Lisa and Seth, Married | A Boston Public Library Wedding

When I asked Lisa and Seth to describe their vision for their wedding, the phrase “nerdy gourmands” came to mind. Actually, I’ll quote her directly: “‘Nerdy’, because we both have a passion for learning and a love of literature… ‘Gourmands’ because one of the things that bonds us together is our love for eating, experiencing, cooking, making, planning, and discussing all things related to food and wine.” So when they decided on the Boston Public Library as the stage for their splendid Napa harvest-inspired wedding, it could not be more perfect. Add on top of that Lisa is a wonderful friend, sister, and just about one of the most organized brides I’ve had the pleasure to work with, we have a spectacular wedding. I really had a hard time narrowing it down, so I’ll let this bounty of photographs tell the story of their beautiful love story.

One of Seth’s groomsmen gifted the guys with a getting ready suite at the Boston Park Plaza

The light was amazing and the company even more fun to hang out with

Seth looks like 007. So sharp in his Burberry tuxedo!

Then we went across the street to the Revere hotel where Lisa was getting ready. This hotel has special meaning to me as well – on Sundays it plays host to Citylife Church, my home church that I attended when I lived in Boston

Lisa was a two-dress, two-shoe bride. Pretty awesome

I love the moments right after Lisa put on her dress, this is just pure happiness

Vanhphen, Lisa’s childhood friend, has done her hair since she was ten, for various events like piano recitals, skating competitions, prom, etc., so she was the obvious choice for Lisa’s hair for her wedding. My fabulous favorites over at From Hair to Eternity provided the makeup

Lisa’s Monique Lhuillier dress was incredibly soft. Folds upon soft folds of heavenly chiffon cinched with gorgeous rosettes at the hip

The fabulous team at Orchids N’ Blooms provided the super, super amazing floral work seen throughout this wedding. I love the abundance of colors, flower choices

Off to the Boston Public Library for the first look!

I swear I have the memory of a goldfish, but honest to goodness, I was able to name each one of this awesome wedding party by their name. I’m pretty proud =)

I love veils. I love this moment even more. I didn’t find out until much, much later that apparently on this very same day, several other parts of New England experienced severe thunderstorms and New York City saw tornadoes. I’d say we lucked out with just a little wind and a little rain

I asked all of them to dance like Lisa ;)

We had to deal with scattered showers throughout the portrait time. Good thing Boston Public Library has spectacular interiors even when it’s gloomy!

Now this, ladies and gentlemen, is a smart choice – an unplugged wedding ceremony

Awesome shot by Sam of Ze Liang Photography! My favorite part – seeing all the guests just being present for the couple during such a beautiful ceremony. That’s what unplugged wedding ceremonies are all about

In true foodie fashion, Lisa and Seth treated their guests to a cocktail hour with 6 hors d’oeuvres paired with 6 select wines

I’m going to go overboard a bit on details… but not for details’ sake. I think Lisa and Seth approached the design of their wedding in an incredibly thoughtful and functional way. Everything speaks to who they are as people. And I can’t help it – I love me a library + foodie wedding, it kind of fits my personality too! Lisa described her vision with absolute poetry: “Picture this: it’s a late summer day, and you pack a picnic basket with a bottle of wine, some cheese and fruit, a good book, and go for a stroll through the vineyards. You see the golden light of the sun, a clear blue sky; pops of red, purple, and green from the grapevines; and perhaps some wildflowers in the distance- tulips, poppies, sunflowers. You might even come across fruit trees or bushes- hopefully, you remembered to bring an extra pail or basket to hold the berries, figs, or peaches that you can pick. This, to me, is heaven on earth.” What beautiful rhetoric.

Lisa folded this heart-shaped book herself. French elements are brought in as well – Lisa and Seth got engaged after a trip to the Per Se restaurant in New York City and recently completed a whirlwind tour of France

This fantastic escort card display pays homage to the venue – it’s a card catalog!

Their cake. Oh my goodness, Sam and I stood there and had to tear ourselves away from taking a bite. It smelled so delicious, and those figs were calling to me. Fantastic work by The Catered Affair!

Lisa found these awesome wine boxes and personalized them with a stamp from Etsy

Live bands are just something else, and Legit was just awesome. They packed the dance floor, young and old

Can’t take credit for this awesome end to the first dance – Sam, great timing!

And my moment right afterwards – Lisa leaping into Seth’s arms with joy

I know this guy. I’ve also seen him dance at another mutual friend’s wedding. He can charm any lady on the dance floor ;)

I promised Lisa and Seth that we’d do a night shot, and though it was raining again, I think it made this shot extra epic!

The fun did not stop at the wedding. As a last minute surprise, Lisa had gotten reservations for the two of them at the fabled French Laundry restaurant for their Norcal vineyard honeymoon. That is a perfect sweet start to this beautiful marriage. Thank you Lisa and Seth for having me and for being so great to work with, it’s an honor to get to know you guys in such an honest and real way, from the time we darted through rain for your engagement session, to when you graciously hosted me in New York City last year, to coming full-circle to Boston this year

Thanks Sam for all your help and the behind the scenes capture!

The fabulous, all-star cast of vendors who made this wedding possible:

Wedding photography by Shang Chen Photography, assisted by Ze Liang Photography
Venue: The Boston Public Library, Boston, MA
Getting ready hotels: Boston Park Plaza, Revere Hotel, Boston, MA
Catering and Cake:  The Catered Affair, Boston, MA, with coordination provided by Erin Davies
Wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier, purchased at Kleinfeld, New York City, NY
Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Sung
Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Tuxedo: Burberry London
Florist: Orchids n’ Blooms (SCP favorite)
Make-up: From Hair to Eternity, Malden, MA (SCP favorite)
Hair: Vanhphen Souvannarath
Ceremony music: Keros String Quartet, booked through Night Shift Entertainment
Band: Legit, booked through Night Shift Entertainment
Uplighting: Boston Uplights
Invitations and paper: Minted
Marshmallow wedding favors: Whimsy & Spice, Brooklyn, NY
Table numbers, paper roses, card catalog, wine box stamp: Etsy

Shang is a San Francisco-based wedding photographer for dynamic couples. She captures imagery that pops with color, personality, and energy.
be the first to see new work and get fun photography tips- like her work on facebook