We took a trip down memory lane and began photographs in Harvard Yard. Lisa’s hair and makeup were beautifully done by Carolina of From Hair to Eternity

We originally wanted to go to a farmer’s market as well, but the forecast said possible chance of thunderstorms

Literally seconds after the above photo was taken, I heard a rumble. It was so overcast and humid, I shouted, “open those umbrellas!” The sky opened up right afterwards, so we ran inside to hide from the rain

Looks like we got some lipstick on Seth =)

As the rain was slowing down, we thought it’d be fun to do some photos in the rain while the sun shone behind it

Trying out some reflection shots in puddles!

For some other props, Lisa and Seth brought cooking magazines. I also am head-over-heels in love with Lisa’s sparkly Badgley Mischka pumps

My favorite! It’s no secret I’m a big fan of colored doors. These photographs are taken in the yard of Lisa’s undergrad dorm

We aimlessly walked a little bit. I really like this hug

To think that only an hour before this photo it was pouring buckets. New England weather – super strange =)

I feel so calm looking at this photograph

One… more… reflection! Than you Amy Bao for being on the lookout for these awesome shots

Afterwards, Lisa and Seth treated us to a delicious dinner at Henrietta’s Table, one of my favorite restaurants in Cambridge for locally sourced, wholesome and hearty American meals. Thank you two so much! I really look forward to capturing all the wonderful memories and food you have planned for your Boston Public Library wedding next year!

August 19 – 22 – Jamaica
August 23 – 24 – NYC
August 31 – Return to Chicago
Sept 8 – 12 – Boston
Sept 23 – 25 – Boston
Oct 8 – 10 – San Francisco / Bay Area
Oct 22 – 28 – Barcelona, Spain

hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

More sneak peeks on my Facebook fan page

It’s really interesting how many more people I meet these days who tell me they knew about me prior to meeting me…. it’s a little creepy, and of course, flattering. Say hello sometime here or communicate on my Facebook fan page! I don’t bite, and I like making new friends! =)

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

I often like having the groom hold the bouquet sometimes. Creates great contrast against his black suit

yes, water fountains

Bam!

We cabbed it to the Boston Public Garden for some more beautiful sun-drenched photos

We needed a break! We stopped by the nearest Starbucks. The baristas were so excited for Karen and Bryan that they comped all our drinks!

The Chinese wedding banquet was held at Hei La Moon in Chinatown. I love this clothesline of old childhood photos

Instead of clinking glasses, Karen and Bryan required that guests who wished to see them kiss had to play chubby bunny and then say a well-wish with the marshmallows in their mouth!

Members of the family gave Karen and Bryan gifts of red envelopes and jewelry during the tea ceremony

A fabulous first dance!

Nom! We had cupcakes for dessert!

This is Alan – Karen’s cousin. I met him this past summer on my trip to Seattle as he is a mutual friend of my photog friend, Anna Wu!

Danny, May, and Scott, just some of my ex-co-workers =)

And instead of a traditional bouquet toss or garter toss, the guests played two massive games of rock,  paper, scissors

And everybody danced!

Including Bryan’s parents!

Joyce sneaked a quick pic of us two in Hei La Moon’s mirror =)

With the bride and groom!

Thank you loves for giving me such an honor to be there for you as a friend and photographer! There are a ton more photos online at my Facebook Fan Page

Shang’s assistant: yjliu PhotoArt
Wedding dress: Custom-made from Taiwan
Rings: Ben Moss, Titanium Kay
Flowers: Blooms by the Box
Hair and Make-up: Pyara
Reception dress: Mori Lee
Reception: Hei La Moon
Cupcakes: Lynndell’s Bakery
Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

First off, my favorite wedding party photo of the wedding. I can’t get over how cool this shot is

I spent the mid-morning getting ready with Karen and the ladies

So pretty! I’m glad we got to include the veil in some of the photos =)

Being both grad students at MIT, it was fitting to do the First Look right in Killian Court

Bryan is clearly very, very excited

Group hug!

When I landed from Chicago I could not believe it – there was a heat wave in Boston. It must have been 80 degrees that day. Boston knew I was coming

Thank you alls for having some fun!

The wedding ceremony was held at the super-cool MIT Chapel. Look at these cuties who prepped the aisle for Karen’s entrance!

Dr. Um of Citylife Church officiated the ceremony. Karen, Bryan, and I all attend Citylife but we go at different times so I almost never see them!

And they’re married! Stay tuned tomorrow for some freaking awesome portraits of them two! I’ll start with this one

Joyce assisted me throughout the day. Fun behind-the-scenes shot!

Shang’s assistant: yjliu PhotoArt
Wedding dress: Custom-made from Taiwan
Rings: Ben Moss, Titanium Kay
Flowers: Blooms by the Box
Hair and Make-up: Pyara

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

The ladies got ready at the Cambridge Marriott

Bena’s dress fit her so well! It came from Hong Kong

Blue skies. Happy friends. Yay

This wedding features the floral work of none other than my favorite, Dana of Bumble Bee Landing!

Bena describes Ruoshi best as her tall and handsome =)

We had quite the audience actually. All these ladies bore witness to my hilarious posing tips for Bena (our secret okay?? kay!!)

Their wedding was at the MIT chapel – this was one of two MIT chapel weddings I had this year. I just love the gorgeous architecture and all the light

I just love how honest these two are with each other and how much they trust in the future together. It really shows in the sincerity of their wedding ceremony. Ruoshi actually mentioned that the wedding ceremony was what he viewed the most important part of the wedding – and I agree!

Bena and Ruoshi appreciated their parents after the ceremony. There. was. not. a. single. dry. eye. in the room after Bena spoke

The flower girl was the daughter of one of their advisors. She made it all the way down the aisle!

Bena and Ruoshi had a traditional Chinese banquet for their reception, followed by hilarious speeches and toasts! Ruoshi took the time to personally thank every person who helped with the wedding, no role was overlooked. It really shows his great character

Guests were also treated to a special performance on the gu zheng by one of their talented friends

Check out Bena’s fabulous reception dress in this photo with me, this girl can rock red! And yep, this was the last wedding I shot before I chopped my hair =)

Shang Chen’s assistant: Joyce Liu
Cake: Eldo Cake House
Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Bumble Bee Landing – a Shang Chen Photography favorite!
Make-up and Hair: Brenda’s Wedding Creations
Videography: ProVideo

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

These shoes really summarize Danielle and Peder’s wedding style – modern, elegant

This is their dog Lexi! They included her in the ceremony as well

Many of Peder’s groomsmen flew in from Europe to be a part of the wedding. They are a hilarious bunch!

Danielle and Peder chose to have a first look for their wedding day photos. This allowed us much time upfront to be relaxed. The weather was gorgeous and there was cloud cover as well. I could not have asked for anything better!

Another family photo with Lexi

I could have photographed these two all day!

Danielle and Peder’s wedding party is an excellent example that it’s perfectly cool not to have the same number of groomsmen and bridesmaids. Just gives me another reason to play around!

Thank you, Carolina, of From Hair to Eternity, for always making my ladies up to perfection!

Yea I’m a weirdo when it comes to veils

Their wedding ceremony and reception was held at Le Meridien in Cambridge. I absolutely love this rooftop courtyard. They also have a really well-designed lobby

This is a great “guestbook” idea – the guests were asked to print their thumb on a painting of a tree. Lots of disposable wipes were provided to keep those fingers ink-free afterwards

I chose to do the ring shot on the small kettle. Danielle incorporated her Vietnamese heritage into the wedding ceremony by offering both parents tea

Thank you two for including me in your wonderful day!

Shang Chen’s assistant: Christina Lee
Wedding venue: Le Meridien in Cambridge, MA; Elana Kaye was the coordinator
Cake: Konditor Meister
Dress: From a boutique in Hanoi, Vietnam
Tuxedo: Keezer’s in Cambirdge, MA
Florist: Nichole from Whole Foods, Cambridge
Make-up and hair: Carolina of From Hair to Eternity (Shang Chen Photography preferred vendor)
DJ: Victor Baruzza of Entertainment Specialists

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

This one is probably my favorite!

Bena and Ruoshi have this respect for each other that I think runs deep. They are young, but they are very wise!

And they’re also playful at the same time!

When asked what made them work well as a couple, they emphasized simplicity, compatibility, and similar faiths and cultural backgrounds

We also had some portraits by the Charles river, which was where Ruoshi proposed

You guys are just so wonderful and laid-back, I’ll see you very soon!

Thank you Kendra for helping out!

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

Luci chose this beautiful plum-colored gown from Clair La Faye and I adore the hair fascinator she had, too. It is stunning on her!

Luci and Owen opted to have their portraits done all prior to the ceremony. We walked all around Harvard Yard and took plenty of time to relax, have fun, and laugh!

The light was so good that day! Also, Luci DIYed all her flowers. It was the perfect season for peonies and billy balls

SO much gorgeousness!

The weather was so perfect that day. We were holding our breath because it rained a lot that week

The family members joined us for the ceremony in the rose garden

This was a great moment during the ceremony when the officiant had them examine each others’ hands and said some beautiful words along with it

We had some fun time doing the family portraits! I know I don’t show a lot of family wedding photos on this blog, but yes, I typically spend about 20 – 30 minutes on them during most weddings as most people request them. As much as I capture in a photojournalistic style, documenting, in a more traditional manner, the families who are there, is very important, too

How incredible are all their shoes?!?!

Luci and her sisters are so much fun

This spiral staircase in the Harvard Faculty Club is so awesome. Even more awesome because it matches Luci’s dress

Then the guests began to arrive

A couple more!  I’m so happy to see Owen really get into the photos too

The dinner reception consisted of delicious food, fun toasts where Luci and Owen introduced everyone, and a game where guests had to guess in which years these old photographs were taken

Details round-up! And this wedding was nothing but short of stylish. Applause also to the staff at Harvard Faculty Club for being so professional in setting everything up

Row 1: Table centerpiece details. The centerpieces contained peonies, roses, and other fresh details, and were contained in beautiful mint julep cups
Row 2: Orchid on the coffee table, Chinese takeout box favors, centerpiece
Row 3: Detail of the favors, another centerpiece shot
Row 1: This is one of the most fun wedding guestbooks I’ve seen! The two dolls on the right represented Luci and Owen, and on each spread they were photographed doing something that Luci and Owen loved, such as eating Japanese food. I believe Luci’s sisters put this together for them
Row 2: Escort cards, dessert buffet from Whole Foods, lamb chop appetizer – the food at the Harvard Faculty Club is absolutely delicious, I cannot recommend it highly enough
Row 3: More appetizers and dessert buffet

Fun fact – just a couple of days after the wedding I ran into Luci and Owen while walking around downtown Boston! Thank you for letting me there as part of your beautiful day and thank you for your warm friendship. Your friends respect you guys a lot, as do I, and I wish you nothing but the best!

Vendors:

Venue and catering: The Harvard Faculty Club
Dress: Clair La Faye
Rings: Seababe Jewelry
Suit: J. Crew
Flowers: DIY, supplied by Bridgewater Gardens and Petali Flowers
Make-up and hair: Jathar Salon
Dessert buffet: Whole Foods

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

I fell head over heels for Diana’s birdcage veil which is adorned with a fabric and feather flower fascinator. It really completed her modern look! Her dress was a Jasmine from Camilla’s Bridal

Diana and her bridesmaids got ready in a room at the MIT Faculty Club. There were large windows and the light streaming through was just perfect

Also, Carolina and her team, From Hair to Eternity, another one of my favorites, provided the makeup and hair for the bride and bridemaids.  Carolina, you’re so wonderful!

The bridesmaids wore cute dark blue strapless dresses with a bubble hem, all from Zara!

We did all the portraits (First Look, family, wedding party, ones of just the bride and groom) before the wedding ceremony – and it gave Diana and Greg ample time to spend with their guests during cocktail hour. I really encourage everyone to try to get as many portraits done before as possible if you value having more time with your guests – including a First Look

The next two photos are extra sweet as they are with the respective grandmothers.

Greg’s grandmother loved the kiss so much she said, “Do it again!”

The bridal party was energetic and up to my crazy antics. It was boiling hot that day so I was definitely trying to get them inside as soon as possible!

We took photos all around the MIT campus. I love this campus. Diana is currently a Ph.D. student there

This couple is just too gorgeous

It’s so fun playing with Diana’s dress too!

One more with that window light. Can’t get enough of it!

The ceremony was held at the MIT Faculty Club as well, officiated by a preferred vendor of mine, Jean Ellis-La Bossiere! I think it’s really cool that Greg is walked down by his parents

Uncles from both sides participated as well – Diana’s uncle gave a reading in Slovak (Diana is Slovak), and Greg’s uncle sang in German (Greg is German)

Diana’s parents and grandmother reacting to the beautiful song

The professionals who were at the MIT Faculty Club were really quite amazing. Nina, thank you for being so on top of things and making everything run so smoothly!

During cocktail hour, there was a really great display at the escort card table – two large photo trees showing photos from Diana and Greg’s younger years. Everyone particular got a kick out of the one where Greg looked like John Lennon

This is the gorgeous view of the Boston skyline from the reception room. This is why I love this town so much

The staff at the MIT Faculty Club and Orchids N’ Blooms set up this jaw-dropping reception. The table linen is sheer with navy blue swirls to match the white and navy blue wedding colors

And here’s the dip during the first dance!

Diana and Greg and her families were endlessly fun, I did not want to leave the wedding!

I turned off the flash for this picture to show the amazingness that is the couple behind RC Uplighting, my new friends! The colors went from amber to blue during the night and really adds a whole level of modern color to the reception

Diana’s parents showed some very lively Slovak dancing!

The ringbearer was a bundle of exploding energy

Mike Gent of Murray Hill Talent DJed the event. I thought his tall and thin speakers were really cool, you can barely see them!

The reception went on with a mixture of lively American AND Slovak music. I love multi-cultural experiences!

The guests also got to enjoy a dessert buffet of Slovak treats

More details and inspiration!

Row 1: the wedding cake (from Icing on the Cake), bridesmaid bouquet, groom’s boutonnière
Row 2: Flower displays at reception and ceremony
Row 3: Detail from Diana and Greg’s letterpressed invitations, Diana’s bouquet

Row 1: Wedding program, more reception table
Row 2: Inter-course sorbet, menu, the guestbook that I custom-designed!
Row 3:  Beer with customized labels as wedding favors, the ceremony setup

Thank you guys so much for your love, your friendship, and for being so awesome to be around. I wish you two nothing but joy and an amazing life together. From what I’ve learned from your friends, I expect nothing less!

The vendors:

Venue and catering: MIT Faculty Club, Nina Matthews, Catering Director
Cake: Icing on the Cake
Dress: Jasmine from Camilla’s Bridal
Rings: Bride’s rings are from Blue Nile, groom’s from E.B. Horn
Bridesmaid dresses: Zara
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Orchids ‘N Blooms
Make-up and hair: From Hair to Eternity
DJ: Mike Gent of Murray Hill
Ceremony guitarist: Lindsay Straw
Upllighting: RC Uplighting
Shang’s assistant: Nithya Sharma

want to learn more about my photography? inquire!
hear the news first - like my work on facebook . follow my thoughts on twitter

Nancy’s beautiful features were enhanced by the expert work of Ligia from Makeovers by Ligia. I’m so happy at how natural it all looked!

I really like their natural smiles. I kept telling them how they were such an easy couple to photograph because they were not afraid of the camera!

These blossoms are super dreamy

Delicious light, check!

The architecture of this building on the Harvard Law School campus is amazing.
Funny little known fact about myself – there’s a parking lot next to this building. I once dented a parked car here while trying to pick up equipment for an undergrad retreat!

What did I tell ya about shoes? Most ladies who follow my blog know my obsession with awesome shoes

This seal manatee (clearly, I’m not a biologist) with the duck hat is actually something that Andy wanted to bring, and I think it perfectly describes them – cute and quirky!

We went by the Charles River Esplanade, the Boston side, to wrap up the shoot.

This is my favorite image of the session. These flowers don’t stay around long!

Nancy and Andy, best of luck this summer as you continue planning your wedding, and Andy, congratulations on finishing law school! Wishing you guys the best!

I am a boston wedding photographer . be an awesome friend of my work on facebook . follow my daily thoughts on twitter
keep updated! add the RSS feed for this blog to your Google Reader