Flower Power - Jess and Dustin's wedding at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens

Jess and Dustin were married on August 3, 2013 with a ceremony and reception at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens in Boylston, MA.

I met Jess through the brilliant Sarah Trainor (the woman responsible for my logo), and after a few phone calls, I met the newly engaged couple at the Citizen Public House for dinner and drinks. Dustin was so laid back but informed me that he loved punk rock. Jess started telling me all the details about Tower Hill and then shared that she was going to be making her bouquet out of antique broaches. I instantly gave her the title of crafty bride and then they booked me on the spot. I love that.

On the day of the wedding, both the bride and the groom got ready at the Courtyard Boston Marriott Hotel so we had to be careful that they wouldn't bump into each other. I left my second shooter, Vanessa Walsh, with the guys and she got some amazing shots of them all morning, even ones at the pool!  I stayed with Jess and her ladies and family while she got dressed in her room. Vivianne Velasco from From Hair to Eternity made all the girls look beautiful, especially Jess in her gown from Elegance By Carbonneau.

We went to Tower Hill to do the first look and I have to say if you have never been there before I highly recommend it. The grounds are spectacular. We even did formals in a vegetable garden! The best thing about their first look was when Jess and Dustin saw one another she started to tear up and said, "Oh my god I missed you so much today" Best thing I have ever heard during a first look so far. From there it was off to get married. I loved their officiant, Claire Miller. You can tell that this woman really spends time getting to know the couple.  The ceremony was beautiful and touching, perfect for Jess and Dustin. Then the party started. Jeff French Floral & Event Design handled all the floral decor and Pepper's Fine Catering mastered the catering. One of Jess and Dustin's friends arranged the most amazing surprise for them. Custom Brewed and labeled Ale for the reception!  The label even had a photo from our engagement session! And you couldn't miss it with the title given....LOVE IS IN THE ALE!  Brilliant.  How they obtained the photo that without the couple knowing was beyond me.  But they pulled it off!  For desert, they had a cutting cake, but the real treat was the amazing cupcake table. Revelation Productions with DJ Anthony D'Elia kept the music going. Even a few fun sticky mustaches made their way onto the dance floor. Young and old danced all night!

Thank you Jess and Dustin for including me in your lives. I loved having the crafty bride queen and the punk rock king as royal subjects.  A match made in heaven.