When Liz of Elegant Aura connected me with Amanda and Will for their Mandarin Oriental Boston wedding last year, I knew right away it was going to be a beautiful & joy-filled day. They’re both laid back and kind, and have the wonderful families. I couldn’t wait for their big day, and now I am so excited to be sharing it here.

Amanda and Will met the old fashioned way through being set up by a mutual friend. Will made the first move by texting her and initiating their first date. And I know it’s cliche to say, but for these two it’s true…after that first date?

the rest is history.

Not only are they wildly in love (and you can see that every time they are together!) they also get along really well because they have such similar interests and personalities. Some people say opposites attract, but I think similar people often make the best couples too. Amanda and Will lead busy lives, and work hard to make sure they still spend lots of time together. Amanda told me you can often find them playing tennis, out for a run or reading quietly together. These two are soulmates and their wedding day was a wonderful reflection of their kind and fun-loving personalities.

Getting Ready at Home

Amanda got ready in her childhood home, which was such a special detail. It made the preparations extra meaningful as Amanda slipped into her dress with her Mom and Grandma by her side. Will got ready at the hotel so that they wouldn’t see each other before the ceremony. I love the blue patterned wall paper at the Mandarin that helped tell the story of their day and tie getting ready into the reception later.

They opted to not do a first look together, but Amanda wanted to do one with her father & grandfather. It was so touching and her grandfather was so adorable!

Bride getting her makeup put on before her wedding by New York Photographer, Lynne Reznick.

Bride getting her dress zipped by her grandmother in front of large windows at Boston wedding.

Bride with lace veil looking out a window before her Mandarin Boston Wedding.

Groom putting on his shoes before his Boston wedding by photographer Lynne Reznick.

Wedding ring in a beige velvet box, surrounded by white roses for a Mandarin Boston Wedding.

Bride with veil walking past old white car in Boston.

Bride standing on a balcony in Boston with white and maroon bouquet.

Bride approaching her father on a house balcony for a first look before her Boston wedding.

Brides' father hugging her close before her wedding ceremony.

Bride looks lovingly at her grandfather in a suit with a striped tie.

The Ceremony at Lexington Church

Before their Mandarin Oriental Boston wedding reception, the two held their ceremony in Lexington. Not only was it a really beautiful church, but it was also sentimental because it was the church Amanda attended growing up! Amanda and Will chose to have loved ones do readings during the ceremony before saying their vows, and officially becoming man & wife. This whole day was infused with personal details like that, and I loved every minute of it.

Bride getting out of an old white car in her wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers.

Bride walking down the aisle at a large church wedding in Boston.

Groom waiting at the end of a church alter for his bride as she walks down the aisle.

Bride walking down the aisle to the alter of her Mandarin Boston Wedding in wedding dress with a train & veil.

Bride and groom sharing a first kiss at the alter at their wedding in a church in Lexington.

Bride and groom walking back down the aisle after their wedding ceremony in a Lexington church.

Newlyweds kissing in front of a big old church in Lexington, MA after their wedding ceremony.

Newlyweds sharing champagne in the back of an old car after their wedding ceremony in Lexington.

Portraits at Boston Public Garden

After their wedding ceremony we drove to the Boston Public Garden for their formal portraits. It was the most gorgeous sunny afternoon, and we spent about an hour wandering around the garden taking photos. Amanda and Will were on cloud nine as newlyweds, and you can tell in the photos. They were simply glowing-in-love.

We had the wedding party join in for some portraits, and their wine-red dresses & black tuxes complimented the garden setting perfectly.

We also took family portraits in the garden! I always recommend a beautiful background like this for family portraits because most likely these are the images from your wedding day that will be hung on the wall for years to come.

Newlywed couple standing in garden for their couples portraits at their Mandarin Boston Wedding.

Bride and groom kissing in Boston Oriental Gardens after their wedding ceremony in Lexington.

Groom kissing bride on the forehead for their couples portrait time after their wedding ceremony.

Groom spinning bride in the Boston Oriental gardens after their ceremony.

Bride and groom walking down steps in a garden by Boston Wedding Photographer, Lynne Reznick.

Bride and groom embracing in front of a garden pond in Boston, MA.

Bride and groom with their respective wedding parties at their Mandarin Boston Wedding.

Large wedding party wearing black suits and dark red dresses standing in a garden for their formal portraits at a wedding.

Bride and groom looking at each other fondly as they walk through a Boston park with their wedding party.

Bridal bouquet with dark red and navy flowers with white roses for a Mandarin Boston Wedding.

Bride and groom stand with their whole family in formal wear in a park after their wedding.

Reception at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel

The reception started with a cocktail hour space that was decorated with pops of red & gold in the decor and florals. Like all the details of this wedding day that was intentional, and was a nod to Will’s Chinese heritage.

The reception room had a warm and intimate vibe, with uplighting and hand-picked design elements everywhere. They also chose lush bright floral arrangements, which brought everything together.

Will and Amanda shared a first dance as husband and wife before cutting their beautiful cake together. Afterwards they joined their friends and family on the dance floor and danced the night away!

I loved this whole wedding day, and was so honored to document such an important moment in Will & Amanda’s lives. Amanda & Will, I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you for trusting me to document your love story!