1. Real Weddings

Cathy & David: A Ballroom Wedding in Boston, MA

After spending the day in Maine playing mini-golf, eating lobsters, and taking a romantic stroll on the beach, Cathy and David headed back home to Mas

After spending the day in Maine playing mini-golf, eating lobsters, and taking a romantic stroll on the beach, Cathy and David headed back home to Massachusetts. Recalls Cathy, When we arrived, there were a dozen pink roses in the kitchen with a pink card that read 'Pink roses remind me of the little girl in you'; in the living room there were a dozen yellow roses with a matching card that read 'Yellow roses remind me of the sunny times we share'; in our office were a dozen white roses with a card that said: 'White roses remind me of the purity of our love'; in our bedroom there were two dozen red roses with a card that read 'Red roses remind me of the passion we will always share. Will you marry me?' THE BRIDE Catherine Shen, a 30-year-old salesperson THE GROOM David Hack, a 32-year-old importer THE DATE November 2 Cathy and David started the wedding-planning process by visiting a dozen or so hotels in the Boston area. Since most of Cathy's family was coming from out of town, we wanted the wedding to be held in the city so our guests could easily arrive at the hotel from the airport and make a long weekend out of our wedding, says David. We decided on the Boston Harbor Hotel because it has breathtaking views.

At Cathy and David's reception, columns were transformed into trees and centerpieces arched far toward the ceiling. Tall iron topiaries topped with candles featured overflowing, garden-inspired arrangements of branches, autumnal foliage, and berries. Low, lush arrangements of roses, dahlias, hydrangea, and calla lilies, along with grapes, pears, and cabbage, were set in iron garden urns.
The Cake
Lighting was the focus for the ceremony decor, an elegant blend of romance and fantasy. Hoping to exert a dramatic effect, the designers placed a huge emphasis on candles and soft white light to create a warm glow that would spread throughout the room.
The Reception Decor
Cathy and David's celebration was a black-tie event: The bride wore a classic ivory strapless gown designed by Peter Langner. Her bridesmaids wore sleek, black strapless dresses. And the groom and his party wore traditional tuxedos.
The First Dance