Ariana and Erika’s Winter Wedding at the Boston Public Library

The love between Erika and Ariana is palpable. It wasn’t just a wedding but a statement of celebration of love, commitment, and resilience in the face of adversity. This blog post will not only showcase imagery from this special city elopement, but it will also highlight the joy that queer love radiates. The piece of their story today will highlight their winter wedding that took place at the Boston Public Library.

Celebrating Love and Resilience in Boston’s Historic Library

The ceremony took place in December of 2024, just before the upcoming presidential inauguration in January. For Ariana and Erika, this wasn’t just about the joy of marrying the person they love; it was also about securing their marriage legally before potential changes in policy. They wanted to ensure that they were officially married, knowing that the administration’s changes could affect their rights as a couple. This story is one that holds so much significance for me. I am in the business of love, and it is so important for me to show up for my people whenever I can. As a photographer, I strive to be as inclusive as possible. It was an honor to be a part of their journey, offering free wedding coverage to ensure their love was documented during such an important moment in history.

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The ceremony took place at the Boston Public Library, an iconic venue with grand architecture and a rich history. As the winter chill settled over the city, the intimate ceremony was held in a private room, filled with warmth and joy. Only 30 guests—family and close friends—were there, and they all dressed impeccably for the occasion, bringing an elegant touch to the already stunning setting.

Warming up the Winter: The Meaningful Ritual of Ring Warming

One of the most meaningful rituals of the ceremony was the ring warming. Before Ariana and Erika exchanged their custom-made rings, each guest had the opportunity to hold the rings and pass them around the circle. This heartfelt gesture allowed everyone to add their good energy, love, and hope into the rings, symbolizing the community’s support for the couple. As the rings traveled from hand to hand, I could see how deeply this act resonated with everyone in the room, creating a powerful moment of connection and solidarity before the couple sealed their vows. When Ariana and Erika finally exchanged the rings, it was clear that the love and energy from their friends and family had been woven into the ceremony in a beautiful, tangible way.

A Beautiful Boston Venue for Wedding Photography

The library’s breathtaking design only added to the magic of the day. We spent time taking photos in a private room with high ceilings and beautiful brickwork. This gave the space a timeless, historic feel. The stunning marble floors gleamed as we made our way through the space. The hundreds of books lining the shelves added a whimsical touch of literary charm. A staircase led to a catwalk above, which provided the perfect angle for a few additional photos. The visual beauty of this space felt like the perfect match for Ariana and Erika’s love—a love that has weathered its share of challenges and grown stronger with every step.

The Power of Community Support: Floral Donations and Custom Rings

One of the most touching details from Ariana and Erika’s wedding was their wedding florals. Their beautiful arrangements added a soft, romantic touch to the ceremony. I couldn’t help but smile seeing how perfectly they matched the overall elegance of the library’s interior. The flowers were an additional gesture of support for the couple from their community. That kind of care and love really shines through in moments like these.

Ariana and Erika also wore custom-made rings, designed by a local jewelry shop in Boston. These rings, unique and meaningful, symbolized their commitment to one another. They were so personal and beautifully crafted—truly one-of-a-kind, just like their love story.

A Personal Statement as their Photographer

As a photographer, I know how much effort goes into making a wedding day come to life. The details, the people, the setting, all of it play a part in telling a couple’s story. But it’s more than just what you see in the photos. It’s about the love, the hope, and the joy that these moments represent. Ariana and Erika’s winter wedding is about so much more than just a ceremony. It is about standing firm in the face of uncertainty, celebrating love, and ensuring their rights are protected in a time of political upheaval.

It was an absolute honor to capture their day, and I’m so proud to have been a part of such a beautiful, powerful moment. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. Being there for my couples, whether it’s capturing the day of their dreams or helping them get through uncertain times, is what truly makes this job so special.

Vendors who joined together to make this day so special:

• Venue: Boston Public Library / Instagram: @bplboston
• Floral: Avela / Instagram: @avela.floral
• Rings: Laura Preshong / Instagram: @laurapreshong
• Brunch: Earl’s Prudential / Instagram: @earlsrestaurant
• Officiant: Emily Braunewell / Instagram: @embraunewell
• Photographer: Emily Leonard Photography / Instagram: @emilyleonardphotography

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