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When Orla contacted me last year and told me her story, I was simply charmed. Orla & Alan are active people with lovely souls, and you might need to sit down with a map to chart out the story of their wedding.   Orla, originally from Ireland, met Alan in Boston, where he was raised. Together, they now live in beautiful city of San Francisco. My own love story takes place in Ireland, California, and Boston, so the immediate connection was not a surprise.

Orla & Alan were to be married in Cork, and followed by a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and banquet in Boston, providing both sides of family & friends with a familiar setting to celebrate. Yes, that means there were 2 destination weddings to be planned… my vote is for double the honeymoon to relax from that much work! They hired the fun & talented husband/wife team at We are the Mastersons for the Irish ceremony, and I was so honored to be chosen to document the local celebration here!

As luck would have it, just 2 months after Orla and I first connected, I traveled to San Francisco for a both work and pleasure, and we were able to meet in person (while poor Alan was bundled up sick at home). Orla was so full of life, exuding sheer joy, and I was immediately taken with her authentic nature. Keeping up over Facebook, I was able to get a glimpse into their lives, and when the day finally came for their Boston festivities, I couldn’t wait to witness their love first hand! Meet Alan & Orla:

The day began at the home of Alan’s parents. This was my first tea ceremony, and I was SO excited to have my darling friend and talented photographer Nicole Chan second shooting with me & sharing her experience.  It was truly special to see both sides of the family partake in the tea ceremony. Families coming together and sharing their cultures is such a beautiful thing to observe! Orla looked stunning in her red and gold Cheongsam, and her flower girls were adorable in their matching dresses.  The couple served tea to their family to express their appreciation, and were presented with jewelry & red envelopes with cash (as well as lots of hugs!) in return.

After the ceremony, we headed to the city for portraits in the Public Garden. Because they met and fell in love while living in Boston, Alan & Orla wanted to have their portraits in a location that was meaningful for them. The garden is truly a perfect place to represent these 2, with it’s fine balance of laid back & playful. The rain teased us, but there ended up being plenty of time to enjoy the green, the architecture… and of course, the ducks.

The reception took place at Quincy’s China Pearl Restaurant. After a quick change into her beautiful Amy Kuschel wedding gown, Orla & Alan were introduced, and the festivities began! The party was kicked off with a colorful lion dance!  Then, 300 tummies began the delicious adventure known as the traditional ten course meal. Pacing was key, but these breaks were filled with happy toasts and lively conversation. Plus, the cutting of the cake. Oh, the cake. It was multi-flavor layered goodness.

After taking in an incredible meal, the happy couple & guests were able to dance, play wild games, and simply revel in being married… again.

Alan & Orla, I can’t thank you enough for choosing me to document your day. Also, for sending me home with delicious cake.

Now that the whirlwind of wedding events are behind you, I hope you have enjoyed taking a moment to breathe & enjoy the calm. I look forward to the little peeks into your marriage online, from across the coast, and hope we can see each other soon… near one ocean or another!

Sláinte,

Briana

Wedding photography: Briana Moore Photography
Florist:  Mantis Plants & Flowers
Cake:  Montilio’s
DJ: Sang Along Entertainment
Reception venue:  China Pearl in Quincy
Caterer:  China Pearl in Quincy