A City wedding at a Back Bay Icon
The Newbury Hotel • Boston, Massachusetts
Katie and Reid met in Chicago during the Pandemic. Fast forward to an engagement later and they found themselves living in Boston in a tiny little apartment in Beacon Hill. Being in love with the architecture and city feel, they decided to plan their wedding at the premiere hotel and Back Bay icon, The Newbury Hotel. They wanted a Wedding Photographer that had a blended style.. documentary, editorial but also had some traditional imagery in there. Someone who could capture a wedding in a luxury space.
A VENUE WITH IT ALL
The Newbury was a great way to host friends and family from out of state as well as celebrate in the city in which they fell in love with. The luxury hotel offers everything you could want, beautiful modern architecture juxstaposed against the old historic charm. Across the street of course is the Boston Public Garden designed by the great Landscape Architect, Fredrick Law Olmstead. The green romantic pathways and hiding spots are just the chef’s kiss to have an alternate view for a Ceremony and Bridal Portraits.
THE APPROACH
We met for the first time and discussed the wedding plans. The wedding was set for the beautiful spring month of May. The entire wedding would be hosted in the hotel with the portraits done all around Newbury street, Boston Public Garden as well as in the Newbury itself.
Both Groom and Bride got ready in suites with their parties and family. My approach to shooting them in these suites was organic..letting Reid and his groomsmen be silly and close knit as they appeared to be. Grabbing some shots in the library was perhaps some of my favorite of the boys that day. A striking spot nestled in the hotel.. a rich blue wall and orange velvet wrap around sofa served as the gentlemen’s hang out pre Bridal Party Portraits.
Katie dressed upstairs with her girls swooning over her as they lovingly helped her prepare for her day. All the while the city made its appearances through windows and reflections in the suite. First look was downstairs off of the cocktail hour bar. A quiet stately room overlooking Newbury Street. Katie and Reid wanted a private moment to share their vows. I stepped back and let the emotions unfold.
THE DETAILS
Katie wanted a romantic, modern and clean feel. Architecture and interior design to pay homage to their previous life in Chicago. So the wedding would be centered around the existing design at the Newbury with some small yet elegant, fresh touches along the way. The ceremony was in the ballroom. With floor to ceiling windows and emerald green velvet curtains this backdrop was beyond gorgeous. The florals were soft and whimsical with a focus on a spring feel. They were paired perfectly with the existing colors of the ballroom. An acoustic duo welcomed Katie and Reid as they each made their entrances. It was a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony led by her uncle.
After the ceremony guests were ushered into a room across the hallway. A beautiful intimate and sophisticated space with a 1920’s feel. Drinks and passed Hour’dourves for about an hour as guests mingled and said their congratulations to the Bride & Groom. It was a great precursor to the rest of the night.
THE SECOND ACT
As guests were welcomed back into the Ballroom, the space went from ceremony to a reception room in a snap. Everything was centered around the dance floor. Round tables with white china and linen made for a clean look paired with bud vases of springtime flowers. As the sun set and the city lights turned on, speeches, laughter and applause filled the room. Katie and Reids first dance was so sweet and as the crowd watched these two bask in their newlywed glory the excitement for the dance floor grew.
As the guests were welcomed to the dance floor Katie and Reid found time for a private cake cutting. The couple chose a beautiful vintage inspired blue 3 tier cake. This cake was well… goals. The couple even had a mini version of this made to celebrate their one year anniversary. With the blink of an eye Reid and Katie were back no the dance floor with their friends. As the night passed Katie changed into her reception dress. A classic silk high neck shift dress. A fun little number to end the night in. The night ended as it always does with laughter and joy and lots and lots of memories.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This wedding from beginning to start was a quintessential Boston Wedding Experience. A luxury hotel hosts timeless elegant wedding. This hotel is such a great spot to host a wedding. A couple can make the space completely their own and build onto an already luxurious modern design or they can leave the space as it is with little to no additions at all. The Newbury Hotel gives a full service luxury experience to clients looking for a little bit of everything. Cheers to Katie & Reid for having me come along and document such a special day.
X Cory