Boston Aquarium Wedding
I always love driving TO the city to shoot a wedding, instead of driving THROUGH it to get to one. This is also especially true when the venue you’re shooting at is the New England Aquarium. Walking into Morgan’s bridal suite, the energy inside matched how I felt perfectly- excited and ready to have some fun- LET’S GO! Morgan and Ryan’s big day was filled with this energy, and as much fun as prep was, I couldn’t wait to see/shoot their first look by the water. Now, anyone who has tried to shoot photos on the harbors edge on a Saturday knows how crowded it could be, but we had a secret weapon- Edwin Santana of Marrero Events. Edwin was a rockstar all day, but held the golden ticket that made the first look location pretty much cleared out and to ourselves.
M&R were both radiating a fierceness of joy before the moment they first laid eyes on each other. (Also one of the little moments that make my photographer heart scream!) And just as expected, it was a beautiful first look. They followed with a quick letter reading to each other. Tears in both of their eyes, I could only wish and wonder what the letters said.
Now comes the formals, and I think anyone getting married could take a note out of M&R’s book- we got formals of the family in the park, formals of the B&G, AND drove across the way to get photos on the riverwalk with the skyline in the background! And THAT is how you take advantage of photo time and get ALL THE GOOD SHOTS! Seriously, these two have more portraits of themselves then any other wedding I shot this year, and I love it!
The skies had been looming most of the day, and a quick couple of drizzles moments before the ceremony almost pushed us inside. I can remember standing by waiting to see if we were about to start, or all run inside, as the chairs had all been moved into the tent during the first small rain. At one point, the ceremony started and the wedding party made their entrances in a quick step- it was game on! Things started out normally, with a beautiful monologue, when the first reading was interrupted by one very vocal seal- as in the big blubbery guys you see hanging out in the outdoor exhibit at the aquarium. Well received by everyone in attendance, Mr. Seal spoke up a few more times throughout the ceremony. A couple I do’s and a smooch later, it was time to head inside and mingle with the penguins. Coolest cocktail hour location ever if you ask me.
Now to the part of the day I had been anxiously awaiting. This promised to be a great party. Entering into a very large tent full of cheering friends and family, M&R shared their first dance as husband and wife. Smiling from ear to ear, it was another moment I was grateful to have witnessed. After a couple touching speeches, it was finally time to dance. This was the first time I had heard DJ Paul from MassRhythem, and holy cow did he spin up a party! As expected (and promised), the crew threw down till after midnight, and finished the night off with a human tunnel for the bride and groom.
It was such a vibrant and lively night that made me not want to leave. Most of the wedding party and crew were headed off to a bar for the after party, and I can vividly remember the last part of my walk to my car. Right before heading into the garage, I looked right and saw Morgan, Ryan and a small entourage crossing the road down the way. Backlit, it was a perfectly framed shot of them heading off to start the rest of their lives together. The moment was quick and unfortunately my camera was in my backpack, so this quick description is all I can give, but it’s one of those little moments I will probably never forget.
Morgan and Ryan, I hope the rest of that night was magical, and may your wedding day vibe follow you wherever your path may lead.
Cheers!
