It’s been a while since I posted on my blog… It is not because I don’t have any new photos to show you. On the contrary, I have had one of the busiest summers as a photographer this year, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend more time behind the camera and getting images out to all the great couples and clients that I have worked with. With that said it really is about time I added a few new images on the blog, so we’re back with a bang!
As the colder temperatures draw in, I thought I would take you back to those slightly warmer days when it was shorts and t-shirt weather! I am already waiting for those to come around again, and we have only just begun the winter season in earnest.
I had the great pleasure of photographing Kellie and Nick’s engagement session in their hometown of Philadelphia! They are getting married on the Cape next summer (ah, warm weather!) but they wanted to capture some images together in the town they are currently living and why not? It’s home for them, after all! Kellie dropped me a line and asked if it would be possible for me to travel down to Philly to get those photos, and I happily agreed! It was really great getting to explore the town with them and I think we did a pretty decent job of getting some great photos on our journey as well.
Philly, much like Boston, has some really nice unexpected locations – as well as some regular favorites – when it comes to engagement photos. It was nice going around with some seasoned locals, but it was also nice to spot some new spaces and come across locations that were not on the radar for any of us.
Sometimes you get the best engagement or weddings photos in the least expected locations, so I was constantly on the lookout for that next shot as we walked through town.
It was a quick few hours in town with Kellie and Nick before flying back to Boston, but well worth it! I can’t wait to catch up with them next year on the Cape and meet all their friends and family for their big day!
In the meantime if you’re looking for engagement or wedding photos and are based somewhere in this world then let me know, always happy to travel to you! :)
In this seemingly endless, frigid winter, it seems like so long ago when Fernando and Vanessa had their lovely Ritz Carlton Boston Common wedding with the ceremony at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End, but it was only at the end of last summer. Roberto had previously shot their engagement photos on the bank of the Charles River in the spring, and on another warm day at the end of August, Roberto Farren Photography had the special privilege of joining Fernando and Vanessa as they said their vows and celebrated their marriage in an intimate ceremony and reception in Boston.
We first met up with Vanessa, who looked absolutely breathtaking in a romantic gown that was made just for her. A pale pink sash, headpiece and flowing veil completed the look, and she looked every inch the perfect bride.
Her maid of honor helped add the final touches with some simple but elegant jewelry and a spritz of perfume, and then we headed down to meet Fernando.
The first look was held in the dramatic Avery Bar with close family looking on. As usual, I was blurry with tears, but Roberto got busy capturing some lovely images of the couple seeing each other for the first time before their wedding. They posed for a few snaps at the hotel, and then we were lucky enough to have the couple all to ourselves for over an hour before the ceremony.
This gave us the chance to head out to Boston Common and Boston Public gardens, and since it was a beautiful, not too muggy evening there were loads of people there enjoying the warm, end-of-summer evening.
I don’t think there has ever been a couple with as many ‘Congratulations!’ wished to them by strangers as Vanessa and Fernando… they were literally stopping the crowds, and there’s no guess as to why! They both looked stunning, and with the mild evening light, and happy celebration just around the corner, their love shone through.
Roberto captured some beautiful wedding day images of the couple throughout our walk around Boston Common and Boston Public Gardens, then we headed back for the wedding.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is a stunning place to be married, and while it is a larger space, Fernando and Vanessa’s family and friends all crowded to the front to be close to the couple. The ceremony was in both English and Spanish, and after they were pronounced husband and wife, the family stayed for photographs in the beautiful center aisle.
Back at the Ritz for the reception, we quickly learned that Fernando is a big Game of Thrones fan! Tables were named for the main families in the books/TV series, and Fernando wore the ‘Hand of the King’ pin next to his boutonnière.
Fernando and Vanessa’s family and friends shared a delicious meal and even more delicious desserts before taking to the dance floor. The mix of American and Mexican pop music meant that no one left the dance floor, not even to check out the return of the New York Yankees, who also stayed at the Ritz while playing the Boston Red Sox that weekend.
Roberto stole Vanessa and Fernando away from the dance floor one last time towards the end of the night to take some last portraits together in the wonderful spaces that were to be found at the Ritz Carlton.
Thanks for stopping by. If you have plans to get married at the Ritz Carlton Boston Common or another one of the cities wonderful venues then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Roberto to talk about coverage options for your big day.
All the very best to Vanessa and Fernando and it was really great meeting all their friends and family too.
Kristin and Mike were married last Fall in Newburyport, MA and celebrated their day at Tupper Manor, located on the coast in Beverly MA. I met with Kristin and Mike early in January 2013, and I knew I wanted to shoot their wedding straight away! They were very relaxed and laid back and had a great day planned out and when they got back to me to let me know they wanted to book me, it was great being able to mark that date in my calendar!
On the day, I started out with Kristin and the girls who were getting ready in Newburyport, just down the road from Kristin’s parents home. They had the run of the Hair Port Salon and it was great to be able to move through the space to capture candid photos from lots of different angles. Kristin had an awesome birdcage veil that she looked absolutely stunning in, and I couldn’t wait to photograph her in it. Hair Port Salon did a beautiful job with her hair and makeup, and once this was all done it was back to the house to change into the dress.
Kristin’s parents were a two minute drive away, so it was an easy start to the day’s travels. Once we were back, it gave me the chance to capture Kristin’s very unique and elegant wedding dress by Jenny Packham. Meticulously covered in beads and sequins, it was a one of a kind, classic dress. Once Kristin was all set, added the final touch of some gorgeous antique flower earrings, I had a bit of time to get some shots of her in the dress and looking fab!
From here, I left ahead of Kristin as I wanted to check in with Mike for the first time that day. He was already over at the church and I wanted to get some photos of him and his best man before the ceremony. It was a beautiful day out, one of those autumnal days that aren’t too hot or too cold and I found the guys hanging out at one of the side entrances to the church. Mike had said he wasn’t a big one for having his photo taken, but I wanted to get him a good selection of images from the day! I think and hope it wasn’t as painful as he thought it was going to be, and I quickly got some shots of the boys looking dapper.
I left him to relax and hang out a little more while I got some more photos inside and at the front of the church as guests started to arrive. Once Kristin and the girls pulled up, it was time to get to the front to capture her as she came down the aisle. The Star of the Sea Church in Salisbury MA is a wonderful little church with some really great colors in the architecture, and it gave me the chance to capture some great photos from lots of different angles.
Once the ceremony was completed, Mike and Kristin left as husband and wife and it was time to jump in the cars and head down to Tupper Manor to get the bridal portraits – and more importantly – get the party started! The bridal party was really fun, and a pleasure to work with. We got most of the photos at the front of Tupper Manor near the big and elaborate entrance which made for a great back drop. We even managed some sunglass and moustache shots as well!
We were then lucky enough to be able to take Mike and Kristin aside for a while and get some shots of them together. Tupper Manor has some really spectacular locations – both in the buildings and in the grounds – all within a quick walk, so you don’t lose too much time between places. We started at the grand ornamental fountain on the lawn – you can’t get married at Tupper Manor and not get at least a few there! After that, we moved inside to the oak paneled billiards room. This made for a nice change of scene and meant that they also had the chance to grab a bite to eat and some well needed refreshments. As I knew they would be when I had met them, they were both super relaxed and very fun to photograph!
There were some pretty impressive entrances to the main room as the family and bridal party were announced, including the maid of honor coming in on the best man’s shoulders and busting out some dance moves!
After Kristin and Mike had eaten and the speeches were done, I snuck them out to the back of Tupper Manor and down to the beach. Yes, they have a beach in their backyard! I wasn’t lying about the number of great locations that are so close by! It’s nice to be able to space out the portraits a little so that they can time to spend with friends and family but still get a good selection of images afterwards. It was a great place to get some final images of the two of them together, and the setting autumn sun gave us the very best light of the day.
They partied on into the night in the main ballroom to some wonderful live music by the East Coast Soul Band and DJ. They even had a young family member get up and sing her heart out with the band, much to Kristin, Mike and all the guests’ delight!
Thank you so much Kristin and Mike for letting me capture your day. It has been really fun looking back over your wedding and putting this blog together. I hope that you both enjoy looking back at the images together as much as I have!
If you are getting married at Tupper Manor this year or next then please get in touch, I’m waiting to hear what you have planned for your big day!
Welcome back for Part 2 of Chris and Brigitte’s recent wedding at Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port on Cape Cod. Click here for Part 1.
Chris and Brigitte had obviously taken great care with the details of the wedding reception, and everything from the Antique window frames that were used as a seating chart to the red and white take-away candy buffet looked amazing.
Instead of a guest book, friends and families wrote their wishes for the couple on postcards and “mailed” them in an old-fashioned lobster trap. The postcards, which contained images from Roberto’s landscape photography collection and featured urban landscapes of Boston and Cambridge and coastal shots from throughout the Cape, were also used as wedding favors for guests.
Early in Part 1, I mentioned that this wedding in particular had me feeling particularly teary at times, and it was Chris’ speech that snuck up and got me, when I was supposed to be in the next room scouting for detail shots. He spoke with such love and humor about Brigitte, and their parents, families and friends. Chris and Brigitte currently live away from both of their families in Switzerland, and Roberto and I have both lived far away from our families over the course of our relationship, so I related very closely to Chris’s heartfelt words, as they reflected a lot of my relationship with Roberto. He spoke so beautifully about his love for Brigitte and about his gratitude for the trust that both of their families had granted them to take care of each other when they made the decision to move abroad, that I found myself getting simultaneously smiley and blurry. I’m sure this confused the extremely efficient and helpful wait staff at Wychmere, but alas, it was a lovely speech, and I certainly wasn’t the only one that was searching blindly for a tissue by the end of it.
Tears aside, it was time for a fantastic meal followed soon by some fantastic dancing. Chris and Brigitte put together a wonderful playlist, and friends and family alike were soon getting down on the dancefloor, which overlooked Wychmere Harbor and the impressive sailboats docked within.
After the reception finished, there was one last set of shots to get… We snagged the newlyweds for a few more portraits in the dunes, and then joined the rest of the wedding party as they walked down the beach towards the hotel. The setting sun provided some great light, and the photos of the group strolling along the shore looked much more like a magazine photo shoot than the last shots of the day for a wedding. We hope that you all had a great time celebrating well into the night, and congratulations Chris and Brigitte!
If you are planning your New England wedding day at Wychmere Beach Club or any other location either on the Cape or back up in Boston then don’t hesitate to drop Roberto an e-mail to see about coverage for your big day!
We arrived at the Bedford Village Inn and got ready for the ceremony. The elegant Great Hall was both their ceremony and reception venue, and the rustic but luxurious venue had been decorated beautifully by Brittany’s mother, who runs a greenhouse and garden center in Wilton, NH.
Brittany and Chris shared a quick moment together when she arrived, and then they entered the Great Hall together, led by a bagpipe player in honor of Brittany’s family heritage. A close friend officiated the non-denominational ceremony, which included a number of personal touches, including the signing of a Ketubah, which Brittany had specially made as a surprise for Chris. The beautiful, handmade Ketubah was set against the background of the Cliffs of Moher, which they visited on the trip to Ireland where Chris proposed.
After the ceremony, we ventured outside onto the lovely grounds of the Inn, where we took care of all of the group shots for family and friends before snagging Brittany and Chris for a few minutes on their own. The gardens around the Bedford Village Inn provide a number of beautiful backdrops for photos, and Roberto and I enjoyed a quick portrait session with the newlyweds.
We came back inside just in time for brunch to be served, and tucked into a delicious meal before the music started to ramp up. The DJ did a great job getting the dancing started, and Brittany’s young nieces and nephews bounced happily between plates of wedding cake and showing up the adults on the dance floor. Guests mingled, danced and sent Brittany and Chris happy wedding wishes while decked out with props from the photobooth.
Friends and family continued the party well into the night (and morning) at the newlyweds’ home, but we said goodbye with wishes for a happy night and a happy future together. Brit and Chris, thanks for including us in such a special day in your lives, and can’t wait to catch up again soon!
As a wedding photographer here in New England you really are spoiled on some of the locations that you get to shoot. There are such a variety of ceremony and reception venues that people chose to get married in this part of the US that it feels like no two weddings are the same. In the three years that I have been shooting here, there are only a small number of venues that I have shot at more than once. One that I hadn’t shot at until this wedding was a farm in the countryside of New Hampshire, and when good friend and fellow photographer Joe over at JGD design and photography asked me if I would like to shoot alongside him for a wedding he was shooting at Stonewall Farm, I jumped at the chance!
I love to fill any weekend that I am not shooting a wedding for myself by shooting it with some of the other great photographers in and around Boston. It’s a great opportunity to continue learning from friends and colleagues as well as exercising my own creativity. Alex and Andrew were getting married at the wonderful Stonewall Farm in Keene NH not too far from where I was based in NH at the time. The venue is a stunning place to get married with a perfect outdoor area. I arrived early at the venue while Joe was shooting with Alex and this gave me some time to capture the essence of this wonderful place.
Alex and Andrew had a really great day lined up and the details for the day fit in perfectly with the rural farm location. Everything had a rustic feel to it and you knew from the get-go that it was going to be a relaxed but party filled day. Having the ceremony and reception all at Stonewall Farm meant that once the actual wedding was over, it was straight into the cocktail hour and the partying. They both looked great and the ceremony was a wonderful celebration of their love for each other, and was filled with smiles and laughter throughout.
Joe took Alex and Andrew off to get some portraits of just the two of them and this gave me time to get some candid shots of the rest of the guests enjoying the afternoon. There was plenty to do, eat and drink during the cocktail hour that was held outside the main hall of the farm and the perfect late summer weather meant that it was a real pleasure to be outside. There were hay rides, lawn darts being played and a stash of Frisbees meant that people were not short of things to do, you just had to watch out for the flying disks, although they were bright yellow so that helped! :) A live band playing made the day even more special and it was the perfect afternoon to spend getting married at Stonewall Farm.
When the day moved into the main hall for dining and partying the celebrations stepped up a notch. After the eating, speeches and first dances, this crowd, aided by some great music by DJ Dig-Doug got the party into full force! I don’t think I’ve been at a wedding with such constant movement and dancing throughout the whole night, that was topped off by some crowd surfing by the bride and groom! Alex and Andrew, is was a real pleasure to be a part of your wedding day at Stonewall farm and thank you to Joe for having me along to shoot!
If you are interested in wedding photography coverage for your New England wedding day, where ever it may be then please don’t hesitate to get in touch, I would love to hear from you! Don’t forget to “like” us over on Facebook as well for lots of up to date info and some great sneak peeks!
Brittany and Chris are good friends of ours, and we were so thrilled when they got engaged last year. This wasn’t just because they are an awesome couple, but also because their epic engagement session took Roberto all over scenic southern New Hampshire, with a special pit stop at the Nashua Airport where Chris is a Air Traffic Control Specialist. It was a great day, and Brittany and Chris’ sweet relationship made them naturals in front of the camera. Toss in a few antique cars, a greenhouse, some amazing New Hampshire landscapes, and even a few airplanes, and you’ve got a session made in engagement photography heaven.
When the day finally came, we headed over to Brittany and Chris’ home to get some photos of the couple and some friends and family getting ready. Brittany’s cute niece and nephew provided entertainment (and a few props) while the bride’s wedding party cheerfully tucked into coffee and muffins from a local bakery.
Once Chris headed out to the Bedford Village Inn to start greeting their guests, it was time for Brittany to get in her dress. She looked stunning, Roberto found a good bit of natural light and there was little else to do to get some gorgeous portraits of Brittany before we left for the Inn.
To be continued… Check back soon for the thrilling conclusion to Brittany and Chris’ wedding day!
When it comes to weddings, the team at Roberto Farren Photography is always up for seeing new places. While many of our events are in and around Boston, it’s always exciting to venture outside our usual stomping grounds and explore new corners of the world. This was definitely the case for Lou and Becca’s recent wedding celebration in Rhode Island. While we’ve been to a few different parts of Rhode Island, including Providence, Block Island, and Newport, neither Roberto nor I had ever been to Colt State Park in Bristol, RI.
We arrived well in advance of the ceremony, and Roberto set off immediately to capture some of the natural beauty of the outdoor venue. Becca and Lou had chosen the lovely outdoor “Chapel-By-The-Sea” for their ceremony, and the mid-May weather was sunny and mild. Colt State Park is a 464 acre park and nature reserve with a variety of landscapes. You’ve got Narragansett Bay to the west, with stone walls, piers and green lawns leading up to the waterfront. In addition, there are manicured gardens, picnic areas, fruit trees and playing fields. It’s full of natural beauty, and Roberto snapped away while we waited for the couple’s family to arrive. By a stroke of wedding day luck, guests were greeted with the arrival of a famous Del’s Frozen Lemonade Truck, and they were happy to enjoy the refreshing treats until Becca and Lou joined them.
Becca and Lou’s ceremony was celebrated in front of their immediate family. Becca looked lovely in a simple cream dress, and Lou looked dapper in his suit. After the ceremony, we were able to get through all of the family portraits in Becca and Lou’s shot list, and then we had over an hour with the newlyweds for wedding photos at Colt State Park.
It is great to have this much time with a couple, as it allows them to have portraits in a number of locations. We took advantage of the beautiful day and variety of landscapes around the Park, and Roberto was able to get some great wedding photos for Becca and Lou. There are loads to choose from, but I think my favorites are the ones taken on the pier in Narragansett Bay.
After we finished up, we headed over to Via Roma for the wedding reception. Located in the Federal Hill neighborhood in Providence which is known for its Italian American community, Via Roma was a great venue that came up trumps in providing a delicious Italian buffet.
After tucking into a delicious meal, the celebration turned to the dance floor. Roberto was able to steal Becca and Lou outside for one last set of wedding photos. We took advantage of the twinkle lights at a nearby neighborhood cafe before saying congrats and goodnight to Becca and Lou. Hope you had a great honeymoon cycling through Maine!
Hi, it’s Erin here again! For today’s continuation of the top wedding venues in the Boston area, we’re hopping on the Red Line and heading over the Charles River to Cambridge for three of my faves:
Museum of Science – Cambridge, MA | www.mos.org | Not only is this one of the coolest museums in the area, but it also ranks up there as one of the most unique wedding venues in Cambridge. Originally from New Hampshire, this was always the most exciting school field trip of the year for me when I was growing up. Packed with dinosaurs, a massive Rube Goldberg machine, and an amazing interactive electricity exhibit, you’ve definitely got plenty of interesting photo opportunities at the ready if you decide to hold your wedding reception in one of the areas inside the museum (options include the museum’s Blue Wing, Riverview Café, or the entire Museum). However if you don’t want to spend your whole wedding day geeking out (which is fair…) the Museum of Science has a number of rooms that might be just what you’re looking for. With some amazing views looking back into Boston with the Charles River spreading out beneath you, the Skyline room and d’Arbeloff Suite are a great option. Another option is the Washburn Pavillion on the back lawn of the Museum, which is a beautiful marquee tent surrounded by landscaped gardens on three sides and the Charles River on the fourth. The Museum of Science is definitely worth a look as your wedding site, whether or not your theme involves Triceratops. Check out Katie and Ryan’s recent wedding reception at the Museum of Science for a better look at the d’Arbeloff Suite and balcony!
Upstairs on the Square – Cambridge, MA | www.upstairsonthesquare.com | I literally cannot say enough about Upstairs on the Square. Between the location, the flexibility of the rooms, the food, and the team, it is definitely one of my top venues in Boston or Cambridge for weddings. For the location, you’re smack in Harvard Square. Walk 2 minutes in any direction, and you can be in Harvard Yard, at John Weeks Bridge, on the banks of Charles River, or in John F. Kennedy Park. That is, if you want to leave at all – Upstairs on the Square has some of the coolest, most unique décor of any venue I’ve seen. The jade colored, high-ceilings of the Monday Club Bar adjoin the aptly named Zebra Room, done up in pink, gold and zebra, and overlooking the twinkle lights and buskers of Winthrop Square. Upstairs, you’ve got the Soirée Dining Room and Jewel Box Bar, best for seated dinners, and you are going to need to sit down for these dinners, because the food at Upstairs is amazing. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are turned artfully into amazing meals that taste like they’ve been made to order just for you. Their food is second only to their team, who are some of the best in the business. Every member of their staff is cordial, welcoming, and helpful, and it’s no wonder that they win awards left, right and center for their hospitality. Everyone has different priorities when they’re planning their wedding, but if you’re looking for a city-based venue with delicious food, in a unique setting, with super hospitality, Upstairs on the Square has to be on top of your list. Check out Caitlin and Aaron’s recent wedding reception at Upstairs for a better look!
My role as an assistant for Roberto Farren Photography is varied, and in addition to the cardio workout and strength training I’m sure to get, I absolutely love being able to go along to weddings throughout Boston, Cambridge and other parts of New England. Caitlin and Aaron’s recent wedding in Harvard Square was a particularly exciting event.
Caitlin and Aaron were married this spring in Cambridge, MA, and when Roberto started filling me in on the details that the couple had planned, I have to admit that I was already getting pumped. Harvard Yard for portraits? Upstairs on the Square for the Reception? And the bride in a Pink Vera Wang wedding gown? Yes, yes and YES.
First things first, the couple were getting ready at the Memorial Church in Harvard Yard. The Harvard University Memorial Church is the gorgeous church at the center of Harvard Yard, originally dedicated in 1932 to the memory of those that passed away in service during World War I, and has long been regarded as the symbolic center of Harvard University’s spiritual life. Caitlin was getting ready here, and as she put the finishing touches on her hair and make up, Roberto and I finally had the chance to see the wedding gown. It. Was. Gorgeous. The color was not your normal pink, but more of a dusty, blushy rose color that perfectly set off Caitlin’s strawberry blond hair. The fabric fell in amazing folds that rippled with every breeze or movement. It was lovely, and against the stately furnishings of the Pusey Room in the Memorial Church, it looked stunning.
Aaron was next up, and he looked just as dapper in a tan seersucker suit and blue tie. The coloring was complementary without being too matchy-matchy, and Aaron looked cool, comfortable, and ready for t day. We took him through the beautifully lit church for some portraits before receiving word that Caitlin was ready… It was go time.
Caitlin and Aaron decided to have a first look before their ceremony, which was is always (in my opinion) an awesome idea. Both of them are alumni of Harvard University, and the campus played a large role in their love story, so it allowed Roberto and I to take them around Harvard Square for over an hour before the ceremony. It had rained constantly for the 3 days leading up to their wedding, but just a short while beforehand, the skies cleared, the humidity dropped, and we had a gorgeous day on our hands.
The first look took place on the stone steps of the Memorial Church. I took Aaron outside to wait for his bride, and when she turned him around, he was speechless. Roberto snapped away as they shared a quick moment together, and then we were off to the John Weeks Bridge. This pedestrian bridge links some of Harvard’s many campuses and residences, and Roberto has actually captured this famous Cambridge and Harvard landmark as part of his landscape portfolio.
Also, as a member of the crew team while at Harvard, Caitlin spent a lot of time at the nearby Weld Boathouse.
Finally, and most importantly, this bridge is significant for the couple because it happens to be where Aaron proposed to Caitlin. It was wonderful to be able to capture some portraits of the couple here, and even though we had quite the group of spectators at this point, Roberto got plenty of great shots before it was time to head back to Harvard Yard for the ceremony.
Thanks for stopping by to check out part one of two of Caitlin and Aaron’s big day. Don’t forget to “like” the Facebook page for updates on when part two will be up and the blog and if you are currently looking for a Boston wedding photographer then Roberto is waiting to hear from you so drop him a line today.