Bride Groom Gate of Heaven Church wedding

Emily and Tommy’s wedding day was the very definition of festive, timeless elegance — wrapped in the cozy charm of the holiday season and topped with a light dusting of snow. It was a cold and blustery December evening in Boston, exactly what the couple had hoped for. From the heartfelt ceremony to the glamorous city celebration, their wedding was a perfect blend of tradition, chic city style, and warm holiday magic. We at Elegant Aura were thrilled to help this beautiful couple bring their wedding vision to life!

How It All Began

Emily and Tommy met at Stonehill College during Spring Weekend at a T-Pain concert (yes, really!). Their first date came two years later, in the summer of 2017. Tommy’s proposal was just as thoughtful and scenic — with a surprise beach day orchestrated by his sisters, leading to a quiet path at the Weekapaug Inn where he was waiting with two Adirondack chairs, champagne, and the perfect question. The celebrations started immediately, with both families arriving to toast the newly engaged couple.

The Night Before

The festivities began at the Hampshire House, where family and friends gathered the evening before. A light snowfall and crisp winter air added to the romantic, seasonal ambiance.

The Ceremony: Gate of Heaven Church

In a beautifully traditional move, Emily and Tommy chose not to have a first look, saving the special moment for when Emily walked down the aisle. The ceremony took place at Gate of Heaven in South Boston, where guests were welcomed by the sound of a live bagpiper playing outside in the winter wind.

Inside, the church was adorned with its own Christmas poinsettias. The couple added personal touches to the pews — swags of Italian ruscus, cedar, and spruce tied with ivory velvet bows. The warm glow of LED candles created a serene and reverent atmosphere. While holiday songs like “O’Holy Night” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” opened and closed the wedding ceremony.

Emily arrived with her father in a vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom, a stunning and elegant choice that suited the occasion perfectly, and post-ceremony, drove the couple to the reception.

The Look & Feel

When asked to describe the vision for their day, they replied, “elegant, timeless, cozy, and city chic.”

The couple opted for a black-tie optional dress code, aligning with their upscale but welcoming vibe. Emily got ready at the Lenox Hotel, while Tommy prepped just across the street from the church at their condo — an effortlessly convenient setup!

Emily’s bouquet was simple, chic, and mono-floral — a small and tightly composed arrangement of all white freesia with no greenery, wrapped in fabric from her bridal gown. Emily shared that she wasn’t traditionally a flower person (“I told Tommy on our first date that I don’t like flowers”), but her perspective has softened — especially when it comes to petite blooms like lily of the valley, muscari, sweet peas, and spirea.

Other than her bouquet, there were no wedding party flowers — a minimalist, refined choice that let other elements of the design shine.

Cocktail Hour

Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the Harvard Club of Boston, where cocktail hour included festive drinks like espresso martinis and Guinness — a nod to the couple’s love of good drinks and good times.

Musicians from the reception band performed during cocktail hour — a saxophone and keyboard duo — providing an upbeat, jazzy soundtrack as guests mingled.

The welcome table set the tone: simple, elegant, and striking. Décor featured Christmas trees, lush greenery, and candles, accented with velvet bows and gold tones.

The Reception: Cozy Holiday Glamour

The Harvard Club’s own holiday decorations were the backdrop for the evening — garlands, twinkling trees, and glowing candles — all thoughtfully embraced by the couple.

Tablescapes were low and candlelit, designed with simplicity in mind. The sweetheart table was a modern, romantic centerpiece with multi-height bud vases and gold votives — understated and chic. While real Christmas Trees twinkling with white lights flanked The Sull’s band.

The Details That Made It Theirs

Emily and Tommy’s priorities were clear: Band, Booze, Food — and of course, the wedding dress.

The 6-piece live band, The Sulls, performed a killer rendition of the couple’s first dance, “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, and brought the energy all night long. Guests were treated to thoughtful touches like:

A guest book table with instant cameras
Velvet linens
Signature cocktails
An audio guest book for voicemail-style well wishes
Custom matchbooks at each place setting
A custom figurine of their beloved dog “eating” a piece of wedding cake
And yes — an espresso martini stand!

Final Thoughts

Emily and Tommy’s wedding was a masterclass in city-chic winter romance — rooted in tradition, full of modern charm, and sprinkled with joyful holiday magic. From the church bells to the twinkling lights, every detail was designed with meaning, style, and celebration in mind.

If you’re planning a festive winter wedding, take a page from Emily and Tommy’s book: stay true to your style, lean into the season, and don’t forget the Guinness!