Jess & Erik’s Iconic Fall Wedding at Somerville's Crystal Ballroom

Fall in Somerville, MA is the perfect backdrop for a romantic and vibrant celebration, and Jess & Erik’s wedding was a beautiful example of just that. As a Somerville wedding photographer, I loved capturing their intimate, joyful day filled with love, laughter, and a few iconic surprises. From getting ready at home to rooftop photos in Davis Square, this Boston-area wedding perfectly combined personal touches, neighborhood charm, and seasonal beauty.

Getting Ready at Home

Jess and Erik began their wedding day at their home in Somerville, where they shared a quiet, intimate morning together. Unlike traditional weddings where the couple gets ready separately, they spent the morning laughing, sipping coffee, and savoring the anticipation of the day with their closest family members around. Their home was filled with meaningful touches that reflected their personalities, relationship, and shared love for cats—who would later become a fun theme throughout their celebration.

The couple’s first look took place in their cozy home library, a space filled with books and mementos that tell the story of their life together. Surrounded by the warmth of family and subtle details of their relationship, it was a heartfelt moment that set the tone for the rest of their Somerville wedding day

Family Photos at Powderhouse Park

After getting ready, we headed to Powderhouse Park in Ball Square, Somerville for family portraits amidst the brilliant fall foliage. Powderhouse Park is a historic green space named after the Powder House, one of the oldest surviving municipal structures in Somerville, dating back to 1704. Originally built to store gunpowder for local militias, the Powder House now serves as a beautiful park offering scenic views, historic significance, and a perfect backdrop for family photos. The vibrant autumn leaves added warmth and color, creating timeless portraits and an ideal setting for couples planning Boston-area weddings in the fall.

Iconic Davis Square Photos

From there, we headed into Davis Square, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Somerville for wedding photography. Jess & Erik’s engagement with the neighborhood added layers of meaning to their photos. We explored some classic Davis Square spots, including the balcony of their venue, the Crystal Ballroom, and the Somerville Theater, ending with stunning shots on top of the marquee—a truly iconic backdrop for any Somerville wedding photographer. The mix of urban charm, historic architecture, and small-town energy made for dynamic and visually striking photos.

Ceremony at the Crystal Ballroom

The Crystal Ballroom Somerville is a historic wedding venue that has been hosting events for decades. Originally built in the early 20th century, it was a central gathering spot for Somerville’s cultural and social events, hosting dances, performances, and community celebrations. Its high ceilings, ornate detailing, and elegant ambiance make it a beloved location for Boston weddings and Somerville wedding photography alike. Jess & Erik’s ceremony took place here, combining the venue’s historic charm with their personal, playful style.

Having your ceremony on a stage? Hell yeah!

Their officiant led a ceremony that was heartfelt and full of personal touches. Guests smiled, laughed, and cheered as the couple exchanged vows, truly reflecting their playful, loving personalities. Cats, a beloved motif for the couple, made appearances throughout the space, adding whimsical and unique charm.

Cocktail Hour & Reception Under the Disco Ball

Following the ceremony and a few iconic night shots outside of the Somerville Theater’s glowy marquee, guests moved into the Crystal Ballroom’s reception space, where a disco ball shimmered overhead. The reception, catered by Penny Packers, featured a mix of fine bites and hearty favorites, while Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens filled the space with lush, seasonal floral arrangements. Jess’s Jenny Yoo x Anthropologie dress and hair & makeup by Alexandra Angelone made her shine, perfectly complementing the venue’s historic elegance.

DJ J-Wall kept the dance floor moving, and cats and disco balls became a fun, recurring theme that reflected the couple’s personalities. Every detail—from rings by E. Scott Originals to personalized décor—helped make their Somerville wedding uniquely theirs.

Jess & Erik’s Love Story

Jess and Erik met on Bumble and quickly bonded over their shared love of Boston’s neighborhood bars. Their first date was at Lamplighter, followed by a second drink at Lord Hobo, and the night ended with Erik walking Jess home. The story came full circle when Erik proposed on the two-year anniversary of their first date. Instead of Lamplighter, they walked to Prospect Hill Park, where Erik popped the question atop the tower while taking in breathtaking views of the Boston skyline.

Their ideal date night? Exploring new restaurants or revisiting old favorites, always with a sense of adventure and shared love for good food. Many of Jess’s favorite memories come from their travels—like a spontaneous birthday trip to Portland, Maine, where they stayed on a houseboat, ate pizza in the woods, and caught a live show. These adventures highlight how their personalities complement each other: Jess’s preparation balances Erik’s whimsy, resulting in experiences full of joy and spontaneity.

Somerville Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: Crystal Ballroom Somerville
Photography: Amanda Macchia Photography
Rings: E. Scott Originals
Caterer: Penny Packers
Florist: Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens
Dress: Jenny Yoo x Anthropologie
Hair & Makeup: Alexandra Angelone
DJ: DJ J-Wall

Jess & Erik’s wedding was a perfect example of a Boston wedding that combines personal details, historic venues, and the charm of Somerville neighborhoods. As a Somerville wedding photographer, I loved capturing the story of a couple deeply connected to each other and their community. From the intimate first look in their library to dancing under a disco ball surrounded by cats, their day was joyful, authentic, and absolutely unforgettable.

If you’re planning your own Somerville or Boston wedding and want a photographer who captures real moments, heartfelt details, and the personality of your day, I’d love to chat and see how we can tell your story together. Contact me today to book your Somerville wedding photographer and start planning your perfect day!