Erin and Nate pulled a fast one. Family and friends were invited to a birthday party at Bastille Kitchen in Boston but they had no idea that they were actually attending a wedding! We met Erin, her daughter, Emma, and Nate at the hotel for some getting ready photos. Our couple was very laid back and super excited to surprise everyone. Emma was included in every aspect of the day including getting a little bit of makeup and a fancy updo, it’s a beautiful thing for us to witness these touching family moments. Despite having a cold, Erin was breathtaking in her Zac Posen strapless gown and Badgley Mischka embellished heels.  Departing the hotel for portraits in the city proved more challenging than expected. First, Nate had bumped into Erin’s parents in the hotel lobby which wouldn’t have been a big deal except he was decked out in a slick John Varvatos suit and brand new Converse Jack Purcells, looking every part the groom. Second, the hotel had a glass elevator! Erin was easily 6 feet tall in her heels so it wasn’t exactly easy to hide her but we all made a circle around her and nobody was the wiser. We ran down some hallways and exited to an awaiting trolly that took us to some beautiful locations around Boston. A street performer played a song while Erin and Nate danced under an umbrella, a balloon artist made a couple of fun “bouquets”, and we took some dreamy photos. Then on to the restaurant! Every detail was perfectly planned right down to who WE were and why there were photographers at a birthday party. The story was we were friends with Erin’s best friend and “wanted to gain some experience shooting”. We played it cool and did our best to blend in and then the time came for Erin’s dad to learn the big secret. She was so full of emotion that the tears came before he even saw her. He was so thrilled! They cried and hugged and laughed and then he walked his daughter down the aisle with Emma leading the way. Guests were absolutely blown away! Clapping, cheering, gasping, tears, laughter; it was a magical event. The bride and groom shared touching vows and Nate also shared mini vows with Emma along with giving her a special necklace. Congratulatory toasts were followed by a lovely sit down dinner and then a second surprise was waiting downstairs! All of Erin and Nate’s extended family and friends were waiting in the club downstairs when the newlyweds walked in and danced to Tesla. Yes. Tesla! Another group of people were completely surprised and the party went on until 2 am. The best part is they are expecting a baby girl in the spring!! We absolutely loved being a part of this beautiful experience and are so excited to watch this sweet family grow.

XO

Venue: Bastille Kitchen

Gown: Zac Posen

Heels: Badgley Mischka

Tux: John Varvatos

Groom’s Shoes: Converse/Jack Purcell

Makeup: Michael Hanz Beauty

Hair: Avanti Salon

We love to mix business with pleasure, So when Elizabeth and Alex asked us to make the trip to Washington, DC to photograph their wedding we had no problem saying YES! Elizabeth had been a bridesmaid in one our most favorite weddings ever so it was a huge compliment when she asked us to shoot hers. We got to know this theatrical couple during their engagement session at the Crescent Park Carousel here in RI. They are both silly, super smart, and madly in love, such a perfect combination! After a day of sightseeing and settling in we arrived at the very chic & eclectic Hotel Monaco.  Housed in a former post office, this magnificent hotel was the perfect setting for this vintage styled celebration. Elizabeth wore a breathtaking Jenny Peckham gown which was seemingly made for dancing, the perfect dress for a dancer! Her hair was swept back and adorned with a delicate fascinator. Alex wore a navy blue custom designed suit and when they saw each other for the first time on the grand staircase it was magic. After the first look we met the wedding party in the colorful lobby for some portraits and then walked across the street to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery for family photos. We then drove to Meridian Hill Park for more photos with the wedding party. DC is beautiful! We took a walk with our couple to their apartment and got some pretty shots up on their roof that overlooked the city skyline. Back at the the hotel guests were invited into the Paris Ballroom for a unique ceremony in which they encircled the bride and groom creating a very loving atmosphere. Alex and Elizabeth recited their own vows which had guests laughing and crying. As guests were enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres the room was transformed for dinner and dancing. Giant ferns, flowers, candles and vintage stamps made it feel as if you had been transported to another era. After a fantastic entrance the newlyweds began their perfectly choreographed first dance, until the music stopped! But that was all part of the plan, they tricked everyone and started a wild dance party with the wedding party and all of the guests! This is how the night went, nonstop fun. Alex even surprised everyone with a choreographed dance with his mom to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song! Yes, that happened. Let’s not forget when the bride and groom’s mothers serenaded them with a song, changing the lyrics to fit the occasion, it was a moment not to be forgotten! To say we had a nice time in DC is an understatement, we had an AMAZING time with amazing people who will go on to have an amazing life together.

XO


Gown: Jenny Peckham

Florals: Lydia Andrian

Cake: Bride’s mother

Hair: Lori Nansi

Groom’s Suit: Geoffrey Lewis

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Etsy: Coralie Beatrix

Groomsmen Suits: Savvi

Rentals: Plants Alive

Band: The Bachelor Boys

Stacy and Adam had the type of wedding that makes you want a do-over if you’ve already had your wedding. It was THAT beautiful! It helped that she had a maid of honor extraordinaire, who happens to be her sister, former roommate to both she and Adam, and her best friend. Kayla made sure every detail was perfect so that Stacy’s vision could come to light. Her custom made, Elen Paumere gown was nothing short of perfection. Sparkly, silver Jimmy Choo peep toe heels gave our petite bride just the height she needed – plus every woman needs a little sparkle! There were beautiful and touching moments throughout the entire day starting when Stacy’s mom gifted her the pin she had worn for years as a remembrance of her late grandmother. The DonFrancesco women are incredibly close and loving and you can’t help but wish you were part of their family when you are with them. Accompanied by her mother and father, Stacy walked down the aisle to the awe of the guests and her soon-to-be husband. A touching Catholic ceremony was followed by lots of photo time all around Newport. From Ochre Court, to Forty Steps, the beach, and lastly the Atlantic Beach Club. The ballroom was stunning with tables adorned in florals designed by Weedweavers of Wakefield and gorgeous sunlight shining in from the west. Passionate speeches were followed by a lovely dinner and then dancing. Oh the dancing! The dance floor was immediately packed as Cover to Cover Band began to play. It was a perfect day to start a beautiful life together!

XO Venue: Atlantic Beach Club and Pavilion

Gown: custom made by Elen Paumere

Florals: Weedweavers of Wakefield

Music: Cover to Cover Band

Makeup: B.Lovely

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: J.Crew

Men’s Suits: Jos A. Banks

Church Singers: Christiana Rodi & Cookie Rodi