Crafting an Intentional Queer Wedding In Boston

FILED UNDER:

film photography

super 8

September 7th, 2024

Cambridge Multi Cultural Center, Massachusetts

Hey there, babes! Today, we’re diving into the magical journey of Emily and Sharon, who embarked on the beautiful adventure of crafting their dream wedding at the Cambridge Multicultural Center in Massachusetts. Hopefully you remember these two from their engagement session at Harvard Square where we shared all about Sharon and Emily’s love story. Here is a little recap of their love story for ya!

Emily first remembers meeting Sharon at their grad school orientation in 2016, at a campsite near a dock where they were all swimming in the pond. It was a brief encounter, but what’s funny is that Sharon doesn’t remember it at all! Fast forward to May 2017, they had their first real conversation at Felipe’s in Harvard Square, after their first year of grad school. Tequila shots may have made the specifics hazy, but the connection was real. Emily bravely made her move, but Sharon turned her down. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions for Emily, who spent the next year and a half avoiding Sharon in embarrassment. But fate had other plans, and in November 2018, they reconnected at a Friendsgiving at Sharon’s house. After a few months of figuring things out, they’ve been together ever since!

Meeting Emily and Sharon: A Match Made in Heaven

In early 2023, a simple inquiry lands in my inbox from Emily and Sharon. Little did I know that this encounter would completely reshape my perspective on the significance of a photographer in capturing a couple’s special day. Emily and Sharon, both queer therapists, went through a meticulous vetting process, akin to a government-level background check, to ensure a perfect match aligned with their ideals and values. It was a true partnership built on trust and shared vision. From the very beginning, Emily and Sharon approached their wedding planning with the utmost intentionality. They were deliberate in selecting vendors and building a team that not only shared their values but also made them feel supported every step of the way. As a photographer, I had the privilege of witnessing their thoughtful process unfold. Documenting LGBTQIA+ love stories is super important to our business. As a queer photographer, it has always been very rewarding to work with other queer couples and document their joy. This day was no different.

Intention In Every Moment

As the day unfolded, every detail radiated their personalities and love story. From a whimsical first look by the water with the city skyline as a backdrop to choreographed dance numbers that surprised and delighted guests, their wedding was full of joy and authenticity.

What truly stood out was the community that surrounded Emily and Sharon. Their 24-member wedding party played pivotal roles, with each member contributing in unique ways. From a bridesmaid turned florist creating stunning arrangements to heartfelt readings by close friends, every moment was a testament to the love and support they had cultivated over the years.

Little Details, Big Impact

Amidst personal challenges, like navigating family conflicts and uprooting their lives due to housing issues, Emily and Sharon found solace in the little details. Their shared love for their house plants found its way into the centerpieces, a symbol of resilience and growth in the face of uncertainty. Some other little details we loved that deserve an honorable mention, as these little moments made Emily and Sharon’s wedding special, memorable and personal to those who know them.

For the ceremony, they decided on a round layout for their guests to sit in and they got married in the middle. They liked the idea of walking down the aisle at the same time and meeting in the middle. It took some planning, but we made it happen. The ceremony was also in both English and Spanish speakers which we loved since Javi and I’s own wedding was done in 3 languages for our guests and family! There were three incredibly heart felt readings and poems read during the ceremony that really pulled on my heartstrings. I haven’t cried much at weddings this past year, but the tears were flowing throughout this ceremony.

Remember, I told you Sharon was a dancer? Well, she had a surprise dance planned with her 12 bridesmaids for Emily! Now this was not just some dance, this was an insane, choreographed dance routine and all 12 of her besties killed it. I was floored and so were the guests, and of course Emily loved it!

Cambridge Wedding, Lesbian Wedding, Film Wedding Photographer, LGBTQ+ Wedding Photography, Queer Film Wedding Photography, Boston Film Wedding Photography, Massachusetts Wedding Photographer, Super 8 Wedding Film, Super 8 Wedding Videography, Castillo Holliday Photo And Film Team

Cambridge Multicultural Center

Their choice of the Cambridge Multicultural Center as the wedding venue spoke volumes about their commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The venue, with its focus on multicultural celebrations and support for underrepresented artists, resonated deeply with Emily and Sharon’s core values. These two appreciated the diversity and equity that the Cambridge multicultural center continuously and has been doing for years now. Plus, Emily had mentioned that she had always dreamed of this big theater stage moment when she got married for a spotlight to hit her and her partner as they walk to their first dance. When a theatre kid and a dance get married, it’s important to have a spotlight and stage for fun dances and special moments.

Super 8 Film

Emily and Sharon first booked us for the Super 8 film and we are so glad they did. With this much planning and intention, we wanted to make sure we got every detail on film photography as well and Super 8 film. The director’s cut below is a MUST watch to see all the fun moments and intention we’ve talked about throughout this blog. 

Social Media Highlight

Director’s Cut

Special Reception Details

These two had a theatrical grand entrance planned and well used the spotlight the venue had on hand. They pointed the spotlight to the door as it opened, but they weren’t there and all the guests started looking around for them, wondering where they were. The spotlight also searched all around the room for them. Finally, finding them at the top of the balcony stairs and everyone went crazy. It was such a fun moment for them before heading down for their first dance. I spent a long time up on the balcony taking photos from up above and loved how the photographs turned out.

Remember I told you Sharon was a dancer? Well, she had a surprise dance planned with her 12 bridesmaids for Emily! Now this was not just some dance, this was an insane, choreographed dance routine and all 12 of her besties killed it. I was floored and so were the guests, and, of course, Emily loved it.

Cheer’s To Emily & Sharon

In the end, Emily and Sharon’s wedding was not just a celebration of love but a testament to the power of intentional planning and unwavering authenticity. As their story unfolds, we’re reminded that love knows no bounds, and with the right team by your side, every moment becomes a cherished memory.

Let’s raise a glass to Emily and Sharon, the architects of their own love story, and a reminder that true magic lies in the authenticity of the journey. Cheers to crafting a wedding that is uniquely yours, intentional in every detail, and overflowing with love. Let’s create some more magic together, one heartfelt story at a time. Inquire with us here to get your own intentional wedding planning started!

Boston Film Wedding Photographer + Super 8 Film

We are proud to share this blog post is almost entirely film photography. We pride ourselves on being experienced film wedding photograpers based in Boston but we love to travel all around New England. Our work has a storytelling style and captures our couples for who they REALLY are through film wedding photography and analogue film. Just think of us as your go to Boston film wedding photographers + Super 8 film makers!

Vendors:

Photographer + Super 8 Filmmaker: Castillo Holliday Photo + Film, Insta: @castillohollidayphotoandfilm

Venue & Lighting: Multicultural Arts Center, Insta: @multiculturalac

Coordinator: Stylish Occasions, Insta: @stylishokelly

Documentarian Assist: Elis Llinares, Insta: @elisllinares

Florist: Insta: @allpurposeflowerdesign

Flower Farm: Vera Flora Farm, Insta: @veraflorafarm

Catering: Tasty Plates Catering, Insta: @tastyplatescatering

Sweets: Insta: @lasultanafood & @bovasbakery

DJ: Your Elevated Events, Insta: @milimadeit

Rentals: Peak Events Services, Insta: @peakeventservices

MUA: Veronica Nunes Makeup, Insta: @veronicanunes_mua

Hair: Aynsley Wright & Vanity Loft Salon, Insta: @awright_hair & @vanityloftsalon

Attire:

Wedding Dress Shops: Ceremony Boston, L’elite Bridal, Insta: @ceremony_boston & @lelitebridal

Designers: Sarah Seven, Alohas, Insta: @sarahseven & @alohas

Accessories: Hey Harper, Insta: @heyharper

Rings: Stone Home Estate Jeweler & D Cole Jewelers, Insta: @stonehomeestatejeweler & @dcolejewelers


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