The day started with the bride and her bridesmaids at Four Seasons getting their hair and makeup done, by Jennifer Guerriero and Veronica Kim, respectively. The bride was radiant in her Augusta Jones gown, while the bridesmaids looked beautiful in their dark blue BCBG floor-length dresses. The bride's ivory bouquet was elegant and unique with two small orchids topping the arrangement, while the delicate yellow bridesmaid bouquets offset their blue gowns perfectly. Hiroko Takeshita of Hanaya Floral arranged the flowers for the entire wedding. The couple's photographer, Kate McElwee, arrived that morning to snap pictures of the girls getting ready, and then moved on to capture the groom and groomsmen prepping on another floor of the hotel. Family members also gathered in the groom's suite to pin on boutonnieres and corsages.
A "first look" was organized in the grand staircase of the hotel. It was such a touching moment when Patty and Nate saw each other for the first time that day, as the bride was overcome with emotions! They took that opportunity to exchange gifts to each other too. Afterward, the bridal party and the couple's parents joined them for portraits in the Public Garden. After about an hour, a white stretch limousine and a vintage Jaguar, provided by Excelsior Limousine, took everyone to the church. A trolley from Super Tours was also on hand to take guests that were parked at the hotel to the church.
The ceremony was held at the more intimate Gordon Chapel at the Old South Church. It was a perfect space for about a hundred guests. The 30 minute ceremony was officiated by Reverend Doctor Ken Orth, with music provided by the church organist. After the ceremony, guests were handed "Yay" and "Hooray" flags to wave as the couple exited the church!! I can't wait to see pictures - the flags were too cute! It was quite a spectacle for all the people strolling Boylston that afternoon. Guests were then chauffeured to the hotel by three trolleys waiting outside, while the bride and groom and family members took the Jaguar and limo.
Cocktail hour began right when guests arrived, and everyone was treated to miniature bristol burgers, crab cakes, smoked salmon with corn griddle cakes, truffle parmesan fries served in bamboo cones, amongst other delicious bites. The couple was able to join their guests and also took some time out for portraits with extended family members. The reception was held in the former Aujourd'Hui restaurant space, with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of Boston Public Garden. Fruitwood Chiavari chairs were brought in to adorn the tables along with blue bengaline linens from Table Toppers of Newton and boxed favors which were little photo frames that were personalized with Patty and Nate's names and their wedding date. After introductions, the couple danced to "Got to Get You Into My Life" by the Beatles and then all the guests joined in on some pre-dinner dancing. DJ Pete O'Karma from Beat Train Productions continued to keep the high-energy crowd entertained all night. In between the three courses, everyone was treated to witty and poignant toasts from a few family members and friends. There were also parent dances and an impromptu one with Nate's grandfather being twirled around in his wheelchair by multiple members of his family. It was one of the sweetest moments of the reception!
As the guests were eating their entrees of either filet mignon or herb-crusted halibut, Kate and her assistant photographer, Leah Haydock, set up a photobooth in the cocktail hour area. She also provided fun props like huge scissors, wands, mustaches, and hats, which made for some hilarious pictures! The hotel also set up a spread of delectable desserts for a late-night buffet. It was an impressive array of sweets that included triple chocolate brownies, mini fruit tarts, mini cheesecakes, lemon whoopie pies, vanilla creme brulee, chocolate raspberry almond tortes, and apricot shortcakes. In addition to this incredible dessert spread, the couple had a four tier lemon and raspberry wedding cake from Flour Bakery. Everyone enjoyed the photobooth and desserts and the dance floor stayed packed until midnight!
Patty and Nate, it was truly a pleasure getting to work with the two of you and I hope you enjoyed your wedding day! =) Special thanks go out to my assistant Rachel, who helped with the set up and my husband Mike for driving me and the church flowers back to the hotel. Also, I have to thank Emilie for "dropping by" the reception (this was after coordinating another wedding earlier that day), but ended up staying and helping the whole night!!~Fiona
