Sarah Ryder & Topher Bevis
August 8, 2014
St. Cecilia’s Church
Boston, Massachusetts
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
There are times when bringing your work home is actually a good thing. When you’re the lead special events coordinator at Winston Flowers as Sarah Ryder is, it was a blessing when it came to planning her wedding to Topher Bevis. The day turned out to be a gorgeous celebration full of love, family, and friends, and what you might call a few pretty impressive flower arrangements.
After meeting during freshman year at UMass Amherst and eight years of dating, Topher finally popped the question on February 15, 2014. He had devised a plan: he told Sarah they had a dinner reservation at No. 9 Park, a restaurant they had been trying to get to for months. They were going to stop at the Prudential Center first to pick up her belated Valentine’s Day present. Much to her surprise, Topher asked for her hand in marriage on their beautiful snowy walk.
They continued their journey to Top of the Hub, where all of their closest family and friends were waiting to greet them. The couple never made it to No. 9 Park that evening, but they were able to spend the entire night celebrating with the people that mean the most to them. From that moment on, love—and wedding planning—was in full bloom.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
At the couple’s wedding, the rings were carried down the aisle by Sarah’s three-year-old nephew, Rhett.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
The bouquets and boutonnière incorporated Lily of the Valley, the favorite flower of Sarah’s grandmother, who had recently passed away.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
From left to right, Sarah’s sister and maid of honor Emily Ryder, cousin Amy Raymond,
and cousin Kerry Offen.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
The intimate 87-person ceremony took place at St. Cecilia’s Church in the Back Bay.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
“We wanted to incorporate a living wall,” says Sarah. This giant creation lush with clematis, ferns, and other florals greeted guests along with their place cards, which came with white ink calligraphy on pieces of wood.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
The tables were set with wooden troughs filled with flowers, while custom-made slate chargers and table numbers complemented the delicate blooms.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
The first course was set with a cold lobster dish perfect for a warm and sunny summer day reception.
Photo by Suzanna March Photography
“They were surprise gifts to me [from Winstons],” says Sarah of the giant clear glass cylinders draped in sea chains that Winston’s flower experts filled with single blooms like astibles and fern.
THE FILE
Bride’s Gown: ‘Portia’ Gown by Monique Lhuillier
Bride’s Earrings: J. Crew
Cake: They did a miniature duo of their birthday cakes growing up—strawberry shortcake and ice box cake.
Catering: Trade Restaurant
Music: Mario the DJ
Florist: Winston Flowers, of course
Groomswear: Canali Suit and Prada Shoes
Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Hair: Tina Pace
Rings: Artinian Jewelry, Lexington, Massachusetts
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