Meritage Entertainment
A good DJ can get everyone from your three-year-old nephew to your great grandmother on the dance floor. Meritage Entertainment’s impressive lineup of DJs pride themselves on reading the room and getting the party started with hits, throwbacks, and all of your super-specific “must-plays” in between. Not only can they please the masses with great tunes, but they can also provide colorful uplights to set the mood and a GIF photo booth to capture all of the fun. meritagedj.com.
Guerda Massage & Skin Care
Whether you’re sore from training for a marathon or sitting at your laptop, Guerda Paul’s expert strokes, hot stones, steamy towels, and bonus foot exfoliation will make you feel like you left your old body on the table when you walk out of her studio. The Grettacole and Bella Santé alum has a knack for finding those tight spots in your back while making you feel completely, utterly at ease in the process. 47 River St., Wellesley, MA 02481, guerdamassagetherapy.com.
Rare Steakhouse
The baked Alaska is set on fire tableside at Rare. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Seamless service and melt-in-your-mouth beef make Rare an oasis inside the hustle and bustle of Encore Boston Harbor, especially if you’re willing to fork over some of your casino winnings for, say, caviar service, a seafood tower, and Japanese Wagyu. The luxurious steakhouse harkens back to a golden age of fine dining, with white tablecloths and a fiery tableside preparation of baked Alaska, but the tiny, fancy chair just for your purse is a 2020s luxury through and through. Encore Boston Harbor, 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com/dining-and-nightlife/dining/rare-steakhouse.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
With 2,575 acres of maintained trails highlighting stunning waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and city views, the Fells has something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to casual recreationists. Always wanted to cruise down a hill at top speed on a mountain bike while bouncing off boulders and tree roots? Snap on your helmet and put the pedal to the metal. If that’s not quite your speed, simply pack some snacks, park your picnic blanket alongside a gentle stream, and enjoy a restorative day in nature. 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham, MA 02180, mass.gov/locations/middlesex-fells-reservation.
Local Root
David-Mellor Now that you’ve reorganized every inch of your kitchen (and garage, and bedroom...), it’s time for the next step: upping your culinary game. Load up on all manner of gear at Local Root, where curbside pickup makes easy work of achieving your latest recipe #goals. Still on the sourdough train? Browse ceramic Emile Henry bread bakers and Eva Solo mixing bowls. Planning al fresco meals? Check out the Rosle grilling tools, made from stainless steel. 77 Leonard St., Belmont, MA 02478, localroot.com.
Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices No matter if you’re hosting a Zoom meeting or clicking over to a virtual lunchtime yoga session, you won’t want to hide Outdoor Voices’ (pictured) bold, eye-catching leggings and ultra-soft sweats. The company’s sustainably sourced activewear, after all, was designed for “doing things,” whether those things are running for miles or running your business (and your life) from your kitchen counter. 31 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, outdoorvoices.com.
Timothy Ro, SalonCapri
DIANA LEVINE. STYLING BY JULIE SILVA Psst—you over there with the weekly date at the blow-dry bar. Yeah, you. Tired of getting your locks pulled and your scalp burnt as you’re rushed from sink to dryer to cashier? There’s a better way. Namely, placing your hair in the skilled hands of Timothy Ro. Drawing on his experience backstage at Fashion Week, the SalonCapri stylist confidently (and efficiently) churns out runway-worthy looks—no laminated menu required. 11 Newbury St., Boston, MA saloncapri.com.
Flair Boston
You’ve chosen your leading ladies, now let Flair Boston handle the rest. Trust these pros to select the trendiest bridesmaid attire, including floral gowns by Alfred Sung and shimmering jumpsuits by Dessy. Do your gals live across the country? No problem. Have a procrastinator in the bunch? Totally fine. The boutique offers hundreds of dresses online and can “super rush” orders so you can rest assured that your ’maids will be dressed to impress. 140 Newbury St., Boston, Massachusetts 02116, flairboston.bridesmaid.com.
Amy Bailey, Townhouse Beauty Bar
Getting your makeup done sounds glamorous—until you look in the mirror and don’t recognize the face staring back at you, that is. That never happens when Bailey is the one wielding the brush. The makeup artist has a light hand with foundation, skillfully applying just the right amount so your freckles still shine through, but your blemishes do not. You’ll leave every time looking (and feeling) like the best version of yourself. 28 Charles St., Boston, MA townhousebeautybar.com.
Salt + Pine Films
Ready for your silver-screen debut? Husband-and-wife duo Jesse and Paola Manfra’s cinematic films capture your wedding with a touch of Hollywood glamour — dramatic trailer and all. Using sensational slow-mo, impressive pan shots, dreamy drone footage, and other well-executed techniques to document stolen glances, tender embraces, dancefloor fun, and everything in between, they’ll guarantee your wedding video will be enjoyed by everyone (no matter how many times you make them watch it). saltandpinefilms.com.
Shannon McNally
Looking to embark on a spiritual wellness journey this summer? Let local reiki master Shannon McNally be your guide. Offering sessions at the newly opened Soma Yoga in the North End, the holistic wellness coach tackles everything from stress and anxiety to digestive and hormonal challenges. Whether you prefer your appointments in-person or virtual, you’ll leave feeling like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 256 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, shannonmcnallywellness.com.
Balans Organic Spa
Maybe you’re commuting again and soaking up that car exhaust in your pores. Maybe some sunspots have cropped up on the virgin skin long shielded behind your facemask. Or maybe you’re just lamenting three pandemic years’ worth of stress etched into your face. Whatever the trouble, Balans’ expert aestheticians have the solution — and the 100 percent organic products to keep that glow going long after the appointment is over. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
Beat Train Productions
What’s on your “do not play list”? Who’s coming to your wedding? Do you have any DJ pet peeves? Beat Train Productions’ specialized client quiz gets an A-plus when it comes to finding the perfect match for your party among the group’s talented artists. No matter which you ultimately choose, hundreds of glowing reviews say it all: These DJs know how to spin. beattrainproductions.com.
Shreve, Crump & Low
This fine jeweler, which celebrates its 225th anniversary this year, does more than just sell high-end wrist candy: You can also bring your favorite piece here and the master watchmakers will get it ticking again, whether it’s from the store or not. Head over to the Newbury Street flagship and see just how knowledgeable and gracious staffers are when it comes to your time and your timepiece. 39 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Dan Gordon Landscape Architects
Photo by Michael J. Lee Dan Gordon doesn’t just consider how you’ll interact with your transformed yard while you’re ambling along new bluestone-stepper walkways, bordered by hydrangeas, or lounging poolside under the shade of freshly transplanted cherry trees; the landscape architect ponders how you’ll engage with your revamped terrain from inside your home, too, ensuring a seamless transition from interior to exterior space. dangordon.com.