Angelica and Matthew's Beautiful Boston Wedding

“Timeless, Romantic, Fun!”

Congratulations on your wedding! What made you decide on having your wedding with us at Fairmont?

Most of our friends and family traveled to Boston, where we live, for our wedding day! With Matthew's side of the family coming from from Wisconsin, mine from New Jersey, and the rest of our guests traveling from everywhere in between, we decided on a classic Boston wedding. We essentially viewed it as a destination wedding, so we wanted our guests to enjoy a very special weekend. The Fairmont's rich history and timeless elegance was the perfect setting for our guests to enjoy the city we call home. We loved learning all of the fun facts and history about the Fairmont Copley Plaza, so we decided to print them on the back of our menus for our guests to enjoy as well.

Where did you have your ceremony?

We held our ceremony at St. Cecilia's Parish in Boston. It was a traditional Catholic ceremony. Because our ceremony took place in the early afternoon, we chartered Duck Boats to pick up our guests outside of the church. We couldn't invite everyone to Boston without taking the time to tour our great city by land and water!

Tell us about the flowers you chose. Did you go traditional or contemporary?

We knew we wanted something extra special for our flowers that would compliment the venue! We went with a traditional, slightly vintage, romantic, garden feel for the centerpieces. We had lots of white and ivory blossoms, loose greenery, gold-dipped vines, votives and moss. On top of gold pedestals, our florist created lush arrangements with the vines and gold-dipped greens hanging down. We ended up designing more of a tablescape, with the special addition of more decor at the base of the pedestal. We wanted the guests to enjoy something lovely to look at right in front of them, not just above their heads. Our florist placed a bed of moss around the base, adding votives and small flower arrangements on top of the moss. Our flowers during cocktail hour were complimentary, including our escort table covered with a bed of moss, place cards, votives and flower petals. Magical!

Tell us about the meal you served your guests. What type and flavor cake did you have at your reception?

The food was just delicious! The Fairmont helped us to customize our cocktail hour and dinner choices to include elements of who we are. We served mini lobster rolls and jumbo shrimp at cocktail hour, along with popular comfort food dishes, such as mini grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters, pulled pork sliders and mac and cheese bites. For dinner, our guests dined on the Pistachio Pesto Cod Loin and the Seared Beef Tenderloin with gorgonzola chive crumble and cognac cream demi. Our wedding cake was not only gorgeous, but delicious! We decided on two cake flavors, because I love dessert! Every other person was served either the salted turtle flavor (Matt's favorite!), or the Boston Cream Pie flavor (so fitting!). Each couple was able to try BOTH flavors!

Where did you go on your honeymoon? Tell us about it.

We delayed our Hawaiian honeymoon until the following spring, so we went on a "mini moon" instead! With all of our friends and family in Boston for the wedding, we wanted to enjoy time with them. A couple of days after the wedding, we went to Nantucket. We really enjoyed resting, eating and exploring the beautiful island.

What element(s) did you add to make the wedding uniquely 'yours'?

Upon check in, our guests were greeted with welcome bags filled with lots of local goodies. The bags included Cape Cod Potato Chips, Boston Baked Beans candy, Necco Wafers, fresh apples, and guides with suggestions of where to go and what to do! During our cocktail hour, guests enjoyed the sounds of the wonderful Cape Codders, an a cappella group. As everyone danced the night away at the reception, they were treated with late-night snacks including deep-fried Wisconsin cheese curds, honoring the groom's home state. The whole evening, every bar (including the authentic Prohibition bar), served our signature drinks. Matthew's drink was a Brandy Old-Fashioned, and I decided on a Saint Germain/Prosecco cocktail, the Bubbly Bliss. As the evening drew to a close, the departing guests were served boxes of homemade cake balls, and cigars for the gents. Our guests continued the party post-reception at the Fairmont's incredible OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, followed by a delicious departing breakfast the following morning at the Fairmont. During the breakfast, my maid and matron of honor asked the guests to write their favorite memory from the weekend on a card. We had so much fun reading what everyone wrote, and they're great memories!

Another integral part of the day is the wedding dress! Tell us about what you chose to wear. Did you follow the old English saying "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue"?

Absolutely! As a traditional bride, I enjoyed planning not only my wedding dress, but all of these special details. My dress, my something new, perfectly reflected my style- traditional with a twist. My off-white lace dress had a boat neck with beaded cap sleeves. The traditional front was offset by the open, illusion back. My something old was the pearl lace clutch bag I borrowed from Matthew's paternal grandmother. My sister-in-law also borrowed it for her wedding day a couple of months before ours! My something blue was the blue rosary I wrapped around the base of my bouquet. My something borrowed was my older sister's cathedral, lace veil. She wore it on her wedding day two years before me, and we hope that my twin sister will also wear it someday!

What was the first song you danced to as newlyweds?

Our first dance was to "God Gave Me You," by Blake Shelton. We love country music, and it was the song Matthew was playing when he proposed!

Now that you are married and have had time to reflect on your wedding day, what was your favorite moment?

At one point when the reception was in full swing, Matthew pulled me aside to look around the room and soak in the moment. The entire day truly DOES fly by. We would recommend that each couple takes a moment to step back and enjoy the magic of the evening.

Vendors & Service Providers:

Rare Form Band
http://www.rareformband.com

Deborah Zoe Photography
http://deborahzoephoto.com

Gabelli Cinema
http://www.gabellistudio.com

LauraJean Floral and Event Design
http://www.ljfloral.com

Cakes to Remember
http://www.cakestoremember.biz

The Cape Codders A Cappella
https://www.gigmasters.com/a-cappella-group/426entertainment