There’s something incredibly special about a wedding that focuses on the heart of what truly matters—family, faith, and love. Amanda and Bobby’s intimate ceremony at the Evangelical Baptist Church in Newton, Massachusetts, was a beautiful example of just that. Held on a sunny Sunday afternoon in early June, their wedding was quiet, meaningful, and overflowing with warmth.
Rather than hosting a large celebration right away, Amanda and Bobby chose to have a small, private ceremony surrounded by their closest family, friends, and church community. The decision felt intentional and personal—reflecting their values and their deep connection to the place where they’ve built their life together. The Evangelical Baptist Church, where the ceremony was held, is not just any venue to them—it’s their spiritual home. The timing was also unique: the service took place just after Sunday worship, adding a layer of spiritual significance and familiarity to the day.

Amanda prepared for the ceremony in the church’s basement, which was transformed into a cozy getting-ready space with the help of her family. Her two sisters, parents, nieces, and Bobby’s daughter all gathered around to help her get ready. There was laughter, lots of sweet moments, and the kind of gentle chaos that makes a wedding morning feel alive. Watching Amanda with her nieces and Bobby’s daughter emphasized how deeply this union is rooted in family. Her chapel-length veil took the most time and patience to place—there were several attempts to get it just right, and everyone pitched in to make sure it looked perfect.
One of the most touching parts of the day came just before Amanda walked down the aisle. Bobby had sent a heartfelt letter and a pair of elegant earrings as a gift, delivered by his daughter. It was such a thoughtful surprise, and it brought tears to Amanda’s eyes. The earrings were delicate and sparkled just enough to catch the light during their vows—perfect for the occasion.

​The ceremony itself was short and sweet, but every word carried weight. It was clear how much Amanda and Bobby care for each other. The way they looked at one another, the gentle smiles exchanged, and the calm presence they brought into the space made the entire room feel grounded in love. The church sanctuary was filled with warmth—both from the June sun streaming through the windows and from the quiet joy shared by everyone present.

After the ceremony, we stepped outside for family portraits. The weather could not have been more perfect—clear skies, soft light, and a comfortable breeze. It made for a relaxed and happy photo session. Amanda and Bobby were surrounded by so much love, and it was clear how much their families adore them. There’s a certain ease to photographing couples like this—people who are naturally affectionate, who laugh easily, and who genuinely enjoy being together.
Following the portraits, the couple shared a cake cutting with their church congregation. It was a simple, sweet gesture that made everyone feel included in the celebration. And in a nod to their personal taste, Bobby had arranged for samosas to be served as well—a detail that felt joyful and unexpected and showed how much thought they had put into sharing a part of themselves with their guests.

What stood out most about Amanda and Bobby’s wedding was the intention behind every detail. Even though the celebration was brief—just two hours together—it was full of meaning. Every interaction, every quiet moment felt real and heartfelt. There was no rushing, no fuss, just a sense of calm, steady love and deep appreciation for the people surrounding them.
Amanda and Bobby are planning a larger reception this fall at the Naval Base in Newport, Rhode Island, where they’ll celebrate with a wider circle of friends and extended family. That will be part two of their love story—and we’re so looking forward to capturing the next chapter. But there’s something timeless about this first celebration: the simplicity, the closeness, and the way it was woven into the rhythms of a regular Sunday at church. It’s a reminder that weddings don’t need to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is a sunny afternoon, a small group of loved ones, and the promise of forever.
Vendors
Photography: Aprea Media
Ceremony Venue: Evangelical Baptist Church, Newton, MA
Reception (coming this fall): Newport Naval Base

Sailing Into Forever: Casey & Dongho’s Sunny May Wedding Aboard the Lexington
On May 3, 2025, Casey and Dongho brought their closest family and friends together for a joyful, sun-soaked wedding celebration on Boston Harbor—aboard the Lexington, the Charles Riverboat Company’s largest and most charming paddle wheel vessel. Against the odds of a rainy forecast, the skies stayed clear and bright throughout the day, setting the stage for a truly magical afternoon on the water.

From Travel to “I Do”
Casey and Dongho’s love story began with a shared spirit of adventure. They met while traveling—one of those serendipitous moments that turns a trip into a life-changing memory. Dongho is originally from South Korea, and his family traveled to Boston to celebrate alongside the couple. His wonderful mother wore a beautiful hanbok, a traditional Korean dress that added a meaningful and elegant cultural touch to the day.

Aboard the Lexington: Boston’s Most Unique Wedding Venue
Departing from Rowes Wharf, the Lexington is a 75-foot, two-level paddle wheel boat that cruises Boston Harbor with both style and spaciousness. It offers the best of both worlds—an open-air upper deck with stunning views of the city skyline and a cozy, elegant interior level perfect for dining and dancing. The late morning ceremony and early afternoon reception allowed guests to enjoy the harbor at its most vibrant, bathed in golden spring light.
The Charles Riverboat staff, as always, went above and beyond. We love photographing weddings with them—their coordination is seamless, and they bring such a welcoming energy to every event. It’s no surprise that Lexington weddings have become some of our favorites (we have one more here this fall)!

A Sweet & Sunny Ceremony
Although rain had been in the forecast, the sun had other plans. The entire celebration took place under bright, blue skies. Because it was so sunny, we opted to photograph Casey and Dongho’s family portraits in the shaded areas near the wharf before boarding. It ended up being the perfect solution—soft, flattering light and a relaxed moment before the festivities began.
Their ceremony was short, sweet, and filled with personality. A close friend officiated, creating a warm, familiar tone that had everyone smiling. The vows were heartfelt, and Dongho had the whole crowd laughing at one point—his sense of humor and charm coming through effortlessly. The couple’s joy was palpable, and being surrounded by the sparkling harbor only made it more special.

Cocktails, Skyline Views & Heartfelt Speeches
After the ceremony, guests were treated to cocktails on the upper deck. The gentle breeze, panoramic city views, and clinking of glasses made for an atmosphere that was both elegant and completely relaxed. The Lexington feels spacious even with a full guest list, giving everyone room to move, mingle, and enjoy.
As the boat cruised through the harbor, friends and family gave heartfelt toasts that spoke to Casey and Dongho’s connection, kindness, and journey together. There were moments of laughter, happy tears, and quiet reflection—all the things that make weddings feel personal and profound.

A Feast on the Water
Casey and Dongho chose a buffet-style reception catered by Johnny Burke Catering Company, who, as always, delivered an incredible spread. The buffet was both approachable and elevated, with something for everyone. It allowed guests to enjoy their meal at their own pace, keeping the mood easy and celebratory.
Dessert was especially memorable—a perfect pairing of local flavor and sweet indulgence. Guests enjoyed mini Boston cream pies (because what’s more fitting than that on the harbor?) and little cannolis that disappeared quickly. It was the kind of dessert table that had people sneaking back for seconds (and we don’t blame them).

A First Dance to Remember
Casey and Dongho’s first dance was anything but traditional—it was fun, lively, and had everyone clapping along. It felt like a true reflection of them: full of joy, slightly unexpected, and completely in the moment. With the sun still shining and the city glimmering in the distance, it was one of those moments you don’t forget. We will personally never forget Casey surprising her mom with a Mother-Daughter dance! Talk about emotional!
As the dance floor opened up, guests moved between decks, enjoying the music, the views, and the final golden hour light. It wasn’t until the celebration wound down and everyone was disembarking that the first drops of rain finally started to fall. Talk about perfect timing.

A Boston Harbor Wedding Done Right
Every detail of this wedding—sunshine that beat the forecast, a meaningful ceremony, delicious food, and dancing under the sky—came together beautifully aboard the Lexington. The Charles Riverboat Company team made everything flow so smoothly, from docking logistics to service on board. We can’t say enough good things about this venue or their staff—they truly help make the magic happen.
Casey and Dongho’s wedding was a joyful celebration of love, family, culture, and connection. It was an honor to capture every moment—from the quiet anticipation on the dock to the laughter during speeches to the vibrant dance floor energy. It’s weddings like these that remind us how special it is to tell a couple’s story.
Congratulations, Casey and Dongho—your day was as bright, beautiful, and full of life as your love.

Daynna & Mike’s Wedding at Grazina: A Celebration 18 Years in the Making
On April 18th, 2025, under the golden light of a Friday afternoon, Daynna and Mike finally said “I do” after 18 incredible years together. Their wedding day at Grazina Event Venue in Norwood, MA wasn’t about tradition—it was about celebrating the life they’ve already built together, surrounded by their closest friends and family. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just a wedding—it was a long-awaited party full of laughter, dancing, heartfelt moments, and some of the best hors d'oeuvres we’ve ever tasted.

Getting Ready at the Four Points Norwood
Our afternoon started just a few minutes from home, which is always such a gift. Daynna got ready at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood, and I was immediately struck by how beautiful and calm the space was. She was surrounded by her mother and sister - the atmosphere was warm, supportive, and full of anticipation! The natural light pouring into the room was perfect for capturing those quiet, joyful getting-ready moments—zipping up the dress, final makeup touches, and the calm before the celebration officially began.
The hotel itself is so well-designed for weddings: clean lines, spacious suites, and a sense of ease that matched Daynna’s vibe completely. She was radiant, and there was a quiet excitement in the air—not nerves, but something closer to gratitude. After all, this day had been years in the making.

Grazina: A Hidden Gem in Norwood
Grazina Event Venue felt like the perfect space for Daynna and Mike’s vision. Sleek, modern, and filled with light, it’s one of those places that doesn’t need much dressing up. It has that warm feeling in an old mill space with warm brick walls and industrial lights. They kept it simple—letting the love in the room (and the energy of the guests!) bring everything to life.
What made this wedding so memorable wasn’t just the location, but how comfortable everything felt. Because the couple lives locally, everything was within easy driving distance. No long commutes or last-minute logistics—just a smooth, seamless transition from getting ready to celebration. It allowed everyone, including us as their photo team, to focus on the joy of the day instead of the schedule.

A Ceremony With Heart—and Hors d’Oeuvres!
In true non-traditional fashion, cocktail hour began before the ceremony even started. Guests sipped drinks, mingled, and nibbled on delicious passed hors d’oeuvres as they waited for the couple to walk down the aisle. It was a refreshing change of pace—laid back, intentional, and full of love.
Daynna and Mike’s ceremony was short, sweet, and sincere. Standing in front of the people who have walked alongside them for nearly two decades, they made it official with a kiss and smiles that said it all. No elaborate rituals, no frills—just the real, beautiful commitment between two people who know exactly what it means to choose each other, every single day.

The Food (Let’s Talk About the Food)
We’d be remiss not to mention the food because… wow. The entire evening was full of incredible small bites that never stopped coming. It was the kind of meal that keeps guests coming back for more between songs on the dance floor.
But the standout? The stuffed mushrooms. Truly unforgettable. Flavorful, perfectly cooked, and the ideal balance of comfort food and elevated cuisine. It’s rare for us to rave about a specific appetizer, but these mushrooms deserve their own spotlight. Even our team couldn’t stop talking about them the next day!

A Night of Connection
The evening was full of everything you hope for as a wedding photographer—genuine hugs, joyful reunions, and dance moves that didn’t quit. The reception felt more like a family reunion than a formal wedding, which speaks volumes to the kind of community Daynna and Mike have built around them. You could feel the love in every toast, every embrace, and every step on the dance floor. Speeches were short but packed with sentiment, and the guests clearly knew how to celebrate. There was no stuffy formality—just an open dance floor, an open bar, and a full heart in every corner of the room.

A Note From Us
Photographing Daynna and Mike’s wedding was a reminder of what weddings are really about. It’s not about the latest trends or the perfect weather (though we were lucky enough to have sunshine for most of the day). It’s about two people finally taking a moment to honor the life they’ve built and the people who helped them get there. It’s about laughter, ease, and saying yes in a way that feels perfectly true to you.

​We loved that this wedding took place so close to home. There’s something special about celebrating local love, in local venues, with a couple who feel like instant friends. Daynna and Mike, thank you for trusting us to capture such a meaningful chapter in your story. Your love is strong, steady, and joyfully contagious. We were honored to be a part of your day.
Wishing you a lifetime of dancing, delicious appetizers, and the kind of love that only gets better with time. 💛

If you're local to Norwood, Massachusetts and this is your vibe then we would love to be a part of your wedding day! Grazina is a perfect mix of old mill style, boho and class! You cannot go wrong!

Some wedding days just stay with you, and Courtney and Ryan’s beautiful spring celebration at Saphire Estate is one we’ll always remember. Not just because of the stunning venue, thoughtful details, and incredible couple (though all of that was true!)—but because it reminded us how love, laughter, and a little flexibility can turn even a rainy day into magic.
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Courtney and Ryan are the kind of couple you instantly feel connected to—warm, genuine, and absolutely meant for each other. From the first moment we met them, we knew their wedding day would be full of love, fun, and sweet moments, and it did not disappoint.

Now, let’s talk about the weather. New England had other plans for March 29th—gray skies and nonstop rain—but these two didn’t let it dampen their spirits for a second. They embraced it all with grace and joy, and honestly, the cozy indoor vibes ended up being just right for their elegant, intimate celebration.
What made this day even more memorable on our end? Just a few days before the wedding, I broke my foot. Not ideal for a full wedding day on my feet—but thanks to Gianna Palazzo Media, who stepped in to assist and absolutely crushed it, we were able to keep things seamless for Courtney and Ryan. Gianna is incredibly talented, and we’re so grateful for her calm presence and creative eye throughout the day.
Because of the rain, we weren’t able to do any outdoor portraits or golden hour shots. But the indoor spaces at Saphire Estate offered the perfect backdrop. Between the elegant cocktail hour room and the beautifully prepared ceremony space, we captured everything we needed—and more. The team at the venue did a fantastic job transforming the space for an indoor ceremony, and it felt warm, inviting, and every bit as special as it would have outside.

​Courtney and Ryan, we miss working with you already! Thank you for trusting us, for being such kind souls, and for showing us how to roll with whatever comes your way—with love, laughter, and each other. We’re so honored to have been a part of your day.