Photography by Nikki Cole
Apr 23
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments tags: boston photographers, Boston wedding photographer, harborview ballroom, pink and green wedding flowers, seaport district boston, Seaport weddings, seaport world trade center, Spring weddings in boston, weddings on the water in boston

Dianna & Ben – Seaport World Trade Center, Spring Wedding in Boston

Dianna and Ben were so much fun on their wedding day!  And I was thrilled we finally got the early Spring weather we were supposed to have for an early spring wedding in Boston!  Their first look on Seaport World Trade Center’s Boulevard of Flags was just gorgeous.  The flags and the Boston city skyline make a perfect backdrop for their formal photos.  The ceremony in the Winter Garden was so bright and airy it felt like we were outside.  The flowers were the epitome of Spring with beautiful, soft pinks and greens.  That soft, lovely palate transitioned into neon up-lighting in the Harborview Ballroom so guests could dance the night away!  But my favorite photos of the day were the quick ones we were able to sneak in on the huge Harborview Ballroom deck right on Boston Harbor.  The light was soft and Dianna and Ben were truly blissful having just finished their vows.  It was a fantastic day!  Some of my favorite wedding photos from the day… First Look and Formal Photos Wedding Details   Special Wedding Day Moments And here is their full wedding day slide show!   Thanks to her great vendors! FLOWERS: JAY LANE, GOLDEN […]
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Apr 15
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments tags: boston weding phtographer, finding the perfect wedding photographer, fun wedding phtographers, Massachusetts wedding photographer, wedding advice, wedding photographers in boston, wedding photographers in massachusetts, your perfect wedding photographer

Do You Have to Like Your Wedding Photographer?

I recently had the President of a Boston based company to my studio for a head shot.  We sat down in my office to talk about how he was going to use his images and the message he wanted to convey with them.  He was a nice man and I really enjoyed talking with him.  We created a lovely rapport which made the actual photo session a breeze.  When it was over, the man asked me if I photographed weddings.  Of course!  I love shooting weddings!  He proceeded to tell me about his daughter’s beautiful wedding and the difficult time they had with their own wedding photographer.  He didn’t go into detail, but it seemed the photographer’s conduct that day made the photos unpleasant and that showed in the images.   The discussion got me thinking.  Do you have to like your wedding photographer?  I say yes.  A Bride and Groom on their wedding day will often spend a large amount of time with their wedding photographer.  I normally arrive hours prior to the wedding to photograph the Bride getting ready.  I’ve found my demeanor upon arrival can make or break the entire day.  If I appear stressed and harried, […]
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May 19
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments tags: boston city skyline, Boston Photographer, Boston wedding photographer, evening photography, wedding photographers in boston

Daylight not Included – Shooting Portraits at Night

Wedding and event photography can be unique as photographers have very little control over their setting and subjects.  We rarely get to weigh in on the time of day these events happen.  Occasionally, my wedding clients will consult with me when deciding their ceremony time and I love when they do.  But I understand that optimal lighting is not the top priority for my couples.  In fact, if you’ve hired a professional, seasoned and talented photographer, you should not have to worry about lighting at all.  A great wedding photographer should know how to create beautiful images regardless of the lighting.   So when I’m told my only chance to get the entire wedding party together is after sunset, I’m not phased at all.  Not only am I confident I can create beautiful indoor images.  I’m downright excited about shooting outdoors at night.  I get the chance to pull out extra lights and stands and create a fabulous evening portrait.  When you know what you’re doing, evening can be a perfect time for photography.  I’m more able to create and control my own lighting at night.  It can be a blast!  Below, are some of my favorite evening photos.  
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Apr 09
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments

The First Look – Should it be before the ceremony or walking down the aisle?

I spend a fair amount of time working on the wedding day time line with my clients.  When creating a wedding day photography timeline, one of the first questions I ask is “Will you see each other prior to the ceremony?”  Often, my clients have thought about this and have definite opinions.  That’s great for me since I don’t have a preference.  But if you’ve not thought about this yet, allow me to help you make an informed opinion.   A decade ago, this was not as much of an option as it is now.  The vast majority of brides and grooms reserved their first look for the walk down the aisle.  Then, as guests enjoyed the cocktail hour the wedding party and family took all their formal photos.  In the past decade, brides and grooms have come to realize the cocktail hour is a blast and a part of the day they do not want to miss!  I mean, who doesn’t love a signature cocktail, a baby lamb chop or a scallop wrapped in bacon???  As a result, the first look prior to the ceremony became popular.  Photographers would arrange a private and romantic way for couples to see […]
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Jun 09
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog, uncategorized 0 comments tags: Boston Photographer, Boston wedding photographer, Photographers in Boston, wedding photographers in boston, wedding planning, wedding planning advice

The Top Ten Ways to Enjoy Your Wedding Day

Between photographing and planning weddings, I’ve worked with hundreds of brides and grooms.  And while most of them have a blast on their wedding day, sadly some find themselves tired, uncomfortable and unhappy.  Some have made unfortunate choices while planning their big day and some are just too stressed and freaked out to enjoy the day.  After all the planning and money put into their wedding day, it breaks my heart when a client is not able to enjoy it!  I’d like to help future engaged couples of the world enjoy every minute of their wedding day.  So here are my top ten tips to do just that. Hire people you trust and enjoy – If you trust your wedding vendors you will not spend your day worrying if they are actually going to do what you’ve asked them to do.  If you enjoy your wedding vendors, you will be happy to see them when they arrive.  They will add to your happy day rather than being someone you have to put up with. Take care of yourself on the days leading up to your wedding day – I know when I’m tired I’m more likely to overreact to stress […]
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Apr 02
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments

Lauren & Erik’s Elegant City Wedding – Boston Harbor Hotel

Lauren and Erik’s wedding looked elegant, glamorous and sophisticated.  But underneath all that beauty and style was fun loving and goofy couple.  We started at Boston Harbor Hotel with getting ready photos.  And I had major Jimmy Choo envy!  And check out the fabulous touch of bling in Lauren’s bridal bouquet. What was supposed to be a lovely early spring day turned into a snowy, messy and cold afternoon.  Lauren and Erik took the turn in weather with grace and ventured out into the elements with us happily!  I’m so happy they did.  The gray day provided us with perfect light. After formal photos the Lauren and Erik had a private ketubah signing (the Jewish marriage contract).  I loved their contemporary ketubah.  The marriage ceremony was held in Boston Harbor Hotel’s beautiful Wharf Room.  The couple added some traditional Jewish elements like the gorgeous Chuppah they stood under and breaking the glass to conclude the ceremony. After the cocktail hour in the Rotunda, the wedding celebration continued in the Wharf room where guests dined and danced all night!  I was lucky enough to work with my very favorite band Kahootz!  Check out the fabulous groom’s cake Lauren surprised Erik with! […]
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Mar 31
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments

The Best Wedding Planning Advice I’ll Ever Give

One of the things that separates me from other wedding and life event photographers in Boston is my previous wedding planning experience.  I was a wedding planner at Seaport Hotel for many years before starting my photography profession.  My brides and grooms often take advantage of my vast knowledge of wedding etiquette, customs, and trends.  Those conversations put me right back in planner mode and I love it!  I could talk for days about the best wedding reception timeline, ideas for specialty linens, how ballroom lighting affects your photographs, and the opportunities to save your precious wedding funds.  I hope to share a lot of this advice in the coming months.  But for now, I’d like to share what I consider the most important piece of advice I could ever give brides and grooms while planning their wedding day (or any other special event).   Before you start your planning (before the Pinterest Board, excel spreadsheet or three ring binder even make an appearance) sit down with your spouse-to-be.  I suggest doing this over a great bottle of wine, but it’s not a requirement.  If someone else is paying for your wedding, you may want to include them in on the […]
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Mar 26
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments

Keeping It In the Family

One of the most important things in my life is my family.  I am incredibly fortunate to belong to a big, loud and just a tiny bit crazy Italian family.  I cherish them.  When we have a family celebration like a wedding, it’s an absolute blast!  We spend the day laughing, eating and dancing (and occasionally horrifying the family marrying into ours).  With the importance I place on my own family, I find myself honored to be invited to share in my clients’ family celebrations.  I’m even more honored to be invited to capture more than one important life event!  Below, are just a few examples of of the wonderful families who have invited me to share weddings, celebrations and life events multiple times.  There are too many wonderful families to mention all of them in this post (I’m thinking of you Vacca’s, Drummy’s, O’Keefe’s, Reich’s, Krommydas’, and so many more).  Safe to say, my love for family has made its way into my love for my photography career.   Sarah & Brian I met Sarah and Brian first for an engagement shoot and had a blast wondering around Boston with them.  They celebrated their city wedding in Cambridge and […]
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Feb 07
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 2 comments tags: Boston wedding photographer, boston weddings, hampshire house weddings, Photographers in Boston, photos hampshire house boston, wedding photos hampshire house, weddings at hampshire house boston, weddings in boston

Irene + Ben’s Classic Winter Wedding in Boston

Irene and Ben’s wedding had an elegant flair with beautiful old world charm.  Everything from Irene’s classic fitted lace gown to their choice of the historic Hampshire House for their celebration fit in line with that style.  Irene’s choice of beautiful winter white flowers from Winston Flowers matched a gorgeous white backdrop the snow storm that week which gave us.  Gorgeous…but very chilly.  I am so impressed with Irene and Bed for venturing out in the 18 degree weather with me for a few minutes that day!  I would be remiss if I did not mention the most touching part of the day.  The ceremony was truly special as Irene’s father is the pastor at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Weston.  I’ve always found Greek wedding ceremonies to be a joy to capture.  But watching Father Nick perform the ceremony for his baby girl was quite a treat!  I am honored to say I will be back with the Krommydas family in July when their second daughter Christina is married.  I’m bracing myself to have to once again shoot through tears.  Thank you for making me a part of these special memories.
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Dec 31
by Nikki Cole in Photography Blog 0 comments

Looking Back 2014

What a great year 2014 has been!  It’s been such an honor to document these truly singular moments in your lives.  I’ve celebrated with some of the most wonderful families.  I’ve worked with former brides and grooms creating their own families.  I’ve seen spectacular locations and captured intimate moments.  There are too many special experiences to recap.  But I’m so happy to share a small selection of some of my favorite wedding and lifestyle images from the year.  I haven’t even touched my corporate, commercial and studio work!  I wish I could share them all!  I wish you all a happy, healthy and wonderful new year.  There are some exciting new developments ahead for Photography by Nikki Cole in 2015.  I look forward to working with you! Getting Ready + First Look Ceremony Formals Reception Lifestyle
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