The Ocean Views Couldn’t Be Beat at This New England Aquarium Wedding

August 24, 2019
New England Aquarium
Boston, Massachusetts

Photo by Flavio D Photography

THE STORY

When San Francisco transplants Camille Forde and Sven Linsmaier first got engaged, they knew exactly where they wanted to take the plunge: back in Boston, where they met in 2015. After researching a few venues, Camille, a Boston native, and Sven, a German-born MIT alum, decided on the New England Aquarium; not only did the locale satisfy their desire for a celebration in the city, it also offered ample ocean views, which were important to Sven. “[It] felt really perfect,” the bride says.

On the day of their 2019 wedding, the couple made use of multiple event spaces, kicking off the festivities with a sunset ceremony overlooking the harbor before treating guests to cocktail hour in the aquarium’s main exhibit gallery. Dinner, meanwhile, was served under a glowing reception tent, complete with dramatic drapery and strings of twinkle lights. “Usually, [city weddings are in] one big room,” Sven says. “What we liked about the aquarium is that [we had] a set of different experiences.”

THE DETAILS

Photo by Flavio D Photography

First Look
Despite onlookers snapping photos of the pair during their first look at Christopher Columbus Park, the moment still preserved its intimacy. “It feels like it’s just you two,” Camille says.

Photo by Flavio D Photography

Bridal Party
Camille and Sven had 16 people in their bridal party, including Camille’s sister (and maid of honor) Tiffany and Sven’s close friend Tobias, who flew in from Germany to serve as best man.

Photo by Flavio D Photography

Stationery
To fully willkommen the multicultural mood of the day, Tenpenny Creative sprinkled German words into the minimalist, black-and-white invitation suite, as well as the menu and the signage.

Photo by Flavio D Photography

Dress
Camille initially fell in love with the corset bodice of her Martina Liana gown, but its mermaid style sealed the deal. “I felt like it fit the venue really well, given that we would be around so much water,” she says.

Photo by Flavio D Photography

Ceremony
During their unplugged ceremony, Camille and Sven opted for traditional vows, but Camille’s cousin recited the poem “You Came, Too,” by Nikki Giovanni. “Sven is becoming a poetry-lover,” the bride says. “We added that element to make the ceremony feel a bit more personalized.”

Photo by Flavio D Photography

Cake
Westwood-based Dessert Works whipped up the couple’s dulce de leche cake, featuring layers of caramel mousse and vanilla chiffon. Streaks of black frosting and white roses gave the three-tier confection a sophisticated touch.

Photo by Flavio D Photography

Flowers
Crafted with eucalyptus, Tibet roses, and Russian olives, the couple’s lush ceremony arrangements were repurposed as centerpieces during the reception.

THE FILE

Bride’s Dress Martina Liana
Cake Dessert Works
Catering New England Aquarium
Flowers Buds
Makeup Boston Beauty Bar
Music DJ Lee Mastermind
Planner/Signage/Stationery Tenpenny Creative
Tent Draping Consider It Done Special Events
Videography Flavio D Photography

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