We are lucky enough to be there at a pivotal time in the lives of many incredible couples, and the honor of that never escapes us. But, sometimes, we find ourselves so inspired by a couple and the love they share, both with each other, and with their families and friends that it’s hard to hold back the tears. I know…that sounds totally sappy and I’ve probably said this before…but it’s true. Such was the case at the incredible wedding of Lauren & Ed. Their first dance in particular was a beautiful thing to behold. There were no fancy dance steps, just two people holding each other tightly looking at each other with such love and devotion. I wanted to go running over to Andy, jump into his arms and tell him that even though I can be a total pain in the a** at times, that I love him more than I ever thought was possible to love another person…it was that good! Fortunately, I didn’t embarrass myself and do that, but I thought about it!

Lauren & Ed said, “I do,” at the breathtaking, almost European-like, Gate of Heaven Parish in South Boston, then headed to the Hyatt Harborside for their reception. The hotel has a permanent tent on the back of the property, with sides that come off, so guests feel like their outside. And the views…well let’s just say the hotel lays claim to some of the most incredible views of the city.

The day itself was picture perfect, complete with summer temperatures, the most incredible sunset and crazy love! Guests spent most of the afternoon milling around outside, dancing underneath a moon-lit sky. It was the kind of wedding day we women fantasize about! Here are a few of our favorite images from the day…

The dress…like the puffy clouds that blanketed the sky through much of the day…

The hotel rooms were really nicely decorated with a mid century feel to them. A sofa in the suite made a funky backdrop for Lauren’s killer shoes. (It’s funny, I’m not someone who tends to buy a lot of shoes or at least not very swanky ones…I usually just find one pair per season that I love and wear the heck out of them. But, I love photographing beautiful shoes. They are like pieces of art to me.)

Here’s a little collage of Lauren getting ready….she is just stunning! The shot of her putting on her shoe is my favorite! I just love the lines of her body…

A little pre-ceremony toast by the guys. Ed’s dad was his best man. How much do we love that? LOVE IT!!!

Here comes the bride… (Check out all of the digital cameras…wouldn’t it be fun to see each person’s unique perspective!?)

Seriously, is that an incredible cathedral ceiling or what?

Dad provides the rings. He was so nervous for the better part of the day, up until he gave his speech, then he seemed to relax. So sweet!!!

Hey girls…

Does this look like a model shot or what? She is just ridiculously gorgeous!

A quick kiss before heading off to the reception…

On the drive between the church and the hotel, we had Lauren & Ed’s limo driver stop at this old abandoned building. With its corrugated steel siding, it has such great character. Not exactly what you think of when you think of wedding photography, but that’s how we roll! The limo driver thought we were crazy for stopping there, but Ed & Lauren were totally up for it! You guys rock!!!!

How awesome was the light coming through the hotel reception area…pretty awesome! Add a little sepia toning, a fabulously-reflective marble floor, and an amazing couple and voila…a scene that oozes romance!

Lauren’s adorable niece gets a little game of chase from her auntie. Check out her bib…”I (heart) my auntie”….Awww…

Love at it’s finest…

And here’s just a few details from their incredible day…

We’d like to give a shout out to the very accommodating staff at the Hyatt. Thank you for taking such good care of us. Thank you to Father Robert Casey for allowing us to get some up close shots from behind the altar. We appreciate your flexibility and Lauren & Ed will no doubt be very grateful when they see the images we were able to get for them! A big heart-felt thank you to Lauren & Ed’s families - Dan & Jeanne, Mike & Jeff, Jim, Jeanne and Amy - you all made us feel so welcomed on such an important day in your families’ lives. We almost didn’t get to be there with you and we appreciate the sacrifices you made to have us there! Truly!!! We had so much fun getting to know all of you and consider you part of our Bello family!

And, our biggest thanks go out to Lauren & Ed, who inspire us to love with hearts wide open. You two are incredible and we feel truly honored to call you friends! Thank you for having such unwaivering faith in us and for reminding us, so completely, why we love what we do! We love you guys! xoxoxo Chris & Andy