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Boston Wedding Photography BOSTON WEDDING VENUES NEW ENGLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Top Cambridge Wedding Venues – From A to Zebras

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:

  1. Dante Restaurant – Cambridge, MA | www.restaurantdante.com | A great venue in Cambridge is just over the Longfellow Bridge from Boston.  Part of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Dante provides great food and a versatile event space.  Chef Dante de Magistris provides delicious, fresh Italian cuisine and some tasty looking cocktails. In addition, the space is awesome. If you’re into a set up where guests can flow from one space to another, including outdoor patios, swanky bar area, comfy lounges, and dining rooms, Dante is definitely worth putting on your list. And the location can’t be beat! You’ve got amazing views of the Charles River and Boston Skyline, which makes for some awesome wedding photos, with canals and manicured gardens just a short walk away at the Charles River Reservation and Lechmere Canal. Check out Mike and Denise’s recent wedding at Dante for more info.
BOSTON WEDDING VENUES | DANTE
  1. 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!
BEST BOSTON WEDDING VENUES
BOSTON WEDDING VENUES | THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
  1. 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!
BOSTON WEDDING VENUES
BOSTON WEDDING VENUES | UPSTAIRS ON THE SQUARE

We’ll continue to move outside of Boston for the next post, and don’t forget to check out  Boston wedding venues part one here, but if you have questions about wedding or event photography coverage at these sites or any others, drop Roberto a line!

Thanks for reading,

Erin

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BOSTON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS BOSTON WEDDING VENUES DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING PHOTOS

HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON | PART II

Guest Blogger: Photography Assistant & Wife, Erin Farren

Welcome back! Continuing through our day with Caitlin and Aaron at their beautiful Cambridge wedding, we headed back to the Harvard Memorial Church and let the couple duck into their respective preparation rooms for a few minutes with their families before their marriage.  This allowed Roberto to spend a few minutes capturing both the beautiful church, and the expectant guests at the wedding. Don’t forget to check out part one of their Harvard Memorial Church wedding here.

HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING PHOTOS
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON

When it was time for the ceremony to begin, Caitlin walked down the aisle accompanied by her father to a tune played by the Harvard organist.  A pink dress isn’t the choice for a timid bride, but Caitlin pulled it off amazingly well, and she looked stunning as she joined Aaron at the altar.

HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON

 

WEDDING PHOTOS HARVARD UNIVERSITY
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
HARVARD WEDDING PHOTOS
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON

The moving ceremony was soon over, and the newlyweds made their way to the steps of the church for wedding photos with their family and friends.  They were blocked, however, by a few of Caitlin’s brothers and friends. The four United States Marines, clad in their dress whites, presented the couple with a saber arch upon their exit from the church. After happily paying the required toll of a kiss to his new bride, Aaron was allowed to escort Caitlin through to the cheers of their families and friends.

BOSTON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON

After portraits on the steps of the Memorial Church, the newlyweds and their bridal party took the long route through Harvard Yard for more portraits together.  We drew quite the crowd of spectators and well-wishers as our procession made our way through Harvard’s campus (Harvard’s graduation was taking place a few days later, and Cambridge was full of visiting families) and even had a few amateur photographers taking snaps of the happy group.  One last stop for photos at the famous ‘Out of Town News’ (located at Zero Harvard Square) and we were ready for the reception.

BOSTON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
WEDDING PHOTOGAPHERS IN MA
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON

As a venue, Caitlin and Aaron selected the Soiree Room of the unique Upstairs on the Square.  The Soiree Room, also known as the “Jewel Box” room for it’s pink, gold and mirrored accents, is a beautiful, intimate venue for a wedding or other celebration dinner.  The food is great (GREAT) and the staff are helpful, efficient and extremely friendly. Roberto and I are heading here for another wedding later this summer, and I’m already looking forward to working there again.  After the speeches, the dinner and the cake came some dancing, and soon enough, it was time to exit.

BOSTON AND NEW ENGLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON
WEDDING AT UPSTAIRS ON THE SQUARE
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON

Taking a cue from their earlier attempt to leave the Memorial Church, their guests decided not to let them leave the wedding venue without some excitement.  All of Caitlin and Aaron’s wedding guests lined the walkway from Upstairs on the Square, and instead of a Saber Arch, they exited through a massive arch of sparklers.  It was a beautiful way to end a beautiful day, and then the newlyweds disappeared into the night.

WEDDING UPSTAIRS ON THE SQUARE PHOTOS
HARVARD MEMORIAL CHURCH WEDDING | CAITLIN AND AARON

Thanks for stopping by and if you haven’t already don’t forget to sign up to the Facebook page here. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss coverage of your big day, be it in Boston, some other part of New England or of course destination, Roberto is looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Cheers,

Erin.

Wedding day vendors:

Wedding photographer : Roberto Farren Photography

BRIDAL STORE: David’s Bridal

WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER: White by Vera Wang

GROOMS SUIT: Jos A Bank

WEDDING BANDS: Diamonds by Lauren (bride), Joy Jeweler’s (groom)

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: David’s Bridal

GROOMSMEN SUITS: Jos A Bank

FLORIST: Petali

HAIR: Alfred Salon (bride)

RECEPTION VENUE: Upstairs on the Square

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BOSTON WEDDING VENUES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS IN NEW ENGLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHES IN MA

Boston Wedding venues | Location, location, location – Some great choices for your day (Part 1)

Hi! It’s Wife here… I’m stepping outside of my usual role as gear-sherpa and best-man-finder to help out Roberto with some blogging while he is shooting his way through a sweltering wedding season.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve tagged along all over New England as Roberto photographed weddings, engagements, and even the occasional proposal.  We’ve been lucky enough to photograph in some spectacular locations and venues, in beautiful churches, breathtaking outdoor sites, and gorgeous hotels and restaurants.  For the first in a series of posts, we thought that we’d go through some of our favorite venues wedding ceremonies and receptions, starting in Boston:

1. The Beehive – Boston | www.beehiveboston.com/ | What an awesome venue… definitely not your traditional place to hold a wedding reception, but if you and your partner want a more chilled out vibe, then it’s definitely worth a look.  The Beehive has a few different areas, giving your guests the option of sitting at the quieter upstairs bar, hitting the dance floor downstairs, grabbing a drink at the downstairs bar, or taking a break for some fresh air on the outdoor patio.  The décor is very unique, lots of exposed brick and heavy draperies, so you wouldn’t need lots of your own decorations.  The food was great, and even though we didn’t partake since we were on the clock, the cocktails looked pretty amazing as well.  Check out Holly and Matt’s recent wedding reception held at The Beehive, photographed by RFP.

WEDDING VENUES IN BOSTON
BOSTON WEDDING VENUES | THE BEEHIVE

2. Nine Zero Hotel – Boston | www.ninezero.com/ | The Nine Zero isn’t your traditional hotel.  The space is really nicely laid out and the décor is amazing, offering some great opportunities for unique wedding photos.  Amazing views paired with a great location mean that you can easily work some of the Boston skyline into your photos, and if you’re doing a First Look session, you’ve got the option of running across the street and into Boston Common or next door to their .  At night, you can also run next door for a quick shot underneath Boston’s iconic Beantown Pub sign. The three versatile, adjacent event rooms mean that you can keep your guests moving for different parts of your wedding celebration (cocktails, ceremony, seated dinner, dancing, etc) and the amazingly helpful event planning staff keeps everything running smoothly, leaving you to get on with the partying.  Check out Emily and Carlos’ recent wedding held at the Nine Zero.

BOSTON WEDDING VENUES NUMBER ONE
BOSTON WEDDING VENUES | HOTEL NINE ZERO

3. Liberty Hotel – Boston | www.libertyhotel.com | Talk about your stunning venue!  The Liberty Hotel, formerly the Charles Street Jail, was completed in 1851, and during its time as a prison, it housed a number of notable inmates, like Malcolm X, World War II German POWs, and a number of Boston suffragettes.  The prison closed in the 1990’s, and reopened in 2007 as a stunning luxury hotel.  Maintaining some of the architectural features of the original jail, the Liberty Hotel’s impressive rotunda still contains original brick and iron work (including lots of barred cell doors) and massive windows looking out towards the Charles River.  The multiple bars and restaurants (The ClinkAlibi, Scampo, Liberty Bar, The Yard and Catwalk) and numerous event rooms give you tons of flexibility for your wedding, and the pairing of the centuries-old architecture with more modern fittings and décor make for some amazing photos of your big day.   Check out Katie and Ryan’s Boston wedding to see more of the amazing architecture at the Liberty!

BOSTON WEDDING VENUES | THE LIBERTY HOTEL
BOSTON WEDDING VENUES | THE LIBERTY HOTEL

Definitely more on this topic to come, but if you’re looking for a wedding, engagement or event photographer for any of these venues, look no further. Contact Roberto at Roberto Farren Photography for more info!

Thanks for reading,

Erin

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