Meredith & Tom: Married! | A Boston Marriott Long Wharf Wedding

Any wedding that involves “just a quick stop to get a cannoli at Mike’s”, is a good wedding.  Add that to the fact that Meredith and Tom  (who you might remember from their recent engagement session) are just about the most genuine, authentic, and caring people you could meet, and you’ve got an unforgettable celebration.  Throughout the entire process, Meredith & Tom put their trust in me and were so jump out of their seats excited, that we couldn’t go wrong, even with the thunderstorms that thought about crossing our path.  Right after their ceremony, the sun came out, and everyone enjoyed an unusually cool August afternoon.  There was so much joy beaming from every single guest, that my team and I left smiling as much as the newlyweds! Meredith’s Jimmy Choo shoes had the absolute perfect amount of shimmer, and her classic white bouquet by Coleen’s flower shop totally matched Meredith’s quiet and gentle personality. My superstar colleague Tara Lyn Zannet joined the guys while they relaxed in the super swanky Midnight Lounge. If you know Tom, he doesn’t go more than about 25 seconds without laughing, and I loved him trying to be serious (unsuccessfully) for a few portraits. Meredith kept her grandfather’s fraternity pin on her dress as her something old and borrowed.  So wonderful. Dad first looks are some of my favorites. Since we had worked out a wonderful timeline with lots of buffer (all of which was used!), we had time for Meredith to sit for a few bridal portraits, some fun images with her bridesmaids on the balcony of her suite, and time to sit quietly to read a card that Tom had sent to her. Nobody will ever know what Tom wrote to his princess (Meredith even commented that she could barely read his chicken-scratch), but it made her smile, laugh, and cry tears of joy. Tom could not hold back how excited he was to see his bride walking towards him. I totally was joining in on this fit of giggles after their vows.  When you are this excited that you have just finished your I do’s (even with the rest of the mass to go), you’re starting off on the perfect journey. During our planning session, Tom mentioned that his one request was that he was able to get a cannoli from Mike’s pastry, so we built in time to wait in line if need be. Instead, Tom asked to the entire crowd if they’d be willing to allow him and his beautiful bride ahead of them in line in exchange giving his quiet bride a kiss right out in the street.  The crowd cheered, and Tom swept his bride to the front of the line, gave her a big kiss, and everyone was celebrating with them as they walked into the world famous bakery.  The team at Mike’s couldn’t have been sweeter, and even let me join them behind the counter to grab a shot of the couple together with the crowd!   After their quick snack break, we were off to Christopher Columbus Park for some fun bridal party portraits (planning reminder: you need a permit to shoot here, which we had on hand!).  Everyone walking through the park couldn’t believe how wonderful these guys looked, and two little girls were so excited to say hi to “the princess” (yes, that is Tom’s nickname for Meredith!).   We sent the bridal party off to cocktail hour to give Meredith & Tom some time to take a stroll down to the end of Long Wharf, making some great portraits along the way. While I spent my time with Meredith & Tom, Tara joined cocktail hour, and was met by the happiest wedding guests you ever did see :) Tom and Meredith flowed beautifully around the dance floor in a completely awesome first dance.  They were 100% just having fun while Tom led and twirled his bride, and I just love that these two let their happiness just pour out of their faces, rather than counting steps. Thanks to the guest who accidentally dropped their wine glass (you didn’t think we didn’t notice, did you?) – it worked for a perfect backdrop for Meredith & Tom’s rings!  Thank you also to my lovely assistant Cori, who very carefully brought the broken glass the awesome staff at the Marriott when we were finished. Meredith told me that while she wasn’t really into doing a garter toss, she wanted Tom to think they were going to do one, because with Tom being a Pat’s fan, and Meredith being a Steeler’s fan from Pittsburgh, she had a surprise in store for him!  The second two shots below are Tom seeing the garter for the first time, and then realizing what he was looking at! Tom’s dad was happy to take care of the garter for him!  Dulio is pretty much a crystal ball for what Tom is going to be like when he grows up (or chooses not to, just like his dad!).   And with that, Honey Train kept the party going strong into the rest of the night. Meredith & Tom, I cannot thank you enough for having me and my team be such a big part of such an amazing wedding.  May you only grow happier than you were on your wedding day!

If you haven’t had enough of Meredith & Tom (let’s be honest, you can’t get enough of them, and I totally understand that), check out their slideshow!

Venue: Boston Marriott Long Wharf

Ceremony: St. Leonard Church

Musicians: Honey Train

Hair/Makeup: Charlotte & Company

Gown: Vera Wang

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaid’s attire: J Crew

Flowers: Coleen’s Flower Shop

Cake: The Icing On The Cake

Stationery: B Wedding Invitations