Rachel, Seth and I got in touch through Seth’s sister, who went to JMU with me before she graduated. When Rachel asked me if they could fly me out to Boston for their wedding, I was thrilled! Their Boston wedding was one of my favorite wedding experiences to date. Besides getting to know my couples, I rarely have the chance to get to know anyone else in the wedding very well. Since I was traveling for this wedding, I got to spend almost 4 days with my couple’s family and friends too. By Sunday, I felt like part of both families.

When I walked out of the Boston airport on Thursday afternoon, I was immediately greeted with a huge hug, a kiss on the cheek, and an endearing “thank you so much for coming, honey” from Rachel’s mom. Rachel’s mom drove me to their house, where I was stayed for the night, and then insisted on taking me out to the “the best lobster sandwiches in the city” since it was my first visit to Boston. We sat there over fries and subs exchanging life stories and childhood memories as rain poured outside. The next morning, Zoe and I met for bagels and drove over to the Berkshires, where Rachel and Seth’s wedding was taking place the next day. That afternoon, I got to meet Seth’s wonderful family, who took me out to lunch. They repeatedly told me to let them know if I needed anything at all and that I was like family to them for this occasion. That evening, I joined the family and bridal party at the rehearsal dinner and took Rachel and Seth’s engagement photos. I distinctly remember Rachel’s mom coming over to me and telling me that I felt like one of her daughters, and that I blended in with the family so well. When they gathered to take a family photo, I moved to the side to get out of the way, but they all ushered me to get in and join them.

The actual wedding day was absolutely beautiful. There were so many happy tears shed throughout. Rachel and Seth’s wedding also integrated their different religions of Judaism and Christianity so smoothly. It was wonderful witnessing two different families come together and participate in each other’s religious traditions. It was also beautiful watching Seth and Rachel interact with each other. You could truly tell how happy they make one another and how well they balance each other out. Rachel is the epitome of grace, poise, and intelligence, while Seth never lacks energy, optimism, and warmth. The two of them bring out the best in one another.

Congratulations, Rachel and Seth!

Seth’s parents watching their son’s reaction to Rachel walking down the aisle.

The tear!

Seth’s mom shed tears as the two of them shared their mother/son dance.