Greenhouse Wedding at Allandale Farm

September 30, 2024

Diego and Cristina Tie the Knot at Allandale Farm, Brookline

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of documenting Diego and Cristina’s beautiful wedding at Allandale Farm in Brookline, Massachusetts. The event was as unique as the couple themselves, filled with intentional moments, cherished guests, and a serene backdrop that perfectly framed their love story.

About the Couple

Diego and Cristina’s love story starts in Boston. They are both transplants to the city. Cristina’s family was overjoyed to welcome Diego as their first son-in-law, and their excitement was palpable throughout the day. What stood out to me was how this couple centered their wedding around community—they made it a priority to support small and family-owned businesses in all of their vendor choices.

The couple opted for my 6-hour package. At a high level, sequentially here’s how their day went:

  • Getting ready photos separately
  • First look with each other
  • Ceremony
  • Cocktail hour
  • Dances and speeches
  • Dinner and reception

The Venue

The setting for this incredible day was Allandale Farm, a working farm just a few miles from downtown Boston. The venue, particularly the stunning glass greenhouse where the ceremony was held, provided an idyllic and elegant backdrop, despite the rain that moved the event indoors. While the couple had initially planned for an outdoor ceremony near the farm’s pond, the rain transformed the greenhouse into the perfect indoor venue.

Getting Ready

C&D got ready separately and met up at the first look. Here are some photos as they got ready!

The First Look

Diego and Cristina’s first look was a long-awaited moment of anticipation. It was clear that they found solace in one another and were grateful for a quiet moment together before the excitement of seeing their loved ones waiting for them for their ceremony to begin.

The Ceremony

Cristina is a member of the Bahá’í Faith, which added a layer of spiritual depth and significance to the day. For those unfamiliar, the Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the unity of all people and the importance of community, principles that echoed throughout Diego and Cristina’s celebration. Bahá’í weddings are simple yet deeply spiritual. Here are some key traditions and principles:

1. The Recitation of the Bahá’í Wedding Vow

  • The central requirement in a Bahá’í wedding is the recitation of the following vow by both the bride and groom: “We will all, verily, abide by the will of God.” This vow must be spoken in the presence of at least two witnesses and symbolizes the couple’s commitment to their marriage and to God’s will.

2. Consent of All Living Parents

  • Bahá’í law requires that the couple obtain the consent of all living parents before getting married. This reflects the importance of family unity in Bahá’í teachings, and the belief that marriage should be a source of harmony not just between the couple but within their extended families.

3. Simplicity in the Ceremony

  • Bahá’í weddings are generally simple and free of elaborate ritual. The focus is on the spiritual union of the couple. While there can be readings, music, and other personal elements, the ceremony itself is straightforward and often held in a modest setting.

4. Inclusivity

  • Bahá’í weddings welcome people of all backgrounds, as the Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the unity of humanity. This openness allows for the participation of non-Bahá’í friends and family, and sometimes elements from other cultural or religious traditions are integrated, as long as they don’t conflict with Bahá’í principles.

5. No Clergy or Officiant

  • Bahá’í weddings do not require a clergy member to officiate. The couple themselves are the central figures in the ceremony, and the witnesses validate the recitation of the vows. This reflects the Bahá’í belief in personal responsibility and direct relationships with God.

6. Music and Readings

  • Though the ceremony itself is simple, many Bahá’í weddings incorporate prayers, readings from Bahá’í texts, and music to add beauty and spiritual depth. These elements are chosen based on the couple’s preferences and often reflect the values of love, unity, and service.


Food Details

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention where all the eats were from and also a personal commentary.

Yely’s Coffee Shop came through with the most delicious spread of Dominican food I’ve ever had. I always make do with the vendor plate at weddings, but Yely’s food was *chef’s kiss*. I truly was floored but how good the buffet dinner was. They opted for a vegetarian-heavy selection with a few meat options. 

Their cake was from tried and true Flour Bakery. If you’ve never tried anything from Flour, you’re missing out: it’s a crucial Boston establishment owned by renowned chef Joanne Chang. She owns Myers & Chang in the South End, also a must try. But anyway, Flour is known for its artisanal baked goods (cakes, pastries, breads, you name it) and is a very quintessential Boston spot.

Cupcakes are from Sweet Teez Bakery owned by Teresa Thompson Maynard. Theresa left her job at Harvard University in 2016 to pursue baking full time. Now operating out of Commonwealth Kitchen in Dorchester, Teresa has crafted thousands of cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and pies for individual customers as well as wholesale and corporate clients like Whole Foods, Santander, and Babson College. 

Details and Design

True to their vision of community and connection, Diego and Cristina chose small local vendors to help bring their wedding day to life. The result was a thoughtful, cohesive event that radiated authenticity and warmth. The décor remained simple yet elegant, allowing the natural beauty of the greenhouse to shine through. Every detail felt intentional, reflecting the couple’s values and the community they hold dear.

Vendor List:

Capturing the Moments

From the moment Diego and Cristina had their intimate first look to the lively dance party that closed out the night, this wedding was a joy to photograph. The couple wanted a documentary-style approach, allowing me to capture the day as it naturally unfolded. Working in a greenhouse without a traditional ceiling to bounce light posed some challenges for flash photography, but the diffused natural light made for stunning images.

One of the most memorable aspects of the day for me was the diversity of the guests who came from various walks of life, united in their love for this incredible couple. The dance floor was electric—the music, the energy, and the joy were infectious.

Personal Reflections

To those who don’t know, I’m in an interracial relationship! I love photographing interracial weddings because I always find it heartwarming to witness the blending of cultures and traditions, and how weddings have the power to bring together two families. Also! I had my partner second shoot with me for the very first time which made this day extra extra fun.

A Perfect Day Despite the Rain

C&D were understandably bummed about the rain, but the greenhouse is the perfect backup plan for the most beautiful wedding and created an intimate setting that allowed everyone to focus on what truly mattered: celebrating love, community, and the joining of two lives. Diego and Cristina’s wedding was more than just a beautiful event—it was a testament to their shared values and the strength of the community they’ve built together. I’m so honored to have been a part of this day, capturing memories that reflect the heart and soul of Diego and Cristina’s love story.

PS: I send all my couples sneak peeks within 24 hours of their event. The photos in this post were emailed to C&D the day following their wedding.

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