The weather forecasters got it wrong once again!Earlier in the week, they called for showers on Saturday afternoon. Wrong! Jen and Brandon had a perfect weather day – ALL day!

George and I met Jen’s parents as we walked into the hotel. I think they knew we were photographers because of the gear we were carrying. Yeah…we tend to stick out that way. We arrived at room 708 to find a calm bride, very organized bridesmaids and not a hint of stress in the air. Wait a minute…did we go to the wrong room? This isn’t normal! But it worked. Jen was hanging out in comfy clothes with her veil and makeup on just waiting to put on her beautiful white dress. The bridesmaids were in and out delivering boutonnières and luggage, tracking down family members and of course, asking Jen if she needed anything. It was probably the calmest and organized "getting ready" scene I’ve ever observed. The only time anyone raised their voice was when Jen would play with her hair and the bridesmaids would simultaneously yell, "Stop playing with your curls!!" All out of love, of course.

George took off to meet the guys. I stepped out while Jen stepped into her dress. Back in the room, I did some fun portraits of Jen by herself and with her mom. Then we headed down stairs for some more formals after we got the word that Brandon and the rest of the groomsmen had vacated the premises. We got some shots in the lobby and then I went outside with just Jen. John, with Black Tie Limo, soon arrived and chauffeured the bride and her parents to the church.

Jen and Brandon had their ceremony at the beautiful St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Medford, MA. During the pre-wedding consultation, Jen and I talked through some ideas for formals with the wedding party outside the church and I couldn’t wait. A winding staircase and a stone façade awaited. I stepped into the church and found George shooting away as the guests were seated. Brandon was in the back with Father Joe. Cue the organ.

At this point, George and I have met many priests. There are very few like Father Joe. He was animated, engaging and loved to sing. He definitely kept the guests’ interest! Jen and Brandon also appreciated his approach and shared a few laughs during the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, Jen and Brandon greeted their guests at the back of the church. We then snapped a few formals with the wedding party, a few with just the bride and groom, a quick toast, and then they were off!

Casa di Fior has a wonderful area for formal pictures. This time of year, all the rhododendrons are in bloom and the grass can’t be greener. We took the family formals first and then worked with the wedding party. Watching a bunch of bridesmaids try to pick up a 6′ groom is pretty darn funny. Time’s up!

Jen and Brandon started the reception with their first dance as husband and wife. Father Joe was there to give the blessing, followed by three toasts from the wedding party. Hey Brandon – did you finish the "Jen test" yet?

Twilight came quickly and we stole Jen and Brandon for a few minutes to capture the moment before the light was gone. We snapped a few more groups shots during the evening, but the rest was pretty informal. That gave us the opportunity to capture a ton of candids. And let’s just say that some of the bridesmaids had some "mad dancing skills," right Lauren?

DJ Rich played a great mix of current hits and classic oldies, appealing to the whole crowd. Family and friends and the newlyweds partied ‘till midnight. I think they would have partied a lot later if they could have…

Jen and Brandon – I hope you made your flight out of Logan at 5:45 a.m. the next morning. Have a great honeymoon!

Vendors:

 Hotel: Residence Inn – Woburn, MA

Livery: Black Tie Limo – Haverhill, MA  

Church: St. Francis of Assisi – Medford, MA  

Reception Venue: Casa di Fior – Wilmington, MA  

 

To see more of Jen and Brandon’s wedding photos, click here.