Our Boston Public Library Wedding

Today’s post is very personal, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you guys: our wedding at the Boston Public Library. After being together for over 10 years, Nick and I tied the knot in the city where we met and started a life together. The majority of our friends and family are from out of town (and the country) so we wanted to show them Boston and everything we love here. We only visited one venue and knew right away that was it. The BPL embodies the history and charm of the city, and has a lot of meaning to us in little ways…we studied there together as college students, dug up the blueprints (from ~150 years ago!) of our first home together, walked by it daily to work, and to top it off, Nick’s mom is a librarian.

YouTube video
 

And here begins an overload of photos from the course of our day. Also, I wanted to share a few more of our favorite vendors for any brides-to-be planning a wedding!

boston library wedding flowers

Wedding Photographer & Videographer

After the venue came the search for a photographer and videographer. We assumed the day would be a whirlwind, and felt there’d be no better way to capture the sentiment and movement of everything (or in this case, our blubbering exchange of vows ; ) than on video. I feel this is a vendor that’s often overlooked and thought of second to photography, but was top on our priority list. We chose Long Haul Films based on recommendations from friends and could not have been happier (update: unfortunately, they no longer do weddings!). I wanted to repost their trailer video that they make for each wedding – we love how they incorporated the vintage inspirations from ours by using an old school Super 8 film camera for part of the footage.

Long Haul Films has offices in Boston, LA, and London but travels globally, and our photographer Katch Studios is based out of Edmonton, Canada. Both were a dream to work with. After initial meetings about our style and sharing of Pinterest boards and other inspiration, we were able to trust both teams fully on our wedding day.

boston library lazaro lace wedding gown

Our Florist

Pollen Floral Design (based in Boston but also does global projects) was another friend’s recommendation. We were very last minute with planning – I mentioned vaguely what I liked and the color scheme (soft ivory, pink, and a hint of french blue) and she completely ran with it. We got so many compliments on her bouquets and hairpieces!

wedding floral hair combs

manolo blahnik something blue jeweled wedding shoes

Something Blue (Wedding Shoes!)

I searched high and low for open-toed “something blue” shoes but couldn’t find any that were right. I ended up getting these Manolo Blahniks (here’s a very similar pair for under $100!), and borrowed a friend’s idea of DIY stitching bracelets to them as temporary embellishments.

east meets west chinese wedding dress

bridal robe getting ready shot

Bridal Hair & Makeup

Hair was first on my schedule for the day. I partnered with the TRESemmé team on both of my bridal hairstyles and absolutely loved the results! I had requested an updo first for the tea ceremony and a romantic, hair down-to-the-side look for the wedding. I wanted a clean look to show off the high neckline of my tea ceremony dress, and then loose curls to frame the shoulders for my strapless wedding gown. My TRESemmé stylist, Tyler Laswell, started by curling all of my hair and teasing volume up at the top. He then styled it into a twisted braid low-bun set a little off to the side.

wedding hair braided side bun updo

After the tea ceremony, Tyler transitioned my hair by leaving the volume up at the top and letting out the bun, which fell into those side-swept waves I wanted. We used a fresh floral comb made by my florist as the finishing accent in both looks.

boston library wedding getting ready

I was nervous in my search for a makeup artist as I’ve had several poor experiences in the past. The artists I had worked with before were often not familiar with playing up smaller, hooded eyes and short, stick-straight lashes. I went with Lisa Chy, another friend referral, and would highly recommend her in return. I did a trial with her during which we spent a lot of time working on the right look, plus I got to test out a full day wearing the makeup to note any issues (even watched a good ol’ sad movie to test the eye makeup lasting power ; )

boston library wedding lazaro lace dress

A few makeup tips for fellow brides – it was my first time trying airbrush makeup and I loved it for several reasons. When applied properly, it has: 1. awesome, build-able coverage that kept my face from becoming purple and splotchy when tearing up (this was a priority as I’m an ugly crier, through and through!); 2. actually felt light and “air”y to me; and 3. I found it to rub off a little less than regular foundation. Lisa also used it to mitigate some stark tan lines on my back and shoulders and I didn’t get too much color transfer onto my dress. On the eye makeup front, I don’t love strip falsies so Lisa used “flares” or singles lashes which I thought looked and felt better. They are applied one-by-one and can easily be layered based on how full you want them.

bridesmaid gifts chanel earrings

First Look: Copley Square

We had our first look behind Trinity church, which was a surprisingly quiet respite during a bustling afternoon in Copley Square.

boston wedding trinity church first look lazaro dress

The Groom & Groomsmen Outfits

I left the guys’ stuff up to Nick and in true guys’ fashion, found ourselves 2 weeks before the wedding with unclothed groom and groomsmen. For affordable skinny ties and smaller-sized bowties in every color imaginable, The Tie Bar was a lifesaver.

boston wedding trinity church

boston library wedding bhldn lazaro

Unique Details

The Boston Public Library doesn’t need much dressing up, but we wanted to include a few small touches here and there to make the day feel uniquely ours. We got antique props, including these suitcases and gold mirrored vanity trays, from SOWA vintage market. We both love digging there on the weekends for small treasures. And below that, we stole an idea from a few friends’ weddings to serve treats before the ceremony. We had our caterers, The Catered Affair, make mini matcha green tea and mango ice cream cones for guests to enjoy while getting seated—a great way to cool off during a hot summer wedding.

boston library wedding vintage suitcases welcome sign

 

wedding mini ice cream cones

The processional ~ I’ve never seen my sweet grandparents so dressed up! And I thought Nick’s mom looked darling in her Eliza J fit & flare dress (comes in petites).

wedding processional grandparents

My mother had her hands full with my elementary school-aged brother trotting by her side!

mother of the bride sue wong dress

The Bridesmaid Dresses

I was swooning at my bridesmaids’ mix-and-match BHLDN dresses and bouquets. I worked with each of them to pick a style that flattered their body type, staying within our general theme of champagne and blush pink. We included a mix of beading, sequins, lace, and a statement necklace (recognize this Baublebar piece? : ) for the solid dress.

bhldn bridesmaid dresses bouquets

boston library courtyard wedding dress aisle

boston library courtyard wedding dress

We had our first dance later up on the Juliet balcony while two of our close friends sang and played a slower acoustic guitar version of “Love me like you do” – it was one of the few tunes that Nick and I could agree on…little does he know what movie it’s from, ha!

boston library courtyard wedding vows

Our recessional was to “Everything is Awesome” from the Lego movie, which little brother Schuyler thoroughly enjoyed…

recessional dance

The Food!

We probably spent the most time planning out the menu and the least amount of time enjoying it…looking back, we probably would’ve skipped extra photos to join our guests! During cocktail hour we had mini truffled chicken pot pies, mini lobster rolls, and the most exciting to me – the DIY noodle bar. As a noodle enthusiast, I was salivating thinking of the options (udon, soba, or lo mein noodles with garlic chicken, spicy thai steak, ginger lime shrimp, veggies, and a variety of sauces and toppings). Most of our guests were full before dinnertime due to multiple helpings at this station.

asian noodle bar wedding

boston library wedding placecards1

Library-Themed Wedding Cards

Our paper items and signage were all created by Yours Truly Calligraphy, another friend’s referral (clearly, we couldn’t have planned this wedding without the help of our married friends!). In a panic, I reached out her just a few days before our wedding and she whipped up everything and had it express mailed from the West coast. She even hand-made these antiquated library cards, stained using tea.

wedding calligraphy bar signs

mini donuts stand wedding cake

My Wedding Dress & Veil

From the dresses in my closet, I’m sure you guys can tell I love a good lace and fitted pencil silhouette. On my wedding day, I wanted those same elements but with a little more drama, and this Lazaro dress (Style #3415) had everything I was looking for. I got a size 2 with hollow-to-hem customization, which is when they measure your height and then create the entire dress to be scaled lengthwise proportionate to that height. For ladies who are significantly shorter or taller than a sample size, I’d highly recommend this option if your gown designer offers it. I was pleasantly surprised that a bridal size 2 was completely fitted on me at the bust, waist, and hips with no alterations needed! The bottom skirted portion is very full so I did have a local tailor reduce that volume on both sides and also taper in the knee area (note: this was a pretty significant alteration given the amount of fabric). I also had them leave the lace flower corsages off while producing the gown, so I could addd them back on where I wanted them, along the back train.

boston library wedding bates hall1

My birdcage veil and sash belt were both easy DIY projects (UPDATE: here is my video tutorial on how to make both!). Being a true procrastinator, it was stressful working on these the day before our wedding, but it was worth it to be able to wear pieces that I made.

boston library wedding lazaro gown

My best advice for brides-to-be is that although the planning process can be stressful and a lot of things will go awry, never forget what you are doing it for and try to let go of the small stuff. I also wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to each one of you who shared kind words and congratulations on our marriage – Nick and I read every message and it means so much to us.

Our vendors:
Videographer: Long Haul Films
Photographer: Katch Studios
Wedding gown: Lazaro Style #3415
Tea ceremony dress: custom by Khatu Ho
Reception dress: Aidan Mattox (exact sold out) sz 0 hemmed
Bridal accessories: vintage earrings, DIY belt & veil (purchase similar veil)
Floral robes thanks to Plum Pretty Sugar
Bridesmaid dresses thanks to BHLDN
Florist: Pollen Floral Design
Hair in partnership with TRESemmé
Makeup: Lisa Chy
Tuxedo: J.Crew Ludlow
Men’s accessories: The Tie Bar 
DJ: Alamada Events
Lighting: Design Light Co
Tea ceremony coordination: Lemon Drop
Catering & day-of coordination: The Catered Affair
Mini donuts: Union Square Donuts
Bridal suite: Judy Garland suite at the Lenox
Venue: Boston Public Library

Previous wedding-related posts: you can read about Nick’s proposal here, our engagement photos in Paris here, our coed bridal shower here, and our Chinese wedding tea ceremony here!

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When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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Leave a Comment

216 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    Beautiful!

    Posted 9.26.15 Reply
  2. Faith wrote:

    I'm curious: did you have cake or just doughnuts?

    Posted 9.26.15 Reply
  3. Teodora wrote:

    Truly beautiful, breathtaking and emotional 🙂

    Posted 9.26.15 Reply
  4. Vicky wrote:

    This video is beautiful Jean. They say pictures say a thousand words, but nothing compares to a live video that captures the movement and voices. Congratulations to you and Nick again.

    Posted 9.26.15 Reply
  5. agnecs wrote:

    Congrats for you bothes:-***

    Posted 9.26.15 Reply
  6. Teah wrote:

    What a beautiful wedding and your vows were just so emotional and touching. Thanks so much for sharing a part of your special day with us. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness!

    Posted 9.26.15 Reply
  7. Olyvia wrote:

    Congrats again!! As a long time follower of your blog, this post is super special! One of my most favorite unforgettable blog post of yours was that red dress posing around the Boston Library taken by your talented man Nick! It seems so perfect that this place became the setting for your wedding! I love how you incorporated everything you love and the things WE love about you and your style on Extra Petite! From lace, Diy's, even a nod to your flattering pencil skirt style, ha!, and the food! Even the talented lovely Khatu was a big part of your special day… friendship that spawned from this blogging thing too…. weird things i remember from reading your blog like a good book 🙂 Ah, Jean and Nick hope you guys continue creating a wonderful life together and sharing us your stylish stories on here! The cutest blogger couple i know!

    Posted 9.26.15 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    Such a beautiful, elegant and classy wedding! I love the venue choice and how each detail tied together to encompass the overall theme. Wishing you and Nick a lifetime of happiness all the way from Houston!!

    PS ����I would love love (and appreciate) the tutorial on your DIY veil and sash belt, thank you!!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  9. Alaina W wrote:

    What a beautiful wedding! BPL is my dream location but alas out of our budget. We are also using Tie Bar, and I highly recommend them for their wide selection and good prices. We're getting married in 3 weeks in Concord, NH. I cannot wait! 😀

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  10. Petite-ish wrote:

    So happy for you two! Yay! It looks incredible, nice job and what lovely vows. (That's the best, I think, certainly for us 🙂

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  11. Michelle wrote:

    Congrats Jean and Nick. Very Beautiful wedding day !!

    I adore your Lazaro wedding gown, please do a DIY tutorial on the sash belt, it compliment the wedding dress so well.

    Thank You as my wedding will be in one month time and I am still looking for a sash belt.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    Congratulations! Best of luck in the future. Your wedding looks like it was awesome!!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  13. Unknown wrote:

    Loved everything so pretty! My 1 year old kiss me when he saw you two kiss lol

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  14. Millie Scimia wrote:

    This video was absolutely beautiful!! I literally cried! Everything looked stunning, Congrats to you both!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  15. Natalie wrote:

    You look beautiful and the wedding is fabulous down to every detail! Wishing you and Nick a lifetime of happiness! Another petite gal at http://www.saladgirlnat.com

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  16. Lauren Hom wrote:

    Omg, your video made me tear up, no joke! The most heartfelt and beautiful wedding. Everything was done so elegantly I'm just in awe. I hope you and Nick have a long a prosperous marriage!! x

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  17. Ale Bellaire wrote:

    Like in Sex and The City… a Library wedding 🙂

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  18. Ale Bellaire wrote:

    Lovely!! you guys look so happy.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  19. Joanna Marie wrote:

    Tears of joy for you and Nick. So BEAUTIFUL! Everything was beautiful! Jean, what a wonderful wedding. I was always skeptical of a mermaid style dress on us petite girls but you are making me a believer (thanks for the hem to halo). I love Lazaro, his dresses are so beautiful, romantic and whimsical. Congratulations!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  20. Suzanne wrote:

    This was an incredible post, it brought tears to my eyes watching the video and it was so touching see two people so much in love and willing to share it with the world. Such a beautiful couple and lovely families to share with you on your special day. The most gorgeous wedding in photos that I had the pleasure to see, thank you Jean and Nick for sharing.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    How beautiful, wonderful your day has been 🙂 Thank you, Jean and Nick, for sharing all feelings with us. <3 <3.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  22. Angogh's aunt wrote:

    I was teary eyed watching your video. I love the dress on the left out of the three dresses you wore. Can I get information on that dress?

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    Absolutely Gorgeous Pictures! Wishing you an eternity of happiness together! Thank you so much for sharing part of your special day.
    http://www.heavenlybottoms.etsy.com

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  24. sookhyun wrote:

    Beautiful vid! Where is the beaded dress from that you wore in the video towards the end?

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  25. Anonymous wrote:

    So elegant & beautiful, the vows were very moving also. What a gorgeous couple you are!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  26. Maria Ahrens wrote:

    A wedding in a gorgeous old library building?? Genius! Wish I had thought of that for our wedding. Every detail is absolutely gorgeous, and it's clear that you and Nick have a strong and lasting relationship. Congratulations to the happy couple! May you have many blessed years together 🙂

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    I stupidly watched this at work so now I'm over here in tears in my office. Congrats Jean! I never really follow blogs, but I know I've been popping in and out of yours for a at least a couple of years now. Everything about your wedding was beautiful: the vows, the location, the wedding party, the people and the tea ceremony, and the bride & groom! Thank you for sharing it with us. Very big congratulations and I wish you and Nick a million best wishes and many blessings!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  28. Bára Rektorová wrote:

    Congratulations, dear Jean! What a beautiful wedding. And I can actually feel the love and closenest of your family shining from the photos.
    Your mum is so beautiful and your little bro just the most adorable kid in the world 🙂

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  29. XpinklilyX wrote:

    Congratulations beautiful wedding!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    Congratulations. What a beautiful wedding. You two are one good looking couple. May God bless your marriage.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  31. Paola wrote:

    I'm so happy for you, Jean and this post is amazing

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  32. Leona M wrote:

    I have been one of your ghost readers for over the years and has been secretly waiting for these pictures. the vows are so teary and touching, then your vintage touch ups are so unique..will steal those ideas when the time comes. Every thing was so classy and dreamy. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND NICK.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  33. Stephanie wrote:

    Congratulations Jean and Nick. I can't believe this is my first comment as I have been secretly following you for years now. When I was in Boston this past summer, I past by the Boston public library so many times and was only able to visit it for 10 minutes before running to the airport. I really regret my decision now as the library is stunning and your wedding looks amazing. The vows are so well written and moving. I really love the fact you incorporate a lot of diys into your wedding(the manolos and veil). Thanks for sharing and congratulations again! <3

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  34. Heyitzme wrote:

    could you please also share your third dress too? it is just so pretty.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  35. Heyitzme wrote:

    Tons of congrats. Everything was point on. May your nest be filled with love and laughter.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  36. Anonymous wrote:

    Congrats!!!!truly beautiful……yes can u please put dyi info on how to do the belt and birdcage pleaseeeeeee 🙂

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  37. Julia T. wrote:

    Congratulations Jean! Your wedding is a dream. The vows are so touching and soooo well-written. I cried when I watched the video.

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  38. Sheree Ho wrote:

    Such an amazing wedding, everything looked beautiful and I am swooning over your dress and your DIY Manolo for something blue. Thank you for sharing.

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  39. Winny Young wrote:

    Hi Jean! Congratulations again to you and Nick (thanks for responding to me on Instagram; I'm @winzorwins)! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, health and countless adventures together! Thank you so much for sharing such a special day with us. All the details are gorgeous and elegant (very you!) and your vows are incredibly moving! I hope you don't mind me gushing… Been following your blog for about three years now – started while in law school and doing long-distance with my now-husband, and now we're happily married and I'm semi-happily practicing law. It's been such a joy to read your posts, both for professional wardrobe advice and for following yours and Nick's relationship and adventures. I've always thought of you as super cool and seeing your pick of "Everything is Awesome" only served as extra confirmation. 😉 Technology/social media can be kind of sketch but I'm thankful for it because it allowed me to find your posts!

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  40. Karen K wrote:

    Congratulations! Looks like the perfect wedding! I can't decide if you looked like an angel or a fairy princess

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  41. Anonymous wrote:

    Wow! This post was amazing in terms of the great information and the beautiful photos. Your wedding video touched me! I also adore how the two of you chose a library as your venue! Best wishes for the future ahead! -G2

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  42. Irene Ng wrote:

    Congrats to you both! This was such a beautiful wedding, thank you for sharing. I also got married this year in May and blogged through my process. I DIY'ed almost all the wedding decor myself. I really miss wedding planning, so I always love to read about others experiences and happy pictures. Even if you did a lot of it last minute, I totally can't tell, you realy pulled it off, everything looks beautiful <3
    xo Irene
    mycutebow.blogspot.com

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  43. Hyejin Lee wrote:

    Jean, I am so happy for you and Nick. I've been following your blog for several years and your posts inspired me to move away from jeans and sweatshirts in college and discover a fun, chic, and professional style that compliments my petite frame. Anyways, wanted to leave a note because my husband and I met in college, and we were also married on June 27, 2015. I loved your wedding post. Thanks again and I wish you all the best in your newly married life. =)

    Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  44. Kathleen wrote:

    What a beautiful wedding! Thank you for posting such a detailed description of your special day. Congratulations to you and Nick!

    Posted 9.24.15 Reply
  45. Katherine Pham wrote:

    Congratulations Jean and Nick! Such a beautiful wedding!

    Posted 9.24.15 Reply
  46. Erin wrote:

    Jean, you and Nick looked spectacular! Congratulations – your wedding looked absolutely perfect! It's hard to believe you were working on some of the details only days before the wedding!

    I've been on the hunt for a birdcage veil for my own wedding and yours is exactly what I'm looking for! I would love to see a DIY tutorial on how you made it! 🙂

    Posted 9.24.15 Reply
  47. Miss Der wrote:

    Beautiful everything! I love all your personal touches on everything! And the video made me cry!!! So happy for you both! This makes me so excited to plan my own wedding!

    Posted 9.24.15 Reply
  48. Phyllis Lee wrote:

    Oh my gosh, that video was so beautiful that I literally teared up. You look so beautiful, and I can only hope to have a marriage as happy as yours. Congratulations!

    Phyllis | http://www.prettypleese.com

    Posted 9.24.15 Reply
  49. Cher wrote:

    So beautiful, Jean! Right down to the last detail! Congrats to you and Nick!

    Posted 9.24.15 Reply
  50. Melissa wrote:

    So happy for the both of you. The whole thing was so beautiful!

    Posted 9.24.15 Reply

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