After four years of dating Tyler lined up an appointment in September 2022 with a ring designer on Newbury Street in Boston. Tyler did his best to make every aspect of the proposal a surprise for Rachel; however, before the proposal, a picture of the ring got sent around, and little did they know, it also got sent to Rachel! Despite this reveal, Tyler still got to surprise Rachel with a proposal at a private wine tasting tour at LaBelle Winery in New Hampshire. Before they knew it, they were planning their wedding at the Institute of Contemporary Art captured by Rob Aveau Photography and planned with the help of Whim Events.
Venue: Institute of Contemporary Art
Rachel and Tyler knew they wanted a modern aesthetic for their wedding, and once they toured the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston’s trendy Seaport District, they didn’t need to look any further. Tucked away on Boston Harbor, it was the perfect reflection of their shared love of the city and the sea.
Keep your friends close
Rachel and Tyler wanted their closest friends to be with them throughout the day without too much structure so that they had the space to be themselves.
Colorful florals + neutral navy
The guidance for day-of design was colorful florals with a neutral navy backdrop.
Using every aspect of a venue
The couple took advantage of every aspect of the venue. Guests first arrived at the amphitheater for the ceremony that overlooked the harbor. Rachel and Tyler were surrounded by tiered florals framing their vow exchange.
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Spicy marg with a twist
Craft cocktails followed on the terrace where guests enjoyed mezze and raw bars (yes, plural). Rachel and Tyler love a Margarita and chose a to have one with spicy twist at the bar: Sriracha Nights made with sriracha roasted pineapple and fresh lime.
Styling: Serpentine lines
Trusting their planning team at Whim Events, Natalie and her team were given full design control and approached the wedding day as though they were creating an art installation. They went with serpentine lines and bold, structural florals to contrast the modern design of the venue and add a soft sophistication. A 40-foot serpentine table with a rainbow gradient of florals in white vessels was the focal point. Candlelight created an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
Working art into the design
One unique aspect to the venue is the Institute’s rotating art installation in the main gallery that complimented the reception design perfectly.
A focus on regional flavors
Regional flavors were the highlights of the evening thanks to The Catered Affair. From the raw bar with Count Neck clams and tray-passed crab cakes at cocktail hour to the local mushroom risotto with cider reduction and fresh caught Haddock with heirloom tomatoes and native corn during the reception, it was the perfect New England culinary experience.
Surprise speakeasy for dessert
After dinner guests were led by the band to a surprise speakeasy for dessert and dancing. Guests were welcomed with espresso martinis and a wall of assorted desserts, including blueberry crisp, sea salt truffles, and pecan bourbon tarts. Draped in burgundy with sleek lounge areas, the vibe was set for a night of endless revelry framed by views of Boston’s skyline at night.
After-the fact advice from the couple
“Find a planner that listens, takes the time to understand you as a couple, and who advocates for you. Natalie and her team at Whim Events took our ideas and helped transform them into something we never thought possible.”
