Big Shots

Boston Public Library Exterior

Location: Boston
Picked by: Joyelle West, Joyelle West Photography

“The couple wanted a classic, romantic Boston wedding. Originally, between the ceremony and the reception at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, we were going to drive around the city getting photos in different places and with different landmarks. Unfortunately, shortly after their ceremony, the skies opened up and our plan was cut short by afternoon thundershowers. We snuck out during dinner while guests were eating, headed out under the now-clear skies, and walked across the street to the Boston Public Library. Dusk had just started to descend, and the streetlights had come on. The city was quiet for a brief spell. This is such a great spot for photography because it’s an iconic landmark, and with the stone, statues, lamps, and wrought iron, the building is quintessential, classic Boston.”

Old Northern Avenue Bridge

Location: Boston
Picked by: Jill Person, Person + Killian Photography

“The couple had just gotten married at Foster’s Pavilion, and the reception was to follow at the Boston Harbor Hotel. It was windy and about to rain, but both the bride and groom loved the character of the bridge and wanted to take the short walk over. The bride and bridesmaids were great sports and even took off their shoes. After a few photos, it started to rain and the wind picked up, so we ducked into the café at the end of the bridge. Compared with some other beautiful spots in Boston, this is a much more private location, especially on weekends, and allows for a more-relaxed atmosphere since there aren’t people stopping to stare and take photos.”

Christopher Columbus Park

Location: Boston
Picked by: Leah Haydock, leah haydock Photography

“Days before their June 2011 wedding, Bridget and Matt found out that the Bruins would be parading the Stanley Cup through the city just hours before they were scheduled to be married. Due to heavy traffic restrictions, we decided to avoid the Public Garden and the Copley Square area and instead use Christopher Columbus Park for pictures with their wedding party. The city was a sea of yellow-and-black jerseys, and everywhere we went, fans were shouting out their congratulations. Christopher Columbus Park is an oft-forgotten gem. Located between the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway and Boston Harbor, it features a wisteria-covered trellis and a city view. It’s also one of my favorite places to photograph at night in the winter, when the trellis arches are lit up.”

The Train Tracks Off Massachusetts Avenue

Location: Cambridge
Picked by: Zev Fisher, Zev Fisher Photography

“I was driving through the area with the bride and groom, Caitlin and Joe, and I noticed the gorgeous, warm afternoon light reflecting off the tracks and a nearby brick building. Most brides would feel a bit apprehensive about walking around on rusty train tracks in their wedding dress, but Caitlin was game, so we pulled over for a two-minute session on the side of the road. In the end, her dress stayed perfectly clean, and we got great shots to boot. If brides are willing to think outside the box and take a chance with an offbeat location, they can be rewarded with some really unique and beautiful photographs.”

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Location: Boston
Picked by: Corinna Raznikov, Corinna Raznikov Photography

“It has that great tree-lined path that creates an arch of greenery at the top. You can see the cars and buildings just peeking through on the sides—giving you the feeling that you’re in a city—but the trees hold back the light, so you can shoot there any time of day. I’ve shot formal images there in the dead of the night, when the only illumination comes from the twinkling lights wrapped around trees, and at noon with diffused, perfect lighting when other locations are delivering harsh, unpleasant glare. It also offers shade on a hot day, and brides and grooms, in big dresses and tuxes, sure need that.”