This Dancing Duo Had a Showstopping Reception at the State Room
The Wild Dahlia filled the venue with textured peonies, garden roses, and sweet pea to match the couple's pink-and-white color scheme.
May 25, 2019
State Room
Boston, Massachusetts
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom2.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
THE STORY
Dance has always played an important part in Maurice Collins and Laura Gagne’s love story. In fact, it’s what first brought the couple together back in 2014, when they met at West End Johnnies in Boston. After spotting Laura from across the room, Maurice walked over to introduce himself. “That’s when I gave her my number one line,” he quips. His first words to his future bride? “He told me he liked my dance moves,” Laura says with a laugh.
So it’s fitting that, on the fourth anniversary of their first date, the couple said “I do” in a festive celebration at the State Room, where music from Elevated Pulse Productions kept the newlyweds on their feet all night long. While the pair speaks fondly of their emotional first look, heartfelt vows, and stunning reception décor, they agree that the dance floor truly stole the show: “It was hopping,” Laura says.
THE DETAILS
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom1.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
FIRST LOOK
Maurice and Laura shared their first look at Christopher Columbus Park, in the North End. “I was on pins and needles waiting for [it],” Maurice says. “It was definitely worthwhile.”
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom5.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
FLOWER GIRL
“My sister has Down syndrome and was my flower girl, [so] we took my mom’s wedding gown and had it tailored to be a flower-girl gown for [her],” Laura says. “That was a really big and special thing for my family—my sister could have that special moment, too.”
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom3.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
CEREMONY
Written by the bride and groom and officiated by Maurice’s cousin Chris, the pair’s bespoke ceremony featured original vows and music by Boston String Ensemble.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom4.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
ESCORT CARDS
Outfitted with eye-catching flowers, draped greenery, and soft-pink ribbon, the couple’s escort-card wall provided an unexpected photo op for guests. “It was really impressive,” Maurice says. “People were taking pictures as if it were a backdrop.”
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom7.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
VENUE
The couple quickly decided to host their wedding at the State Room—a dramatic, light-filled event space set 33 stories above downtown Boston. “We’re suckers for views,” Maurice says.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom8.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
FLOWERS
To create the floral arrangements found throughout the reception space, including a lush installation on the venue’s stairs, the Wild Dahlia paired pink and white blooms such as peonies, garden roses, and sweet pea with bay leaves and other texture-forward greenery.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom9.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
SWEETHEART TABLE
Accented by the circular floral arch used during the ceremony, the sweetheart table offered the couple a romantic refuge from their bustling reception.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom10.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
DÉCOR
Masterminded by planner Back Bay Bride, the reception décor featured a pink-and-white palette with touches of gold, as well as a circle motif—evident in the dinner tables, the chairs, and the floral arch.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/parties_ballroom11.jpg)
Photo by Carly Michelle Photography
THE FILE
Bride’s Dress Monique Lhuillier, L’élite Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses Azazie
Calligraphy/Signage Hello, Bird.
DJ Elevated Pulse Productions
Flowers The Wild Dahlia
Groom’s Custom Suit Sordillo’s
Hair Fisher Experience
Invitations Simply B
Makeup Sarah Elizabeth Artistry
Planner Back Bay Bride
Rentals Kadeema; Peak Event Services
String Quartet Boston String Ensemble
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