For their Massachusetts wedding day, Alex and Chris wanted nothing but everyone to have a splendid time, good food, good drinks, and good memories being passed around. All captured through the lens of The Light and Color Wedding Photography, the Ipswich couple chose to have a traditional wedding day. Alex chose a classic A-line Hayley Paige beauty and the cherry on top of her trousseau was her mom’s veil that she donned for her day. Their ceremony was held at St. John’s Prep (fun fact: Alex is a dentist and St. John’s Prep was the same school where Alex’s boss and Chris’s dad went. The guys are still good friends!), Chris’s high school alma mater. For their wedding reception, they dressed up The Hellenic Center in shades of soft blues and pinks, and organic-style blooms designed by Chris’s sister-in-law, Teresa. Weddings like these that are centered around family and steeped in tradition always leave such a feel-good warmth to our day.
In their own words
How did you meet?
Chris was my patient! I am a dentist and worked at the office that Chris had gone to his whole life. The owner of the practice went to high school (St. John’s Prep, where our wedding ceremony was) with Chris’ dad and they are still close friends. Chris’ dad and my boss conspired and Chris’ dad gave him my number and the rest is history.
What is your proposal story?
It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and we were planning on going back to NC to see my parents for the holiday the next morning. I was on my way home from work and was stuck in the standard Thanksgiving traffic in Boston. Chris must have called me at least four times and my good friends also were calling. I came home to our building and when I stepped onto our hallway I instantly smelled my candles. I walked into our apartment and Chris was waiting with our dog, flowers and champagne.
Then once we were safely in NC with my family, the doorbell rings and in walks Chris’ ENTIRE family. Having them in my childhood home was so surreal, it honestly surprised me more than the proposal. His family spent the holiday with my family for the most special Thanksgiving to date.
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
The most important thing for us was to give the guests a good experience. From the transportation, to the party, to the meal. I wanted everyone to have a good time and without any hassle or stress. Which is also why we chose to do a Friday night wedding. The Saturday after, 90 of our wedding guests made their way to Boston and spent the night at the Red Sox game which was also a special part of the guest experience being able to see Fenway and be in the city where Chris and I lived and fell in love.
Our big splurge was the band. It was a must have for me. Nothing beats live music. We love to dance and knew we wanted everyone dancing all night long.
What were your favorite parts of the day?
My favorite part of the day was probably taking pictures, just Chris and I, after the ceremony and before the reception. It had rained quickly after the ceremony and once the rain stopped there was the most beautiful sunlight. They are my favorite pictures of all because of the lighting.
We did a first look, but we were nervous for what was ahead and didn’t get to fully soak it all in. After the ceremony was behind us we were able to relax and let the reality set in that we were married!
One funny story: on the way to the ceremony the whole wedding party was in the trolley, but myself and my parents were in a car following the trolley. The trolley pulled over abruptly on the side of the road, so we pulled over. Chris comes barreling out of the trolley and rushes to the car screaming, “DO YOU HAVE THE RINGS?!”
In that moment we realized we have forgotten the wedding rings. I quickly improvised and told Chris that we would just use someone else’s rings. My dad handed Chris his ring and then once Chris was on the trolley he got his mother’s wedding ring for me. One of my favorite pictures is of us exchanging rings. I am placing the ring on Chris’ finger and laughing out loud because the ring didn’t fit his finger and we had to pretend it did to not alert the priest.
The Saturday after the wedding at the Red Sox gave was also very special because it was a time for me to really spend quality time with our guests in a setting that wasn’t our wedding.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Don’t get too wrapped up in the silly details. None of it matters. All that matters is that you and your new spouse. Have a good time and enjoy the day!