Archive for the ‘Boston’ Category

Last week I met up with Michelle Reid and she gave me the grand tour of the Hampshire House. It is a quintessential Boston venue with spectacular views of the Boston Garden. It was a treat to get a chance to look around!

It was a nice afternoon so before my meeting I walked around Beacon Hill and the cute little shops on Charles Street. What a nice area for photos! And with the Boston Garden across the street you can even sneak in a few “typical Boston” photos.

I met Michelle in the lobby (which, if you have ever been then you will know, opens directly into Cheers). Don’t worry – when wedding guests arrive all doors into the restaurant are closed and only your guests are allowed to enter. It will be a peaceful and elegant entry: watercolors of the Garden are hung and the stage is set for your event.

We set off for the third floor event space that was set for a cocktail reception. This is the largest room which is currently set for approximately 20 seats at cocktail tables and a cheese display in the middle of the room. House linens (tan and cream) are part of most social events, but the Hampshire House wedding packages come with a selection of linens and great options for menus.

A neat  detail is that the carpet is really just an area rug! It is easily removed to expose a beautiful dance floor, so this could double as both a cocktail and after-dinner dancing space.

Just off of the main room is this smaller sitting room. I’m standing in the doorway that connects with the main cocktail space, and just ahead is the entryway to the bar. Each of the rooms have a fireplace that can be lit in the colder months.

This will give you an idea of what the bar is like, but it really is better in person. Full bar service, including beer on tap, is available. Guests can enter from the sitting room or the second floor landing.

Our next stop was the second floor. The library is the largest room in the house, with dinner seating at a max of around 80. The carpet can also be removed to expose a dance floor, so intimate wedding can have both dinner seating and dancing in this room without the need to “flip” the room (remove tables/chairs). Check out some of their Real Wedding pictures on their My Boston Wedding brochure!

The library experience wouldn’t be complete without a stately bar – and this one is incredible. It reminds me of a pre-prohibition bar, elegant without being overstated. They are still setting up for the reception (so ignore all the extra “stuff” that is out) but I like the simple touches of the apples in a vase.

Thanks for the touch, Michelle!

So on my way home I stumbled upon the fabulous Rugg Road Paper Company. I’ve been interested in visiting their shop and am glad I did. Their quaint space is so inviting, with everything from Lilly Pulitzer note cards to custom designed wedding invitations, so I had to take a look.

From custom paper for DYI invitations, to the best that Crane and Co. have to offer, there is a little something for everyone. They even have a selection of small gifts, so stop by and check them out!

Enjoy the weekend!

Cheers,
__Jessica

This week has been busy, in a great way! One thing I’ve learned is that many venues aren’t open for visits over the weekend – I understand that working on Saturdays isn’t fun, but this is a bit of a hassle for many couples. Who wants to take all of their vacation time to scout out wedding venues?

But we are here to help! Grab you coffee, snuggle with your laptop, and take a tour of the Commander’s Mansion. Thanks to Rae and Tammy for showing me around!

As you walk up to the Mansion you can see it has two porches and lots of windows into the space. The porch on the left side of the house wraps around and attracts lots of guests.

This is the view as you enter the front door. The main event space is through all of the doors on the right. (My camera was acting up a bit, so some of the pictures are disproportionally dark while others show how beautifully light this space is.)

Here’s the view of the front door (as seen from the foyer).

As you walk in the foyer, the stair case is on the left and the main event space is on the right. I think this little alcove would be perfect for hiding out before introductions. This is the main event space on the first floor where you can host almost anything. You can have cocktails here, then flip it during dinner for your dancing and cake cutting. Or it can be the main space for dinner. In the warmer months (when the tent is up) you could utilize this as a cocktail lounge, with fabulous furniture or just the home of your guest book, gift table, favors, and cocktails.

Marble fireplaces are in nearly every room of the Commander’s Mansion. Perfect for displaying family photos, engagement shots, or just votive candles.

As you move upstairs the second floor landing is large enough for all of this pretty furniture. If it doesn’t fit your style you are free to have it moved – a great spot for a bar.

On the second floor there are a series of rooms perfect for guests to mingle in, and even some space for the bride and groom to get ready. This little room overlooks the front of the house and is in between the bride and the groom’s rooms.

First, the bride’s room. It is a soft pastel and white color palette that quite spacious. The adjoining bathroom is also large enough for a whole flock of bridesmaids. Several brides have their portraits taken from this couch.

The groom’s room is also fantastic – more of a hunting/manly feel for this space. Not quite as large as the bride’s room, but plenty of space for 6-8 people and with it’s own bathroom.

Just down the hall from the 2nd floor landing is this additional room. The photo shows only about half the space, so it is large enough for almost anything you would want to put in there. It is typically a kids party room for a bar/bat mitzvah, so if you plan to have children at your wedding this would be a good space for kids activities, movies, or generally a place for them to run around. There is another room on the second floor, the Lavender Room, that good for just about anything.

I took a peek out the windows and found a preview to the patio…

Speaking of the patio! Rae took me on a tour of the outdoor space we well, and I am thrilled to say that it is GREAT! This is the patio where, during the summer months, they have a large tent for outdoor receptions. Tents are such a perfect, blank space for just about anything (especially lighting!).

Just beyond the patio is this grapevine arbor ceremony space. Surrounded on all sides by the trellis and vine it is quite and lush in the summer, with shade provided by the tree. The arbor is fully covered by the vines, so the bride and bridesmaids can hide on one side without ever being seen by guests!

Doesn’t this look perfect for some cute bridal party photos?! (when it is in bloom, of course)

Just one last thing – the Technical Considerations:

• Complimentary parking is available throughout the property
• The entire building is handicap accessible

Hope this helped you narrow your venue search! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Cheers,
__Jessica

Last week I had the chance to meet up with Brett Alison of Brett Alison Photography. She is such a delight! We got to share some experiences, talk about weddings we love, and share our affinity for details well planned — something she captured perfectly at this wedding she shot over the summer. How fabulous!

{ Brett Alison Photography }
check out the rest of this post!

The couple must have spent a lot of time crafting these little details – and how great they are! I love how they have developed things that speak to their love of the Cape: from naming the tables after Cape towns and the lobster cookie favors, to the lobster trap “card box” and hosting their reception at the Dennis Inn … the details are stylish and tactful while keeping in a spirit of fun. Their cake even has “sand” and Adirondack chairs!

What I like most about Brett’s work is that she captures all of the details in a journalistic way. Nothing is too artsy or crazy. The shots have a great perspective while encompassing the feel of the event – giving you the feeling that you attended the wedding from just looking at the photos. Add to that the beautiful colors and great photos of the dancing and you can tell, just from the look on the couple’s faces, that they are happy, relaxed, and enjoying themselves!

Congrats, Brett, on another wedding well done. Looking forward to working with you!

Cheers,
__ Jessica

When I came across The College Club of Boston it made me think of one of my favorite DC venues – the Arts Club of Washington. This hidden gem of DC is gaining popularity because of their fantastic staff and beautiful venue, so I thought to share the College Club for the same reasons. All pictures are from the College Club of Boston website.

The rooms are beautifully decorated with antiques – giving you little to worry about when deciding on decor. This kind of venue also gives your guests plenty of room to spread out during cocktail hour — multiple bars in various locations will encourage guests to wander around, mingle, and enjoy the space.

With so much light the rooms are also perfect for photos. I’m thinking photos that are formal and informal… like the cover of Vanity Fair.

The staircase is a nice touch – not necessarily a focal point, but something that will definitely be noticed.

The Club also offers beautifully, newly renovated guest rooms. Some of my brides have booked all of the rooms at bed and breakfast locations then hosted the bridal party for the weekend. What a great time! It gives the ladies time to spend together in a comfortable location. Good wine + great friends are all it takes for fabulous pre-wedding fun!

A perfect location for intimate weddings - so check them out!

Cheers,
__ Jessica 

Hope everyone is having a fabulous New Year’s Eve! Congratulations to those of you who are recently engaged – 2010 will be a great year!

For those of you in Boston, the ice sculptures will be around this weekend and are all over the city if you need to get out of the house for a winter walk.

{Mike Hume}

Cheers,
__Jessica

Bostonians love the Boston Garden and many who choose to get married in the City will also find their way to the Public Garden for a few wedding photos. The flora, fauna, and fountains are a lovely backdrop for both formal and informal pictures.

{Orchard Cove}

Just plan ahead — whether you have hired a Day-of coordinator, or you have full planning help from a professional — dropping by the Boston Common or Garden for a few quick photos could lead to a bit of trouble if you or your photographer don’t request a permit.

The City of Boston Parks Commission requires a permit for any wedding ceremony or photographs taken on park property. However, the application process is pretty painless:

• Apply for a Special Events Permit Application to City Hall at least 10 days prior to the event
• Include a cashiers check for $50 (City Residents) or $100 (Non-residents)
• On the day of the wedding, make sure your photographer has the permit in hand. No need for problems!

If you’re undecided about where to go for your photographs this truly is a great spot. Amongst things to consider when choosing a photo location, the Garden has: indirect afternoon lighting, plenty of space for large and small group photos, and paved walking paths. The variety of backdrops — fountains, trees, and the bridge — will give your family photos additional visual interest and prevent the “cookie cutter” look to all of your post-ceremony phots.

{Nancy Gould}

One more photo, because I can’t resist!

{Glen Cooper}

And if you have a special ring bearer (like this handsome pug) make sure he has a special wedding leash… so many squirrels and so little time…

{Nancy Gould}

There are several parks, in addition to the Public Garden, that fall under the Parks Commission, so for more details on the permit and a printable application, check out the City of Boston’s website here.

Now all you need is an order of sunshine!

Cheers,
__ Jessica

I recently learned about Artists for Humanity, both as an organization and as venue, and thought this was an incredible space for a modern-style wedding. All of the pictures are from their website.

Nestled in South Boston, not far from the Convention Center, the AFH EpiCenter has caught a lot of attention. Being “green” is an effort that they take seriously – because of their use of recycled materials and sustainable energy it has been rated a Top 10 sustainable building. Definitely a great find for an eco-minded couple.

Windshields wrap the staircase and mezzanine.

From the other side of the space you can see how large it really is. There is plenty of room for a seated dinner (I’m thinking a combination of square, rectangle, and banquet tables), dancing, and any other plans you have. What really captured my attention was the giant glass door at the end of the space…

…which opens into the courtyard! Cocktails anyone?

For this kind of warm-weather set up, or if you decide to use two adjoining spaces for your event, consider draping sheer fabric as a way to visually separate each area. Then each space can have its own, unique decor but still remain accessible to your guests.

As you can see, the minimalists decor is a blank slate with all kinds of potential. Rigged decor (anything that hangs from the ceiling) add depth, creating visual interest and ambiance to loft-like spaces. Nearly anything can hang from a ceiling — crystals, flowers, lights, parasols, fabric… — so combining the right elements will create a fabulous style for your event decor.

In addition to all of this, contracting this venue is good for the community. The programs available through Artists for Humanity provide teens from the Greater Boston area exposure to the arts and opportunities for skill development.  Their mission really says it all:

…to bridge economic, racial and social divisions by providing underserved youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts.

 This environmentaly and community friendly venue has a lot to offer so check them out!

Cheers, 
__   Jessica