Some weddings feel like they were dreamed up years in advance, right down to the last pink petal. Gabby and Matt’s was exactly that. Picture a black-tie celebration at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. A ceremony inside the breathtaking Cathedral of the Holy Cross. A color palette of soft pink, white candles, pearls, and florals. It was elegant, classic, and deeply personal from start to finish. I’m Nicole Perfetuo of The Perfet Photo, and I was so honored to photograph this Boston wedding weekend.
From Boston College Teammates to Husband and Wife
Gabby and Matt’s story began at Boston College. They spent three years as teammates on the swim and dive team, Matt a swimmer, Gabby a diver. They became a couple in December 2019, just months before the world shut down. Rather than let the moment pass, they made the early decision to go long distance. Through years apart, cross-country moves, medical school, and every kind of demanding schedule, they kept showing up for each other. They had learned to support one another as college athletes. That became the foundation for everything that came after.
The Proposal
Matt’s proposal was a masterclass in the long game. Before he asked, he flew from Charlotte to Boston and back in a single day. The reason? To meet Gabby’s parents for breakfast and ask for their blessing in person, then be home by dinner. When the day came, he brought Gabby to a waterside spot that reminded them both of their Boston College days. Her sisters had set up a blanket, flowers, and champagne. Afterward, both of their families were waiting to surprise her at dinner. It was thoughtful and family-centered, which is exactly who these two are.
A Welcome Dinner at Woods Hill Pier 4
The weekend kicked off the night before the wedding with a welcome dinner at Woods Hill Pier 4 on the Boston waterfront. It was the perfect relaxed, celebratory start. Both families and friends came together before the big day.
Getting Ready at the Fairmont Copley Plaza
Wedding morning began at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston’s Back Bay. Honestly, there are few more beautiful places in the city to start a wedding day. The Fairmont Copley Plaza is timeless and grand. It gave us gorgeous light and elegant spaces for those quiet getting-ready moments. Gabby got ready surrounded by the people closest to her, including her sisters and co-matrons of honor. The anticipation in the room was everything.
An Elegant Ceremony at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross
From there, everyone made their way to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross for the ceremony. If you’ve never seen a wedding here, it truly looks like a grand European cathedral in the heart of Boston. Think soaring ceilings, stunning architecture, and a sense of reverence you feel the moment you walk in. A Jesuit priest married them in front of 220 guests. The couple had grown close to him during their Boston College years. Gabby wore a snow-white ballgown and looked every bit the princess she’d always dreamed of being.
A Pink-and-Pearl Reception Back at the Fairmont
After the ceremony, guests returned to the Fairmont Copley Plaza for a reception that was pure elegance. Think black-tie, bridesmaids in pink, pink accents throughout, white candles, pearls, and florals everywhere. The couple chose a nine-piece band, and the dance floor stayed full the entire night. There was a traditional cake cutting and plenty of dancing. Best of all was the pure joy of two people finally celebrating with everyone they love, after being through so much together.
Featured in The Boston Globe
Gabby and Matt’s love story was such a special one that it was featured in The Boston Globe’s wedding column, The Big Day. You can read their full story over on The Boston Globe. I was so proud to have my photography featured alongside their story.
The Dream Team Behind the Weekend
A wedding weekend this beautiful comes together thanks to an incredible group of vendors. Here’s everyone who made Gabby and Matt’s Boston wedding unforgettable.
- Wedding Planner: @_mb_events
- Photographer: The Perfet Photo / @theperfetphoto
- Welcome Dinner: Woods Hill Pier 4 / @woodshillpier4
- Reception Venue: Fairmont Copley Plaza / @fairmontcopley
- Ceremony: Cathedral of the Holy Cross
- Videography: @adamquinlanfilms
- Florist: @whitebirchfloral
- Stationery: @priscillabasiliodesignstudio
- Hair & Makeup: @beautybyjessicatiffany & @mirandalynn_hairandbeauty
- Band: @bostonweddingbandmib
- Bakery: @dessertworksbakery
- Lighting: @cjc_lighting_and_production
- Bridal Gown: @lelitebridal / @sarehnouri
- Second Look: @rosieetiennebridal
More Fairmont Copley Plaza Weddings
The Fairmont Copley Plaza is one of the most timeless wedding venues in Boston, and I love every chance I get to photograph there. If you’re dreaming of a Fairmont wedding, you’ll also want to see Danielle and AJ’s Boston Public Library wedding and Nikki and Justin’s Boston Public Library wedding, both of which began with beautiful getting-ready moments at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
Dreaming of Your Own Fairmont Copley Plaza Wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, or anywhere around Boston, I would love to hear all about it. I’m Nicole Perfetuo, the photographer behind The Perfet Photo, and I’d be honored to capture your story the way I captured Gabby and Matt’s. Get in touch here and let’s start planning.
