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.

Scenic view from the Newbury Hotel in Boston
Elegant flat lay of the bride’s invitation suite, jewelry, and accessories styled at the Newbury Hotel
Bridal accessories photographed with natural light and Newbury Hotel textures
Bridal accessories photographed with natural light and Newbury Hotel textures
Candid moment of the bride putting on her earrings in the Newbury Hotel’s elegant, neutral-toned room
Bride getting ready in a Newbury Hotel suite with soft natural window light highlighting her makeup and details
Bride stepping into her wedding dress with the help of her bridesmaids in a refined Newbury suite
Groom getting ready at the Newbury Hotel, adjusting his tie in soft window light.
Groom's details at the Newbury Boston Hotel
Groom buttoning his suit jacket in a modern Newbury Boston suite

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.

Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church Wedding
Lindsey Chapel at Emmanuel Church Candle Wedding Details
Bride walking down the aisle inside Lindsey Chapel’s stunning Gothic architecture.
Bride walking down the aisle inside Lindsey Chapel’s stunning Gothic architecture.
Emotional vow exchange surrounded by Lindsey Chapel’s stone archways.
Intimate, candlelit moment during the ceremony at Emmanuel Church
Intimate, candlelit moment during the ceremony at Emmanuel Church
Bride and groom sharing a kiss during the petal toss

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.

Timeless black-and-white moment as bride and groom cross the street with the Prudential in the background
Couple on the grand marble staircase of the Boston Public Library for a timeless portrait.
Couple on the grand marble staircase of the Boston Public Library for a timeless portrait.
Couple on the grand marble staircase of the Boston Public Library for a timeless portrait.
Bride and groom walking hand-in-hand beneath the BPL’s iconic archways.
Couple embracing under the Boston Public Library’s historic architectural details.
Couple embracing under the Boston Public Library’s historic architectural details.
Editorial portrait of the couple in Bates Hall with soft natural light.
Editorial portrait of the couple in Bates Hall with soft natural light.
Editorial portrait of the couple in Bates Hall with soft natural light.
Editorial portrait of the couple in Bates Hall with soft natural light.
Bride adjusting her veil while standing in Bates Hall at the Boston Public Library
Groom gazing at the bride under the library’s ornate arches.
Close-up of the couple holding hands on the marble stair balustrade.
Classic black-and-white couple portrait in the grand BPL entryway.
Film-style portrait in the BPL courtyard with soft, diffused light.
Film-style portrait in the BPL courtyard with soft, diffused light.
Romantic embrace captured in front of the library’s tall arched windows.
Romantic embrace captured in front of the library’s tall arched windows.

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.

Close-up moment with soft greenery framing the couple.
Romantic portrait near the iconic white lagoon bridge.
Romantic portrait near the iconic white lagoon bridge.
Bridal portrait beneath glowing trees and foliage.
Bridal portrait beneath glowing trees and foliage.
Bridal portrait beneath glowing trees and foliage.
Wide scenic portrait with lush garden landscaping behind them.
Film-inspired portrait surrounded by soft, natural tones.
Film-inspired portrait surrounded by soft, natural tones.
Couple standing along the water with Boston skyline hints in the background.
Couple standing along the water with Boston skyline hints in the background.
Couple standing along the water with Boston skyline hints in the background.
Chic, modern portrait featuring the Newbury’s elegant architecture.
Chic, modern portrait featuring the Newbury’s elegant 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.

Contessa table settings with candlelight and modern Italian-inspired décor.
Contessa table settings with candlelight and modern Italian-inspired décor.
Boston City Skyline
Floral arrangements layered with Contessa’s signature interior textures.
Floral arrangements layered with Contessa’s signature interior textures.
Guest place setting styled with modern décor elements.
Textural detail shot featuring linens, florals, and taper candles.
Table arrangement framed by Contessa’s panoramic city views.
Chic evening portrait featuring Contessa’s Italian-inspired design.
Chic evening portrait featuring Contessa’s Italian-inspired design.
Film-style rooftop portrait in Contessa’s warm evening light.
Editorial couple portrait framed by Contessa’s glass walls and rooftop views.

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.

Guests mingling in Contessa’s warm, European-inspired atmosphere.
Candid dining moment showing elegant tables and rooftop views.
Candid dining moment showing elegant tables and rooftop views.
Candid dining moment showing elegant tables and rooftop views.
Guests enjoying dinner surrounded by Contessa’s iconic décor.
Guests enjoying dinner surrounded by Contessa’s iconic décor.
Previous
Previous

Elegant Boston Wedding at the Omni Parker House

Next
Next

Fall Engagement Session at the Arnold Arboretum