Mikayla & Eric - The Most Quintessential Boston, Massachusetts Wedding! August 3, 2024

We first met Mikayla & Eric over a Zoom call to see if we were a good fit to work together and we instantly clicked! Between our love of cats and house plants we hit it off immediately! They chose to do their engagement session at L.A. Burdick Chocolate in Harvard Square, where they had their first date! It was a chilly day and they treated me to hot chocolate too, it was so lovely! Naturally they found a way to incorporate L.A. Burdick in their wedding day too! Here is a "sweet" sneak peek into their magical day. Read on for all the details!

​Getting Ready at The Whitney Hotel, Boston

They made sure they had kitty chocolates as a treat while getting ready! L.A. Burdick only makes these kitties for about a month a year so it was purr-fect timing for their wedding! They also gave out chocolates as their guest gift at each place setting, it was such a lovely touch!

Mikayla incorporated their kitties in their detail shots with these beautiful cameos! Two of these kitties are their cats now and one is their angel cat. Mikayla also had some amazing tattoos including one of her cat! 

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Mikayla also used small businesses on Etsy for a lot of their wedding! She had her shoes hand embroidered for the day!

I wanted to talk more about where Mikayla & Eric got ready and why we loved it so much compared to other hotels we have worked in! Getting ready for your wedding at the Whitney Hotel in Boston offers a luxurious and charming experience for several reasons:

1. Elegant, Intimate Atmosphere: The Whitney Hotel blends modern elegance with historical charm, offering a sophisticated yet intimate environment that perfectly complements the emotional moments before the wedding. The rooms are stylishly designed, providing a calm and beautiful backdrop for pre-ceremony photos.
   
2. Prime Location: Nestled in Beacon Hill, the hotel is conveniently located near iconic Boston landmarks and scenic spots, making it easy for the wedding party to enjoy picturesque photo sessions or quick strolls to Boston Common or the Charles River Esplanade.
   
3. Boutique Luxury: With personalized service, the Whitney offers a more intimate, boutique experience compared to larger hotels. You'll feel pampered with attention to detail and thoughtful touches that enhance the pre-wedding experience.
   
4. Spacious Suites: The hotel’s suites provide ample space for you, your bridal party, and the glam squad to comfortably prepare for the day. The suites are well-lit and stylish, creating the perfect setting for makeup and hair styling while also providing beautiful settings for those candid moments.
   
5. Exclusive Amenities: The Whitney prides itself on luxury. Whether it's in-room dining, wellness-focused amenities, or special touches like a bridal suite setup, your wedding morning will be relaxed and indulgent, allowing you to focus on the moment without stress.
   
6. Photogenic Interiors: From classic, bright rooms to stylishly decorated common areas, the Whitney provides a gorgeous backdrop for “getting ready” photos. Whether you prefer clean, modern aesthetics or the historic charm of Beacon Hill, the hotel’s interiors elevate every shot. This was by far the most bright and updated hotel we've worked in - there were even hooks to hang the wedding dress. Even the groom's room was just as nice!
   
7. Tranquil, Boutique Vibe: Unlike busier hotels, the Whitney offers a more peaceful and secluded vibe, helping to calm nerves and maintain a sense of intimacy before the ceremony begins. It’s perfect for creating a serene and stress-free environment on your big day.
   

Overall, getting ready at the Whitney Hotel ensures that your pre-wedding experience feels special, elegant, and personalized, in the heart of one of Boston's most charming neighborhoods. Especially for a location like the Hampshire House you cannot find a better room and location to get ready at!

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The First Look & First Portraits

On the day of their wedding it was HOT and HUMID! Our initial plan was to do their first look and portraits in the Boston Public Garden, however - the humidity especially - quickly made Mikayla & Eric go with plan B - the Whitney Hotel courtyard! It was absolutely stunning! The landscaping felt like a secret garden, it was lush and inviting! After we went back inside to do some more portraits - the elevator and the downstairs lobby have such a boutique feel they made the perfect backdrop. The beautiful blue and gold colors even matched their detail shots!

From the Whitney we took an Uber over to the Hampshire House - it is close enough to walk but not in a wedding dress with hair and makeup done on a humid day!

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The Hampshire House, Beacon Hill, Boston

I wanted to really write about all the amazing reasons to book your wedding day at the Hampshire House! It is an exceptional choice for a wedding venue due to its timeless elegance and iconic location. Here are some reasons why Mikayla & Eric chose the Hampshire House for their wedding:

1. Historic and Iconic Setting: The Hampshire House is a stunning mansion with rich history and charm. Situated on Beacon Hill, it offers a blend of classic Boston elegance with architectural beauty that sets the tone for a romantic and timeless wedding. Its iconic location right on Boston Common provides breathtaking views of Boston Public Garden, perfect for photo opportunities. Downstairs is the iconic original "Cheers" bar! In the back of the venue there is an unbelievable spiral staircase available to use for portraits!

2. Luxurious, Grand Interior: The interior of the Hampshire House is known for its luxurious décor, featuring grand chandeliers, ornate woodwork, and classic furnishings. The elegant ballrooms, with their high ceilings, warm wood-paneled walls, and antique detailing, create a sophisticated and memorable setting for both ceremonies and receptions. The architect was the same architect as "The Breakers" in Newport!

3. Customizable Wedding Packages: The venue offers flexibility with customizable wedding packages, allowing couples to tailor every aspect of their special day. Whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate gathering, the Hampshire House provides options for catering, bar services, and event coordination to meet individual preferences and budgets. As vendors even, we had a fantastic experience with the staff there. Everyone was so kind and friendly!

4. Panoramic Views of Boston Public Garden: With large windows overlooking the lush Boston Public Garden, the Hampshire House offers stunning panoramic views that bring the beauty of the outdoors into your event. The location provides a perfect backdrop for photographs and adds a touch of natural splendor to your wedding day.

5. Exceptional Cuisine and Service: The Hampshire House is renowned for its gourmet catering services, offering delicious and beautifully presented food options. Their experienced culinary team can craft customized menus, from cocktail hours to multi-course meals, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The staff’s exceptional service ensures that every detail is meticulously handled, leaving you free to enjoy the day.

6. Romantic Atmosphere: With its blend of old-world charm, candlelit ambiance, and classical decor, the Hampshire House exudes romance. The mansion’s intimate yet grand setting creates an enchanting atmosphere that elevates the wedding experience, making it feel like a fairy tale come to life.

7. Versatility of Spaces: The venue offers multiple event spaces, from intimate rooms for small gatherings to large, grand ballrooms for the ceremony and reception. This versatility allows you to host every part of your wedding day—from getting ready, to the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception—all in one beautiful, cohesive setting.

8. Easy Access for Guests: Located in the heart of Boston, the Hampshire House is easily accessible for both local and out-of-town guests. Its proximity to various hotels, historical landmarks, and downtown Boston’s attractions makes it convenient for guests to enjoy their time around the wedding festivities.
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9. Historic Boston Charm Meets Modern Amenities: While the Hampshire House retains its historic charm, it also offers modern amenities to ensure your wedding is seamless. From updated sound systems and lighting to impeccable service, you’ll have the best of both worlds—classic elegance with contemporary conveniences.
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Choosing the Hampshire House means having your wedding in a venue that offers sophistication, romance, and a quintessential Boston experience. Its beautiful setting, attention to detail, and exceptional service make it a top choice for couples looking for a dream wedding venue.

Even all of their flowers were actually made from paper by an Etsy seller in the Ukraine! We couldn't get over how stunning they were!

We were able to do all of their portraits at the Hampshire House in front of the beautiful library wall and fireplace. This is also where the ceremony was held and then turned over during cocktail hour into their reception space!

After their cocktail hour everyone returned to the library having been completely transformed into a luxurious space full of warmth and classic beauty!

L.A. Burdick Chocolates for guests!

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Mikayla & Eric found one more way to incorporate their cats at their wedding - on the dance floor!

Their weddings was the most Boston wedding we've ever done and we just loved how much they shopped small and local AND made sure their pets were a part of their big day! We wish we could photograph this wedding day over and over again! If you're looking to book your wedding day at either the Hampshire House or the Whitney Hotel we would love to be your photographers! Congratulations again Mikayla & Eric!