A Boston Bruin Marries His BU Sweetheart at the Boston Public Library

Photo by Scarlet Roots

For her first date with Boston-University-Terrier-turned-Boston-Bruins-defenseman Charlie McAvoy, Kiley Sullivan wore a mermaid costume. Charlie was dressed as Average Joe from the movie Dodgeball. Yes, it was a Halloween party. The pair met through friends in their freshman dorm earlier that year, then bonded over hockey. Kiley is the daughter of Michael Sullivan, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a former Bruin.

Charlie was recruited by the Bruins during their sophomore year while Kiley stayed on to earn a degree in health science (she recently completed a nursing degree at MGH Institute of Health Professions, too), but that didn’t dampen their romance. In the summer of 2022, prior to attending a teammate’s wedding in Lake Como, Charlie proposed with a cushion-cut diamond on a boat under Faraglioni Rocks off the coast of Capri. Bruins captain Brad Marchand suggested the romantic scenario. “Legend is that if you kiss under the rocks, you will be in love forever,” Kiley says.

Following a ceremony officiated by Kiley’s uncle in Marsh Chapel at the couple’s alma mater, 268 guests celebrated at the Boston Public Library, where they dined on seared filet mignon and lump crab cake and boogied at an ice-themed disco after-party. “I studied at the Boston Public Library during college; it’s the most beautiful place to me,” Kiley shares.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Boston University’s MarPhoto by Scarlet Roots

THE DETAILS

THE CAKE

Montilio’s created a towering cake with a fluted architectural design that plays off the table bases in the library’s Bates Room; white orchids cascaded down its multiflavored layers. “Charlie is a big foodie, so we did three different flavors: Italian olive oil cake, chocolate tuxedo cake with chocolate mousse, and vanilla-bean cake with blackberry mousse filling,” Kiley says.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE COCKTAIL HOUR

During cocktails in the courtyard, lemon trees and cacio e pepe hors d’oeuvre recalled the betrothed’s Mediterranean adventure while a decadent raw bar injected Boston flavor.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE DÉCOR

In creating the décor elements, including the band’s deep-green paneled backdrop punctuated with brass sconces, Keri Ketterer Walter took cues from interior design photos that Kiley shared. “The size and scale of the library can engulf you, so we incorporated details such as custom-built bars and the band backdrop that personalized each space,” says the event designer and planner.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE GETAWAY CAR

Charlie learned to drive stick in order to whisk away the bride, who channeled Audrey Hepburn with a Christian Dior headscarf and Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, in a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE GOWNS

When the initial gown she ordered didn’t fit quite right, Kiley headed to Manhattan’s Mark Ingram Atelier, where she plucked a Carolina Herrera gown off the rack. The strapless column dress is one of the label’s last, as in 2022, the fashion house shifted its focus to ready-to-wear. Kiley slipped into a beaded gown by Retrofete for the reception. “I wanted something youthful, fun, and comfortable for dancing,” she says.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE TABLESCAPES

Kiley’s love for orchids and the table lamps in Bates Hall inspired the all-white palette with gold and green accents. Lush arrangements of orchids, English roses, ranunculus, and other blooms graced the long oak reading tables set with brushed gold flatware, mossy green velvet napkins, and cut-crystal candleholders. “The lamps are such a symbolic piece of this place, I wanted to highlight them,” Kiley says.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE TUXEDOS

Seaport-based menswear designer Christopher Cuozzo, a go-to for Bruins players, made Charlie’s and his groomsmen’s bespoke tuxedos. The lining of the black jacket Charlie wore for the ceremony was printed with the couple’s engagement photos, including one featuring their French bulldog, Otto. Charlie changed into a formal white dinner jacket, also by Cuozzo, for the reception.

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE SEATING CHART

Hockey pucks—the décor’s lone ode to the game—embellished with a drawing of a library lamp and the popular hockey phrase “Light the lamp” served as escort cards. The pucks were displayed in an arched case that echoed the courtyard arcade and declared, “Score a seat.”

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

Photo by Scarlet Roots

THE FILE

Band
Wilson Stevens Beantown Band

Bar and Lounge
Form Creative Services

Bridesmaid Dresses
Jenny Yoo, Flair Boston

Cake
Montilio’s Baking Company

Caterer
The Catered Affair

Designer/Planner
Always Yours Events

DJ
Music Management

Flowers
Stoneblossom

Hair
Jennifer Tawa

Lighting
Suzanne B. Lowell

Makeup
The Glamour Cosmetics Team

Photographer
Scarlet Roots

Rentals
La Affitto and Peak Event Services

Stationery
Gus & Ruby Letterpress

Transportation
Bob Bassill and Rent the Classics

Videographer
Willow Tree Films

Photo by Scarlet Roots

First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2024.

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