Boston Sailboat Wedding | Classic Harbor Line | Carly Storro Photography

Wedding

August 8, 2023

On June 3, 2023 I had the incredible opportunity to photograph J & W’s wedding in Boston Harbor at Rhowes Wharf. Trying to narrow down my favorites from this gallery was so hard!

It was an early morning start time at InterContinental Boston while J & W got ready. I loved all the colorful details and florals that were set aside for me to work with when I arrived! My favorite memory of that morning is the pure joy and excitement of J’s scattered and operatic “aahhhhh!” throughout the suite as it was sinking in that she was getting married in just a few short hours.

After both of them were ready, we found a private spot for them to have a first look near the harbor. I love first looks or first touches on wedding days because it gives couples an extra few minutes alone on their wedding day.

Following their first look, we boarded the Adirondack III with Classic Harbor Line Boston and set sail!

In the week leading up to the wedding, we had all been constantly checking the weather in hopes of a warm summer day out on the water – and we ended up with the exact opposite. Heavy rain, strong winds and 40 degree temperatures throughout the 4 hours we spent sailing. I think it’s safe to say that many people in the same position would have been disappointed and let the bad weather get the best of them. But it didn’t phase J, W, or their friends and families! We put on as many layers as we had and the boat crew supplied guests with blankets and hot cocoa.

The initial plan was to have J & W get married on the bough at the front of the boat. The wet, windy weather proved to be too much so the ceremony was instead held towards the middle of the boat. I think this worked out for the best because they were able to be even more surrounded by their friends and family with the way it was laid out! With everyone huddled together, they started the ceremony with a group worship song. As Captain Therese officiated, they shared personal vows and exchanged rings.

We spent the rest of our time on the boat waiting for windows of light rain and less wind to quickly run up to the bough and get as many bridals as we could before it picked up again! I love their blue and pink color palette against the overcast sky and white sails. Overcast skies are such a dream to shoot in, if golden hour is not an option. It makes for such beautiful, soft, even lighting!

After docking and exiting the boat, J & W had a surprise waiting for their guests – Chick Fil A catering had just shown up and met them at the dock. W is a big fan (and so am I!) and they thought it would be a fun way to tie that into their wedding while providing everyone with a hot meal after a chilly few hours out on the water!

Once their guests started departing, we each grabbed some Chick Fil A to go and the 4 of us were picked up by a car service to drive around Boston to various spots that are sentimental to J & W. One of them being Caffe Nero – where they had their first date and where I photographed their engagement session! We ended our day at Boston Public Gardens.

I am so grateful to have met J & W and for the opportunity to photograph their love story, it was truly such an amazing experience that I will forever be in awe of!