Rahel & Yitzi’s Wedding – The Details

Rahel’s mother, Terri had two weddings to plan in less than 2 years – first Shoshana‘s, and then Rahel‘s!  Since everything went so well the first time, they ended up using a lot of the same vendors for both!  It was fun to work with so many of these talented professionals yet again!  Here are a few of my favorite details from the day…

Make-up by Christine Lewis

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Hair by Kristen Garofalo

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Flowers by Sarah’s Garden, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with more than any other florist!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Rahel’s dress was actually Shoshana’s dress as well!  The talented Ana Hernandez did some beautiful work to turn it into something unique and special for Rahel!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

The bridesmaids’ dresses were all custom-made by dressmakers all over the world – from Boston to Atlanta to Israel!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

A few of my favorite details from the preparation

Green & Blue Wedding Details

Ceremony

Orthodox Jewish Ceremony Details

Reception

Purple & Yellow wedding details

Special thanks to all of the talented vendors who worked so hard to make Rahel & Yitzi’s wedding beautiful!

Catering & Coordination – Andrew Wiener of Catering by Andrew

Flowers – Sarah Burkstein of Sarah’s Garden

Music – The Nafshenu Orchestra

Hair – Kristen Garofalo

Makeup – Christine Lewis

Bride’s Dress – Ana Hernandez

Bridesmaid’s Dress – Maggie Flood

Location – Granite Links Golf Club

Second Shooters – Glen Cooper & Nicki Pardo

Photo Assistant – Christopher Weigl

Rahel & Yitzi’s Orthodox Wedding – Quincy MA

I don’t even know how to begin summing up Rahel & Yitzi‘s wedding…  family, love, emotion, joy, FUN, energy, party, dancing, lovely, reverent, and wonderful all describe the day!  It was a Jewish Orthodox wedding, so it was very different from your average American wedding in a lot of cool ways.  With all that goes on during an Orthodox wedding, I usually need a little extra help so we ended up with 4 of us photographing this wedding and capturing every moment of the day!  We shot a gazillion images it seemed, but somehow I’ve narrowed it down to a few of my favorites…

Rahel, the beautiful bride

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

A happy moment with her sisters, Yonina and Shoshana

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

My second shooter, Glen Cooper, captured this great shot of Yitzi praying during the Tisch

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

My take on the same time

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Love this shot by my assistant Christopher Weigl

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

So much emotion between Yitzi & his father in this series caught by Glen

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

The Bedecken is by far, my favorite part of the Jewish Orthodox wedding day!  Rahel & Yitzi hadn’t seen each other all week before the wedding, and in this moment, the groom is presented to his bride by friends and family with dancing and singing!  It was SO emotional!  I was totally crying!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

The groom then lowers the veil over the bride’s face…

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

He had tears just streaming down his face!  Oh, it was precious!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Then the Fathers each bless the bride… more tears…

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Rahel holding her mother and Yitzi’s mother’s hands

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Then they carried Yitzi off for more singing and dancing before the marriage ceremony (shot by Glen).  Don’t you just love how joyous this is?!  I mean most people are happy for the bride & groom, but these people are THRILLED that these two are getting married!  It’s glorious!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Giving away the bride

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

A cute moment between Rahel & Yitzi, captured by Glen

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

I love the graceful look of her hands holding up the veil in this shot

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Another great shot by Chris – note the tear in Yitzi’s eye.  I told you it was an emotional day!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Married!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

After they had a few moments alone following the ceremony, I took Rahel & Yitzi outside for a few portraits.

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

It started raining again though, so we went back inside for a few more portraits.  Luckily, the Granite Links Golf Club had some lovely indoor space for photos!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

They’re so cute :)

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Let the fun begin!!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Another unique thing about Orthodox Weddings is that for much of the reception, the men dance on one side of the dance floor, and the women on the other.  It’s cool to see a big group of men dancing and singing together with such fervor!  They’re definitely not messin’ around!   shot by Glen (if you look closely, you can see me in the shot… it’s like Where’s Waldo?)

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

This one was shot by my 2nd 2nd shooter, Nicki Pardo!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

The guests often dance & perform for the Bride & Groom also. This guy was roasting marshmallows for them with a fire on top of his hat… I have no idea how he dreamed that up, but it was definitely entertaining!

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

And then there’s always more dancing…

Jewish Orthodox Wedding

Rahel & Yitzi – your wedding was just wonderful!  I’m so thankful to have been a part of it, and to work with your family again!  I’m already looking forward to Yonina’s wedding (one of these days) ;)

To view more of my favorites from this wedding, please check out the album on Facebook!

Mary & Gerard’s Wedding – The Details

Well, if you thought Mary & Gerard were be beautiful, wait until you see how they designed & decorated their wedding!  Everything about the day was clean, classy, and simply stunning!

Black, Cream & Silver Wedding Preparation Details

Perfect make-up

Boston State Room Wedding

All I have to say is Jimmy Choo!

Boston State Room Wedding

Mary’s Romona Keveza dress from Kleinfeld’s was breathtaking!  It really was the perfect dress for her, and for the day!

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

I loved the reception details!

Purple & White State Room Reception Details

The view from the State Room

Boston State Room Wedding

The cake was designed to match Mary’s dress – I think I Dream of Jeanne Cakes did a fabulous job!  Nicki‘s view, then mine.

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

The flowers by Sarah’s Garden were lovely!  (Nicki’s then mine again)

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

From the up-lighting, to the tables, to the view – the whole reception was breathtaking!

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

A huge thank you to all of the fabulous vendors who made this wedding so wonderful!

Second Shooter – Nicki Pardo

Assistant – Cate McDade

Videography – Whit Wales Films

Florist – Sarah’s Garden

Location – The State Room

Cake – I Dream of Jeanne Cakes

Band – Orfeas

DJ – Beat Train Productions

Limo – Black Tie Limousine

Hair – Maureen Currier of Gretta Cole (Wellesley)

Makeup – Sharon Holston

Shoes – Jimmy Choo

Dress – Romona Keveza

Mary & Gerard’s Wedding at the State Room

Mary & Gerard couldn’t have gotten married on a more beautiful summer day!  The whole day was lovely, and the party was a blast!  This marriage joined Greek & Lebanese families – and let me tell you, these guys know how to party!  It was a blessing to witness the merging of hearts, lives, families and cultures.  And dancing the night away with them was definitely an added bonus  :)

We started the day at Mary’s parents’ home, where Mary and her family were getting ready

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

Meanwhile, a few blocks away my second shooter Nicki Pardo was hanging out with Gerard and his family.  It’s always a little bit more comical with the guys ;)

Boston State Room Wedding

Mary’s dress was breathtaking!

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

waiting to go in for the ceremony

Boston State Room Wedding

One of my favorite moments at every wedding…

Boston State Room Wedding

Nicki’s take on the moment

Boston State Room Wedding

Greek Orthodox weddings have such cool traditions!  Here the Bride & Groom are crowned with crowns held together by a white ribbon symbolizing glory and unity, and then they circle the altar three times as a demonstration of how that are to keep the Gospel and the Cross at the center of their path.

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

Then after the ceremony, the run outside and get pelted with rice by their guests!  Haha!

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

On our way to the State Room, Mary asked the limo driver to pull over by The Charles River so we could shoot a few portraits.  I’m SO glad she did!!

Boston State Room Wedding

awesome view, golden sunlight, and a beautiful couple… love it!

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

We also managed to snag a couple portraits at the State Room before everything got going

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

Their first dance

Boston State Room Wedding

And then the Greek dancing began!!  LOVE it!

Boston State Room Wedding

Boston State Room Wedding

On top of the Greek band, they brought in a DJ to play Arabic & American music.  Talk about a fun mix of cultures and music, and a kickin’ dance floor!

Boston State Room Wedding

Mary & Gerard – Thank you so much for trusting me with your wedding!  It’s been great getting to know you both, and getting to be part of your day.  I hope you love the photos!!  :)

To view more of my favorites from this wedding, please check out the album on Facebook!

Sylvia & Ricky’s Wedding – FILM (finally!)

Well, this is embarrassing…  It’s been, well, months since Sylvia & Ricky’s wedding.  I shot some film that day and sent it to a new lab for scanning.  I had no idea that the lab would take MONTHS to get the scans back.  Boo!  It’s an awesome service if you’re looking to scan old stuff, and you’re not in a hurry, but it’s not so good for getting things done for clients!  Good to know…

Well, the silver lining is that the film turned out great, and the scans are awesome!  Take a look at a few of my favorites…

Sylvia

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

The happy couple

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

The Bridal Party

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

The church

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

The Ceremony

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

The whole fam

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

The First Dance

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

Dudes with cigars

Sylvia & Ricky - Black & White FILM

Sylvia & Ricky!  I love you two :)  Thanks for being so patient waiting for these scans – you rock!  xoxo

To view more of my favorite images from this wedding, check out the album on Facebook!

Sylvia & Ricky’s Wedding – The Details

Sylvia & Ricky‘s wedding was not only fun, but it was also beautiful!  From the dress to the shoes, the flowers and location – the whole day was just lovely!  Here are a few of my favorite details…

The dress

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

The shoes

Wedding Shoes

Favorites shoe shot ever.

Wedding Shoes

The Flowers

Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

shot by 2nd Shooter Johnny Arguedas

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

The Commander’s Mansion

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

shot by 2nd Shooter Johnny Arguedas

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

The Cake

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

The rings

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Rings for Dessert - Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

The (amazing) vendors

Coordinator  –  Jennifer Cox of Esq. Events

Dress  –  VOWS

Tuxedos  –  Giblees Tuxedos

Reception  –  The Commander’s Mansion

Hotel  –  Hotel Indigo

Ceremony  –  St. John’s Korean United Methodist Church

Caterer  –  Vinwood Caterers

DJ  –  Ari Rosenfield of Beat Train Productions

Cake  –  The Icing on the Cake

Flowers  –  Petalena Flowers

Videography  –  David Bettencourt Video

Hair  –  Tracey Castrichini

Make-up  –  Bre Welch

Tent/Rentals  –  Party Plus

Sylvia & Ricky’s Wedding at the Commander’s Mansion

I’ve already told you how much I love Sylvia & Ricky, so I probably don’t need to say that again ;)  But, let me tell you how hard it was to choose images for this post!  I had so many favorites from this wedding, it’s ridiculous!  So, here are a few of my favorite favorites – but if you want to see more, you should check out the album on Facebook and check back here in a couple days for some of the details from the day!

Sylvia was lovin’ those eyelashes!

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

My assistant Andrea Servidone captured this shot and I love it!  Sylvia’s hand makes it perfect.

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Ricky’s brother insisted he could tie a tie better than Ricky…  Of course, Ricky re-tied the tie a few minutes later ;)

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Reading a card from Sylvia… I LOVE his reaction!

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

These two are big into cards… Here’s Sylvia reading her card from Ricky :)

Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

Ugh!  Her dress was so GORGEOUS!!  It was so soft and lovely, I just kept wanting to touch it – but I didn’t.

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Haha!  The many faces of a bride before her wedding…

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

My Second Shooter, Johnny Arguedas captured this great shot while the guys were waiting for us to arrive at the Commander’s Mansion.

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

One of my favorite First Look reactions ever!  (Johnny caught Sylvia’s reaction)

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

There was a lot of laughter that day…

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Seriously! She’s so cute!

Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

A few portraits inside the mansion

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

And then a few out by the grape arbor.  Andrea caught this one through the fence.

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

And Johnny had the brilliant idea to put them under the arbor.  I was avoiding it because of the shadows, but I actually love how the shadows turned out.  Here’s Johnny’s take on the moment.

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Then it was off to the St. John’s Korean United Methodist Church in Lexington for the ceremony.  I love how her Dad is looking at her before he walks her down the aisle!  So sweet!

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Johnny caught this great shot of the Bride & Groom going down the aisle

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

After the wedding ceremony, Sylvia & Ricky had a traditional Korean Pae Baek for their families, complete with a change of outfits, excessive heat and a piggy-back ride…

Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

Then it was back to the Commander’s Mansion for the super fun dance party!!

Spring Wedding at the Commander's Mansion

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Commander's Mansion Spring Wedding

Sylvia & Ricky – you’re awesome.  period.  :)