Liberty Hotel Wedding Photos
Only my second time photographing a Liberty Hotel wedding in Boston, and I could not have asked for a more perfect day.
If you were to ask me for the ingredients that, for me, make up an ideal - a perfect - wedding, it would be these: a couple clearly deeply into each other; kind and thoughtful families and friends; a key player who wears his emotions on his sleeve (Zach, I love that these photos show how much you love Angela, and I know she will too); plenty of time to capture the creative portraits that my couple values (and a concise list of formals so that we have plenty of time to focus on those creative portraits); a little breeze to give the veil a natural lift at key moments; an unexpected and super fun hora; wonderful architecture to get my creative juices flowing (a former jail transformed into a gorgeous hotel - what could be better?!); and, honestly, being the sole documentarian (I didn't have a second photographer for this wedding, and there was no video team) so I was able to be 100% fully immersed in the day. Bliss!
I started with the girls in their suite at the Liberty Hotel, a lovely bright space, and took some time styling Angela's pretty details. I made the flatlay background a few days prior using some velvet material in a soft blue that I hoped would match their wedding colors (it did!) It takes me quite a while to style these photos, but I think it's worth it for the outcome; there will be a few additional setups in their full gallery. I then headed over to the conference suite on the fourth floor of the Liberty, where Zach and the guys were making their final touches. I love that Zach included both dads - and Angela both moms - in the getting ready process.
I set up their first look at what the Liberty Hotel playfully refers to as their "Instagram door" - because how can you not use this iconic spot for photos?! It's perfect - and a little out the way so they were able to enjoy a quiet moment together. Of course I was over the moon to see Zach tear up!
We focused on group portraits at the Boston Public Garden, then took a few couples' portraits around Beacon Hill. I also happened on a secret new favorite portrait spot. I have no idea if it's someone's private driveway but I am generally of the feeling that it is better to ask forgiveness when it comes to wedding photo spots ...
The Liberty has so many fantastic photo opportunities I made sure we got back in time to spend 20 minutes getting some photos in the balconies of the main atrium space, some in the beautiful restaurant, and a couple photos on the escalators. Then, it was time for the beautiful ceremony in the courtyard - and we were blessed with fantastic light throughout. I actually really loved the harsh light for the processional - it is something I usually avoid but when you're documenting moments you have to run with what you're given, and I loved how the processional (people) and trees above were lit up, with everything else falling into darkness.
Cocktail hour was held on the balconies overlooking the lobby - another visual treat, then dinner and dancing were in the ballroom. Thank you Angela & Zach for trusting me to document your perfect wedding day; I absolutely loved working with you and can't wait to share more in a few weeks!
PS Scroll down for their highlights slideshow at the bottom of this post.
