February 14th, 2025 | Cambridge City Hall, Cambridge MA | Film Elopement Photographer

The Love Story That Led to Cambridge

There’s something extra special about a Cambridge City Hall elopement, especially on Valentine’s Day. When Anna and Huimin first reached out to us, their warmth, honesty, and joy were infectious. They weren’t looking for anything flashy, just something deeply meaningful. A quiet celebration of their love.

They met at church in Georgia, became close friends, and slowly (but surely) fell in love. Anna jokes she was in denial for a while, but it all changed when Huimin invited her on a spontaneous Valentine’s Day date. There were flowers, a cozy dinner, and time spent together doing absolutely nothing but enjoying each other’s presence. That was the turning point. The rest, as they say, is history.

Film Elopement Photography at Cambridge City Hall

Cambridge City Hall wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a deliberate choice. Anna and Huimin loved the warmth and charm of the space, especially compared to other more sterile city hall locations. The interior felt classic and full of character, and with family nearby in New Hampshire, Cambridge felt like a meaningful midpoint to gather, celebrate, and begin this new chapter together.

As Boston film elopement photographers, we always encourage our couples to savor the morning. With Huimin and Anna, we started the day bright and early—arriving around 8:30 AM to take family portraits and explore the warm interior of Cambridge City Hall before their 9:00 AM ceremony. The early light was soft, the halls were quiet, and it gave us the perfect window to document those small, in-between moments with their families before things officially began. Cambridge City Hall—freshly restored and full of character—was the perfect spot to exchange vows. Warm light danced through the windows as they said “I do” surrounded by their immediate family.

It was intimate, unfussy, and deeply heartfelt. Just the way an elopement should be.

A Sweet First Meal at Tatte

After their ceremony, we took a short walk over to Tatte Bakery, tucked near Boston Public Garden. There, Anna and Huimin shared their first meal together as newlyweds—just the two of them, cozying up over baked goods and conversation.

It was the kind of moment that usually goes undocumented, but says everything about who a couple really is. Quiet. Grounded. Intentional.

A Cultural Nod in the Gardens

Okay, yes—it was freezing. But the kind of cold that makes you lean in a little closer, hold hands a little tighter, and laugh just a little more. And honestly? The Boston Public Garden doesn’t need warm weather to be beautiful. Its quiet winter magic made every moment feel intimate and cinematic in the most unexpected way.

Following their meal, Anna and Huimin changed into their traditional Korean Hanboks—beautiful pieces that reflected their heritage and added a vibrant touch to the day.

We wandered through the Boston Public Garden, just letting them be. There was no rush, no pressure—just Huimin and Anna, being themselves. Laughing through the cold, stealing little glances, wrapped up in their Hanboks and in each other. When we made our way down by the pond—which had completely frozen over—they lit up. Their playful nature came out immediately, full of movement and joy and a bit of that newlywed giddiness you can’t quite fake. We captured what felt honest: movement, stillness, warmth—all of it exactly as it unfolded.

Also—this has to be said—the squirrels in the Public Garden are built different. At one point, one literally jumped on me. I wish I were exaggerating. They’re basically domesticated at this point and clearly run the place. Anna and Huimin were cracking up, and we were all laughing so hard I nearly forgot I was holding a camera. Just one of those ridiculous, unexpected moments that made the day even more memorable.

Why Film Felt Right for This Day

As an elopement film photographer, my goal is always to capture the feeling of a day—not just the way it looked. For Anna and Huimin, film was the obvious choice. Their softness, their sweetness, the way they care for each other—everything about their connection lent itself to film’s warmth and romantic imperfection.

We take Polaroids home with us after each elopement so we can scan and digitize them with care—making sure couples have both a nostalgic physical copy and a digital version to hold onto. Once their gallery was ready, Anna and Huimin received a keepsake box filled with their original Polaroids and film negatives—a tangible, heartfelt reminder of a day that already felt unforgettable.

Boston Elopement Film Photographer

Anna and Huimin’s Cambridge City Hall elopement was more than just a ceremony. It was a gentle reminder that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. That joy lives in the small things: holding hands in a garden, sharing breakfast at your favorite café, saying yes without a crowd.

If you’re planning a Cambridge City Hall elopement or dreaming of a Boston film elopement that’s timeless, intentional, and full of feeling we’d be honored to document your story with care.

Reach out to us to start your elopement journey: Click here to connect with us

And just in case you’re wondering, yes, every single photo in this post was captured entirely on film. From the early morning quiet to the last laugh in the Public Garden, nothing here was staged or overly styled. Just honest-to-goodness moments, documented the way we love most.

With love and joy,
Dominique (and Javi)

Credits
Photography: Castillo Holliday Photo + Film | @castillohollidayphotoandfilm
Ceremony Venue: Cambridge City Hall | @cambridgema
Café: Tatte Bakery & Café | @tattebakery
Portraits Location: Boston Public Garden | @bostonparksdept