There’s nothing like a good outdoor wedding. And if the chuppah is backdropped by a jawdropping sunset? Even better. So you can see why we’re smitten with the exquisite Massachusetts Jewish wedding of Rita, who works for a real estate technology company, and Daniel, who owns a local fast casual Mexican restaurant called Los Amigos.
The outdoor setting and sunset views were top reasons the pair chose their venue, Granite Links, which they kept light and airy with light décor featuring pastel colors and fresh greenery. The couple’s fabulous wedding planner, Luba Gankin from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Primavera Dreams, helped make their dream a reality – so much so that their first piece of advice to engaged couples currently in the planning process is to book a planner of your own!
One detail we love is that both Rita and Daniel wanted to surprise the other with fireworks at the end of the night – how special is that, that they both thought of the same special touch to share with the other?! (The fireworks themselves weren’t too shabby either).
Now over to Rita, who’ll fill you in on the rest of the story…
How we Met
Rita, the bride: We met in high school and were friends for many years before we started dating.
An Outdoor Venue
We chose Granite Links in Quincy MA because of its proximity to Boston, the beautiful sunsets views and large outdoor tented space. It was important to us to have our wedding outside to keep our friends and family as safe as possible in the current environment. We also both love a good sunset!
A Fab Planner
The theme was light and airy with pastel colors, fresh greenery and gold elements. We wanted the sunset to be the main focal point and kept the décor light. We had a fabulous wedding planner, Luba Gankin from Primavera Dreams, who helped make our dream wedding a reality.
Hair + Make-up
Vera Gordias did my hair and makeup. She was amazing and so incredibly detail oriented. I loved having one artist fully dedicated to working on my look and hiring a separate team (Beauty Boston) to focus on my bridesmaids, mom and Daniel’s mother.
Shoes
3in gold block heeled sandals – very comfortable and practical. I wanted to be sure I was as comfortable as possible because I knew I’d be on my feet all day.
The handsome groom
Daniel wore a custom tux with an ivory-colored coat and tapered black pants. Our favorite detail was his black velvet bowtie with a hidden “I love you” embroidery.
Ceremony
My nephews Oliver and Max were the ring bearers and her niece Keira was the flower girl. They all did such a great job and took their roles very seriously. It was very special to have them be part of the ceremony.
Food and Cake
Our catering was done by Granite Links – it was excellent!
Entertainment
I surprised Daniel with fireworks at the end of the night. He had tried to plan the same surprise for me and even contacted the venue trying to make arrangements. Since I beat him to it and we already had fireworks planned, Granite Links played along and told him fireworks were not allowed onsite. Wanting to surprise each other with the same wedding element made the magical moment extra special.
Honeymoon
We went to Greece and Italy. It was the most amazing trip! Our favorite parts included watching the sunsets in Santorini at the Maregio Suites hotel and visiting Positano in Italy.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Our first piece of advice would be to hire a wedding planner. We did not know where to start and Luba Gankin from Primavera Dreams, our fabulous planner, was so helpful throughout the entire process. She was also able to be there on our wedding day and played an integral role in the flow of the entire event.
I would bring a dress to change into at your reception. I wanted to wear my gown the entirety of the evening but didn’t realize how heavy it would be after wearing it all day. I would recommend a comfortable white dress to change into for dancing! My veil was absolutely beautiful but it was very heavy. I would recommend a lighter or shorter veil for outdoor ceremonies as beaded veils tend to drag on the grass.
While there is so much hard work, stress, planning and coordinating that goes into your wedding day, I would recommend that you just let go and enjoy it all because it goes by so quickly.
RITA & DAN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Tatiana Blanco Photography
Videography – Shutter and Sound
Wedding planner – Primavera Dreams {offers $350 discount on any package + a bottle of Champagne on Primavera Dreams to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – Granite Links
Bride’s dress – Pronovias
Hair + Makeup – Vera Gordias
Flowers – Iflorissima
Master of Ceremonies – Gary Gazarkh
Catering – Granite Links
Cake – Konditor Meister
Rabbi – Rabbi Shalom Ber Prus
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
O wow! So beautiful outdoor wedding. And this location is stuning!