Come along with us as we depart from the hot, bustling cobblestone streets of Charleston, and off to Boston for Emily and Michael’s enchanting wedding weekend!

Emily and Michael are one of our cherished pre-COVID couples who have powered through three wedding date changes and two venue changes — all the while patiently dreaming of their big day. These college sweethearts met at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where they anticipated they would settle down and tie the knot. Emily decided to continue her education as an M.D., eventually leading to an exciting job opportunity as a plastic surgeon at Harvard Medical. This couple packed up their life in Nashville and headed to Boston, their new home and new wedding destination!

With the wedding weekend finally here, we grabbed our camera bags, kissed our sweet pups goodbye and headed to the airport, completely oblivious to the curveballs heading our way. All the flights to Boston were cancelled, with only one upcoming flight arriving at 11 PM on the wedding day. We rolled up our sleeves and jumped in the car, determined to be the most resilient husband and wife driving team ever. Thanks to rippling thunderstorms across the Southeast causing standstill traffic, it took us 21 hours to get to Boston. We pride ourselves on always arriving early to our bookings, but for the first time ever we arrived five minutes late to Emily and Michael’s rehearsal dinner. Of course, this kind couple took no notice of it and greeted us with the friendliest smiles that snapped us back into our photographing groove.

The rehearsal dinner was at the Hampshire House in the city center, overlooking the Boston Common. This extravagant venue oozed New England charm with its historic relics, beautiful old books and gold brocade window treatments. Emily wore a strapless dress embellished with an oversized bow that flowed behind her as she strolled about the venue. After the rehearsal dinner we retreated to our hotel, elated to finally sleep in a bed and get a good night’s rest before the wedding day.

Hampshire House rehearsal dinner in downtown Boston near boston common

Cute strapless rehearsal dinner dress with large bow with long tail. Groom kisses bride to be on cute sidewalk with spring tree in downtown boston.

Black and white rehearsal dinner groom holding bride. Boston wedding photographer.

Hampshire House awning at rehearsal dinner in downtown Boston

Walking on the sidewalk in Beacon Hill. Groom twirls his bride to be with her bow flowing in the wind. Summer wedding in boston.

Hampshire House black and white photo at rehearsal dinner. Groom snuggles into bride in downtown Boston.

Hampshire House summer rehearsal dinner in downtown Boston.

Fun moment between future bride and groom on the sidewalk in front of hampshire house near boston common.

Rehearsal dinner dress for bride with big bow flowing in the wind. Bride and groom holding hands walking down the street.

The following morning we met Emily and her bride tribe at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Boston. She was as bubbly as her glass of Prosecco, bouncing around the hotel room in her satin loungewear with marabou trim. She is one of the happiest brides we’ve ever photographed, and her magnetic energy kept us engaged and inspired throughout the weekend.

The wedding was held at the breathtaking Bradley Estate, a country home outside of Boston surrounded by meticulously kept gardens and dense, old-growth forests. The red brick and rigid symmetry of the mansion stood solidly beside the whimsical summer flowers and Emily’s billowing wedding skirt. This venue was the picture of relaxed sophistication, a true mirror of the couple themselves. Michael and Emily looked serene posing in front of the tall pines and blooming dogwoods that were as vital and vibrant as the love the couple has for one another.

Guests began arriving through the double doors of the mansion into the formal backyard of the estate. Taking their seats, the mystical forest and the romantic floral arrangements enraptured their senses, lending it all to a scene from a fairytale. Emily came down the rose petal runway, her father by her side, sharing a similar radiant smile. Michael was also glowing, overjoyed to take Emily as his wife. The couple spoke their sacred vows before their loved ones and the enchanted forest, shared their first kiss as husband and wife, and floated down the aisle on cloud nine.

The guests dined on lobster rolls and oysters for cocktail hour, while roaming the grounds of the estate and the pristine dining area. The white sailcloth tent was suspended over a travertine courtyard, creating a dining atmosphere fit for royalty. Each place setting was accompanied by a crystal goblet, gold silverware and a menu written in delicate calligraphy with a wax seal stamped “E & M.” The continuity of white and green throughout the entire wedding was seamless, and left us convinced that this was one of the most beautiful backyard weddings we have ever seen.

For their first dance Emily and Michael were in a synchronous state, anticipating each other’s moves and flowing together effortlessly. They took their place at their table, drinking in all the loving words spoken by honorary guests, and some effervescent champagne served in sterling silver goblets. Once the sun started to set, and everyone was fully sated with classic New England dishes, the band began to play, beckoning everyone to the dance floor.

We learned that Emily loves to swing dance, and trusted her friend to flip and dip her, even in her long wedding dress! The couple made their rounds and danced with friends and family members, often retreating back to each other’s arms to share a kiss and an embrace. Emily changed into a fabulous flapper style party dress with beaded fringe that whipped the air every time she moved. Michael’s groomsmen hoisted him up on a dining chair, causing him a fit of laughter, while Emily boogied down with her blush pink bride tribe.

The night gradually came to a close, and Emily and Michael began to thank their beloved guests for coming out. Bubbles were distributed, and soon the sail cloth tent was filled with iridescent air pockets of magic. Emily and Michael made their way down the bubble runway, and into a luxurious, vintage Rolls Royce. Before driving off, they looked back with tears of joy, understanding that good things really do come to those who wait.

Keep dancing through life you two, the best is yet to come!