Boston Public Library Wedding with a Chic Contessa Ristorante Reception
Sarah and Brannon’s wedding was small, intimate, and deeply intentional. With just their closest family present, every aspect of the day reflected thoughtfulness, design, and care.
Getting Ready at The Newbury Hotel
The morning began at The Newbury Hotel Boston, where Sarah and Brannon got ready together. The bright, elegant suite provided a calm, refined backdrop for candid, meaningful moments.
A Personal Ceremony at Lindsey Chapel
The ceremony at Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church was simple, personal, and heartfelt. With family gathered in the historic, light-filled space, it felt like we had been transported to Europe. As Brannon is a firefighter, they participated in a special blessing for first responders.
Boston Public Library Wedding Portraits
Following the ceremony, we captured portraits at the Boston Public Library. From the sweeping marble staircases to the grand arches of Bates Hall, the library’s architecture provided a timeless, editorial backdrop for intimate portraits that put the couple’s connection front and center.
Bates Hall, with its rows of historic reading tables and floor-to-ceiling windows, added another layer of classic sophistication. The light filtering through the library’s grand windows created soft, natural highlights that made every portrait feel cinematic and intentional.
The BPL allows for a mix of editorial and candid imagery, dramatic wide shots that showcase the architecture alongside quiet, personal moments that capture the couple’s energy. For small, family-only weddings like Sarah and Brannon’s, the library provides a refined, timeless environment that elevates portraits and leaves a lasting impression.
Portraits at the Public Garden and The Newbury
We continued with portraits in the Boston Public Garden, capturing candid moments framed by natural pathways and seasonal foliage. Back at The Newbury, the couple’s editorial portraits were enhanced by the hotel’s clean lines and refined architecture.
A Thoughtful, Family-Style Dinner at Contessa
The evening concluded with a single-table, family-style dinner at Contessa Ristorante’s wine cellar. Every element of the reception was carefully considered: hand-embroidered napkins for each guest, over-the-top floral arrangements lining the table, and top-tier service that prioritized the experience of every person present. With just one table, the focus was on connection, conversation, and shared moments, elevating a small wedding into a fully curated, fine dining experience.
Intentional, Elegant, Boston
Sarah and Brannon’s wedding demonstrates how a small, family-only celebration can be elevated through thoughtful design and careful attention to detail. From the quiet morning at The Newbury Hotel to portraits at the Boston Public Library and Public Garden, and a curated family-style dinner at Contessa, every choice felt deliberate. The result is a day that was intimate, elegant, and true to them.
CREDITS
Photography: Photos by Annalee
Hotel: The Newbury Boston
Ceremony: Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church Boston
Officiant: Father Alex Oneto
Florist: Orly Khon Floral
Portrait Venue: Boston Public Library
Reception: Contessa Ristorante
Dessert: b.wild Baking Company
Jewelry: Barmakian
Stationary: Margaux Paperie

