Massachusetts Weddings

Marriage represents a beautiful union and this waterfront wedding is a perfect example. The bride and groom brought their different religious upbringings together, creating a unique ceremony, all taking place underneath a chuppah crafted by the groom himself. Rachel Red Photography captured every special moment, all ready to inspire us right here.

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From The Groom… Having spent the last ten years in Boston, we wanted to pick a venue that was unique and would put the city on display. We both went to college here and then met at work. A lot of the planning for the wedding weekend was centered around making it fun and easy for the guests, most of whom would be coming from out of town. Given the space at the ECC, we were even able to hire two babysitters to watch children upstairs during the reception so that parents could have fun downstairs.

The overall vibe we were going for was simple/down-to-earth – we weren’t trying to overwhelm the senses or be something that we’re not on the other days of the year (one of the reasons I opted to wear a suit and bow tie rather than a tux). Flowers and centerpieces were purposefully kept low to allow guests to interact with each other across the table. Even though we were on the water, we didn’t want to have a nautical theme – we settled more on of a preppy color scheme.

With all that we did to make it fun for the guests, we didn’t necessarily realize how much we did to make it special for ourselves until the actual ceremony started. We designed our own ceremony that incorporated the faiths of both of our families – Jewish and Episcopal – and had my cousin officiate as a Justice of the Peace. I designed and built the chuppah with the help of my dad as a symbolic gesture of our future home.

Photography: Rachel Red Photography | Floral Design: Little Flower Cottage | Cake: Oakleaf Cake Bake Shop | Ceremony Venue: Exchange Conference Center | Reception Venue: Exchange Conference Center | Engagement Ring: Bostonian Jewelers | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: East Meets West Catering | Makeup: Kerri Herlihy | Hair: Gina Joubert | Bow Ties: Vineyard Vines | DJ/Lighting: 5 Star Events | Favors/Placecards: Boston Coasters | Getting Ready - Hotel: Renaissance Waterfront Hotel | Wedding Band - Bride: Bostonian Jewelers | Wedding Band - Groom: Dora Rings

It’s no little secret blush pink has reigned queen of wedding color palettes for the past few seasons. And as much as I adore that soft, pretty shade, miss Lauren Wells is showing up how to step outside the box with an unexpected hue that just might rock your world: green. It’s perfect for the natural, no-fuss bride and she’s breaking down unique to use it. Snaps from First Mate Photo right here!

From Lauren Wells… We wanted to inspire brides to work with new colors, and came up with a bunch of ideas on how to incorporate forest green into any special event.

Pressed botanical art in glass frames (via Terrain), Hunter boots (if it is going to rain, you can still be adorable!), a statement necklace, greens against a wall as a ceremony or photo backdrop, and of course an all-green, amazing bouquet from Pollen Floral Design are just a few ways to use this gorgeous hue.

One of my favorites is the escort card plant – Anne Robin worked her magic by calligraphing the table number on the pot, and each name on a leaf. You could stack all the pots on one table, with scissors nearby, and people could snip their leaf off and find their seat…particularly perfect for a desert or beach wedding, where guests could use the aloe on sunburns or serve up aloe cocktails. Cheers to new color inspiration!

Photography: First Mate Photography Co. | Calligraphy/Aloe Escort Card DIY: Anne Robin | Floral Design And Floral DIYs: Pollen Floral Design | Styling And Fern DIY: Lauren Wells Events

I may be a little biased on this one as Beacon Hill is a stone’s throw, but there’s something so cozy and romantic about stomping around the old cobblestone streets of Boston. It gets me every time. And not to mention, the Charles River is a hop, skip and a jump away, and kind of perfect for a few waterfront sunset shots. Janet Moscarello and these two lovebirds took advantage of that sweet Boston romance and I’m so glad they did.

From Janet Moscarello Photography…Annmarie + Chris invited me into their hood to document their engagement. We strolled the streets of Beacon Hill, stood on their stoop, made photographs and even recreated their first kiss in the exact same location. They were gracious hosts and tour guides to their streets of Boston.

Photography: Janet Moscarello Photography

For those of you who haven’t yet visited Boston, let me tell you that a stroll through Beacon Hill is an absolute must. Think cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and gaslights at every turn. Basically, it’s the most charming place a guy could ever propose, and we’re about to watch it happen thanks to Harris Films. Grab a tissue and press play.

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From Harris Films…There are few things we enjoy more than capturing the raw emotion of a proposal. There is something so different about it that really draws you in.

Vince proposed to Lauren on a quiet street in Beacon Hill on their way to dinner. We had him mic’d and captured the incredibly beautiful moment as it unfolded. As if the proposal wasn’t enough when they arrived to dinner her family was waiting for her after traveling all the way from St. Louis.

Shortly after the proposal we shot their engagement session along the Charles River and Esplanade, one of their favorite spots to spend time on the weekends. Vince and Lauren were such a fun and easy going couple to work with. We really enjoyed getting to know them and are so grateful they choose us to share this special time in their life with.

Photography: Makayla Jade Creatives | Cinematography: Harris Films

True story: I walk through the Marriott Long Wharf all the time while gallivanting through downtown Boston. It’s at the very center of all the city’s action, and setting to this glamorous summer affair. Patrick Howell Films captured the lovefest, and I highly suggest you kick back and press play.

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From Patrick Howell Films…Meet Amber & Suneel. These two Floridians invited us to both Film and photograph their amazing Boston harbor wedding and film their save the date engagment video. This Wedding was a fusion between the Eastern (Indian/Hindu) and Western(Christian) cultures and religions. The amount detail and care these two took to make the wedding day such a perfect masterpiece was unbelievable. From the gift bags in the rooms, to the mid night snack (which was the bomb!!!) these two did it all. We can not wait to film in Boston again so we can see these love birds!


Their love story…Suneel and Amber were two ambitious Master of Health Administration graduate students at the University of Florida. Suneel caught Amber’s attention after an evening of de-stressing from their first semester of final exams when he chivalrously and tirelessly attempted to retrieve items that were ‘stolen’ by their cab driver. Friendship began to blossom during late night study sessions, ‘professional networking’ over cocktails and Finance tutoring. That friendship bloomed into love and the ability to restrain these feelings for career development was quickly overcome. Amber and Suneel knew their love was worth nurturing so after graduation they sold their belongings, packed up their cars and drove 1300 miles to Maine. Eighteen feet of snow and 333 days later they moved to Boston, slowly making their way back to Florida. Then on their three-year anniversary, March 9th 2013, Suneel proposed to Amber under a gazebo on the water in Jamaica.

Photography: Dustin Corynn Mckibben | Videography: Patrick Howell Films | Ceremony Venue: Boston Marriott Long Wharf | Reception Venue: Boston Marriott Long Wharf | Make-up Artist: Joanna Petit-Frere

From a very young age, I fell in love with the charm of Boston. The city has a quaintness and an all around love that is irresistible. So when our friends at Hyatt Regency Boston sent over this modern affair filled to the brim with love, sweeping views of my favorite city and a beautifully smiling Bride and Groom, I couldn’t help but pore over the lovely imagery from April K Photography. See the full gallery!

From the beautiful Bride… After Mike and I got engaged, I had some ideas on how I wanted the wedding to be. I explored the internet and magazines, but found it to be some what overwhelming. With a budget in mind, I read many reviews about different vendors and interviewed my top picks.

Boston has so many beautiful places to get married at, but our main problem was space, we needed a place that had a potential of holding over 300 people. Hyatt Regency Boston had everything we wanted; they newly renovated the ballroom and lobby area, had a beautiful terrace, price wise was the best out of all of the hotels we looked at, and the wedding coordinator (Christine) was absolutely fabulous. Christine guided us and kept us on track with the planning.

We weren’t sure if we wanted to stay “traditional” and see each other for the first time at the church or during the “First Look.” Since we didn’t have a lot of time between the church ceremony and cocktail hour we decided to have a First Look in the Public Gardens. It was such a beautiful sunny day in the Public Gardens, although it was packed with many visitors, they were kind enough to let us have our First Look on the bridge. I am so glad we did this because we were able to mingle with our guests during the cocktail hour.

From the moment I met April, from April K Photography, I knew she was the perfect match and had to be our photographer. Mike and I don’t like having our picture taken, but April made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. April was very passionate about her work, had great energy and an endless imagination. She was able to capture all of great moments from the wedding; I am still in awe with all of our wedding pictures!

I had no idea about flowers besides my favorite flower being Peonies, but since my wedding was in August, I was not able to have Peonies. Greg from Flou(-e)r was fantastic. He went through every single flower that was available in August to find me the perfect combinations for my bouquets and centerpieces. He had patience with me especially when I was unsure of which flowers to pick and didn’t mind when I changed the flower combinations several times. The flowers in the bouquets, boutonnières and centerpieces were bursting with the most perfect looking flowers and absolutely beautiful.

Our DJ, Peter from Groove Entertainment, was awesome and so easy to work with from the moment we hired him. He played all of the music we wanted and stayed clear of the songs/genre we didn’t like. Peter was very energetic, got everyone on their feet dancing and kept the party going all night.

I wanted to get Mike the best groom’s gift. Mike being a HUGE Bruins hockey fan, I knew I had to get Rene Rancourt to surprise him at the wedding. No one knew about the surprise besides my parents, brother, Christine and Peter. Peter was so excited to introduce Rene. He had everyone on their feet with their hands over their heart, told Mike that he liked his Bruins cufflinks that I got him (Mike was confused because he didn’t show them to Peter) and introduced Rene Rancourt. The room went crazy! Mike was ecstatic (and the guest also!). Rene Rancourt stayed for a while and was available to have his picture taken showing off the 2011 Bruins Stanley Cup Championship Ring.

After Mike’s surprise, my parents surprised us with a Lion Dance. The lion dance is usually performed on special occasions. The dance scares away evil spirits and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck.

Our vendors played such a huge part in our wedding day and to this day, we still stay in touch with a few of them. Mike and I are so happy with the way our wedding turned out. We wanted our guest to have a blast and we think we accomplished it!

Photography: April K Photography | Floral Design: Flou(-e)r | Wedding Gown: Priscilla of Boston Atlanta | Cake: Konditor Meister | Stationary: Kathryn Yee Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Faces Boston By Louise Martino | Hair: Mount Tabor Park | Entertainment: Curtis Knight Entertainment | DJ: Groove Entertainment | Hotel: Hyatt Regency Boston | Lion Dance: Gund Kwok Asian Women Lion And Dragon Dance Troup

This Boston pair put their beautiful nuptials together in just 5 short months — sans planner. Aside from a strong sense of dedication, everything came together with an incredible set of vendors starting out with invites from Rug Road Paper, and finishing out with a scrumptious cake from Flour Baker. And, of course, lovely pictures from Alison Conklin Photography for us to enjoy. See it all here.

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From the Bride… Planning a wedding, without a wedding planner, in five months may sound crazy, but when Bryan proposed after four years of dating we both knew we didn’t want to wait long. In the end, every detail fell into place, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day!

We wanted everything about the day to feel “like us,” a term that was used quite often throughout those five months. We wanted it to be small, with only close friends and family, and we knew we needed to have delicious food! As we went through the planning process, we found inspiration through blogs such as Style Me Pretty. And, with the help of very talented friends and loved ones, our vision came to fruition. We were lucky enough to find the perfect place for the ceremony through a gracious friend who let us use his gallery on Newbury Street. We fell in love with art and each other at the MFA Boston, so it was a perfect fit. A very dear friend, and husband of one of my bridesmaids, married us in front of family in a small ceremony. Then, we were joined by the rest of our friends at Bistro du Midi, one of our favorite restaurants in the city.

We are both so grateful to have such wonderful families and dear friends, many of whom traveled distances to share in our day. And, for our vendors, who went above and beyond to make our wedding day exceeded our expectations!

Photography: Alison Conklin Photography | Cake: Flour Bakery | Stationery: Rugg Road Paper Company | Ceremony Venue: Child's Gallery | Reception Venue: Bistro Du Midi | Bridesmaids Dresses: Talbots | Hair: Andrew Light | Grooms Attire: Ralph Lauren | Brides Gown: Carolina Herrera | Music: Andrew Parker Renga

When you mention having a winter wedding in Boston, you might get a few interesting looks. It’s totally a gamble, but when you see a wedding like this one captured by Forevercandid Photography at the Exchange Center you’ll quickly see it’s totally worth the risk. The city just seems to shine, and that’s only enhanced by this gorgeous couple and their absolutely perfect wedding. See it all here.

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From The Bride…It can be quite a gamble getting married in Boston in mid-November… you never know what you’re going to get, be it rain, wind, or even snow. but every inch of David and my November 16th wedding was nothing short of beautiful, sunshiny perfection. From my bouquet wrapped in pieces of my great-great grandmother’s “something old” gown to my “something blue” toenails, from the trolley to the rustic custom made street name table signs, from the wedding cake made by my wonderful aunt to late night ice cream sandwich truck, it was a deeply personal and truly special evening that we and (hopefully our guests!) will never forget.

David and my journey to the altar didn’t begin as most do. As friends for several years, our relationship slowly began to transition into something more, and nearly four years after our first official date, David popped the question in the middle of a snow storm in NYC, the city where we had met and fallen in love. Eleven months later we made it official in Boston, my hometown.

We spent much time thinking through many of the details of our wedding, and it was genuinely a jointly planned affair. We opted to keep things simple with black and white attire for the wedding party. We added color in with flowers, using an array of purples in the bouquets and arrangements. The groom wanted a few special touches of his own and opted for gingham suspenders and matching bow ties for the ring bearers. We were able to carry the black and white through the other details of the reception as well for a clean, consistent palate.

My mom and my 90 year old grandmas, my future mother-in-law, my girls and I started the day with champagne in a private room on the 3rd floor of the reception hall, wearing matching monogrammed shirts, even for our 6 year old flower girl. We all had their hair done by the same stylist and friend of the family who had done my mom’s hair for her wedding over 30 years before, and who had given me my first haircut and had done my hair for most of my life. David, the fathers and ring bearers, and the groomsmen gathered at the hotel before coming to the reception venue. They munched on some snacks and cold beers before David headed off to the first look meeting spot.

The first look was a joyful, emotional meeting of two hearts. David and I had just exchanged really sweet, personal letters so seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day was extra special. After much hugging, smiling and picture taking in front of the sailboats in the harbor, we were joined by the rest of the wedding party for some quick pics before boarding a trolley to St. Cecilia’s Church. The the flower girl and ring bearers who were David’s niece and nephews, walked down the aisle carrying a wooden heart shaped sign that said “Uncle David, here comes your girl” and a small wooden ring box with our initials. We chose readings, a poem, and a song to be performed during the ceremony, which was officiated by Fr. Kevin Wildes, president of Loyola New Orleans and close friend of David and his family. We had wanted the ceremony to be short and sweet, but personal and involve those who had helped shaped their lives. One of the highlights was my aunt singing a simply gorgeous song right after we took our vows.

Following the ceremony, the wedding party dashed off to Copley Square for some more pictures in the declining light before heading over to dance the night away and celebrate! Upon pulling up to the venue, our fantastic photographer Amber quickly snapped a few romantic moonlight pictures of David and I against the full moon. We then mingled with guests on the 2nd floor of the Exchange Center during the cocktail hour before heading downstairs for dinner. The entry table was lined with the purple bridesmaid bouquets. Place cards were stuck into chocolate dipped strawberries, also from my aunts bakery, and tables were named for streets that were important to us: where we grew up, where we went to college, places in NYC we had met and fallen in love, and the name of the street where we will begin our married life together. In lieu of a traditional guest book, guests signed a photo book of pictures of us together through the years. With big windows looking over Boston Harbor, the reception was illuminated by boats and buildings and the unbelievable full moon as a backdrop.

David and I kicked off the party with a choreographed first dance to “You Are the Best Thing” and our fabulous band had guests up and grooving within minutes of the reception starting. Dinner was a duet plate of chicken and salmon, and the cake was custom made by my aunt, who is a baker and owner of several well known bakeries in the Boston area. The loose black and white theme was reflected in the black and white paper lanterns, the black and white ivy table cloths, and the rustic driftwood street signs. After heartfelt and funny speeches from my dad, the maid of honor, best man, and David himself, the band played all of our favorite songs as guests danced the night away, especially my new mother-in-law, who put everyone to shame with her moves. Toward the end of the night, an ice cream food truck pulled up with custom made cookie ice cream sandwiches. The band transitioned to DJ-ing the last hour of the party and the dance floor remained packed right up until the end. All in all, it was the perfect celebration and a joyous night!

Photography: Forevercandid Photography | Videography: Boston Event Films | Church: St. Cecilia Parish | Reception: Exchange Conference Center | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Catering: East Meets West Catering | Make Up: Beauty Entourage | Hair: Cathy Staunton Salon Fabio | Lighting: Boston Event Lighting | Band: Wilson Stevens | Grooms Attire: Calvin Klein | Transportation: Old Town Trolley | Bridal Gown: La Reine Bridal | Bridal Veil: La Reine Bridal | Bride's Shrug: Tulip Bridal | Cake & Strawberries: Quebrada Baking Co. | Flowers & Bouquets: A Wild Flower By June Rubin | Ice Cream Truck: Frozen Hoagies | Linens: Table Toppers of Newton | Signage: Tumbleweed & Dandelion

Up until recently, I hadn’t heard of shrub syrup. And then the darling Lauren Wells came into my life and taught me the error of my ways. Because, as it turns out, they infuse an instant hit of delicious into your every day bevvy. And we’re about to take a peek at the loveliest cocktail class to date, with a bonus recipe from Flask & Funnel and lots of stunning photos from our beloved Cambria Grace!

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Contrary to popular belief, this class was not about plants. It was about vinegar-based fruit syrups, ideal for cocktails and other beverages. Everyone had a blast learning, sipping, shrubbing and tasting, and we have provided the basic shrub DIY below. Big thanks to Cambria Grace Photography for capturing the evening as well!

Cheers!

Jacquelyn ClarkBasic Shrub RecipeThe essential for an epic, flavorful cocktail

prep time

cook time

total time

Serves 0Ingredients

• 1 Part produce of your choice (think blood orange, strawberry, elderberry...)
• 1 Part vinegar
• 1 Part sugar

Instructions

1. Combine chopped produce and vinegar in a tightly sealed jar and keep in fridge for one week.
2. Strain out produce and add sugar. Stir or shake until sugar has dissolved.
3. Use 1 Tbsp. of your shrub to enhance and add a boost of flavour to sparkling water, or cocktails! Feel free to get creative!

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Event Design & Styling: Lauren Wells Events | Co-host, Cocktails And Shrub Connoisseur: Flask & Funnel | Shop: Farm & Fable

The Boston Public Library is a venue unlike any other. With its rich tradition, stunning architecture, and fabulous location – it’s a must see if you are ever in the Boston area. But it also happens to be one ridiculously amazing place to host a wedding. With the help of The Catered Affair, this globe-trotting couple tied the knot there in serious style, and thanks to Ned Jackson Photography we can see every picture perfect moment of this chic Boston wedding here.

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From the Bride…Jay and I got engaged in Paris in June of 2012. We had been together for 5 years and had been living together in Amsterdam in The Netherlands with our dog, Desmond, both working and enjoying the European lifestyle. The trip to Paris was our last European excursion before moving back home to Boston. It couldn’t have been a more fitting engagement—inside our Parisian apartment rental, balcony doors open, Wilco on the iPod dock, a cheese plate and wine on the table, and Desmond our dog sitting obediently next to Jay as he knelt down with the ring (from Antwerp).

When we got home to Boston, we looked around at venues and were convinced that we wanted an outdoor, tented affair on the coast of Maine. We initially wanted Maine because we first met in Portland. We met at a bar and made small talk before realizing that we were from bordering towns in Massachusetts and had gone to the same small college in New York (we missed being there at the same time by one year).

We were still touring waterside venues in Maine when we stopped in at the library in Copley Square. I’d always loved the Boston Public Library after having done some research there years before, so I wanted to check it out just for the sake of doing our due diligence. When we saw the library together, we were both enchanted, despite the fact that neither of us had imagined a cosmopolitan wedding. Our instincts immediately won over. I am an English teacher and we are both lovers of literature and art and the grandiosity and European style of the building charmed us immensely.

Our coordinator at the library, Eliza, of The Catered Affair, was a perfect match for us. She had already looked at my “Pinterest” boards when we first met and had a great sense of my style. The library is so rich with art and ornate designs already, I knew our decorations would have to be somewhat simple without being boring. Because Jay and I had spent the past two years traveling around Europe with our dog, we really wanted to incorporate the idea of the rich cultural heritages we had sampled into our design. Eliza and the rest of our vendors helped up facilitate this with ease. Our tables were named after the many cities we visited together, our photo booth had maps and suitcases as props, bar signs featured “Cheers” in the languages we were immersed in, our signature cocktails were Italian and Dutch respectively, and we had table runners made from cut up maps.

After over a year of planning, September 28, 2013 finally arrived and we were lucky enough to have a beautifully sunny, crisp fall day. Our photographer and videographer were both warm and fun to be around and all the preparations felt natural and easy. Eliza and her team had thought of everything and the night ran as smoothly as could be. Guests came in from all over the state, country, and even from abroad. A group of the High School students I taught came to see me in Copley Square before I went into the library. Desmond the dog walked down the aisle before me, my bike from Amsterdam held our ceremony programs in its basket, the detailing from my mother’s wedding dress was wrapped around my bouquet, and it was truly a celebration of our relationship and all the people and places we cherish most.

Photography: Ned Jackson Photography | Videographer: StopGoLove Film | Coordination: Boston Public Library | Floral Design: Table & Tulip | Wedding Dress: L'elite Boston | Cake: Crema Cafe | Invitations: Lynn Graham Designs | Stationery: Lynn Graham Designs | Reception Venue: Boston Public Library | Shoes: Valentino | Jewelry: Alexis Bittar | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Two Birds | Caterer: The Catered Affair | Groomsmen's Attire: Perfectly Attired | Bridesmaids Gifts: Kate Spade

Without a doubt, one of my favorite parts of wedding planning was getting to craft + DIY little projects to really personalize my big day! So I’m really having an I-wish-I-was-still-a-bride moment after my introduction to Wayfair – the one stop shopping destination for everything home! Based in Boston, but available everywhere online, they have everything you could possibly need to craft and create until your hearts content! Take a peek below for a few fabulous DIY ideas.

Offering the largest selection of home furnishings and décor for every style and every price point, Wayfair has you covered when it comes to prepping for your reception and filling up your home with pretty after you’ve said I do!  How cute are these easy to create floral napkin rings? With just a small mix of florals and herbs, they add a bit of rustic charm to your table setting. I’m loving these confetti cones made from vintage paper or script-printed scrapbook paper and secured with double-sided tape. Present them at your ceremony in a sweet wooden box, and voila — an inexpensive and totally unique DIY craft!

I’m seriously smitten with this pinwheel cake topper, held up by a sweet striped straw or wooden skewer! Totally customizable, you could use any paper color or type to make it work with your style. Last but not least, an easy and charming escort card idea using vintage keys! Not only are they creative and unique, but they double as a guest favor! See, Wayfair really does have it all! For full instructions on each of these amazing projects, head over here.

To jumpstart your crafting, Wayfair is offering one lucky reader a $150 gift card to Wayfair! To enter, simply comment on this post with what you’d love to create for your big day with a Wayfair item. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, June 6, 2014. Good luck!

When it comes to dreaming up the coolest crafts in all the land, Lauren Wells is our new go-to girl. She can DIY like nobody’s business, and the her latest project comes in the form of Push Pop Confetti captured by Cambria Grace. Get excited, SMPers – it’s about to get crazy colorful up in here.

From Lauren Wells Events… Confetti is pure FUN, and these confetti-filled push pops are perfect for any summer celebration. Whether used for a ceremony toss, escort cards, favors or even in a photo booth, they are a detail that guests will love. They are also incredibly easy to make.

Push pop containers
Push pop stand
Confetti
Kraft labels
Scissors/paper cutter

Print out your kraft labels. You may use a couple’s logo, or create escort cards, or even just write a fun saying like we did. Each label should be 6″ x 2″ once cut, and you are able to print 5 labels per each 8 1/2″ x 11″ label sheet. (If you have beautiful handwriting – even better! You can simply cut labels to size, and handwrite whatever you would like).

Assemble the push pops, and carefully stick a label on each. Leave the tops off for now.

Stuff each push pop with confetti. While you can easily make your own confetti with scissors and tissue paper, we bought this fun neon batch from Knot & Bow.

Place the tops on each push pop, and place all of the push pops in the stand. When ready to celebrate, take the top off, push up, and shout hooray!

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Styling + DIY: Lauren Wells Events

Though it’s tempting to deck a babies nursery out in colorful doodads and tchotchkes alike, I tend to be partial to a more modern sentiment. One in which mom and dad can happily reside, and will easily transition with that new baby as he grows. And this nurser? Well it’s nursery perfection. Captured by Hogger & Co., there’s more to be seen in the gallery! 

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From Hogger & co… It was such an honor for me to photograph this sweet couple, Alaina and Philip, expecting their first baby in April. It was a joy to capture their love for each other and their baby bump (affectionately hashtagged #ittbybittyIsbouts on Instagram) in their beautiful new home and gorgeous nursery.

Alaina is a very dear friend who I met last summer when we shot a session in the North End of Boston. She’s an absolute beauty inside and out, and her personality radiates sunshine.

ps – a special shout out to their cats Moose and Isabella (loved them!)

Photography: Hogger Co | Adventure Print: Society 6 | Baskets: Land Of Nod | Bed Spread: Ikea | Canvas Numbered Wall Hanger: Land Of Nod | Cloth Diapers: Amazon | Convertible Crib: Babyletto | Diapers: The Honest Co | Dresser: Ikea | Elephant Print: Society 6 | Fox Print: Society 6 | Fox Throw Pillow: Society 6 | Glider: Target | Hedgehog Night Light: Amazon | Mountain Print: Society 6 | Nightstand: Ikea | Owl Lamp: Land Of Nod | Rug: Ikea | Storage Cart: Ikea | Throw Blanket: Ikea | Tyn Church Print: Society 6 | Whale Stuffed Toy: Yellow Bird Yellow Beard | Zebra Head: Anthropologie | Zebra Throw Pillow: Society 6

Of all the DIYs we’ve shared on this pretty little blog, I dare say this one from the lovely Lauren Wells might just be my all-time favorite. If I could, I’d put fresh flowers on just about anything, so why not in a cocktail too? With a sweet set of vintage glasses from Pollen Floral Design and always gorgeous photos from Cambria Grace, these fresh flower drink stirrers have me ready to sip and smell!

From Lauren Wells Events… I absolutely adore fresh flowers and botanical vibes, and I try to incorporate simple and organic elements into every wedding and event I design. These floral drink stirrers are probably my favorite things I have ever dreamt up, and they are incredibly simple to create. It’s like a garden for your glass!

Wood Skewers
Fresh Flowers
Gold Embroidery Thread
Hot Glue Gun

For larger flowers, such as a ranunculus or a poppy, snip off most of the stem, leaving a bit right under the flower head. For smaller and more wild flowers, such as chamomile or aster, snip off one stem with a small bunch.

For the larger flowers, all you need to do is simply skewer the stem. Piece of cake! For the smaller flowers, use the gold embroidery thread to wrap around the base until tightly wound. (As you will see, I used some gold thread to embellish some of the larger flowers as well)!

Place a dot of hot glue on the back of the embroidery thread, and use the glue to seal the thread.

Pour yourself a cocktail, and enjoy! The floral scent while you sip is just an added bonus.

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Styling + DIY: Lauren Wells Events | Vintage Glass Rentals: Pollen Floral Design

As a New England girl who just survived the longest Winter known to mankind, I feel like this Summery Marshfield shoot from Shannon Grant is exactly what the doctor ordered. Sunshine, smiles and romance for days – all mirrored to achieve the same vibe that the couple is planning for their big day. Click here for even more.

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From photographer, Shannon Grant…When Jillian (a local floral designer) contacted me about shooting her Engagement Session, I was on board right away! She mentioned wanting to incorporate their beloved pets into the session. Also, that she wanted something rustic and organic in nature to mirror what she had in store for the wedding. We chose a nearby field to hold the session in and it was perfect! I focused on creating images that were candid, romantic, and full of that glowing pre-sunset lighting that is just so glorious. Also, we decided on using film for the session as Jill used to photograph weddings and loved the look film brings to the table. Now she is a super talented floral designer for Beach Plum Floral Design but will always appreciate her photography roots.

Photography: Shannon Grant Photography | Floral Design: Beach Plum Floral

When prettiness dreamt up by some of our favorite vendors lands in our lap, we get just a tad bit excited. So this Boston chic shoot at 9ofs from Petal Floral Design, True Event and Paper Moss has us doing a serious happy dance. Captured by Hello Love Photography every single image sitting in this gallery is gorgeous and then some. See it all here.

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From 9ofs…Opened in 2012, 9OFS is a spectacular indoor/outdoor event space located in the heart of Boston’s financial district. The newly-renovated open-air garden, complemented by a reflection pool, provides a unique perspective of the Boston skyline and calm contrast to the bustling energy of the city below. The interior space of 9OFS is modern and sleek, offering an attractive backdrop for any event.

9OFS is located on the ninth floor of One Federal Street in Boston and is only steps away from the newly constructed Boston Waterfront, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and many other attractions. It also has excellent accessibility to all of the major highways and public transportation.

Visitors can overlook and be inspired by the dynamic daytime cityscape, dramatic sunsets and nighttime sparkle of city life. With a flexible layout and awe-inspiring views, the possibilities for 9OFS are limitless.

From True Event…For the design we wanted the table to feel modern and chic yet elegant and timeless. Set on the rooftop in downtown Boston this new venue created the perfect backdrop for our city shoot. We used a palette of deep plums, peaches, lilac and creamy whites and gold and silver. Using mirrored chargers and lucite chairs we brought in a few modern details and combined them with the mix of metallics, fine china, glassware and copper flatware to create an elegant tablescape.

From Paper Moss…We wanted the paper goods to incorporate some of our absolute favorite stationery trends of late, but with a timeless feel. Working with Larry Orlando Calligraphy, we paired bold hand lettering with a romantic gold foil printed emblem and gold painted edges. This pairing resulted in a modern, yet playful elegance. For the “day of” accessories, we played off of mixed typography & patterns… and we just couldn’t resist using round menus to make the table settings pop!

Photography: Hello Love Photography | Floral Design: Petal Floral Design | Reception Venue: 9ofs | Catering: MAX Ultimate Food | Makeup: Antoinette Lefevre at Beaucage | Hair: Jennie Fresa Brow & Beauty Bar | Bridal Dress: Ceremony | Bridesmaids\' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Event Planning/Design: TRUE Event | Linens: Nuage Designs | Paper: Paper Moss | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Rentals: New England Country Rentals

I am completely obsessed with this wedding.  Maybe that has a little something to do with the fact that it happens to be styled after one of my favorite shows (Mad Men) AND it’s drop-dead gorgeous in every which way possible.  I’m talking rich purple hues, a crazy cool Omni Parker House setting and one seriously adorable bride and groom.  See it all captured by Forevercandid Photography right here.

From the Bride… Jim and I got engaged while we were living in Boston and even though we are both from Connecticut, we knew that we wanted to have our wedding in the city. Boston is so beautiful in the summer and holds a lot of special memories for us. We toured a bunch of venues but when we first walked into the Omni Parker House, I knew we had found our place. As soon as you walk into the lobby you feel as if you have been transported to a bygone era complete with rich furnishings, fresh flowers, and ornate, brass elevators. The rooftop ballroom has huge windows that display gorgeous views of the city and make for some spectacular photos at sunset. Add to that all of the history that the Omni has witnessed – JFK proposed to Jackie in their restaurant, Charles Dickens took up residence there, Malcolm X worked as a busboy – and we were completely in love.

Once we found our venue, a lot of the other details began to fall into place. We both love the show “Mad Men” as well as that era in general, and the historic beauty of the Omni lent itself perfectly to having a 60’s inspired wedding. After some research and quite a few DIY notes from SMP, I sat down and began to put the details together. I wanted our color palette to contrast with all of the gold and brass at the Omni so I chose eggplant with green and ivory compliments. Our fashion was a nod to the classic style of the 60’s – I wore a lace gown with a small birdcage, the guys wore James Bond style tuxedos, and the girls wore clean and simple A-line dresses with a small brooch at the waist to give them some sparkle.

I’m definitely not the craftiest person, but with the help of my friends and family I added some fun touches that carried our “Mad Men” vibe through to the reception. I incorporated an antique typewriter we found buried in the basement to our guest book alongside a vintage suitcase that I found while treasure hunting at an antique shop. We wanted to get some fun candids of guests so we set up a makeshift Polaroid station complete with handmade “Mad Men” inspired props created by my MOH. Guests were greeted at cocktail hour with a signature Vodka Gimlet to go along with the 60’s tunes played by the jazz trio. Later, as a surprise, we brought in Boston Cigar Factory to roll handmade cigars for all of our guests (and included chocolate ones for non-smokers!).

All of the special touches came together perfectly, but the one thing I will never forget is looking into Jim’s eyes as I walked down the aisle. Both of my parents walked with me while my good friend Molly, a professional violinist, played “Canon in D.” My grandfather, who was a Holocaust survivor and one of the most important people in my life, was honored and his prayer shawl hung over us as we said our vows – which I made it through without crying! It was the best day of my life and the perfect start to a beautiful future together.

Photography: Forevercandid Photography | Coordination: Amanda Masson | Floral Design: Lori Lu's Floral Design | Floral Design: Beautiful Blooms Events | Wedding Dress: Vows | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Favors: Boston Cigar Factory | Wedding Venue: Omni Parker House | Make-Up and Hair: Kacie Corbelle

Narrowing down your wedding dream team is meant to be an exciting part of the wedding planning process. With so many amazingly talented and creative event purveyors out there, you want to make sure you’re selecting pros that not only fit your wedding aesthetic, but compliment your personal taste. To guarantee you’re working with a supportive and thoughtful selection of vendors, jot these questions down before your next big meeting. xoxo, SMP Blogger Bride Amelia

AVAILABILITY: When thinking of hiring a wedding planner, after you inquire about the availability of your wedding date, it’s important to ask about the most challenging wedding they’ve planned and how they handled the issues that popped up. You want to make sure your wedding vendors have strong problem solving skills.

EXPERIENCE: If you’re planning on having a larger wedding, ask certain vendors (wedding planner, venue, catering, etc) if they’ve worked with a party of your size. It’s also helpful to know if they’ve worked with your type of budget before.

PORTFOLIO: When meeting with any type of wedding vendor you should always ask to see their portfolio and a list of references. You’ll be able to get a sense of their aesthetic from past weddings and figure out if their style will be a good fit for the venue and your taste.

RESTRICTIONS: When looking for a venue, make sure to inquire about the restrictions for the space. Do they allow candles, balloons, sparklers, etc.? If any of these details are extremely important to you then you may want to rethink this particular venue option.

BACK-UP PLANS: If you plan on having an outdoor wedding, I’d recommend asking your potential wedding vendors to describe how they’ve handled an event with unfortunate weather conditions. It’s important to know how they would resolve this type of dilemma.

FEES: Before signing a contract, make sure to ask if their is a service charge on top of the bill and if so, how much will it cost.

SCHEDULE: Don’t forget to ask how many wedding/event clients the vendor will be working with during the month and weekend of your wedding. Will they be swamped in the months leading up to your Big Day or will they be able to give you a solid amount of attention?

FINE PRINT: Although this question may seem very basic, it’s important to ask for a list of every detail that is included in the vendor fee before you sign the contract.

COMMUNICATION: It’s important to hire vendors that have similar communication styles, if you’re the type of bride that wants to finalize details early in your engagement, then you should search for vendors who share that similar goal.

DAY-OF: Make sure to inquire about whether or not the exact vendor will be at your wedding. Some vendors hire day of help or will send assistants to work your wedding, if they have more than one obligation on that date.

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Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Location: Twelve Chairs Boston

This next DIY project falls under the “why didn’t I think of that?” category. A do-it-yourself Valentine’s Day Bouquet? It’s kind of brilliant! Not only is it easier on the wallet, the lady (or gent) in your life is guaranteed to be swept of their feet as a result of your craftiness. Not crafty you say? Have no fear, Pollen Floral Design and Zac Wolf Photography are here to share every last step.

Red Amaryllis
Ranunculus
Piano Garden Rose
Anemone
Majolica Spray Rose
Red Cestrum
Gardenia Foliage
Leucothoe Foliage
Red Leucadendron
Sea Star Fern
Floral Tape
Various Ribbon

Prep your flowers: remove any leaves or thorns from the stem so they’re ready to be used in your bouquet. Give them a fresh diagonal cut and let them soak in water for several hours before using them.

Set out all your flowers in vases or a bucket so you have easy access to your stems.

Start by making a small cluster of flowers. I like variety in my bouquets, so I usually start with a focal flower (in this bouquet, garden roses, amaryllis and anemone) and add in some smaller flowers (ranunculus, spray rose) and filler/greenery (bouvardia, gardenia foliage).

Once you have your starting bunch, you continue to add flowers to fill out your bouquet. Try to turn the bouquet in your hand as you add so that you are building it all the way around and not just in the front. Continue turning and adding flowers until you reach your desired size.

When you are satisfied with your bouquet, wrap the floral tape securely around your stems several times.

Tie on your ribbon wrap so it covers the floral tape.

Hold the stems together and make a clean, straight cut about 8-12 inches long. Spritz the bouquet with a floral finisher (such as Crowning Glory) and put it in water until you are ready to use your bouquet. If you are leaving it overnight, put it in your refrigerator so that the life of the flowers will be preserved.

Photography: Zac Wolf Photography | Floral Design: Pollen Floral Design

This is the sort of classic wedding that I live for: a stunning Boston Harbor Hotel affair with glistening water views and a traditional ballroom reception that will take your breath away.  It’s lush florals from Centre Pieces Design meets crisp navy and green hues meets all kinds of magic snapped up by the always amazing Captured Photography by Jenny.  See them all in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Andrew and I met on our first day of work right out of college. We quickly fell in love, and 5 years later, I was ecstatic when he decided to pop the question. I had dreamed about planning my wedding since I was about 4 years old, and the bright, historic Boston Harbor Hotel had always been at the top of my list of wedding venues. To probably no ones surprise, the Boston Harbor Hotel ended up being the first and last venue we toured, and the rest is history! Until… I started planning all of the details! Boy those details add up. Wedding planning quickly became my “other” full-time job, but as the day approached, everything came together. I wore a Lea Ann Belter dress, and my bridesmaids wore blue chiffon dresses while Andrew and his groomsmen wore classy black, white and silver tuxes… a tribute to the colors of our two colleges, Duke and Georgetown.

Andrew and I met for a “first look” right on the wharf down by the water, and after some pictures alongside the harbor and under the cavernous Boston Harbor Hotel dome, we prepared to start our wedding ceremony in the Wharf Room. The ceremony had special meaning for us, as Andrew and I put it together ourselves and the officiant was none other than my younger brother, Connor Green. Connor knocked it out of the park and gave us exactly what we wanted: a highly personal, fun and memorable ceremony. After an all-too-quick cocktail hour up on the rotunda above the dome, we returned to the Wharf Room to find it had been transformed into a stunningly elegant ballroom. As I addressed the crowd after our first dance, I couldn’t help but cry just a bit, thanking my parents, the rest of my family, Andrew’s family, and our friends for making the night a reality. All of the little details I had obsessed over for the better part of a year had come together into a wedding so perfect, my dreams as a child couldn’t come close. The night flew by, but I made sure to stop, soak it up, and make sure that I would remember it for a lifetime. We look forward to reliving that joyous night for years to come through our pictures thanks to Captured Photography by Jenny (the most amazing photographers), and many unforgettable memories.

Photography: Captured Photography by Jenny | Floral Design: Centre Pieces Design | Dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Flagship Boutique | Hair: Jessie Heroux | Band: Hip Pocket Orchestra | Venue: Boston Harbor Hotel