Nestled in Wellesley, Massachusetts, The Gardens at Elm Bank provided the perfect location for Caroline and Greg’s romantic garden party wedding. Inspired by the beauty of the Italian countryside, their Elm Bank wedding was filled with lush greenery, soft pink florals, and timeless fashion.

The couple envisioned a celebration that felt elegant and relaxed, an afternoon where their guests could wander through the gardens, enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, and celebrate surrounded by the people who have shaped their lives. With the Italian Gardens as their ceremony backdrop and the Carriage House as their reception space, their wedding felt like stepping into a European summer garden party right outside of Boston.

A Secret Garden-Inspired Wedding at The Gardens at Elm Bank

The design inspiration for the day centered around the romance and charm of an Italian garden celebration. The historic gardens at Elm Bank created a naturally beautiful backdrop, with winding pathways, lush greenery, and timeless architecture setting the tone for the entire event.

The floral design enhanced the natural beauty of the venue with a palette of soft pinks and vibrant greens. Tropical blooms, cascading amaranthus, and organic arrangements added texture and movement throughout the celebration, creating a garden-inspired atmosphere.

Every detail was thoughtfully curated to complement the surrounding landscape, blending European garden party inspiration with the timeless elegance of a New England wedding.

Getting Ready at Hotel Commonwealth in Boston

Before heading to The Gardens at Elm Bank, Caroline and Greg began their wedding day getting ready at Hotel Commonwealth in Boston.

A Romantic First Look in the Italian Gardens at Elm Bank

Caroline and Greg shared their first look among the gardens at Elm Bank, surrounded by the lush greenery that made the venue so special. The private moment allowed them to slow down and take in the significance of the day before joining their friends and family for the celebration.

The Italian Gardens at Elm Bank offer one of the most romantic settings for wedding portraits near Boston, with a variety of garden spaces creating beautiful backdrops throughout the day.

Bride and groom sharing their first look in the Italian Gardens at Elm Bank

Romantic wedding portraits surrounded by gardens at The Gardens at Elm Bank

Newlywed couple walking through the gardens during their Elm Bank wedding

Timeless Bridal Fashion

Caroline’s bridal look perfectly complemented the romantic garden setting. She wore a beautifully structured corseted gown featuring a dramatic train and delicate lace veil.

The combination of classic bridal elements with the natural surroundings of Elm Bank created a timeless look that felt both sophisticated and effortless.

The bridesmaids continued the garden party aesthetic with a mix of pink and green dresses featuring different patterns, textures, and silhouettes. The varied looks added personality while tying beautifully into the floral design and overall color palette.

A Meaningful Celebration for the Boston University Lacrosse Community

While the setting was undeniably beautiful, the heart of Caroline and Greg’s wedding was the community that surrounded them.

Caroline and Greg are the first known couple from Boston University’s men’s and women’s lacrosse programs to come together and get married. Both continue to coach, and their wedding brought together teammates, former teammates, coaches, and lifelong friends from both programs.

The atmosphere felt like a joyful college reunion, a celebration filled with old friends reconnecting, shared memories, and an entire community coming together to celebrate their love story.

Bridesmaids wearing pink and green dresses at an Elm Bank wedding

Wedding party wearing colorful dresses inspired by a garden party aesthetic

Groom and groomsmen portraits at The Gardens at Elm Bank

Wedding party portraits before an Italian garden ceremony

Garden wedding ceremony setup with pink and green florals at Elm Bank

Bride walking down the aisle during an Elm Bank wedding ceremony

Wedding ceremony in the Italian Gardens at Elm Bank

Newlyweds celebrating their marriage at a Massachusetts garden wedding

Newlywed couple during sunset portraits in the Italian Gardens at Elm Bank

Sunset Portraits at Elm Bank

As the evening light softened, Caroline and Greg stepped away for sunset portraits throughout the gardens. The golden light filtering through the landscape created some of the most romantic moments of the day.

The Italian Gardens at Elm Bank provide endless opportunities for wedding photography, from lush garden portraits to intimate moments surrounded by historic architecture and natural beauty.

European-inspired wedding portraits at sunset in Wellesley Massachusetts

Sunset wedding photos from a romantic Elm Bank garden wedding

Cocktail Hour and Reception at The Gardens at Elm Bank

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour throughout the Italian Gardens at Elm Bank with passed appetizers and signature drinks. One of the memorable details was the custom monogrammed cups featuring the couple’s signature Orange Crush cocktail!

Guests then transitioned into the Carriage House for dinner, dancing, and an evening filled with celebration. The reception carried the same relaxed elegance as the rest of the day, with thoughtful details woven throughout every moment.

Garden party inspired wedding cocktail hour details

Garden-Inspired Florals and Reception Details

The floral design carried the garden party vision throughout the entire celebration. Soft pink blooms, lush greenery, tropical flowers, and cascading amaranthus brought dimension and texture to the arrangements.

Inside the Carriage House reception space, moss-lined tables created a natural garden-inspired foundation, while gold lamps placed throughout the room added warmth and an intimate glow as guests settled in for the evening.

A Classic Wedding Cake and Late-Night Treat

Caroline and Greg chose a classic vanilla wedding cake that complemented the timeless feel of their celebration. Later in the evening, they added a fun surprise for guests with passed ice cream sandwiches served directly on the dance floor.

Lively wedding reception captured by a Boston wedding photographer

Planning an Elm Bank Wedding?

For couples searching for a romantic garden wedding venue near Boston, The Gardens at Elm Bank offers a unique combination of historic charm, natural beauty, and versatile spaces for celebrating. From the Italian Gardens ceremony location to the Carriage House reception space, Elm Bank provides an unforgettable backdrop for timeless wedding photography.

As a Boston wedding photographer, I love documenting celebrations that feel deeply connected to their surroundings, weddings where the location, design, and people all come together to tell a meaningful story.

CREDITS

Planner: Deering Events

Photography: Photos by Annalee

Film Lab: The FIND Lab

Florist: Jenny Events Co.

Makeup Artist: Makeup by Molly O’Toole

Hair Stylist: Beauty Collective

Bridal Boutique: Vows Bridal

Catering + Dessert: Tastings Caterers

Rentals: PEAK Event Services

Linens: Nuage Designs

Draping + Lighting Designers: CJC Lighting and Production