Weddings Archives - Boston Magazine https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:57:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://bomag.o0bc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/10/cropped-boston-magazine-favicon-32x32.png Weddings Archives - Boston Magazine https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/ 32 32 The Engagement Ring Is Having an Identity Crisis https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2026/04/05/lab-grown-diamonds-engagement-rings/ Sun, 05 Apr 2026 05:00:07 +0000 A silver ring with a large round diamond, attached to a red price tag displaying "$7,000" in white text, set against a dark blue background.

Photo illustration by Benjamen Purvis / Getty Images

A silver ring with a large round diamond, attached to a red price tag displaying "$70,000" in white text, set against a dark blue background.

Photo illustration by Benjamen Purvis / Getty Images

The old script went like this: A lovestruck fellow would save his paycheck—for months, maybe years—to afford an engagement ring. Or a lucky heir would receive a rare bauble handed down across generations, the same one that glittered at a great-grandmother’s cocktail party.

These were natural diamonds: formed more than a hundred miles beneath the Earth’s surface under intense pressure and heat over billions of years, no two exactly alike, and eventually gleaming behind glass in jewelry cases. Romantic, rare, and—let’s be honest—ruthlessly expensive.

But when Spencer’s Mikaela Smith got engaged, she had something else in mind: a lab-grown diamond. Produced in a controlled setting with less labor and less environmental disruption, the stone has the same chemical and physical properties as a mined diamond, at just a fraction of the cost, and even the most experienced jeweler can’t tell the difference by sight alone.

A salon manager planning a June wedding at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, Smith says price was the primary driver for her and her fiancé, a high school English teacher. “We talked about it and just looked at the cost,” she says. “We could get a lot more for the value with a lab diamond.”

Smith worked with Wright Jewelry & Design Company in Hudson to customize a 2-carat, oval lab-grown diamond with side stones. The ring cost around $7,000, she says—far less than a comparable natural version. “I didn’t really care about the heirloom aspect,” Smith says. “What mattered was how it looked. And it was really cool to support a local business and get a custom design.”

A $7,000 stone that passes for a $70,000 one would have been unthinkable a decade ago. Today, it’s transforming the diamond industry, with even local jewelers at the highest end selling pieces made with lab-grown stones. “Lab-grown diamonds tend to resonate because they allow [buyers] to invest in something that’s still certified and has a quality design,” says Alyson Iarrusso, who runs New England–based Cove Fine Jewelry. “It’s really gone from ‘What can I afford?’ to ‘What do I want?’” Which, if you think about it, is a pretty big shift in a business that has always depended on the distance between those two questions.

For many Boston couples, lab-grown is more than just a budget-friendly choice: It’s a way to signal values—sustainability, ethical sourcing, smart spending. As Iarrusso puts it: “People buy lab-grown and are proud: They love the sustainability and the accessibility, and nobody is hiding it.”

Woburn’s Melissa Gutierrez Cronin sought out a lab-grown stone from the South End’s Laura Preshong, known for eco-friendly rings. “I had ethical concerns related to mining,” Cronin says. “We also really like the store we bought it at: It’s a small business, women-owned, and they only sell ethically sourced diamonds. That’s so important to me.”

Cronin says she’s never been asked about her ring’s pedigree. In Boston, “Nobody asks you what kind of stone you have. Even if they did, I wouldn’t mind telling them it’s a lab-grown diamond.” A California native, she’s noticed something about her adopted city: “I think people here are very social-justice-oriented, which is nice.”

Westford’s Kayla Prange—whose 3-carat oval-cut ring from Andover’s Melanie Casey cost just over $5,000—feels similarly. “It’s so freeing to just let go of the whole idea of natural diamonds and get what makes more logical sense,” she says—both from a financial and sustainability perspective. Prange did have to explain the lab-grown concept to a few befuddled family members, but she wasn’t losing any sleep over it. “It’s no surprise that the majority of diamond mines are located in places where people have historically been severely exploited,” she says.

But here’s what the diamond industry would rather you not think too hard about: When a whole generation shrugs off the mythology that made diamonds valuable—the scarcity, the sacrifice, the heirloom permanence—the disruption isn’t the stone. It’s the shrug itself.

You’re not going to find a lab-grown diamond at an antique jewelry store, “but that doesn’t make them less meaningful.”

So the buyers are on board. But what about the people who actually sell the things? Hannah Florman, a custom jeweler with a Newbury Street boutique, sees customers of two schools of thought walk into her store. “I see a lot of couples who are in the health and science fields who are genuinely excited and interested in the lab-grown diamond concept, and also those who are eco-conscious,” she says.

On the other hand, she’s worked with Boston clients concerned about the heirloom quality of their purchase. Natural diamonds, she notes, tend to retain long-term value because they’re tied to the whims of mining and availability. Lab-grown diamonds, which can be produced readily as literal carbon copies, don’t command the same scarcity-driven prices. You’re not going to find a lab-grown diamond at an antique jewelry store, “but that doesn’t make them less meaningful,” Florman says. “It just means they’re better understood as deeply personal objects rather than investments.”

That distinction—personal object versus investment—is the fault line running through every jewelry store in the region.

Anto Aboyan, co-owner of Adamas Fine Jewelry, a luxury jeweler in Newton, admits he was initially skeptical of the trend. Over three decades in the business, Adamas has catered largely to deep-pocketed clients, and natural diamonds accounted for most of the business’s sales. “In the beginning, I really felt that it’s going to be negative. But it really hasn’t been a negative: This is another avenue of selling engagement rings to a certain consumer who generally couldn’t afford a $20,000, $30,000, or $40,000 diamond,” he says.

His sister and business partner, Veronica Sagherian, believes the trend is ushering in a more egalitarian era for the jewelry industry. “It’s basically opened up the opportunity for a younger, less affluent person to be able to afford something that would normally be only for a luxury market,” she says.

Natural stones continue to make up about 75 percent of their business, Aboyan estimates. The remaining 25 percent comes from buyers requesting lab-grown diamonds, often in larger sizes or elongated cuts. “If the consumer is asking for lab-grown, then we’ll be in the business of delivering lab-grown,” Aboyan says. “If the [demand] changes and 90 percent want lab, we’ll supply 90 percent lab.”

Boston Diamond Company, meanwhile, began carrying lab-grown diamonds about three years ago, but only after extensive vetting. Founder and CEO Stephanie Binder’s initial hesitation stemmed from quality concerns: Many lab grown diamonds are mass-produced and, despite strong certificate reports, at first weren’t up to the company’s standards. Certificates give baseline metrics like color, cut, clarity, and carat, the gemologist says. “But you can’t grade things like light, scintillation, brilliance, if it has haze or milky tones.”

Today, Binder estimates that about 90 percent of her clients choose lab-grown diamonds, and she believes they’ll be fully normalized within five years. In Boston, “We’re in a newer luxury market where consumers are no longer impressed by buzzwords,” she says. “They want to understand what they’re buying, how it performs, how it’s set, and how it will last over time.”

In other words, Boston’s jewelers say they haven’t been disrupted so much as recalibrated. The question, then, isn’t whether they can survive the lab-grown revolution; it’s whether the thing they used to sell—not the stone, but the story around it—can make it through.

Pull back a bit, and the bigger picture is hard to ignore. In 2015, lab-grown diamonds accounted for one percent of the overall market; in 2024, they accounted for 20 percent and have caused natural-stone prices to drop as demand shrinks. They’ve also upended a long-standing social ecosystem built on price, status, and meaning. In the past, “For a long time, the size of the diamond signaled what someone spent,” Iarrusso says. “Lab-grown diamonds are changing that equation.”

And while many of the Boston buyers in this story are proud, open, and even eager to sing their ring’s lab-grown status from the rooftops, not everyone is. One local jeweler who often works with clients in swanky enclaves like Palm Beach describes a quieter dynamic: buyers who choose lab-grown stones discreetly, especially in traditional or luxury-oriented circles. “I’ll hear, ‘I only want natural,’” says another local jeweler. “But then, privately, they’ll say, ‘I do want that. Can you create that for me? Nobody needs to know.’”

Then there are those who still gravitate toward natural diamonds—and don’t apologize for it. When Emily Baer was on the cusp of getting engaged, she says her fiancé, real estate agent Hans Nagrath, was firmly in the natural camp. “He was more in the heirloom, traditional, in-the-family-forever, work-of-art type mindset,” says Baer, a therapist and yoga instructor.

While Baer was initially indifferent to what type of stone her fiancé chose, she says her ring—a three-pronged teardrop stunner with a gold band from Boston Diamond Company—is perfect. “I trusted him with the design, and it’s beautiful,” she says. “It’s simple and timeless, and that’s where the heirloom piece ties into it.”

Beverly’s Noelle Guerin, meanwhile, went the other direction, eventually. When the hospitality and lifestyle marketing professional got married 23 years ago, she was proud to sport a natural diamond. But after it popped out of its setting on Thanksgiving last year and required replacement, she did some research: “I’d never considered lab until I did some digging and learned more about them: They’re ethically sourced, more affordable, and with great clarity,” she says.

Despite its lab-grown status, Guerin still considers her new ring an heirloom and plans to pass it on to her daughter someday. After all, it’s about the symbolism, not the stone. “To me, the ring signifies a beautiful marriage that I feel blessed to have and the journey to get there. That’s where the importance lies. I think there’s a misconception that lab-grown isn’t ‘real’ and therefore can’t be an heirloom,” she says.

And maybe that’s the real disruption—not that lab-grown diamonds exist, but that they’ve made the whole question of “real” beside the point. The scarcity is gone. The high cost is optional. The mythology has been politely yet firmly shrugged off. What’s left is just the ring on your finger and whatever story you decide it tells. For a lot of Bostonians, that’s turned out to be enough.

This article was first published in the print edition of the April 2026 issue, with the headline,“Can You Tell the Difference.”

]]> Meet the Boston Event Designer Who Turns Backyards Into Bridal Dreamscapes https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/02/13/stephanie-kent-bridal-shower/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:51 +0000 A group of women standing on grass in a garden setting, dressed in colorful floral and pastel dresses. The central woman wears a white gown with floral details on the bodice and holds a white parasol. Several women hold pink parasols, and there is a backdrop decorated with flowers and greenery behind them. Tall trees and dense foliage form the background.

Grace Finneral’s bridal shower was all about celebrating sisterhood and friendship with the special women in her life. / Photo by Megan Holloway

For floral and event designer Stephanie Kent, crafting celebrations that feel deeply personal is both her passion and her philosophy. After nearly a decade working with legendary planner Janie Haas Events, Kent took time away upon having her first baby—and in doing so, discovered her next chapter. “The business found me,” she says. “It started organically, and I realized I wanted to design celebrations that tell a story and evoke a feeling.”

Rebranding as Wild at Heart Co. in 2020 allowed Kent to hone her signature approach: highly curated, emotionally resonant designs that balance artistry with intention. She takes on only a handful of events each year—each one a fully immersive experience marked by thoughtful detail and a “white glove” creative process.

That bespoke sensibility was on full display at a recent bridal shower for Grace Finneral, hosted by Grace’s mother, Megan, in their family’s backyard. “Grace and Megan were dream clients,” Kent says. “They came to me with unlimited trust.” Inspired by snaps on Grace’s Pinterest board that nodded to LoveShackFancy’s romantic aesthetic, Kent envisioned a modern interpretation—“something feminine and nostalgic, but not overly pink or trendy.”

A large outdoor event tent with a transparent roof and mauve draped curtains tied back at the corners. The entrance features a white lattice arch decorated with green foliage and colorful flowers. Inside, guests are seated at round tables covered with beige tablecloths, and a large chandelier hangs from the center of the tent. The setting is on a grassy lawn surrounded by trees.

Much of Kent’s work, she says, is in “juxtaposition.” Here, she felt the hard, black, structured tent with a clear top would be a beautiful contrast to the feminine color scheme. / Photo by Megan Holloway

A wooden dining table set for a formal event with floral-patterned plates, gold flatware, and light purple napkins. The table features a floral centerpiece with pink, white, and green flowers, along with small bowls of fruit and olives. Tall, ribbed glass candle holders and wine glasses are also arranged on the table. In the background, there are elegant, dusty pink draped curtains tied with bows, and light wooden chairs with woven backs.

The tablescapes evoked a nostalgic English-garden vibe, while mauve napkins and tent draping added feminine richness. / Photo by Megan Holloway

A table covered with a pink floral tablecloth displays a variety of appetizers and drinks. There is a pyramid of clear coupe glasses filled with a light-colored beverage and garnished with orange peel. Surrounding the glasses are plates of small sandwiches and bite-sized appetizers, some served in small woven baskets with white napkins and blackberries. Greenery and small flowers are used as decorative accents on the table. A pink and white striped umbrella with fringe hangs above the setup. The background shows a white building with a black door and outdoor lighting.

Photo by Megan Holloway

A custom-built trellis entrance set the tone, drawing guests into an ethereal garden scene layered with florals in mauve tones, loden greens, and unexpected pops of cherry red and powder blue. Lola Valentina patterned plates echoed an English-garden motif, while velvet touches and delicate butterfly accents added whimsy. Kent balanced lush, floral-filled moments with intentional negative space to let textures and light breathe—an interplay she describes as “soft and hard, feminine and masculine.”

Touches of personality made the event unforgettable: an ’80s glass-phone guest book, a custom watercolor crest, and a trellis bar framed by blooms. “I wanted it to feel like a Sofia Coppola dreamland,” Kent says, “where girls are sipping spicy sauvignon blanc and espresso martinis in this magical, nostalgic garden.”

For Grace, the result was everything she imagined—and more. “Stephanie went way beyond my inspiration,” she says. “Every little detail was so thoughtful. It was the most perfect September day.”

A vintage-style rotary telephone with a clear, textured glass body and gold accents sits on a pink floral tablecloth. A hand with a sheer white sleeve is lifting the handset. Behind the phone, there is a bouquet of flowers including pale peach, purple, and white blooms. To the left, a wicker-framed sign with colorful floral illustrations and cursive writing is partially visible.

A glass push-button phone from the 1980s served as the guest book, where Grace’s friends recorded memory-filled messages of goodwill to her throughout the day. / Photo by Megan Holloway

Table setting with a floral napkin, a purple plate, and a card featuring an illustration of two women in dresses. Two white butterfly-shaped place cards with the names "Georgi Carney" and "Donna Carney" are placed on the plate. A can of Sanpellegrino Ciao! Cherry drink with a striped straw is next to an empty wine glass. The background includes a floral centerpiece with pink roses, white hydrangeas, and purple flowers on a green tablecloth.

The team at Art Experienced was at the event to create personalized sketches of the guests in their vibrant floral frocks. / Photo by Megan Holloway

Bartender Bartending by Tucker
Caterer Catering by Erin
Content Creation The Twentyfour Diaries
Drapery + Lighting Drape Art Designs
Floral + Event Design The Wild Dahlia
Floral Artistry Sweet Talk Floral
Invitations + Day-Of Stationery Gus & Ruby Letterpress
Live Artists and Custom Artwork Art Experienced
Musician Sam James
Photographer Megan Holloway, The New Romantic
Planner + Designer Wild at Heart Co.
Rentals Gooseberry Tabletop; Peak Event Service
Specialty Rentals and Custom Builds Form Creative Services
Tent Structure Peak Event Services
Textiles Lola Valentina

A large outdoor event tent with a transparent roof and mauve curtains is set up on a grassy lawn near a swimming pool. The tent features a floral archway at the entrance, and people are seated inside at tables. The surrounding area includes tall evergreen trees and a stone patio around the pool.

Photo by Megan Holloway

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “The Art of the Intentional Celebration.”

]]> How to Plan a Wedding and (Mostly) Ignore #Bridetok https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/02/12/wedding-avoid-bridetok/ Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:00:06 +0000 A woman in a white dress with a flower crown is looking at her phone, surrounded by large overlapping smartphone screens displaying various icons and images such as hearts, photos, news, drinks, and social media elements. The background is a muted greenish-blue.

Photo illustration by Noemi Fabra

The first thing I see when I open TikTok is an influencer speaking directly to the camera: Five trends you have to include at your wedding. Followed almost immediately by a photo slideshow: Wedding trends I think are cringe. Then a request: Sound off in the comments. What’s one thing at a wedding that screams “tacky”? It’s whiplash in #bridetok form—one video telling you the newest trends you have to follow, lest you have a “boring” wedding, and another telling you to avoid the same ones, or else you’ll have a dated wedding that will look overly trendy five years down the line. But fortunately, there’s a third side to the conversation, too. For each social media influencer lecturing about the dos and don’ts of trends, there’s another saying to block out the noise altogether: that your wedding should feel like you, not like a photo op.

As I’ve been planning my own wedding for the past year, my social media has been an endless inundation of wedding content. Some are positive and helpful (I’ll never skip the ones about what to stock in your day-of emergency kit or how to best fluff your train), and others are judgmental (see above). I’ve been battling with myself and my social media feed to figure out what trends I’m inclined to incorporate into our wedding because I genuinely like them, versus the ones I feel obligated to adopt. More importantly, I’ve been struggling with how to make decisions that feel authentic to my fiancé and me—not just for the pursuit of Instagram-worthy photos.

Of all the champagne towers, the interactive seating chart installations, the newspaper-inspired programs, the fireworks, and the TikTok-ification of it all—with the price tags to match—which ones feel like us?

A smiling couple standing close together outdoors in a snowy landscape. The man is wearing a gray plaid coat over a beige sweater and blue jeans, while the woman is wearing a white coat with beige plaid patterns. The woman has her hand resting on the man's chest, showing a ring on her finger. Both have dark hair, and the background features snow-covered ground and blurred trees.

Makena and her fiancé, Alex Hill, were married in Maine—where the couple also got engaged in 2024—in December 2025. / Photo by Jenna Cavanaugh

Our big day will have come and gone by the time you read these pages, but here’s our plan. Matchbook favors, because I love to collect them, as do many of my friends. A “generations of love” memorial wall featuring photos of our parents and grandparents on their wedding days, because this was one of the trends that resonated with me the second I saw it on Pinterest (yes, social media did influence this one). Dance floor glowsticks, because it always helps to have something to do with your hands on the dance floor. Most importantly, DIYed table numbers—specifically ones that I’ve cross-stitched with the help of my grandmother, who taught me the craft a few years ago. They may not be the über-trendy acrylic or fabric table numbers gracing the receptions of TikTok, but they’re meaningful to me. And they do look pretty cute, too.

I won’t tell you the trends we’re not following because, well, that would make me the same as those who cringe at the best day of others’ lives on social media. What I will say is that every decision we’ve made has been guided by what we want—one of my best friends officiating our ceremony, a string quartet for cocktail hour, and candle-only centerpieces (the warm glow inside our barn wedding will be stunning). It also helps that my fiancé has never once opened TikTok. If I try to even explain a trend to him, the point gets lost.

Though we might not have the influencer-coded wedding that I’ve seen all over my social media feed, our wedding will be intentional and personal. But, of course, I’m still hoping for some great photos to share on Instagram.

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “Off the Feed.”

]]> This Second-Gen Gemologist Is Redefining Boston Fine Jewelry https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/02/06/boston-diamond-company-3/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:22 +0000 Woman with long light brown hair wearing a navy blue textured short-sleeve dress with decorative flower-shaped buttons down the front. She accessorizes with a diamond necklace, matching earrings, a bracelet, a watch, and rings. She has red nail polish and is standing in front of a white wall with framed artwork featuring diamond shapes.

Boston Diamond Company founder Stephanie Binder. / Courtesy photo

In an industry long defined by tradition, Stephanie Binder set out to change the narrative—one diamond at a time. As a second-generation, certified gemologist and founder of Boston Diamond Company, she built her boutique on Newbury Street to showcase female perspectives in a male-dominated world, creating an intimate, appointment-only destination where craftsmanship meets connection. Every piece is locally handcrafted and ethically sourced, designed to reflect each couple’s love story while delivering the caliber of artistry found at high-end retail jewelers, such as nearby neighbors Cartier and Tiffany & Co. The result? A woman-led fine-jewelry house that turns proposals into heirlooms and clients into lifelong friends.

Tell us about your background and how you ended up forming your company.

Boston Diamond Company was born from a deep belief that buying an engagement ring should feel extraordinary. I founded the company after years of seeing how impersonal and overwhelming the fine-jewelry world could feel—especially for women. As a certified gemologist and a designer who grew up watching my mother overcome every obstacle, I built my company with a vision that was rooted in trust, education, and craftsmanship. We started as a small boutique, and we’ve grown into Boston’s premier fine-jewelry destination. Located on the first block of Newbury Street, right next to Cartier, Tiffany, and Van Cleef, we’ve built a reputation for creating pieces that are never mass-produced, always hand-selected, and designed to last for generations.

Three diamond rings with different cuts are worn on a hand. The top ring features an emerald-cut diamond, the middle ring has a cushion-cut diamond, and the bottom ring showcases a round brilliant-cut diamond. Each ring is set in a silver or white gold band with baguette side stones. The hand is positioned against a dark blue fabric background.

Rings, from top to bottom: a stunning 8.00-ct emerald-cut diamond engagement ring set in platinum, featuring 0.62-ctw tapered baguette diamonds, a 4.75-ct cushion-cut diamond engagement ring in platinum with 0.75-ctw tapered baguette diamonds; and a 4.00-ct round brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring in platinum with 0.80-ctw tapered baguette diamonds. / Courtesy photo

Take us through your process.

From the moment the client steps through the doors, they feel we’re not a typical jewelry store. It’s a curated appointment-only experience, designed for connection, personalization, and creativity. Every consultation is private and intentional, so couples feel guided and supported through every single decision. When they come in, we take the time to learn their story, their style, and what matters most to them. Then we pair that with our expertise in design gemology. What makes our store unique is that we are all gemologists, so that makes our craftsmanship super refined and brings our vision to life. My favorite part of this work is watching a client’s face light up when they see their ring, knowing it’s not just a piece of jewelry but a chapter in their love story that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Let’s talk logistics: How far in advance do you prefer couples come to see you?

For engagement rings, we recommend couples schedule their appointments three to four months before their ideal proposal date. This allows time for personalized design, diamond selection, and hand-fabrication. For wedding bands, we recommend three to six months because there are a lot of minor details when planning a wedding. The rings and the dress are the most important.

Gold ring featuring a large marquise-cut diamond held by six prongs. The band is smooth and polished with a rounded shape.

A 4.00-ct marquise-cut diamond engagement ring set in 19-karat yellow gold, featuring a hidden halo and Boston Diamond Company’s distinctive Boston Cigar Band. / Courtesy photo

What ring styles are in high demand?

One of the most in-demand designs right now is the oval-cut diamond. We have seen more modern designs, but minimalism is what’s been very popular for timeless romance. Think of a solitaire engagement ring with a hidden halo, or a bold or classic cut like an emerald cut with a platinum band. These are pieces that feel of the moment and also timeless and forever. Our value is our belief in fine jewelry: It shouldn’t ever feel generic, whether creating a bespoke engagement ring, custom wedding bands, or a beautiful, redesigned, treasured heirloom piece. It’s crafted for beauty and durability. Our clients trust us not just to make a ring, but to create a legacy piece.

Platinum ring featuring a large rectangular radiant-cut diamond in a four-prong setting, with smaller round diamonds embedded along the band.

A 4.98-ct crisscross-cut diamond takes center stage in this platinum engagement ring, accented with 0.98-ctw round brilliant-cut diamonds along the band and a hidden halo. / Courtesy photo

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “A Cut Above the Rest.”

]]> Three Wild Destinations for Adventurous Honeymooners https://www.bostonmagazine.com/travel/2026/01/23/adventurous-honeymoons/ Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:00:12 +0000 View from inside a dark cave looking out to a bright forest with tall green trees. A silhouette of a person stands near the cave entrance on rocky ground. A pool of water inside the cave reflects the trees and the person.

The mouth of a cave in the mountains, Belize / Courtesy photo

Voltaire once said that “marriage is the only adventure open to the cowardly,” but one thing’s certain: It’s undeniably an adventure. So why not celebrate it with a honeymoon that checks a few items off your bucket list? There’s a lot to be said—both literally and metaphorically—for navigating the unknown with your new spouse and experiencing the unfamiliar together. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for honeymoons guaranteed to get your blood pumping and your heart racing.

A wooden deck with four green cushioned lounge chairs, each with a patterned pillow, and a green umbrella. The deck is attached to a rustic hut with a thatched roof. In front of the deck is a rectangular pool with clear water. Lush green foliage surrounds the area.

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize / Courtesy photo

Belize

This underappreciated Central American gem is less overrun by tourists than Costa Rica and has the added advantage of English as its official language. It’s hard to choose between the coast—home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef—and the interior, where lush mountains blanketed by rainforest hide Indiana Jones–worthy archaeological sites.

The Family Coppola Hideaways solve this dilemma by offering five-star properties in both regions, with special rates and perks for couples who book them together. Blancaneaux Lodge, located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve near the Guatemalan border, began as Francis Ford Coppola’s private hideaway. Since 1983, it’s wowed guests with a level of service and luxury worthy of a Hollywood mogul.

Twenty deluxe hideaways with open-air living rooms and sumptuous sleeping quarters are scattered along the banks of Privassion Creek. Swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and tubing are complemented by a superb spa, and each room is equipped with a “shellphone”—a conch that connects directly to the front desk and room service. Explore nearby Mayan ruins; take a guided canoe trip into a cave filled with ancient artifacts; or hike to the aptly named Big Rock Falls. At the end of the day, return for superb Italian or local cuisine accompanied by one of the film director’s acclaimed wines.

A modern wooden house with an open patio featuring lounge chairs and cushions next to a rectangular swimming pool. The pool area is surrounded by stone tiles and lush greenery, with trees and the ocean visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Turtle Inn, Belize / Courtesy photo

The thrills continue at its sister property in the Caribbean, Turtle Inn, located just outside the colorful fishing village of Placencia. Beautifully wrought thatched villas with handcarved Balinese furniture sit steps from a white-sand beach. Unparalleled diving and snorkeling await on a coral reef teeming with marine life, and if you time it right (March through June), you can witness the awe-inspiring whale shark migration. Other adventures include exploring nearby Mayan ruins, waterfalls, a jaguar preserve, and a mangrove-lined river populated by crocodiles, exotic birds, and howler monkeys. As the locals like to say: Unbelizeable.

Large ancient stone pyramid with wide steps, surrounded by dense green trees, and a person standing on the grassy area in front of it.

Mayan Ruins, Belize / Courtesy photo

A wooden balcony with woven railing and two patterned chairs extends from a thatched-roof hut, overlooking lush green hills and trees under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

Bisate Reserve, Rwanda / Courtesy photo

Rwanda

Few places compare to the exhilaration of East Africa, and when the wildlife includes our closest genetic relatives, the experience takes on a deeper meaning. Wilderness  an eco-friendly safari company, recently opened Bisate Reserve inside Volcanoes National Park, perfectly combining plush comfort with the unbridled excitement of gorilla trekking. Guided by experts steeped in local knowledge, you’re virtually guaranteed close encounters with these majestic great apes.

A close-up of a gorilla with closed eyes holding and eating green bamboo stalks, surrounded by a blurred green natural background.

Close Encounter with an Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Rwanda / Courtesy photo

Intimacy is assured at the property’s four exquisite en suite villas, each with its own living area, deck, and hot tub. Birdwatching and cultural experiences with local people round out the itinerary, and even the most jaded travelers have dubbed Rwanda the ultimate wildlife destination.

From Bisate, continue on to Wilderness’s other new offering, Magashi Peninsula, an eight-bed camp located in Akagera National Park. Offering the full safari experience within Africa’s largest protected wetland, guests can see all of the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. One of the few places on Earth to host both white and black rhinos, Akagera also dazzles with giraffes, zebras, countless antelope species, and more than 520 bird species. It’s impossible to overstate the beauty of this tiny nation—the perfect place to, as they say, do it like they do on the Discovery Channel.

A group of hikers wearing red jackets trekking across a vast, icy glacier with textured, snow-covered surfaces and deep blue crevices.

Glacier Hiking in Juneau, Alaska / Courtesy photo

Alaska

The best introduction to the 49th state is by cruise ship, and our favorite line for combining luxury and adrenaline is Silversea, whose ships Silver Whisper and Silver Moon sail to all of Alaska’s greatest hits.

Departing from Vancouver, the journey winds through the famed Inside Passage, with its first stop in Ketchikan—the “Salmon Capital of the World”—known for its candy-colored Old West architecture. Juneau offers immersion in the indigenous Tlingit culture, while Skagway is a portal back to the Gold Rush era, and Sitka retains a strong Russian influence, with landmarks such as the Russian Bishop’s House and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Michael. (Fun fact: Sitka is the largest U.S. city by area—4,800 square miles—hinting at the vastness of Alaska’s wilderness.)

The undeniable highlight is the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier, which defies description. Guests disembark in Seward, from where they can continue on to Denali National Park or take one of the world’s most scenic train rides to Anchorage. For those choosing the latter, we strongly recommend a stay at the camp operated by Alaska Helicopter Tours. The exhilaration of flying low over pristine glaciers, landing beside cobalt-blue pools, and even dogsledding on the ice is an experience you’ll be telling your grandkids about.

A large white cruise ship sailing on calm blue water with forested mountains on the left and snow-capped mountains on the right under a clear blue sky.

Silver Muse, Alaska / Courtesy photo

A brown bear and two cubs standing in shallow water with a forested background. The adult bear is closer to the camera, while the cubs are slightly behind, partially submerged in the water. Green vegetation lines the water's edge.

Alaskan Grizzlies, Alaska / Courtesy photo

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “Wild at Heart.”

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]]> Three Historic Estate Wedding Venues in Massachusetts https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/01/22/estate-wedding-venues/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:00:41 +0000 A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a paved driveway toward a large, elegant brick building with white trim and green shutters. The bride wears a white, off-the-shoulder wedding gown and holds a bouquet, while the groom is dressed in a black suit. The driveway is bordered by green grass and trees on both sides.

The Bradley Estate / Dan Aguirre Photography

The Bradley Estate
Canton, Mass.

Just 15 miles south of Boston, the Bradley Estate in Canton offers a grand yet intimate setting that’s rich in New England charm. A property of the Trustees of Reservations, this Georgian-style mansion resides on 90 acres of gorgeous formal gardens, rolling meadows, and enchanting woodlands. Designed by landscape architect Charles Platt, the surroundings feel worlds away from the city, making them ideal for couples wanting refined elegance with a pastoral twist.

For ceremonies, the formal parterre garden that encircles the pristine manicured lawn makes the perfect spot for exchanging vows and taking photographs, boasting 360 degrees of stunning backdrops. There’s also a low brick wall that borders the garden, featuring a tranquil water fountain that sets the scene for serenity. In addition to ceremonies, gardens and terraces can host cocktail hours. For receptions, tented weddings are ideal for dinner and dancing for up to 180 guests, located adjacent to the residence on the North Lawn. Additionally, the mansion’s first floor is available for socializing, and seating within can accommodate up to 80 guests. With the guidance of the on-site event team, couples can tailor every detail, from catering packages to garden florals, making each celebration feel effortless and unforgettable. Canton, bradleyestateevents.com.

Guest Excursion
Trillium Brewing Company – Canton

Just minutes from the Bradley Estate lies the family-friendly Trillium Brewing Company -Canton, a craft-beer destination with a full taproom, a restaurant with a seasonal wood-fired menu, and a large outdoor patio. Located at 100 Royall Street, the space merges an elevated microbrewery energy with an inviting dining atmosphere, making it the perfect place for wedding parties or attendees looking to keep the festivities going off-site. With rotating taps of award-winning ales, craft cocktails, enticing food, and non-alcoholic options (for young guests or nondrinkers), Trillium is an effortless outing for those who want convenience, local flavor, and a celebratory atmosphere without venturing back into the city. trilliumbrewing.com.

Highfield Hall & Gardens
Falmouth, Mass.

Perched above Falmouth’s lush Beebe Woods and minutes from the Cape’s shoreline, Highfield Hall & Gardens is a majestic manor with seaside charm. Originally constructed in 1878 by the Beebe family as part of a Gilded Age estate, the beautifully restored, Queen Anne–style mansion is now celebrated as one of Cape Cod’s most elegant wedding destinations. Surrounded by nearly 400 stunning acres of conservation land, this 6-acre property has two historic gardens, expansive lawns, heirloom trees, and woodlands, offering a secluded and romantic setting that feels both refined and relaxed. Ceremonies often take place in gardens framed by stone walls and vibrant florals, while cocktail hours and receptions can be held on the back lawn beneath an illuminated tent. Indoors, the mansion’s gallery-like rooms, intricate woodwork, and grand staircase provide striking photo backdrops and intimate gathering spaces. Overall, up to 150 guests can be accommodated.

As a historic estate, Highfield Hall is a space-only rental, which includes tent rental. The fee includes full use of the house and the surrounding area, as well as a ready room for the bride and groom. While the team at Highfield provides couples with a list of caterers to choose from, they are also permitted to select any additional vendors, enabling them to personalize every element of their event. Falmouth, highfieldhallandgardens.org.

Rehearsal Dinner
Flying Bridge Restaurant

Unfolding across the scenic waterfront of Falmouth Harbor, the Flying Bridge Restaurant offers a relaxed, coastal setting right on the water—ideal for bringing friends and family together before the big day. With thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor event spaces—plus access to an open-air patio and stylish furnishings—this venue seamlessly blends comfort with upscale appeal and fabulous, fresh classic New England seafood. flyingbridgerestaurant.com.

A large white tent with sheer curtains is set up outside a grand white building with black shutters during dusk. Inside the tent, numerous people are seated at round tables, dressed formally, suggesting a social event or reception. Warm lights illuminate the tent, creating a cozy atmosphere against the deep blue evening sky.

The Mount / Courtesy photo

The Mount
Lenox, Mass.

For couples seeking a wedding steeped in artistry, elegance, and history, the Mount—Edith Wharton’s former home in Lenox—sets a scene for romance. Nestled in the Berkshires, the historic estate, built and designed by the Pulitzer Prize–winning American author in 1902, spans nearly 50 acres and reflects her keen eye for architecture, gardens, and storytelling. Today, the meticulously restored Gilded Age mansion and its colorful, award-winning formal gardens provide a breathtaking setting for celebrations of every scale.

With a variety of ceremony and reception locations available, the estate and gardens can accommodate weddings of numerous sizes, serving up to 250 guests. Ceremonies often occur in the gorgeous French Flower Garden (inspired by the gardens at Versailles) or the intimate Italian Garden (inspired by Renaissance architecture). Receptions can be held on the Terrace, which overlooks the property’s grounds and the mountains beyond, or in one of the tent sites, such as the Forecourt in front of the mansion. Inside, couples have separate getting-ready rooms for before the ceremony and can host cocktail hours or intimate ceremonies. The Mount partners with seasoned event professionals to ensure every detail honors the estate’s storied legacy while simultaneously reflecting each couple’s personal vision. Lenox, edithwharton.org.

A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet walks arm-in-arm with a man in a black tuxedo along a gravel path. They are surrounded by neatly trimmed trees, lush green bushes, and a colorful flower garden. In the background, there is a large, elegant white mansion with black shutters, set against a backdrop of tall trees and clear sky.

The Mount / Courtesy photo

Guest Accommodations
Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa

Less than 1.5 miles from the Mount, Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa offers a serene, adults-only escape for wedding squads and attendees seeking an ideal, nearby retreat before or after the big day. Set on 380 acres in Lenox, the luxury wellness destination combines nature, restorative programming, and thoughtful hospitality with an all-inclusive format that features chef-driven meals, wellness classes, and access to the Life in Balance Spa. From equine experiences and yoga to sound-bath sessions and meditation, Miraval encourages guests to unplug and recharge in a digital-device-light environment where a peaceful setting and high-touch amenities are the focus. miravalresorts.com.

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “History Meets Romance.”

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]]> Three Gorgeous Garden Wedding Venues in New England https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/01/21/garden-wedding-venues/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:11 +0000 A bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands under a circular stone arch covered with green vines. The bride wears a white lace gown with a long train, and the groom is dressed in a dark suit. They are surrounded by lush greenery and blooming pink flowers in a garden setting.

Courtesy

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Bristol, Rhode Island

The 33-acre Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arborteum along the shores of Narragansett Bay is one of the most intact examples of the Country Place Era in the U.S., where wealthy Americans commissioned lavish retreats from 1890 to 1930. Since then, it has been impeccably maintained inside and out, making this 45-room stone manor and its mature landscape a stunning setting for a wedding for up to 225 guests. Host your ceremony on the sweeping waterfront lawn, then steal a breath of fresh air and a moment alone with your new spouse as you stroll down to the bay. Follow the serpentine paths through the property, and you’ll find an arboretum filled with native specimens—including the tallest giant sequoia on the East Coast—as well as exotic trees inspired by the original owners’ travels to Asia and Europe. Don’t miss the Bosquet, French for “woodland,” and bamboo forest for your newlywed photos. Bristol, RI, blithewold.org.

REHEARSAL DINNER SPACE
The Franklin

This modern French brasserie exudes classic European charm, with its candlelight and vintage art setting an intimate mood for your rehearsal. From the first bite of mushroom coquettes to duck confit or pot de crème, plus bubbly, you’ll be whisked abroad the moment you cross the threshold. groundswellguild.com.

A group of twelve women standing outdoors in a garden setting, dressed in pastel-colored formal dresses. The woman in the center is wearing a white strapless wedding gown and holding a bouquet of flowers, while the others wear dresses in shades of green, blue, pink, yellow, and lavender, each holding small bouquets. The background features tall trees and greenery, with pink and white flowers in the foreground.

The Garden at Elm Bank / Courtesy photo

The Garden at Elm Bank
Wellesley, Mass.

Less than 20 miles from downtown Boston, 12 resplendent gardens are a wedding haven at the Garden at Elm Bank’s 36-acre oasis. The Pollinator Meadow, Dahlia and Daylily gardens, and Goddess Garden offer layers of color and thousands of diverse plants from spring through late fall, while the Olmsted Italianate Garden is an exclusive spot for a ceremony, with its 14th-century Spanish fountain and blush hydrangeas. Wander the grounds to get your bearings or visit the Belvedere Pagoda during cocktail hour. Then settle under the stars for the reception (with a tent, of course) in the Maple Grove, known for its towering maple trees and enough lawn to cover a hockey rink. With multiple event venues for indoor and outdoor weddings, you’re covered even if it rains—the Hunnewell building is a stately carriage house with romance in its veins.

Wellesley, masshort.org.

GUEST EXCURSION
The Davis Museum at Wellesley College

This modern art museum is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday on Wellesley College’s campus. The 11,000 objects in its permanent collection are sure to delight, while temporary exhibitions include French faience ceramics and ancient Mediterranean jewels, plant portraits, and African American prints. wellesley.edu.

A couple embracing and kissing in a garden pathway surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, with the woman wearing a white wedding dress and the man in a blue suit.

Long Hill / Courtesy photo

Long Hill

Beverly, Mass.

A beloved Federal-style home for the Sedgwick family from the early to late 1900s across 114 acres, Long Hill has blossomed into a property that’s open to the public and hosts al fresco weddings for up to 140 people. Its enchanting naturalistic and structured gardens are organized into “rooms” with distinct plantings, ornamentation, and statuary that offer blooms of color through the growing season. With ample space here, guests can explore before the ceremony or stay in intimate groups to admire and compare the horticulture between rooms. Take a cocktail to investigate the property’s network of 100 woodland acres that flanks the gardens with walking trails, an apple orchard, meadows, and a children’s garden, or the happy couple can escape for a smooch and a private portrait session. Beverly, thetrustees.org.

GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

CLARENDON SQUARE BED AND BREAKFAST

Clarendon Square Bed and Breakfast occupies a beautifully renovated 1860s townhouse where historic charm meets boutique luxury. Guests will discover designer-decorated rooms with marble en suite baths and rich fabrics, while upstairs, a rooftop terrace with a hot tub offers sweeping city views.

clarendonsquare.com.

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “Verdant Vows.”

 

]]> A Stockbridge Farm Wedding with Horses, a Plane, and Late-Night McDonald’s https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/01/20/stockbridge-farm-wedding-horses/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:21 +0000
Bride and groom walking down a white aisle outdoors, surrounded by guests seated on wooden chairs. The bride wears a white gown with lace sleeves and holds a bouquet of white flowers, while the groom wears a black tuxedo with a bow tie and glasses. The aisle is decorated with white floral arrangements, and the sky is clear with visible contrails.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

For Katherine and Harley Waller, love seemed meant to be since they had been in each other’s orbit for years. The pair first met at boarding school in the Berkshires, where Harley was friends with Katherine’s older brother. Years later, when she moved to Boston for college, her brother encouraged her to reach out to a familiar face also living in the city. “We started dating pretty much immediately,” Katherine says. Nine years later, Harley proposed on Nahant Beach at sunset, with their beloved dog, Braxton, by their side, just days after Katherine’s father suffered a heart attack. “It’s kind of crazy how it all happened,” Harley recalls. While jokes were made about the timing, the family felt nothing but joy after her father recovered and wedding planning began.

Although the bride grew up spending summers in Hyannis Port, originally imagining the big day there, the couple soon realized Harley’s family farm in Stockbridge was actually the ideal destination. “We spent a lot of time there, and it became a really special place for us,” Katherine reveals. A sprawling property dating to 1902, the farm has been home to generations of horses, history, and heartfelt celebrations. “There’s a level of formality to the property, but there’s also a level of comfort,” Harley adds. The weekend’s standout moments included the couple’s horse-drawn arrivals—Harley in a vintage Bugatti carriage and Katherine in a smaller one alongside her father in a top hat—their ceremony beneath the family’s heirloom arbor, and a champagne-sabering reception that gave way to a glowing “Pink Pony Club” after-party, complete with a brass-band parade and late-night McDonald’s delivery. “It was perfect,” Katherine says. “We really had the best time ever.”

A long dining table set with white plates featuring a beaded edge, crystal glassware, and black cloth napkins. Tall white taper candles in black candle holders and white floral arrangements with greenery run down the center of the table. Wooden chairs with woven backs surround the table. The setting is bright and elegant.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

A brown and white dog with a collar sits on an ornate red and gold patterned couch with green pillows. In the background, a man wearing black pants, suspenders, and a white shirt is adjusting his bow tie in front of a mirror. The setting appears to be a warmly lit room with wooden accents and window blinds.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

The Details

THE THEME

“Our big theme was we wanted to make sure we had a good environment for both our younger crowd to have fun and dance, and our older crowd to have areas where they could sit, chat, socialize, and have a good night without worrying about everything being so loud, hectic, and hard to get to,” Katherine reveals. “I think we really pulled that vision off. Mandy [the wedding planner] did such a great job making sure that everyone was really comfortable .”

A circular outdoor wedding ceremony setup on a grassy field with wooden chairs arranged in a wide ring around a white aisle. At the center of the aisle is a floral arch decorated with white flowers. The background features distant trees and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

THE FAMILY TRADITION

A tradition that’s literally rooted in the family’s farmland is to marry under a specific arbor located on the property. “Everyone in the house who got married under there has had very long and happy marriages,” Katherine reveals. “It was built for my parents,” Harley adds. “They got married there in the 1980s, and there hasn’t been a bad marriage underneath it.”

THE BAND

“Our wedding planner sent us a bunch of bands, and we listened to all of their different samples. We found this one band [Ripcord]. The two singers were just incredible, and they have this award-winning brass section that is internationally known,” Harley says. “We just couldn’t live without them. It was definitely really high on the budget, but it was so essential. They really made the whole evening.”

Six women wearing matching black ruffled dresses are walking on a grassy field, each holding a small bouquet of white flowers. The background features tall green trees and a clear blue sky.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

THE FIRST DANCE

After some photos, the couple was announced into the reception tent, where they had their first dance to “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” by Leo Sayer. “We had a little mix-up with that, where we weren’t used to it. We were only used to the recording—not someone performing it,” Katherine shares with a laugh. “So we missed our first mark and just improvised it,” Harley adds. “No one knew. It was great. We just did our moves.” It was very “them,” the bride continues, “because we were giggling the whole time.”

THE CAKE

While at some weddings the cutting of the cake is an event in and of itself, Katherine and Harley wanted everyone to just keep enjoying cutting a rug on the dance floor. “We didn’t do it traditionally and have everyone go around us,” the bride explains. “We had the cake off to the side, and we did it privately, which was great. We got great pictures. We had a lot of passed desserts because we just wanted to dance.”

A vintage-style biplane model decorated with clusters of white and light pink hydrangea flowers, positioned on a grassy area with trees and hills in the background. The plane has a wooden propeller and the text "Vigo Motor Oil" on its side.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

THE AIRPLANE

In addition to the vintage carriage that was stationed inside the big tent for the reception, another showstopping decorative piece was a small World War I–era airplane. “After I drove the coach to the ceremony, we put it on one side and then this airplane on the other,” the groom explains. “It was a really cool feature because it’s fully functioning, and people could actually climb into it.”

A horse-drawn carriage with red wheels and black body carries a bride in a white dress and veil, accompanied by a man in a black suit and top hat. Two men in black suits and top hats are seated at the front, driving two brown horses. The scene is set on a gravel path with green grass and trees in the background.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

A man wearing a black riding helmet, glasses, white shirt, beige pants, and brown riding boots is sitting on a brown horse with white markings on its legs and face. Next to them, a woman with blonde hair, dressed in a brown jacket, white pants, and black and brown riding boots, is standing and holding the reins of another brown horse with a white blaze on its face and white markings on its legs. The background shows a white fence, green trees, and hills under a cloudy sky.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

THE HORSES

While the horses played an important part leading the couple to the ceremony in their respective carriages, that wasn’t the only role they took on. “Some of the amazing staff who work at the farm brought up two of the horses so everyone in the tent could pet them,” the bride reveals.

Eight men dressed in black tuxedos with bow ties are walking on a grassy field under a clear blue sky. Four of them in the front are holding glasses with drinks, and they appear to be smiling and engaged in conversation. Trees and a fence are visible in the background.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

THE AFTER-PARTY

The after-party theme was the “Pink Pony Club,” and its big reveal didn’t disappoint. “The lighting team was able to make it look almost like a landing strip all the way from our big tent down into what we call the ‘Party Barn,’” Katherine reveals. “The band turned into this Louisiana-style marching band,” Harley adds, “we all marched down there together.” The band played a few songs with the DJ, and later, multiple McDonald’s Happy Meals were brought in for late-night snacking.

Four rings, including a diamond engagement ring and three gold bands, are displayed on a white card with the initials "K / H" printed on it, placed on a green surface. Nearby is a decorative brush with a carved handle and light brown bristles, along with a white card featuring elegant script text.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

The File

Band Ripcord
Bride’s Dress (Ceremony) Amsale with custom Vera Wang sleeves and veil
Bride’s Dress (Reception) Anne Barge
Cake and Caterer Mezze Catering
Flowers Fleur Events
Groom’s Attire Hive & Colony
Hair & Makeup Jeannie Reilly-Ortega
Lighting & Draping SociaLight Boston
Photographer Hassan Hadad
Planner & Designer Hummingbird Events & Design
Shuttles AA Transportation

White pointed-toe high heels with large bows on the front, hanging from an ornate gold wall sconce with two white taper candles. The shoes have pink insoles with floral designs and the Valentino logo.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a black tuxedo are seated in a dark green vintage convertible car with tan interior, parked on grass with a large leafy bush and clear blue sky in the background.

Photo by Hassan Haddad

Dark green vintage Triumph convertible with tan interior, wire-spoke wheels, and chrome front bumper, parked on grass with trees and a clear sky in the background.

Photo by Hassan Hadad

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “Landmark Occasion.”

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]]> Three Gorgeous Restaurant Wedding Venues in Boston https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/01/15/boston-restaurant-wedding-venues/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:00:52 +0000 A vintage-style dining area with red upholstered chairs featuring gold fringe at the bottom. The tables are set with glassware, plates, and pink napkins, and decorated with red floral centerpieces. The walls are cream-colored with ornate molding and arches, each containing a wall sconce with a lampshade. A large, fringed pendant lamp hangs above the table, and mirrors on the wall reflect the warm lighting and floral arrangements. The floor is wooden, adding to the cozy, elegant ambiance.

Prima / Courtesy photo

PRIMA

Sophisticated yet inviting, Prima Italian Steakhouse brings contemporary luxury to weddings with an atmosphere that feels both modern and timeless. The restaurant’s design features rich textures, marble accents, and warm lighting—creating a setting that’s perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations.

FOR FUEL BEFORE THE FESTIVITY

La Saison Bakery

This branch of the beloved Cambridge bakery opens every day at 7 a.m., making it a bright, early-morning stop in the neighborhood. Inside, you’ll find artisan breads, pastries, and sourdough pizza with a 72-hour slow-fermented crust that made the bakery famous. lasaison-bakery.com.

For smaller weddings, the Park Room, furnished with plush velvet seating and vibrant florals, is ideal for ceremonies, dinners, or cocktail receptions of up to 40 guests. The Rose Room, equally stylish and equipped with its own bar, lends itself beautifully to rehearsal dinners or smaller receptions. Larger affairs can take over the main dining room, which seats 180 or transforms into a full restaurant buyout spanning 4,300 square feet, including a seasonal patio for outdoor gatherings. With elevated Italian cuisine, impeccable service, and artful interiors, Prima offers a wedding backdrop that feels both grand and intimate—a true celebration of taste and style.

Charlestown, primaboston.com.

Rustic restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, set with glassware, napkins, and cutlery. Warm lighting from hanging lamps and candles creates a cozy atmosphere. A stone fireplace is visible on the left, and an open kitchen with shelves of bread and hanging pots is in the background. The ceiling features exposed wooden beams.

Capo Restaurant & Supper Club / Courtesy photo

CAPO RESTAURANT & SUPPER CLUB

A South Boston landmark, Capo brings bold Italian energy and urban sophistication to weddings of every scale. The sprawling venue unfolds across multiple levels, offering settings for everything from romantic dinners to lively, late-night receptions.

GUEST EXCURSION

Castle Island

This 22-acre waterfront park offers sweeping views of Boston Harbor and miles of scenic walking paths. At its center stands Fort Independence, a granite fort dating to the 1830s on a site that has been fortified since the 1600s, making it one of the oldest continually fortified sites in the country. Today, the island welcomes visitors with its beaches, picnic areas, and breezy coastal charm. nps.gov.

The main dining room, with its exposed brick, wood-fired ovens, and warm lighting, can host 360 guests (180 seated), while the Private Dining Room offers a more intimate experience for up to 200 guests. Below, the Supper Club—with its private street entrance, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, DJ booth, and built-in stage—creates an unforgettable after-party or reception venue. Whether couples envision a candlelit dinner followed by dancing into the night or a full-venue takeover, Capo combines the soul of classic Italian hospitality with the vibrancy of a city celebration. It’s a venue that transitions seamlessly from sophisticated dinner to spirited dance floor, making it a dynamic restaurant wedding destination.
South Boston, caposouthboston.com.

A warmly lit restaurant interior featuring red velvet chairs and green upholstered curved banquettes. The walls are adorned with rich red curtains and white brick, complemented by wooden paneling. Large hanging lamps with fringed shades illuminate the tables, which are set with glassware, plates, and napkins. Green plants add a touch of nature to the cozy, elegant atmosphere.

Capri / Courtesy photo

CAPRI

In the South End, Capri offers an effortlessly chic setting for couples seeking a refined yet relaxed celebration. Inspired by the Italian coastline, the restaurant is layered with natural textures, soft lighting, and a warm palette that feels at once cosmopolitan and transportive.

GUEST EXCURSION

Clarendon Square Bed and Breakfast

This under-the-radar spot occupies a beautifully renovated 1860s townhouse where historic charm meets boutique luxury. Guests will discover designer-decorated rooms with marble en suite baths and rich fabrics, while upstairs, a rooftop terrace with a hot tub offers sweeping city views.clarendonsquare.com.

The Garden Room on the first floor, featuring a private bar and lush greenery, is perfect for intimate ceremonies or cocktail receptions, hosting up to 50 guests standing or 34 seated. Upstairs, the main dining room, anchored by a grand piano and elegant bar, accommodates 175 guests (120 seated) for dinner and dancing. For larger celebrations, full buyouts can include the patio, bringing total capacity to 460 guests. Capri blends upscale dining with easy sophistication—where exceptional food, seamless service, and romantic ambiance come together for weddings that feel timelessly Boston yet distinctly Italian.

South End, capriboston.com.

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026with the headline, “Love on the Menu.”

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]]> A North End Boston Wedding with Cigars, Church, and Cannoli https://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/2026/01/13/north-end-wedding-st-leonards-church-cigars/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:00:55 +0000 A bride and groom sitting side by side on a bench inside a church. The bride wears a strapless white wedding dress with floral details and a long veil, holding a bouquet of white and red flowers. The groom wears a dark pinstripe suit with a white shirt and tie, and a boutonniere matching the bride's bouquet. They are smiling and holding hands, with stained glass windows visible in the background.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

August 16, 2025
Assaggio Restaurant & Lounge
Boston, Massachusetts

For Margaret Jones and Cooper Milano, finding love was a twist of fate during one of the most unlikely times. After moving back home to Massachusetts during COVID, Margaret was unsure how she would meet anyone new until her roommate’s boyfriend unexpectedly connected her to his roommate, who turned out to be Cooper. “It was kind of like a butterfly effect,” the bride says. “Everything just fell into place.” Though the two hit it off immediately, life took them in different directions when Cooper moved to Arizona for work. Still, their connection was undeniable, so he eventually decided to return to Boston—this time for good.

A few years later, that same sense of serendipity carried through to their engagement. During a family getaway in Kennebunkport, Maine, Cooper surprised Margaret with a proposal on the beach outside their favorite spot, the Tides Beach Club, complete with a hidden photographer and both families waiting in the wings with champagne and cowbells. “I thought that I had made all these plans [for the day],” she says, laughing, “when he secretly was planning above my plans.”

A wedding ceremony taking place inside a grand church with ornate architecture. The bride, wearing a white lace gown with a long train, and the groom, in a dark suit, stand facing each other holding hands in front of an altar. A priest in white robes stands behind the altar. To the left, a bridesmaid in a red off-shoulder dress watches, and to the right, two groomsmen in light-colored suits stand side by side. The background features a large, colorful religious mural with angels and saints, framed by tall columns and intricate gold detailing.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

When it came time to wed, the couple decided to honor their relationship’s roots. They ultimately opted for an intimate celebration in their favorite part of the city, the North End, marrying at St. Leonard’s church surrounded by their closest family and friends during Fisherman’s Feast. With rich red florals—nods to the neighborhood’s Italian influence—and a cozy dinner-party vibe, the event embodied what mattered most: family, connection, and the joy of keeping traditions while simultaneously making the experience entirely their own.

A bride and groom stand closely together on a city street, about to kiss. The bride wears a strapless, floral lace wedding gown and holds the train in one hand. The groom is dressed in a dark pinstripe suit with a tie and a boutonniere. Behind them, a building with striped awnings and flower decorations is visible, along with several casually dressed pedestrians crossing the street. The photo is in black and white.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

THE MUSIC

Because the event was held in the North End there were restrictions on amplified music, so the couple had to work around that. “We ended up having a guitar and a violinist who led us from the church to the restaurant, so guests knew where they were going,” the bride explains. “Then they stayed throughout cocktail hour and came upstairs for dinner and a portion of the night.”

THE TRADITIONS

“My ‘something borrowed’ was my older sister and maid of honor’s wedding dress, which I wore for the reception,” Margaret reveals. “We bought it from Unbridaled in Austin, Texas, where she lives. It fit perfectly, and I bought a neck scarf to make it my own. This was a money saver and also so sentimental.” The couple also burned the same candle the bride’s sister used on her wedding day for additional good luck.

Five women stand outdoors on grass with trees and flowers in the background. The woman in the center wears a white strapless wedding gown with floral details and a veil, holding a bouquet of flowers. To her left, one woman wears a red off-the-shoulder dress with ruffles, and another wears a green halter-neck pleated dress. To her right, one woman wears a sleeveless floral dress with a pearl necklace, and another wears a red sleeveless dress with ruffles and metallic sandals. All are smiling and appear joyful.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

THE FIRST LOOK

Before the ceremony, Margaret’s girlfriends came over for a “first look” before her father arrived for his. “They surprised me with a playlist of songs that reminded them of me—I had to guess who picked each one,” the bride says. “It was such a sweet, joy-filled moment that helped calm my nerves and set the tone for the day.” Additionally, as part of her look, Margaret wore feathered Jeffrey Campbell kitten heels she bought on a girls’ trip long before she met Cooper, which were still in the box, never worn, and originally saved just for her “bridal era.”

A street scene at dusk with a traffic jam of cars and pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. On the right side, a large vertical sign for "Assaggio Cucina Positano" features an image of a coastal town with colorful buildings on a hillside. The left side shows a brick building with fire escapes and windows. The atmosphere suggests a busy urban area.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

A dining table set for four with white tablecloth, red napkins, and menus. Each place setting includes a wine glass, water glass, and silverware. The centerpiece features a bouquet of red and white flowers, a tall lit candle in a glass holder, and a table number card with a red apple illustration and the number 2. The background shows a red cushioned bench and a brick wall.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

THE VENUE

For Margaret and Cooper, selecting a venue—one of which was Assaggio—was based on accommodating their guests. “We never dined there before,” the bride admits, “but I loved the other restaurants from DePasquale Ventures, so I knew the food would be good.” After narrowing it down to two places, the couple fell in love with Assaggio’s event coordinator, Mikhael, which sealed the deal. “I got such a good vibe from her, and it was all exactly what we wanted. Plus, Assaggio is attached to the church, so no one had to go far.”

A man and woman are cutting a large, multi-layered cake decorated with piped frosting and topped with strawberries. The man is holding the knife, and the woman, wearing a satin dress with thin straps, is smiling and looking at the cake. Other people are visible in the background, including an older woman clapping. The image is in black and white.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

THE FOOD

The couple wanted people to feel like they were at a feast, passing around different dishes and foods. That included some classic North End Italian fare like raviolis and meatballs, along with some Assaggio special sides, because they thought the experience should be a unique combination of what the restaurant offers. “We tried to make the cocktail hour feel like social bites, which is how dinner ended up being as well,” the bride says. “We wanted it to be like a large grazing table where everyone went around family style and grabbed whatever they wanted.”

Six men dressed in formal attire, including suits, dress shirts, ties, and suspenders, stand closely together against a stone and brick wall. Each man is smoking a cigar, with some holding the cigars near their mouths and others holding them in their hands. The photo is in black and white, and the men appear to be enjoying a social moment.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

THE GOODIES

The couple got cigars for all the guys in attendance because the groom and the bride’s uncles enjoy smoking them. “That was fun to do out in the street,” Margaret says, “and it was a nod to the North End.” Each guest was gifted a takeaway box from Modern Pastry on the way out. “But people were so full at the end of the night that half of the guests left without them,” she laughs. “I couldn’t believe the amount of food that came out. It was like a never-ending feast!”

Stack of white pastry boxes tied with red and white twine, featuring a red illustration of buildings and the text "Modern Pastry" along with contact information. The boxes are arranged on a white surface with a dark background.Photo by Callisto & Co.

THE FIRST DANCE

While the couple didn’t have an official first dance prepared, that was what made theirs so fun. “We talked about doing it and decided not to, but then we ended up having an impromptu spin when one of our friends put on ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls and told us we must dance,” Margaret reveals. “It was the end of the night, so whoever was still there at that point—a good amount of people—got to see us.”

Wedding invitations with red bird and floral illustrations, featuring the names Margaret and Cooper, dated 16th of August, 2025, at St. Leonard's Church, North End, Boston, at three o'clock with summer formal attire. The invitations are accompanied by a silver chain necklace, a diamond ring placed on a cluster of yellow cherry tomatoes, and a single red cherry tomato. Silver pins are scattered in the top left corner.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

Two plates each with a grilled steak, sautéed spinach, a bone marrow piece with a spoon inserted, and a creamy white puree, all arranged on white round plates against a dark background. A third plate with bone marrow and puree is partially visible.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

A dining table set with red napkins, white menus, and clear wine and water glasses. In the center, there is a floral arrangement with red and white flowers, including dahlias and hydrangeas, along with some tomatoes. A tall lit candle in a glass holder is on the left side. A table card with a red apple illustration and the number "2" is placed in the middle. The background features a red cushioned bench and a brick wall.

Photo by Callisto & Co.

Bride’s Dress Gabrielle Atelier, Unbridaled (Austin, Texas)
Ceremony Venue St. Leonard of Port Maurice
Flowers Rococo Floral Co.
Groom’s Attire Suit Supply
Hair Abbie Cooke Hair, One Zero Four Salon
Makeup Athra Mikha
Music Joe Sabourin (guitarist), Danielle Turano (violinist), via Music Management
Photographer Cory O’Leary, Callisto & Co.
Planner Jodi Raphael Events
Reception Venue Assaggio Restaurant & Lounge

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2026 with the headline, “Margaret Jones and Cooper Milano.”

A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom kissing in front of a church entrance, surrounded by guests blowing bubbles. The bride wears a strapless wedding gown with a veil, and the groom is in a dark suit. The scene captures a joyful wedding celebration with guests smiling and participating in the bubble-blowing tradition. The text on the image reads "Boston weddings" at the top and "Best of Boston Weddings" at the bottom.

Rachel Puppolo and Joseph Olson. Photograph by 2026 Best of Boston Weddings winner CityLux Studios.

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