Colonnade Boston Wedding :: Gordon Chapel Old South Church :: Libby + Blake

Oh, where to start with this one. I thoroughly enjoy working with all of the couples that I photograph and then there is Libby & Blake. I can't begin to describe how awesome these two are, how wonderful and welcoming their families are and how I'm actually a little sad that they're married as it means I don't get to see them anymore.

Although I was cheered up when I got this email from them the morning after the wedding:
Leah,
Blake and I are hanging out in the suite just talking about how great last night was, and you were a big part of that!  We are so happy that we worked with you but more importantly that we can call you a friend! Thanks again...we are so incredibly happy! We love what you put up on Facebook...awesome!!!
Love, 
Libby and Blake

But enough of my ramblings, let's get to the wedding pictures! The Colonnade Hotel in Boston is the perfect wedding venue. I would happily photograph weddings every single weekend at the Colonnade. Gabi, Chef Nick, Selena and the whole Colonnade team are just amazing - here's a little interview I did at the Colonnade a year ago:
Weddings at the Colonnade Hotel, Boston

I started my day in Libby's suite with some detail pictures:

Once in a while a bride will tell me "my friend is going to do my make up!" and I might gently suggest this might not be the best idea. It's a lot of pressure for your friend, they might not be used to the stress of getting multiple people made up on time on a wedding day, they might not have access to the professional long lasting yet subtle make up that keeps you looking flawless for hours. However when your friend is the talented Courtney Marzilli of Bliss and Beauty then it's a fabulous decision. 

Elite Calligraphy did the programs and escort cards:

Audrey was shooting alongside me and hung out with Blake and the guys: 

I have no idea what's happening here but it looks like fun

As Libby's sisters Alli and Gretchen helped her into her dress, Libby's Mom Kari looked on proudly:

Libby's father Jack sees his daughter as a bride for the first time:

When cocktail hour is at Boston's only rooftop pool with the most delicious hors d'oeuvres and champagne it kind of sucks to miss it to line up in a row for formal pictures. So Libby and Blake wisely chose to do a first look and get all of the pictures done before the ceremony. Not only does this give you more time to actually enjoy your wedding and talk to friends and family but it's also really special to have a little alone time. Happy tears and a little lip quiver:

We then ducked out for a few pictures before coming back for some relaxed yet mantel-worthy family pictures:

We snuck in a few more pictures before hopping on the trolley to the Gordon Chapel of Old South Church:

Libby and Blake chose family members as their wedding party which I think it kind of awesome:

Libby and her Matron of Honor sister Gretchen and Maid of Honor sister Alli:

Blake and his Best Man brother Jeff and brother-in-law Tom:

The Gothic beauty of the Gordon Chapel of Old South Church is a perfect setting for a Boston wedding ceremony. I've photographed there a number of times and I'm always wowed by the stained glass and the lanterns. It's important to note that there are quite strict photography restrictions at the Chapel - if you get married here your photographer is basically allowed to photograph from the very back of the chapel only with minimal movement - no I can't break the rules! More Gordon Chapel wedding pictures here:
Gordon Chapel Wedding Pictures - Jessica & Mark
Gordon Chapel Wedding Photographer - Jessica & Jeremiah (note that Jeremiah's father married them so the photography restrictions were lifted ;)

Sometimes couples wonder if seeing each other before the ceremony will take away from the moment in church and I honestly believe it doesn't. The emotions you feel during your wedding ceremony happen because you're standing in front of your friends and family and committing yourselves to each other, not because it's the first time he sees you in a white dress! See below for Blake's huge smile and Libby's teary entrance:

Married!

The new Mr & Mrs Randolph. Not sure if they could look any happier!

When the food is mind blowing - caprese salad shooter anyone? - and the Veuve Clicquot is flowing and the sun is shining...is there a better place to be than cocktail hour at the rooftop pool of the Colonnade Hotel overlooking Boston:

A little moment before heading into the wedding reception in the Huntington Ballroom:

The room looked beautiful with dramatic pinlights on the centerpieces by Tangerine Creations:

If you're a foodie and you're looking for a Boston wedding venue then you should totally check out the Colonnade. Chef Nick is beyond talented. Look at these adorable mini Le Creuset dishes:

Awesome toasts followed with this sweet moment:

Libby and Blake saved their first dance until after dinner and then went straight into parent dances, Blake tore up the floor with his Mom:

It would be rude not to head back up to the roof at night to take advantage of the view:

Jeff of White Label DJs was SO good. Audrey looked at me at one point and said "Wow - he's like an actual DJ, mixing songs instead of just playing from a playlist!" Highly recommend!

Libby and Blake are definitely in contention for the "Couple that enjoyed their wedding immensely" award.

Take a closer look at the image on the bottom left. Yes that is a sugar packet and yes "Pour some sugar on me" was playing at the time :)

I hope Libby & Blake will forgive me for posting these but they're just too funny not to. I guess there was a Bachelorette party happening with a "Golden Girls" theme and the ladies wanted to pop in to congratulate a rather bemused Libby. I'm loving "Dorothy's" peach pantsuit:

The last song of the night was kind of unexpected and frankly awesome. If you're not familiar with "Castle" by Macklemore - check it out - just not at work or with kids around :) I've had it on repeat while editing Libby & Blake's wedding and it's hilarious:

And that's it for today! What are you up to this weekend? I'll be at the Colonnade photographing another wedding so I can't wait! Libby & Blake - thank you for being two of the best people I have had the pleasure of photographing! I hope this handful of favorites will cushion the blow of being back from your honeymoon! Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, health and happiness. And partying in your castle :)

Old South Church + Boston State Room Wedding Photographer :: Jessica and Mark (Part II)

Part I of Jessica & Mark's wedding was posted **here** make sure you click on the link to check out the getting ready, fabulous first look and family wedding pictures in Christopher Columbus Park and Boston Public Gardens.

I also got the sweetest email from Jessica saying "Leah, we were so excited to see the pictures - they are amazing! Who is that couple? I think the library shot is my favorite too. I don't know though, the silhouettes in front of the State Room window were just so unique and beautiful...we had such a blast working with you!"

How perfectly lovely! Anyhoo, perhaps you'd like to meet the wedding party?


Love this one of Jessica and her bridesmaids in the Public Gardens (Do we need a permit to take wedding party pictures in the Boston Public Gardens? Yes! Click **here** if you need to apply) :


And one more with everyone:


Couples will often ask me "How much time do we need for pictures?" on the wedding day and I'll help them with their timeline but it's kind of like asking "How long is a piece of string?".

I *can* photograph the wedding party, families and couple in an hour if I *have* to but it means less pictures (plus it's harder to be creative when you have 20 minutes to shoot 15 group combinations - you're mostly trying to make sure you get at least one picture without blinking!) and usually the time for couples pictures gets cut short as it's time to sit down for dinner :(

The beauty of a first look is a relaxed schedule and so much more time together. I adore these wedding pictures we took in Boston Public Library, only possible because Jessica and Mark had made the decision to allow more time for pictures:



So after all of that fun, we stolled along Boylston St to Old South Church where the wedding ceremony would take place:


Jessica walked down the aisle to Mark on the arm of her father Dan:



Lots of smiles through the vows! The Gordon Chapel in Old South Church is dark. Like crazy dark. And no flash is allowed. For the photographer geeks out there I shot this image at ISO 10,000 which is insane yet possible with my amazing Nikon D3s. I'm a firm believer that it's not what equipment you have but what you do with it that matters but this is one of those times where top of the line professional camera equipment saved the day. There are cameras out there that only go to ISO 3200 or 6400 and it would have been tough/impossible to get some of the pictures. Old South Church, like a lot of other churches in Boston (Trinity and Church of the Covenant) also has some fairly restrictive rules for photography so I was literally not allowed to move once the ceremony started.


This is happy Mark kissing his new wife and meaning it :) Mark is big into PDAs.


Jessica seems pretty happy to have Mark as her husband too ;)


I believe history really was made that day:


Next up is the wedding reception pictures at the beautiful, the spectacular, the amazing Longwood Events Boston State Room. You don't want to miss it....here's a little peek at what's coming up: