Boston Wedding Photographers mark davidson Boston Wedding Photographers mark davidson

A Winter Celebration at the Fairmont Copley Plaza: Dana & Mike’s Unscripted, Joy-Filled Wedding

Winter wedding at Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston
Bride getting ready in Fairmont bridal suite

Dana and Mike’s December celebration at the Fairmont Copley Plaza had all the beauty of a grand Boston event, but what made it unforgettable were the moments in between: private vows in a quiet hotel room, joyful tears during heartfelt toasts, and a dance floor that didn’t let up until the very last song.

A Historic Backdrop with Holiday Magic

Couple first look in Singleton Room at Fairmont Copley Plaza

Set in the heart of Back Bay, the Fairmont Copley Plaza offered Dana and Mike the best of both worlds: timeless architecture with just the right amount of seasonal sparkle. With 208 guests filling the Grand Ballroom, the energy in the room was palpable from the moment the couple shared their first look in the Singleton Room—a bright, symmetrical space ideal for planning a first look, private vows, or formal portraits when Boston weather doesn’t cooperate.

After the first look, Dana and Mike exchanged private vows. I love capturing these kinds of intimate moments through a documentary wedding photography approach—they are unscripted, meaningful, and completely theirs.

Honest Moments, Beautifully Unplanned

Later, as they entered cocktail hour hand-in-hand, Dana and Mike were greeted with cheers. I walked just behind them, anticipating the moment. As they raised their hands and leaned into each other, their joy filled the entire Grand Ballroom.

One of my favorite images from the day is when, during family portraits in front of the hotel’s grand Christmas tree, the flower girl quietly asked Dana to see her ring. It was sweet, spontaneous, and completely unposed. If you’re planning your own portraits, check out my Boston wedding family photo guide for tips on making them smooth and stress-free.

Capturing the Party: Movement, Music, and Emotion

Fairmont Copley Grand Ballroom wedding ceremony

The energy from their ceremony carried right into their first dance. I document weddings with two cameras—one wide lens and one portrait—and I used the wide lens to capture Mike spinning Dana on the dance floor, her expression beaming with pure joy. These unscripted reception moments are the type of images I’m looking for throughout the night.

Why Hybrid Coverage Makes All the Difference

Bride and groom entering cocktail hour to cheering guests

For couples like Dana and Mike, who wanted to be fully present, not pulled into poses, hybrid coverage is a game-changer. Handling photography and videography by one seamless team meant no duplicate gear, mixed messaging, and missed moments. If you’re looking for a Boston wedding videographer who works in sync with your photographer, this approach delivers emotional, cohesive storytelling without adding stress to your day.

Dana and Mike booked 8 hours of hybrid coverage, including a 4-minute highlight film we cut with audio from their ceremony. A second photographer, Dustin, joined me to help cover their 208-guest wedding—if you’re wondering whether you need a second shooter, this post breaks it down.

Stress-Free, Camera-Free Vibes

From the beginning, Dana and Mike were all in. We had one quick call, and they filled out my pre-wedding questionnaire. Their planner, Molly from Without A Hitch (one of Boston’s best wedding planners), took care of the rest. If you’re planning a Boston wedding, I highly recommend working with a planner, even for smaller celebrations.

They gave me complete creative freedom to tell their story honestly, and that trust led to the kind of images you’ll still love decades later.

Why the Fairmont Copley Plaza is a Dream Wedding Venue

As someone who’s photographed weddings all across the city, I can say with confidence: Fairmont Copley Plaza weddings just hit differently. The hotel’s rich architectural details—marble floors, crystal chandeliers, dramatic staircases—photograph beautifully in natural and reception lighting. It also steps from iconic Boston wedding photo locations like Commonwealth Avenue, the Public Library, and Copley Square for outdoor portraits.

Planning a Fairmont Copley Plaza Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s elegant but never stuffy, full of energy but stress-free, the Fairmont Copley Plaza might be your perfect match. And if you want every moment captured without interruption, here’s how I photograph weddings naturally and candidly.

Vendors That Made It Happen:

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