Wedding: Bloom Inspired Microwedding in 18th Century Mansion

I first met Jennie while photographing a wedding at Briar Barn Inn where she was working as a wedding coordinator. You can imagine how honored I was a few months later when she reached out to not only let me know she had gotten engaged, but to ask me to be her wedding photographer!

Jennie and her fiancé Kevin had originally planned a large wedding of 150+ guests for November of 2020, but when COVID-19 hit there were so many unknowns, and so they quickly decided to downsize and plan a small wedding with just close family and friends.

Jennie found the Loring Greenough, and immediately fell in love with the 18th century Georgian mansion nestled in the heart of Jamaica Plain. Inspired by the property’s gardens and intimate feel, they decided on a floral theme with bright corals and pinks as their color palette. Florist Karla Cassidy didn’t hesitate putting flowers everywhere she could, from the stunning petal-full arbor at the end of two long rows of blooming gardens, to the little vases dangling from trees branches all about the grounds.

With a suite of good trucks offering guests specialty burgers from Boston Burger Company, cocktails, beer, and wine from an old fashioned truck via Tap Truck New England and ice cream sandwiches from Cookie Monster, the food and beverage was not only simply, but fun and interactive - and talk about yum!

Jennie and Kevin’s wedding day was beautiful - perfectly warm, with a cloud dappled bright blue sky. The energy was bright and calm, and I loved every minute of capturing Jennie getting ready, seeing her Dad for the first time in his suit, and reading her letter from Kevin. My 2nd Photographer, Danielle Norris-Gardener did such an amazing job capturing all of the details outside as well as Kevin gifting his groomsmen custom baseball bats.

While the couple had gone back and forth about doing a first look, when their big day turned into a smaller, more intimate one, they opted against it and it couldn’t have been a better decision for them. Seeing the look on his face as she came down the aisle made it such a special moment for both of them.

After a beautiful interfaith ceremony we snapped family photos, portraits, captured lots of candid laughs and settled in for the reception.

As the sun set in Boston, guests mingled from a safe social distance around the Loring Greenough lawn, listening to toasts, watching special dances, and playing lawn games.

When asked if she had any advice for other couples planning their wedding day, Jennie says, “Simple is best! COVID-19 has really put things into perspective for me, making me realize it's not about the things you want but about cherishing the things you have. Spending tons of money on decor and crazy flower arrangements aren't the pieces that will be remembered, but the memories you build on that day with your family and friends will stay with you forever.”

Amen, sis.

Vendor Team

Venue: Loring Greenough House @loringgreenough⁠⠀
Florist: Karla Cassidy Designs @karlacassidydesigns⁠⠀
Cake Artist: Silver Whisk Bake Shop @silverwhiskbakeshop⁠⠀
Hair + Makeup: Love Notes By June @lovenotesbyjune⁠⠀
2nd Photographer: Salty Raven Studio @saltyravenstudio⁠⠀
Food Trucks: Tap Truck New England, Boston Burger Company, The Cookie Monstah, Marge Bar
Bride + Bridesmaid's Dresses: BHLDN
Bride’s Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue
Engagement Ring: Ohanian Jewelers⁠⠀
Wedding Bands: Desjardin’s Jewelers
Men's Suits: Calvin Klein from Men’s Wearhouse
Men's Shoes: Jospeh Abboud
Tent Rental: Come Rain or Shine⁠⠀

How It Happened!

“Kevin and I met at a college party our sophomore year. We had mutual friends and hung out in groups just about every weekend. He told me he kept seeing a photo of us from winter break and decided he wanted to ask me out. He then told me how he felt (with a little liquid courage) and we then became inseparable. From library dates to dining hall dinners we hung out every moment we could! He was so sweet and kind I knew this man was something different and special. Our proposal wasn't at all expected! We went to my parent's house in Newburyport where it was 30 degrees and my crazy family wanted to go to Plum Island to walk the dogs. I thought they were nuts! Funny part was I also had a swollen mouth from a tooth infection and I didn't want to go anywhere. I was a crank! It then took some convincing and we made our way to the beach (with some complaining from me)! We made our way down to this alcove with some beautiful scenery where my sister and parents wanted me to take a photo of them. She then told me to get in a photo with Kevin so we posed on the sand together. He then whispered in my ear ‘You know I love you right?’. I turned to him and he was down on one knee, holding a small silver box open with a diamond ring. I was shocked! I immediately put my hand over my mouth, but the surprises weren't over. He then said to me ‘And your grandfather will always be with you’ and he pointed to the diamond. I started to cry. My grandfather wore a diamond on his wedding band and the fact that I was going to have him so close to me for life was so overwhelmingly special. Also having my family there to celebrate the proposal made everything perfect and complete.”