One of the things that separates me from other wedding and life event photographers in Boston is my previous wedding planning experience. I was a wedding planner at Seaport Hotel for many years before starting my photography profession. My brides and grooms often take advantage of my vast knowledge of wedding etiquette, customs, and trends. Those conversations put me right back in planner mode and I love it! I could talk for days about the best wedding reception timeline, ideas for specialty linens, how ballroom lighting affects your photographs, and the opportunities to save your precious wedding funds. I hope to share a lot of this advice in the coming months. But for now, I’d like to share what I consider the most important piece of advice I could ever give brides and grooms while planning their wedding day (or any other special event). Before you start your planning (before the Pinterest Board, excel spreadsheet or three ring binder even make an appearance) sit down with your spouse-to-be. I suggest doing this over a great bottle of wine, but it’s not a requirement. If someone else is paying for your wedding, you may want to include them in on the […]
I first met Alyssa while photographing her older sister Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah in 2018. When I saw Alyssa in her fabulous jumpsuit, I thought what a difference two years makes! She had totally grown up! And as her family would say, it was her time to shine. While COVID-19 made it impossible for all her friends and family to gather together, it couldn’t stop them from celebrating. Friends and family watched her service over Zoom and party planner Erica Weinstein along with her friends at Party Excitement helped them create a swanky lounge in the backyard. Friends came in waves to celebrate Alyssa. Here are some of my favorite images from the day. We got to take advantage of a gorgeous fall day for outdoor photos. Alyssa wore some special jewelry from her grandmother to mark the day. Alyssa didn’t miss a single detail on her Bat Mitzvah day! The kids got some fabulous favors complete with custom masks to wear to stay safe all evening. The service was non traditional and fabulous. Friends and family watched on Zoom while Alyssa was recorded safe and socially distant in her kitchen. The tent looked fabulous at night with amazing […]
It’s no secret. The Coronavirus has rocked the wedding and event industry. Both clients and professionals are feeling the disappointment, pain and frustration of not being able to gather and celebrate. But as always, love finds a way! Jessica and Dan were originally scheduled to be married on June 6, 2020. These poor kids have already postponed their wedding three times since scheduling their original date. After this last reschedule, they decided not to wait any longer. Jessica and Dan held a small, family only, wedding ceremony in Jessica’s aunt’s back yard. I had the honor of capturing the incredibly special moment. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day. On that Sunday, I woke with a sigh of relief to a beautiful, summer day. There really is no indoor, plan B in the days of COVID. When I arrived at the home, Jessica’s relatives had decorated the back yard beautifully! Lanterns hung from the trees. Tables were decorated with white linens and hydrangea centerpieces. And Jessica’s cousin had created an amazing custom chuppah made of pink and white balloons! We started with a mini session with just the bride and groom in the yard. It […]
The past several weeks have been surreal to say the least. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to stay home and be safe. And I’m even more grateful to the incredibly brave people who risk their lives on our behalf. Not just the doctors, nurses and first responders (who have always been heroes in my eyes). But also the care takers, environmental services, grocery store and delivery workers. They’ve kept our lives going, often at great sacrifice to their own lives. And they are not compensated nearly appropriately. I’m also so thankful for the people who have checked in on me and my husband (who is also in the event industry) to make sure we are surviving without any source of employment. I can assure you we are! And our lack of income is a sacrifice we are perfectly happy to make for health and safety of our fellow humans. That said, as the beautiful weather returns, I can’t help but feel like a huge part of my life is missing. I certainly miss taking pictures. But most of all, I miss connected with people and telling their stories. I’ve found myself looking at last year’s weddings and […]
Chase had a Rockin’ Bar Mitzvah! And our amazing Associate Photographer, Rebecca was there to capture it all. The service and the celebration were back to back at Temple Isaiah in Lexington. Rebeca arrived early to catch some photos of Chase and his family prior to the service. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. It was a beautiful (if not cold) morning in Lexington. Rebecca and Chase were able to sneak outside for some super handsome portraits before the formal photos on the Bima. I absolutely love Chase’s rock and roll theme! Guests got VIP, all access passes when the entered the room which was decked in inflatable guitars and band logos. Judging from the centerpieces, Chase has incredibly cool taste in music! The DJ’s and dancers from Northern Lights never fail to give their guests a great time. The kids were up playing games and dancing all day! Chase had a fantastic candle lighting honoring friends and family. And guests had a blast joining in on the hora. Vendors Venue – Temple Isaiah, Lexington Entertainment – Northern Lights Entertainment Design and Lighting – The Prop Factory Catering – Swartz Catering
What a great way to start the wedding season! Kiran and Ravee are a fantastic couple who opted to have a sweet wedding ceremony and reception that was much more intimate than their friends and family were used to. It was a lovely winter day in Boston and the Seaport district was bright and chilly. They were both total champs taking photos outside. Here are some of my favorite images from the day. When I arrived, Kiran was just finishing dressing. I was able to snap a few quick images of the final touches. Kiran rocked the plunging neckline. She was just stunning! Kiran and Ravee opted out of having a wedding party so it was nice and quiet as she got ready with some close friends. To avoid being out in the cold too long, Kiran and Ravee had a beautiful, private first look in their ceremony space. They were thrilled to see each other! Then we…very quickly…stepped outside for some gorgeous formal photos on the waterfront and in front of the Boston skyline. Kiran and Ravee enjoyed a lovely ceremony in a light filled room that was perfect for them. Guests were asked to participate by responding […]
What a way to finish wedding season! Ayla and Brian are simply gorgeous, inside and out. We had a wonderful time at their wedding at the Red Lion Inn. It was a gorgeous, late autumn day in New England. We started with getting ready photos at the Inn. Ayla and Brian were total troopers going to the beach for some chilly, outdoor photos. And their ceremony and celebration couldn’t have been more gorgeous in the barn at the inn. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. The Red Lion Inn has a gorgeous, light filled space for the bride to get ready. Ayla had plenty of space for all the girls to get ready, including her mom and grandmother. I just love her sasstastic shoes!!! Ayla and Brian chose to do a first look to take advantage of the daylight hours. I just love the look on both of their faces when they saw each other for the first time. Note to all you late fall/winter couples! Always note the time of sunset when considering your formal photos. Ayla was totally prepared for some chilly, outdoor photos. She sported a fabulous, vintage leather jacket […]
Josh is such a great kid and I absolutely loved spending his Bar Mitzvah day with him and his family. He did a fantastic job at the service at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, Massachusetts. And he spent the evening celebrating with family and friends at the Boston Marriott in Newton. Here are some of my favorite images from the day. I was so impressed by how calm and comfortable Josh was in front of the camera. Especially since he was about to be in the spotlight! We had a great time taking formal photos prior to the service. Temple Beth Elohim has a beautiful courtyard and it was a gorgeous day for outdoor photos! I was thrilled to be able to take advantage of the last of the fall color in New England. Josh had a great theme for his Bar Mitzvah. He’s a huge hockey fan. The room at the Marriott in Newton was lit blue. He had these great lit centerpieces that illuminated photos of Josh throughout his life. There was a fabulous hockey cake and hockey themed favors and place cards. The kids had a great time playing cards. The DJ created the biggest […]
I love photographing Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. The kids are at that age where their personality is really showing. And the adults get an evening when they can act like kids again. It’s great photography! Ilana’s Bat Mitzvah was no different. I had a blast with her and her family! The service was at Temple Aliyah in Needham, Massachusetts. We got a chance earlier that week to catch some photos there. The celebration was that weekend at Blue Hills Country Club. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. When I arrived, Ilana was crushing her rehearsal. She was so prepared! And her family was excited to watch her shine. I was excited to catch the last of the fall foliage in New England for formal family photos. Ilana and her family were so comfortable during the session. We were able to get some truly genuine moments. There is no doubting Ilana’s favorite color. Ilana’s celebration was decked in pink from top to bottom. The room looked gorgeous draped in pink flowers, up lighting, balloons, linens and some hanging crystals at the adult tables for good measure. Kids and adults alike had a blast on the dancefloor from […]
Levi is a great kid who had a Bar Mitzvah celebration that totally reflected his style! Not a big dancer, Levi opted for a fabulous game room for his friends. The restaurant at Hotel Indigo in Boston was the perfect venue for that. It looked like a blast! And Rebecca captured it wonderfully. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. Levi’s service was at Temple Emmanuel. The temple is just gorgeous and boasts fabulous natural light indoors. Levi was a great sport posing for Rebecca. Levi’s custom logo was the perfect match. And the candy centerpieces were so fun! Levi even had is own signature drink. I totally want to try the Levi Lagoon! As if the awesome games weren’t enough, he had a custom score board for friends to keep track of their standings and write Levi fun messages. He also entertained friends and family with a caricature artist. Check out Levi’s caricature! Levi may not be a big fan of dancing, but it didn’t stop him from joining in on a great hora! Levi did a wonderful job during his candle lighting. Check out his proud mama! I love the cool containers with blue […]
Shira gives new definition to the words Pretty in Pink! She was a total super star at her Bat Mitzvah. And Rebecca really captured her wonderful energy! Both the service and the celebration were held at Temple Emanuel in Newton. Here are some of my favorite images from the day. I am in love with the image of Shira leaning against the wall. She looks totally comfortable in front of the camera! Shira’s favorite color is…you guessed it…pink. The room was dressed top to bottom in different shades of the color. It was beautiful. The Bat Mitzvah celebration started with cocktail hour and games for the kids. The backdrop for her photo lounge is the best I’ve ever seen! Shira decided to forego the traditional candle lighting. But that didn’t stop her from getting a fabulous cake and blowing the candles out! I’d call that the best of both worlds. In addition to all the awesome dancing, Shira had lots of activities arranged for her friends and family. There was a super cool chocolate bar making station and an area to pack care packages for troops overseas. I loved seeing an opportunity to give back which is such an […]
After a wonderful Engagement Session with Danielle and Steven, I was so excited to capture their wedding images. There were all sorts of threats of rain that day, but we were able to squeeze in all our outdoor photos! Danielle got ready at her parent’s home which I always find lovely. The ceremony was at Saint Athanasius Church in Reading, and the reception was at the beautiful Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Here are some of my favorite images from the day. Danielle is a traditional kind of girl it showed on her wedding gown. I’m in love with all the detail from the lace to the buttons. Check out this adorable ring bearer and his briefcase. In the briefcase was a special note from the bride to the groom. The Royal Sonesta never disappoints when it comes to outdoor locations for formal photos. The sky that day was just amazing. Steven is a big car guy! They decided to name their tables after fantastic cars. But even better, they had a model of each car at the table. It added a great flair to the decor. The best moment of the night had to be the […]
When Olivia first contacted me about her wedding, I was devastated that I was already booked. I’ve photographed Olivia’s sister’s wedding and her cousin’s wedding and the DiLorenzo’s are one of my favorite families! My only solace was that they chose to use Associate Photographer Rebecca for their wedding. So we totally kept it in the Photography by Nikki Cole family. Olivia and Zachary’s wedding was at the Newport Beach Club in Rhode Island. It was a gorgeous day. Here are some of my favorite images from the day. Olivia’s choice of pale pink bridesmaids dresses was perfect against the sand and blue ocean on Newport Beach. But the real show stopper was Zachary’s socks. He ordered special socks with Olivia’s face all over them. I just can’t… Olivia and Zachary’s first look was right on the beach. I love that they both went barefoot! Newport Beach Club also had some gorgeous spots for formal wedding photos right on the property. It was the perfect day for a wedding ceremony on the beach in Rhode Island! I am obsessed with Olivia and Zachary’s choice of decor for Newport Beach Club. The space is light, airy and bright. So they […]
Shannon and Stephen’s wedding was a family affair! Team Cole was in full force. Shannon started the day getting ready at her parent’s home while Stephen got ready in their own home. The ceremony and some gorgeous outdoor photos of the bride and groom were at Saint Monica Parish and the celebration was at Tewksbury Country Club. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. When we arrived at Shannon’s house, we walked in on her and her dad practicing their father daughter dance. It was adorable! Stephen surprised Shannon with a card and a gift prior to the wedding. I love photographing those special moments when the bride hears from her husband to be on their wedding day. There was a gorgeous spot behind Shannon’s parent’s home for some formal photos. Shannon looked absolutely beautiful set against the emerging fall colors. Meanwhile, Stephen was preparing for his big day. I have a feeling he’s not a fan of formal wear. Check out his face getting buttoned up! But he looked awful handsome. The ceremony was truly lovely. But the ring bearers did their best to steal the show! They were so cute! The late afternoon light […]
It was such a treat photographing Connie and Terry’s wedding! I had the honor of photographing Connie’s brother’s wedding years prior and I was thrilled to see them again! We spent the entire day at the Danversport Yacht Club. The weather was absolutely perfect. Here are some of my favorite images from the day. The Danversport Yacht Club has a beautiful, light filled room for the bride to dress. Since Connie is…shall we say…vertically challenged, she is used to wearing smashing high heels. I loved both pair and loved capturing them! Keep an eye out for the second pair! The ceremony was under the gazebo right on the waterfront. There is a beautiful view from the Danversport, but think everyone was too captivated with Connie and Terry to notice. We were able to get even closer to the water for formal photos. The bridesmaid’s pink dresses were perfect against the pale green grass and pale blue water. It was just dreamy. Connie had some lovely detail with buttons all the way down the back of her dress which made for a fun photo. Formalities in the ballroom included beautiful toasts in both English and Chinese. After the toasts and […]
