as wedding photographers, sometimes its nice to be able to spend time with friends and family at important life events and to not have to pick up a camera. andrea contacted me last year looking to hire a wedding photographer for her omni hotel wedding. she mentioned that her then-fiancé lou’s uncle is a wedding photographer. when you have an experienced photographer in your own family, you know that even if they won’t be shooting your big day, you’re still going to get some good advice on selecting an experienced photographer. andrea and lou selected me as their wedding photographer and in the months leading up to their wedding, i learned that they were going to have their wedding at a church that dates back to 1686 loaded with history that includes a bell that was re-cast by paul revere. i can’t say i had shot in a church that old but i was excited! to top off my enthusiasm for this wedding, it was a greek wedding with many greek wedding traditions to be had throughout the ceremony and reception.

on the wedding day, i arrived to photograph andrea and her bridesmaids at the historic omni parker hotel. this hotel is loaded with history as it was the first hotel built in the united states, and was also where boston cream pies were invented. this hotel previously employed ho chi mihn, malcom x, and emeril lagasse. this hotel boasts some haunted tales, but my camera did not pick up any paranormal activity. i always hope i’m going to get some ghosts in my photos! while on a shoot in new orleans, i did stay at the magnolia mansion hotel that has been documented as being haunted. one of the photos i took inside the magnolia mansion is here.

okay, okay, back to the wedding! andrea had her wedding gown, shoes and rings easily accessible to be photographed while she was getting her hair and makeup done.

before we walked over to the church next door for the wedding ceremony, i documented andrea descending the stairs to greet her father, which was a very emotional moment for both of them.

even though the ceremony occurred after sundown, i wasn’t allowed to use flash in king’s chapel as they informed andrea “in keeping with the solemnity of the marriage ceremony, we would be most appreciative if you would make certain that your photographer and guests understand that there is to be absolutely no flash photography.” it was also great that there were no arms waving mobile phones into the aisle making attempts to get a shot of the bride, amen! i think every bride and groom deserve an unobstructed photo of the bride walking down the aisle so if you are reading this and are invited to a wedding, your iphone or blackberry shouldn’t make an appearance in church wedding photos, respect.

here is a shot of lou during the vows.

and andrea holding back some tears.

the crowns that are seen during greek wedding ceremonies are signs of the glory and honor with which God crowns them during the sacrament. the wedding crowns (stefana) are joined by a ribbon to symbolize the unity of the couple and the presence of christ who blesses and joins the couple. this establishes them as the king and queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. the priest takes the two crowns and blesses the bride and groom, followed by placing the crowns on them. the koumbaro then steps behind the couple and interchanges the crowns three times as a witness to the sealing of the union.

finally they seal the deal with a kiss.

it was admittedly chilly during the creative outdoor photo session with the newlyweds!

we had some time before cocktail hour began.

i was laying on the floor for this shot, hence the reason i prefer to wear trousers to weddings as opposed to skirts.

before the guests entered the ballroom, here is what the room set up looked like.

icing on the cake rocked the pink and black color theme nicely.

is this the coolest bridal party entrance you have ever seen?

boston common band had the guests dancing all night.

greek wedding music set the tone for some traditional dancing as lou’s greek relatives welcomed andrea and her family into theirs.

Ceremony/Church:  Kings Chapel, Corner of School and Tremont Street, Boston MA 02108
Reception Venue: Omni Parker House Hotel, 60 School Street, Boston MA 02108
Wedding Band: Boston Common Band
Photographer: Heather Parker Photography
Florist: Evergreen Florist, 397 Main Street, Stoneham, MA
Cake: Icing on the Cake, 230 Adams Street, Newton, MA
Wedding Gown: Amsale, “Serena” dress purchased at Cristina’s, 10 Main Street, Andover MA
Invitations: Hello Lucky
Favorboxes: Estilo Weddings
DIY: programs, place cards (paper from papersource) and table numbers
Pleacecard template design: TwoYellowShoes on etsy
Hair: Bellagio Hair and Skin Care, 1 Henshaw Street, Brighton, MA
Make-up:  Independent make-up artist, Paula Johnson, 781-595-3902

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