A Summer Wedding, a Passing Storm & a Rainbow
Ryan and Jey’s wedding at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, Massachusetts was a hot summer day with the gardens in full bloom. From their private vows before the ceremony to a perfectly timed rainbow later in the evening, there were so many great moments throughout their day.
We started at the hotel with getting ready photographs before heading over to Tower Hill. Once everyone arrived, Ryan and Jey shared their first look followed by private vows together. From there, we had time for wedding party and family photographs before guests began arriving for the ceremony.
Their ceremony took place in the Secret Garden, surrounded by flowers, greenery, friends, and family. A friend officiated the ceremony, making it personal to the two of them.
There had been thunderstorms in the forecast, and as the ceremony began, the skies started looking increasingly threatening. Somehow, though, the rain held off. There was just one very clap of thunder during the ceremony, and Ryan and Jey were able to finish everything outside as planned.
After the ceremony, guests headed to cocktail hour while we stayed behind for a few extended family photographs. Then it was time to make the most of the remaining dry weather and explore the gardens with Ryan and Jey.
With the storm getting closer, we moved quickly through the Lawn Garden and around the property for couple photographs. Tower Hill is especially beautiful during the summer, and the gardens were full of color. We also stopped at some of the Glass in Flight sculptures currently on display throughout the gardens. The colorful glass mixed in with the flowers and greenery made for a fun addition to their photographs.
All the while, we could see the storm approaching. We kept moving, trying to fit in as many photographs as possible before the rain arrived, and our timing couldn't have been much better. We finished their couple portraits just as the skies opened up and the downpour began.
The rain meant cocktail hour had to move inside, but fortunately Tower Hill has plenty of beautiful indoor spaces. Everyone headed into The Limonaia, where guests could visit, enjoy cocktail hour, and stay dry while the storm passed through.
By the time the rain cleared, the temperature had dropped significantly and the evening felt completely different from the hot afternoon.
And sometimes after a summer storm, you get a rainbow.
Just as Ryan and Jey were getting ready for their reception introductions, a partial rainbow appeared outside. We quickly grabbed them and headed back outdoors for a few photographs. As we were shooting, the rainbow continued growing until it stretched all the way across the sky.
Ryan and Jey told us they had both been hoping they might somehow get a rainbow on their wedding day, and they certainly got one! After watching the storm approach all afternoon, the timing couldn't have worked out much better.
We finished their rainbow photographs and headed inside for introductions, followed by Ryan and Jey’s first dance and welcome toasts from their parents. Later, as the light softened, we slipped back outside for sunset photographs around the garden. The rain had passed, the air was cooler, and it was a beautiful evening.
As dinner wrapped up, Ryan and Jey’s friends gave their toasts. Their stories were funny and personal and gave everyone an even better glimpse into who Ryan and Jey are individually and together.
The rest of the evening included cake cutting and parent dances, along with a dance between Jey and their brother. Then the dance floor opened and everyone was ready to celebrate.
After a hot afternoon, a passing thunderstorm, sunset photographs, and an incredible rainbow, Ryan and Jey ended their wedding day surrounded by their friends and family, dancing the night away.
Congratulations, Ryan and Jey! We loved photographing your wedding at Tower Hill.
Photography | Joe Dolen Photography
Venue | New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Sculptures | Glass in Flight
DJ | Greg Bedard DJ Entertainment & Lighting
Catering & Cake | Peppers Artful Events
Florist | Gypsy Rose
Hair & Makeup | Charlotte & Co.
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