Photos by Julia Dwyer Photography

Originally, Sarah and Kirk had planned on a traditional wedding: around 120 guests, a large venue, a few hours on the dance floor, the whole shebang. About halfway through planning, I received an email from Sarah saying that they’d changed their minds, and an intimate, 20-person restaurant wedding felt “more them”. As a big believer in wedding days being a true reflection of each couple, this was music to my ears!

We changed the plans, alerted the vendors, and set out to choose a new venue. Luckily, Alcove had newly hit the Boston restaurant scene, and it felt like the perfect setting for our new wedding plan. We loved the topographic mural in the private event space, and let it shape the inspiration for our entire “urban beach” wedding design, including the invitations designed by yours truly!

Sarah had specifically requested Twig and Briar for her florals, which made me do a little happy dance. Jo from T&B is an absolute gem, and I’d been wanting to collaborate on a wedding with her for a long time! She knocked it out of the park with our palette, and the florals complemented every single detail, from the custom-designed menus and programs to the handmade coasters by Nicole Fichera which were etched with an image of the Zakim bridge, a Boston landmark that served as a picture perfect backdrop for dinner, right outside of Alcove’s front door.

After getting ready at M Salon and putting on her fully custom wedding gown by Nu Bridal, Sarah and Kirk had their first look at The Fens, a park right by Northeastern University where they first met. They took their time strolling through the park, Northeastern’s campus, and hopped on the Green Line to Boston Common for more photos with under the willow trees with Julia Dwyer Photography.

Guests arrived for a cocktail hour on Alcove’s patio just as the sun was going down in the sky, and Sarah and Kirk joined for cocktails and small bites. Everyone was invited inside for dinner, brilliantly prepared by the Alcove team. Seriously. The food is delicious. Go there. You’re welcome.

What I loved most about Sarah and Kirk’s wedding day was that they did it their own way. Their ceremony took place in segments over the course of an extended dinner, officiated by Sarah’s cousin Reid. Guests were all invited to share a few words, well wishes, and favorite memories of the bride and groom before vows and rings were exchanged during dessert. A champagne toast on the patio topped off the night, and honestly, it was a perfect day.

Planning, Design, + Stationery: Kelly Golia Events
Venue: Alcove Boston
Florals: Twig & Briar
Photography: Julia Dwyer Photography
Hair + Makeup: M Salon
Custom Wedding Dress: Nu Bridal
Bride’s Ring: McFarland Designs
Favors: Nicole Fichera

Kelly Golia is a New England-based Wedding Planner and Designer specializing in custom designed celebrations of love and life. Kelly serves all of New England and beyond.