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