An Industrial Modern Wedding at the Charles River Museum in Waltham, Massachusetts

Five years ago, Paola and Michael found each other on a dating app. She noticed a photo on his app profile from her favorite cafe in the 9th arrondissement in Paris. What were the odds that they had both visited this tiny cafe? Turns out, they both studied in Paris in undergrad and shared a love for the city. They cautiously chatted for a week before meeting up in person in Boston – but once they did, they knew right away that there was something special between them.

In 2018, they extended a friends’ wedding weekend in France to become a two week trip to Normandy & Paris. When they arrived in Paris on a Sunday night, all the restaurants were closed, so they bought groceries and cooked a romantic meal at their Airbnb. And then, at sunset, Michael got down on one knee and asked Paola to marry him.

Paola and Michael wanted their wedding to be a reflection of them and the things that matter to them, so every aspect of the wedding was very intentional. From the unique venue, to the conflict-free, women owned ring designer, to the youth nonprofit jazz ensemble hired for the cocktail hour.

On a calm, quiet fall day in Boston, they got ready at the Revolution Hotel in the South End. Their first look was in the industrial-chic lobby. The ceremony took place at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham, where their friend performed the ceremony in both English and Spanish, a nod to Paola’s upbringing in the Dominican Republic. Paola wore a minimalist dress with statement earrings, gold strappy sandals, and her sister’s veil. Their reception room was designed with a mix of table shapes, antique brass candlesticks, lush loose greens, Edison style string lights and amber medicine bottles filled with florals. They surprised guests with a cotton candy cart (with flavors like Champagne Sparkle and Birthday Cake!) and Union Square Donuts, too, and make sure everyone danced the traditional “hora loca” until the party ended. It was so beautiful!! Congratulations, Paola + Michael!

Venue – Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, Getting Ready Hotel – The Revolution Hotel, Photographer – Scarlet Roots, Videographer – Jay Hernandez/JayNandez Films, Florist – Table & Tulip, Hair/Makeup – Makeup – Gabriel Maldonado, Ceremony & Reception Music – DJ CASE, Cocktail Hour – Zumix Jazz Ensemble, Catering – Forklift Catering, Rental Company – PEAK Events, Lighting – DesignLight, Dessert – Union Square Donuts and Le Petit Pouf, Photobooth – The Danger Booth