Emily and Kevin’s wedding day was a classic Boston spring day, windy and a little unpredictable. The morning started at Emily’s gorgeous family home in Southie, overlooking the water.

Their ceremony took place at Gate of Heaven Church, just a few blocks away, the same church where Emily’s parents were married, also in May years ago.

After the ceremony, we made our way to the Public Garden for portraits. The wind kept things interesting, but the rain held off just long enough. It was one of those moments where the city feels calm and alive at the same time.

The reception was at the Intercontinental Hotel, where the space and the view gave the evening a clean, modern backdrop. The rest of the night was full of good energy, great music, and a packed dance floor, exactly the kind of celebration Emily and Kevin had hoped for.

Getting Ready with the girls

The morning at Emily’s family home was full of energy from the start. The girls were tucked into one room doing makeup and hair, music playing, coffee cups half full, and phones propped up against windowsills to film TikToks. There was so much laughter, real, unfiltered joy that set the tone for the entire day.

Bride getting ready with bridesmaids at a Southie home, laughing and filming TikToks.

Bride stepping into her wedding gown with help from bridesmaids

Bride revealing dress to bridesmaids in family home for first time

Candid laughter and excitement during bridal party first look

Getting Ready with the guys

Kevin got ready just a few blocks away, also in Southie, surrounded by close friends and family.

One of the most memorable parts of the morning came just before the ceremony, when a bagpiper arrived to lead Kevin from the house to the church. The sound echoed through the streets in the best way!

Groom adjusting tie while groomsmen look on in preparation for ceremony

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place at Gate of Heaven Church, a striking space with soaring ceilings, soft light, and timeless architecture that immediately quiets the room.

For Emily, it held particular meaning. Her parents were married there, also in May, and being in that same space added a layer of significance to the day. There was something powerful about standing in the same aisle her mom once walked down, surrounded by so many of the same people, now there to celebrate the next chapter.

Wide shot of historic church interior with vaulted ceilings and stained glass

Bride and groom exchanging vows in historic Southie church

Soft sunlight streaming through church windows during wedding ceremony

Close-up of bride and groom holding hands at altar in historic church

Candid moments of wedding ceremony inside Gate of Heaven Church

Couple Portraits at the Public Gardens

After the ceremony, we headed to the Public Garden for portraits. It was one of those classic Boston spring days where the wind doesn’t let up, but instead of fighting it, we leaned in. The willow trees were just starting to open up, their long branches moving in the breeze, and the whole park had that early-season green that feels bright and fresh.

Emily’s veil caught the wind in all the right ways—floating, twisting, giving the portraits lots of movement. There were a few moments where we all had to pause and laugh, holding things down between gusts, but it was beautiful in that way where nothing feels too perfect.

Bride’s veil flowing elegantly in the wind during portraits at the Common

Having a large bridal party

Managing a large bridal party requires some careful planning and organization. It helps to build extra time into the schedule for portraits to avoid feeling rushed. Having the bouquets and boutonnieres ready and dried off, especially if the weather’s unpredictable, makes a big difference in keeping everyone looking fresh.

Large bridal party posing for portraits in Boston Public Garden

Group portraits with carefully arranged bouquets and boutonnieres

Reception at the InterContinental Hotel

The reception took place at the Intercontinental Hotel, where the sleek, modern space offered a fresh contrast to the historic feel of the earlier day. The room was filled with stunning pink florals that added warmth and softness to the clean lines of the venue.