1. Real Weddings

A Traditional Wedding in Boston, MA

A friend of Alyssa thought she’d hit it off with Bryan. She was right! After a night out with mutual friends, Bryan called Alyssa to set up a Friday-n

A friend of Alyssa thought she’d hit it off with Bryan. She was right! After a night out with mutual friends, Bryan called Alyssa to set up a Friday-night date. The Bride Alyssa Dionne, 28, account manager at a technology consulting firm The Groom Bryan Johnson, 32, senior manager at a financial consulting firm The Date October 3 Three-and-a-half years later, Bryan planned a getaway at a mansion overlooking Lake Champlain. After they arrived, Bryan suggested they walk down to the estate’s flower garden. That’s where Bryan got down on one knee and popped the question. The couple immediately started planning their Boston wedding with a fall color palette of red, brown and ivory. They also paid tribute to the city where they met and live by highlighting local food and landmarks.

White card stock printed with the Custom House and names of Boston city streets showed guests where to sit and tied in with the couple’s hometown theme.
A calligrapher wrote guests’ names on the outside of red envelopes. Inside, ivory card stock was printed with a brown image of the Custom House, a Boston landmark, and the couple’s monogram.
Red Reception Centerpieces
The same Custom House and monogram design used on the escort cards was also printed on the napkins to bring out the couple’s wedding colors and tie together all of the stationery.
No need for extra lighting! The stunning view added to the room’s “wow” factor, as did the tall orchid centerpieces topping each table.
Before the couple exchanged traditional vows, Bryan’s “little brother” -- who he has known for more than five years through the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor program -- gave a reading.
Alyssa looked through the photo library on TheKnot.com to get inspiration for her cake. She came up with a three-tiered design with buttercream frosting and ribbons around each layer. Her florist added rings of red peonies, the same flower that was on the sweetheart table.
The First Dance
Instead of an envelope box, an old-fashioned Boston bean pot held cards from guests. The switch helped push the Beantown theme.