The Villa at Ridder Country Club Wedding, East Bridgewater MA

On the first of October, I had the pleasure of capturing a wedding celebration for Hoang and Anh. 

This couple met while in college in 2008. They did not attend the same university, but instead crossed paths while volunteering for Tet in Boston, a celebration of the Lunar New Year. Both of these young people were missing their homes in Vietnam after recently relocating to Boston. They were also serious about the volunteer work they were doing, in addition to their full time college education, so they maintained a friendly, volunteerism-based relationship until December 2011. On a cold winter evening, Hoang offered to travel on the T with Anh in order to ensure she got home safely after an evening meeting. That train ride was the first time this pair truly saw each other for more than hardworking volunteers, and that is where their romantic relationship began to grow. 

In addition to supporting his community, Hoang has a passion for capturing the world through videos and photos. In the summer of 2016, he purchased a new drone for just this purpose. One July day, he called Anh at 6:00 AM, waking her up, and asking her to join him as he practiced flying his drone at a nearby park. Knowing how excited he was, and how much work he had put into ensuring he was allowed to fly the drone, Anh abandoned her cozy bed and joined him at the park. After playing with some settings on the machine, Hoang called Anh over to say hello to the camera. She waved enthusiastically at the camera and, when she turned back to Hoang, he kneeled with a small white box in his hand, and asked her to marry him! Anh was so surprised that she immediately began to cry. As it turned out, Hoang even captured the special moment on his drone! 

Their wedding celebration was held at The Villa in East Bridgewater, MA. The couple's playful spirits shone through with the addition of karaoke and dancing to this reception. Their love for each other was on full display as they celebrated alongside the strong communities they have built since moving to Boston all of those years ago. It was a gift to join this generous and kind couple for their big celebration, and I wish them the very best in the future!

Stunning Wedding Venue | Bradley Estate, Canton MA

Bradley Estate, located in Canton, Massachusetts, is a stunning venue for weddings and events. The estate boasts 90 acres of rolling hills, gardens, and a picturesque mansion that serves as the centerpiece of the property. If you're looking for a magical and romantic setting for your wedding day, Bradley Estate is definitely worth considering.

Full Wedding Gallery at Bradley Estate

Here are some reasons why Bradley Estate is the perfect venue for your wedding:

1. Beautiful Scenery: The Bradley Estate offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With 90 acres of manicured gardens, lawns, and woods, there are endless opportunities to capture stunning photos of your wedding day. The estate also offers several ceremony and reception locations, including a garden terrace, a tented lawn, and the mansion's elegant interior spaces.

2. Historic Charm: The Bradley Estate mansion was built in 1902 and has been restored to its original grandeur. The mansion features high ceilings, ornate moldings, and vintage furnishings, which add a touch of old-world elegance to your wedding day. It's the perfect location for couples who love history and want to add a vintage touch to their wedding.

3. Customizable Packages: The Bradley Estate offers a variety of wedding packages that can be customized to fit your needs. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, the estate's experienced staff will work with you to create the wedding of your dreams. They offer several packages that include catering, decorations, and other services to make your day stress-free.

4. Convenient Location: Bradley Estate is conveniently located just 20 miles south of Boston, making it easily accessible for guests traveling from out of town. The estate is also situated close to several hotels and transportation options, which makes it a perfect location for a destination wedding.

5. Professional Staff: The Bradley Estate's experienced staff is dedicated to making your wedding day unforgettable. From planning and coordination to day-of services, they will work closely with you to ensure that every detail is perfect. They also have an extensive network of vendors, including caterers, florists, and musicians, that they can recommend to help bring your vision to life.

In conclusion, the Bradley Estate is an idyllic location for a wedding that offers stunning scenery, historic charm, customizable packages, and professional staff. It's the perfect place to celebrate your special day and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The 7 Most Beautiful Places in Boston According to the Locals

Here are some of my favorite spots around Boston where I love taking photos.

1. Boston Public Garden

2. Park Plaza

3. Beach Hill

4. North End

5. Back Bay

6. Boston Public Garden

7. Esplanade

Boston Public Garden Engagement Session

There is such a simple beginning to the story of Morgan and Mackenson (Mack, for short): During their sophomore years at Mount Ida College, they met in an elevator on the way to their MicroEconomics class. Morgan started a conversation with Mack because "I thought he was so handsome!" As that semester progressed, they moved from sitting next to each other in class to fast friends that spent time together doing homework and class projects. 

It wasn't until the summer of 2010 that these friends went on their first official date. Mack invited Morgan to the movies. They met in Downtown Crossing, where he treated her to Subway before watching The Karate Kid. Morgan describes the night as "fun and fabulous," ending with "a sweet walk around the commons."

As their relationship flourished, this couple began to share more and more life experiences. One of their favorite activities to do together is to go camping. The combination of the outdoors with time away from distractions gives Mack and Morgan plenty of time to focus on what's most important: having fun together. In addition to camping, they enjoy visiting the Cape, spending afternoons at the beach, and attending concerts and sports games together. 

One of their other shared passions is food. Most of all, they love to eat Italian and Mexican food. If you're looking for some new food recommendations around Boston, their favorite restaurants include Papa Razzi on Newbury Street, Delfinos in Roslindale, and Lolita on Newbury. 

Back to the love story! 

Mack proposed to Morgan on November 13, 2017. She remembers "it was a rainy  Monday night." The engagement ring was finally ready, and Mack picked it up after he finished work. He was so excited to propose that he drove all the way to New Bedford that night in order to ask Morgan's parents for permission. Once he had their blessing he drove all the way back home. Upon walking through the door, he immediately asked Morgan to marry him. He couldn't wait a moment longer! 

This beautiful couple just celebrated their six year anniversary. I can't wait to see what the next chapter of their life together will bring: more beaches, more food, and definitely more excitement.  

"Photoshoot Tips: Including your dog in your engagement photos"

Here is a few helpful tips if you are planning to include your dog in the photo session. 

1. Bring along an extra helper! It may sound silly at first, but having an extra set of hands around is invaluable. They can hang on to the dog when the pup isn’t in the shot, make sure your pet stays fed and watered, and many other important tasks that need to get done. If you don’t have anyone else to help that day, I am happy to help as much as I can.

2. Pack a bag for your dog! Bring along doggie bags for any restroom breaks, as well as food, a water bowl and bottles of water, your pup’s favorite snacks, and so on. 

3. Think about the leash! You don’t want your dog’s leash or collar to steal the show in all of your pictures, so be sure to consider how it’s color or design will impact a picture. This is a small detail that can make a big difference. 

4. Let me know about your dog before the shoot! We will discuss how you’d like them to be involved in the shoot, what sorts of photos you’re hoping for, and so on. The more I understand about your desires before our session, the happier you will be with the end result! 

5. Exercise your dog before the photoshoot! A long walk and some games of fetch should do the trick. A dog that is happily exercised for the day will be more interested in working with us crazy humans and our cameras. 

6. Enjoy the process! If your dog doesn’t want to sit still for a portrait shot, I will make sure to capture plenty of fun, natural shots. This is a day to capture moments of your relationship with your significant other, and of your shared relationship with your loyal pet. It should be a fun and enjoyable day, regardless of any puppy energy or behavior. I’ll still capture the perfect shots! 

©Iryna's Photography - Boston Wedding Photographer

Boston Public Library Engagement Session | Back Bay Engagement Photos

Monica and Joseph have known each other since Joe's parents moved in four houses down from Monica's when she was about four years old. They grew up riding the bus together, playing capture the flag, and spending most of their lives as friends. For a long time, Monica thought that she liked Joe. But they didn't actually start dating until after attending a Tom Petty concert in high school. 

Their relationship goes back for sometime. It was a gift for me to be able to witness the beauty and ease of their love when I took their engagement photos earlier this year. Monica and Joe will be getting married on August 31, 2018, at Providence G in Providence, Rhode Island. 

After so many years of friendship, Joe started the romantic ball rolling with an AOL Instant Message to Monica, asking if she wanted to come play basketball outside. After spending hours playing, Monica returned home for dinner. Without asking if he could, Joe joined her. Joe stayed for two entire hours, sitting around the kitchen island and chatting with Monica's mom and sister. Monica remembers how much laughter Joe created, and thought to herself, "It's like he's part of the family!" Even this early on in their romantic relationship, Monica remembers thinking: this is it. 

After almost nine years of dating, Joe suggested to Monica that they make coffee and walk to Lake Massapoag. This idea was built from one of Joe's favorite things growing up: when his parents would take him and his brothers on Saturday morning walks to the lake near their house. So they went on this walk, sat by the water, and talked about their new home. Monica walked closer to the water to snap a picture. When she returned to the bench they were sitting on, Joe moved their phones out of the way. Monica thought this was a bit weird, but before she could think about it any more, she looked over and Joe was down on one knee! 

This couple has spent endless hours working together on their house's renovations. For nine months before moving in, they gutted the house, fell in love with redesigning their home together, and even built an eight foot dining room table of their own. In addition to tackling home projects as much as possible, they also love to eat out together with friends and family, trying new restaurants, breweries, and even new cities. Monica attended school in Memphis, and Joe went to school in Atlanta, so both of those cities hold special places in their hearts. After spending many great weekends together in Atlanta during college, they still love to return and visit their favorite places. 

It was a true joy to help them celebrate this huge milestone in their lives together. I wish them all of the very best in August, when they finally tie that knot! 

Boston Wedding | Katy + Brendan | Boston’s St. Cecilia Church Ceremony

Katy and Brendan were married in May in Boston, MA. While they attended the same Boston-area high school, their paths didn’t cross until years later. I met them at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church on a beautiful spring day, with the trees already in full bloom.

When describing her wedding day, Katy said, “For us, leaving the ceremony as husband and wife, surrounded by friends and family, was the greatest highlight. Often months of planning and prepping go into weddings, but the marriage itself is the real joy.”

I was able to capture many special moments for the couple, including their guests arriving at the church and some post-ceremony photos in Back Bay. I would certainly agree with Katy and Brendan’s family and friends: Father Unni led a wonderful ceremony, and the Oceanaire food was beautifully done.  

I’m so thankful to have shared in this celebratory day with Katy and Brendan, and I’m happy to hear they enjoyed their honeymoon around Croatia! 

Wedding Vendors

Boston Wedding Photographer: Iryna’s Photography

Wedding Ceremony: St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, Boston MA

Wedding Reception: Oceanaire Seafood Room, Boston MA

Florist: Back Bay Florist

Hair and Makeup: Hair & Make-up by Natalie

Coordinator: Unique Melody Events & Designs

Transportation: Boston Duck Boats

Lord Thompson Manor Wedding Photos | Boston Wedding Photographer

I first met Jessica and Davis through another connection I have in the wedding industry: Davis's sister, Kendal! Kendal makes amazing cakes, and we had previously met through another one of my clients. When it came time for Davis to plan his wedding, Kendal recommended me! (This wedding industry really is a small world!)

I met up with Davis and Jessica for coffee in order to discuss their wedding, and to give them a taste of my wedding photo style. They loved my work, and they decided to work with me right away! I was so excited for their wedding because their venue - Lord Thompson Manor in Connecticut - is so incredibly stunning. A venue like that makes my job easy! 

Jessica and Davis first met on Tinder in 2014. Now, in 2018, this is a pretty common way for folks to meet potential romantic interests. Back in 2014, though, the concept of online dating was still seen as more than a little crazy. Jessica and Davis talked for two weeks before meeting up in person for their first "unofficial" date at a Panera Bread in Franklin, Massachusetts. (Jessica calls it "unofficial" because their parents had no idea what they were doing!) Eventually, they shared their first formal date at a restaurant called North, located in Providence, Rhode Island. 

This couple shares an obsession for Mexican food. They are also both certified pyrotechnicians. This means they are certified to shoot professional firework shows! Jessica thinks that Davis secretly wanted to be married within three months of them dating. But he did manage to wait a bit longer than that. 

The weekend after Valentine's Day in February 2017, Davis proposed to Jessica on the cobblestone street adjacent to North. Their beautiful wedding took place on April 28, 2018. The vibe of the event was a great one, with a venue filled with loved ones, delicious food, lots of music, and so much fun. 

Lord Thompson Manor Wedding | Connecticut

Jessica + Davis

First Look at Lord Thompson Manor, CT.

Navy Yard Engagement Session | Boston Engagement Photographer

Anna and I first met in December 2017 at Caffe dello Sport in the North End of Boston. We talked over coffee about her upcoming 2018 wedding to George. 

Anna and George’s story began at a bar called Tia’s on the Waterfront. Their meeting came to be through college friends. Their first date was at Davio’s in the Back Bay, Boston, where they split a bottle of red wine. 

Last August, George proposed on a dock in Narragansett, overlooking the Newport bridge. In the five minutes leading up to this big question, George was so nervous that he didn’t speak to Anna at all! 

In their beautiful life together, Anna and George enjoy cooking, watching stand-up comedy, playing tennis, trying out Boston’s restaurant scene, and going for long walks. 

For this couple’s engagement session, we started out at their home, baking. From there, we went to Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston to finish out our time together. Anna and George are an amazing couple to work with - so much shared love and laughter. 

I am so looking forward to photographing their wedding this December in the Bostonian Boston Hotel! 

Recipe: Lemon Pudding Cake with Fresh Mixed Berries

Custom Wedding Invitations | Meet Basic Invite

The story of a wedding day begins differently for every couple. It might be a logical next step after many conversations, or it might be a complete surprise for one half of the couple. It might be a public production of a proposal, or a private, two-person affair. It might be a combination of all of those! But the first step to sharing your special day with your loved ones always begins the same way: wedding invitations. 

We all know that wedding celebrations are just as unique as the brides and grooms who plan them. What isn’t regularly discussed, though, is how those idiosyncrasies can translate into invitations. These detail-filled invites don’t have to be printed on creamy white cardstock, with a ribbon slid into the center of the card. (Unless that’s your vibe, of course!) Enter Basic Invite, a company that offers an extensive number of great invitation options for couples to choose from. 

As a photographer, my wedding day responsibilities regularly include snapping a few shots of the wedding invitations, as well as styling these pages alongside rings, flowers, table toppers, and venues. It is always a joy for me to see an invitation serve many purposes: sharing wedding details, shining brightly on any given refrigerator or calendar leading up to the event, posted online when guests are unable to contain their excitement for the big day, or even kept carefully in a shadowbox or frame as a long term keepsake, by guests and couples alike. 

This online designing, printing, and distributing platform offers nearly unlimited colors. Not only can you instantly preview your designs online, but you can also alter the color of every single invite element to more than 180 options. Want all-white font with one pink ampersand in the middle? Looking for that perfect cornflower blue to match the color of your bridesmaid dresses? Hoping to find the same shade of fuschia as the groom’s lucky pair of socks? You will most likely be able to incorporate each of these important details into your invitations by using this platform’s extensive color choices. 

One huge perk of this company that stands out to me is its custom samples. Once your design is finalized, you are able to request a printed sample of your actual invitation before you ever place your order! I have seen many circumstances where something on the wedding day doesn’t quite line up or match, creating an extra little stressor for the wedding party. But this solves that issue for the invitations! If you receive your sample and aren’t 100% happy with the design, the paper, or anything else, you can return to Basic Invite and make the necessary changes. This is one of the few paper goods platforms that not only allows customers to request samples, but even encourages them to do so! 

I know that some future brides-to-be come to my page in order to bookmark links for their upcoming plans. I also know that those links can sometimes lie dormant for a few months or even years! I can say with certainty, though, that directing couples to Basic Invite will always be a good choice because of how regularly this company updates their collection to keep up with current trends. They just added rose gold to their foil line, rolled out a new clear collection for both sealing and sending invitations, as well as introduced foil place cards! The quality and customization of these products are simply unmatched. 

In addition to all of that, Basic Invite boasts more than 40 different envelope colors, over 800 ready-made invitation sets (from save the dates to menus for the big day to matching thank you cards!), fully customizable and free wedding websites, as well as a free address collection service. You can also order customizable guest books for your wedding guests to fill with their well wishes, advice, and fond memories. Not only does this site create a beautiful product, but the creation process has been streamlined in order to allow you to customize your wedding day to your liking, with as little stress as possible. 

If you are in the market for any of these services, I highly recommend that you check out Basic Invite and create the perfect products for your wedding day! 

A quick disclosure : this post was sponsored by Basic Invite, though I express my own opinions --I personally think Basic Invite is really amazing!

https://www.basicinvite.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basicinvite/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/basicinvite

“What should I wear for my engagement photo session?”

“What should I wear for my engagement photo session?” I hear this question from couples quite often! Here are some ideas and tips that will help you feel more prepared for our photo session together:

1.  Keep your clothes classic. You want to be able to look back on these photos in ten years and reminisce on the romance, not on your trendy and uncomfortable outfit!

2.  Consider the color palette of your clothing, and the types of fabric. Neutral colors will look like they’re straight out of a fairytale if photographed outdoors, while richer and darker colors will create a completely different mood. Don’t forget to think about the season, as well, so you don’t freeze! I love to play with seasonal natural elements, especially with fabric that flows in the wind ☺

3.  Bring clothing options! A neutral-colored ball gown will create a completely different mood from jeans, boots, and a flannel. But if you want both, then bring both outfits with you! Regardless of what outfits you choose, make sure each item is neatly ironed and picture-ready.

4.  Coordinate your outfits with your significant other. Make sure you are equally as dressed up or dressed down in your photos. If one of you shows up in a tuxedo, the other probably should not show up in a gym outfit! (Unless that’s the look you’re going for!)

5.  Don’t forget about the small details. Be sure to accentuate the parts of your body that you love the most! Love your waist? Add a belt! Love your legs? Add shoes that show them off! Accessories should be carefully selected for the special stories that they tell about you.