Alice and Steve were married on a beautiful September day. Their Commander’s Mansion wedding was both light-hearted and sentimental. Alice got ready at her childhood home in Cambridge. I loved seeing all the framed photos around the house, taken by her father who is a professional photographer. Steve got ready at a nearby AirBnB, with help from his father, friends and their pup Henry.

We shared ideas back and forth on where to have their first look. They eventually chose a lovely spot with blooming lavender near the Radcliffe Institute on Harvard’s campus. Henry, extra handsome in a bow-tie, joined them for a few portraits. They then traveled to the Commander’s Mansion for portraits with their families and wedding party.

Their friend played guitar to welcome guests to the ceremony site in the grape arbor, and the service was led by Steve’s grandfather. Alice and Steve had huge expressions when they were pronounced married and elatedly walked back up the aisle.

The reception tent was beautifully decorated. There was a fern motif throughout which was dually inspired by Steve’s nickname Ferny and their love of spending time in the woods of New Hampshire. The whole reception had an organic feeling, with folks dancing, eating and mingling. Because I’m a foodie – I have to mention how good the food was – a raw bar from Island Creek Oysters and barbecue from Blue Ribbon. And there was such energy and joy on the dance floor that I didn’t want to leave.

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom getting ready | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom getting ready | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom getting ready | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom getting ready | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom getting ready | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom getting ready | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from getting ready for a wedding in bride's childhood home | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits at Radcliffe on Harvard's campus | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits at Radcliffe on Harvard's campus | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portrait with puppy | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portrait with puppy | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits at Radcliffe on Harvard's campus | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits at Radcliffe on Harvard's campus | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits at Radcliffe on Harvard's campus | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom arrive at Commander's Mansion, Watertown, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

young wedding guest | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

formal wedding portraits at Commander's Mansion in Watertown, MA. | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

formal wedding portraits at Commander's Mansion in Watertown, MA. | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and dad hug | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

musician plays for wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests at wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom waiting for bride to walk down aisle | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride with parents about to walk down the aisle at Commander's Mansion | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

exchanging hugs during the wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Commander's Mansion wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Commander's Mansion wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Commander's Mansion wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Commander's Mansion wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Commander's Mansion wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Commander's Mansion wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

just after the ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom and father | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

cocktail hour at Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

reception details at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom enter tent for reception | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

First dance at Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

First dance at Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests enjoy reception | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom mingle during wedding reception at the Commander's Mansion | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

parents offer a toast | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

father offers a toast | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom react to a toast | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding reception toast | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

laughter during toasts | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom react to a toast | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom and mother dance | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

father-daughter dance | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

cake cutting at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

cake cutting at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a Commander's Mansion wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom dance at their Commander's Mansion Wedding, Watertown, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom dance at their Commander's Mansion Wedding, Watertown, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Commander’s Mansion Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: Commander’s Mansion
Day of Coordinator: Alexis of Neon Event Productions
Caterer: Sensational Foods, Island Creek Oyster Bar, and Blue Ribbon BBQ
Baker: Oak Leaf Cakes
DJ: Djour Entertainment
Bride’s Attire: Amsale, purchased at Vows
Groom’s Attire: Bonobos
Makeup Artist: Liz Fuller
Hair Stylist: Jennifer Fusco
Second Photographer: Allana of Ars Magna Studio

If you like what you see, and are interested in having me photograph your Commander’s Mansion wedding, please get in touch.

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