Amy’s family is Polish. Amy’s parents each poured a glass of either water or vodka and handed the glasses to the couple; no one knew which glass contained the vodka until after the couple downed the shots … Amy’s reaction made it quite obvious, ha!

My very favorite ceremony photos came from the end, of course: the couple’s joyful raising of arms to cheers from guests, and the mid-aisle dip and kiss.

Cocktail hour was held in the Mount Auburn ballroom, an impressive space featuring floor to ceiling views of the river and cityscape beyond. Jesse’s parents own a farm, and supplied the potatoes for the epic mashed potato bar. I don’t usually eat food meant for the guests, but if the couple invite you to partake, and it’s an incredible mashed potato bar … well then, who am I to decline? It was absolutely delicious (I chose sour cream, cheddar and bacon bits for my toppings, in case you were wondering).

We headed upstairs to the Charles View ballroom for dinner and dancing, and the space looked so pretty. Amy designed every aspect of the wedding, and it was so sweet getting to see her reaction to how it all came together. As well as the beautiful florals, there were some really fun elements including an ice luge! There are tons more detail photos coming in the full gallery, including the ice luge, seating chart and lots more.

A couple of favorite reception moments included Amy’s dad hilarious toast, the very fun cake cutting (I love when the couple actually has a lot of fun with this) and our time away from the party taking photos in the iconic elevators at the Hyatt Cambridge, and in the bar (love that Amy jumped up onto the bar for a couple of shots!)

Thank you all for a super fun day, and I hope you enjoy this selection of favorites!