I don’t know what it is about snow, but it seems to have magical powers. Nothing else in nature seems to be able to bring the world around me to a halt like snow does. Have you ever just stood outside in the woods in the middle of softly falling snow? It even has the power to cancel school sometimes. Man, I can’t tell you how many times I wish I could have done that. And to think, a very fragile, very small, very temporary flake of snow (along with a few billion of it’s closest friends) can change our physical world in an instant.
The forecast for Rachel and Brian’s wedding this past weekend indicated that it would be snowing. I touched base with Rachel ahead of time to let her know we’d be there no matter what the weather and confirm the final timeline. I received a voicemail a short while later.
"As warped as it is, I’m a little excited about the fact that it is going to be white and fresh and beautiful." Rachel’s voice stated.
I was too.
The day of the wedding, it was snowing. And blowing. Typical for New England in January. George and I arrived at Rachel’s parent’s home where the ladies were getting ready. After a quick introduction, George headed off to meet up with Bryan and the guys and head into Boston.
While the ladies prepped for the big day, I dug right into some detail shots with Rachel’s jewelry. She had the most elegant watch, earrings, and necklace. There were diamonds everywhere! Once the ladies were dressed (excluding Rachel), I realized I should have worn my red tie to match their red gowns. Soon it was Rachel’s turn. Once she was mostly dressed, I was called back into the room to get the final shot of her aunt Martha doing the final zip and fastening. Rachel’s mom Nancy looked on from the doorway. As they assisted Rachel with her jewelry, Rachel’s mom shed tears of joy as she watched her only daughter transform into a beautiful bride.
Pretty soon, we were packing up the limo and heading to the church. Rachel and her father Jim followed just behind in a silver Rolls Royce. Despite the weather, both vehicles made it safely to Hanover Street in Boston’s famed North End. Just a few blocks down sat St. Leonard’s Church filled with guests anxiously awaiting Rachel’s arrival.
Father Antonio Nardoianni presided over Brian and Rachel’s ceremony. He stood at the front with Brian as the bridesmaids and then Rachel herself walked down the aisle toward them. She cried tears of joy as she approached. A lot of clients have told me it is very emotional to see so many familiar faces in one place at one time. Jim gave his daughter a kiss, shook hands with Brian and took a seat next to his wife, who lovingly embraced him. They couldn’t be happier for Rachel.
Following the ceremony and receiving line, we took a few formals in the sanctuary. Then, we walked down the street with the wedding party to a coffee shop so Rachel and Brian could have a cup of coffee. This was something they talked to me about during the pre-wedding consultation and couldn’t wait. What really made the scene absolutely perfect was the snow falling all around them. Hanover Street never looked so beautiful and Rachel and Brian drank in the whole scene while George and I snapped away.
Next stop – Tewksbury Country Club.
By the time we got to Tewksbury, the wind was gusting up in the 40-50 mph range. With the wind chill, I’m guessing it was close to zero outside. It wasn’t even a question that we would do the formals inside, which we did, but Rachel and Brian wanted just a few more of the two of them out in the snow on the bridge. Knowing that they really wanted these pictures and that the bridge was basically built for photography, I was happy to oblige. George and I ran outside, got everything set up and then I ran back inside to grab the brave couple while George made sure nothing blew away. A few snaps on the bridge and we were done. Awesome!
The reception was held in the main ballroom of the Tewksbury Country Club clubhouse. It looks like an oversize mountain lodge, featuring a massive open pine structure and a huge fireplace at one end. Rachel and Brian had told me they loved it the first time they saw it. I could understand why. I mean, if it’s snowing outside, who doesn’t want to feel like they’re in a log cabin sitting in front of a fire?
The night was filled with laughter, dancing, warmth, great music and joy for the newly married couple. It was the perfect way to spend a cold, snowy evening in January. There’s just something magical about winter weddings.
Congrats to Rachel and Brian! Thanks for giving George and I the opportunity to be a part of your magical celebration. We loved it!
To see more images from their wedding, click here.
Vendors:
Dress: Filene’s Basement "Running of the Brides" – Boston, MA
Florist: My Personal Florist – Reading, MA
Hair: Ripples Salon – Arlington, MA
Church: St. Leonard’s Church – Boston, MA
Reception: Tewksbury Country Club – Tewksbury, MA
Cake: Konditor Meister – Braintree, MA
DJ: Chris Stevens of Boston Music Works – Woburn, MA
Livery: Sunset Limousine Service – Woburn, MA
Rachel’s jewelry was so elegant!
Such a great shot George!
St. Leonard’s
So cute!
Gotta have Mike’s!
The snow made these shots that much better!
My favorite from Hanover Street
Seriously brave couple here.. .
That’s Aunt Martha in the red dress – the "Matron" of honor.
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