Susie and Winston faced something in 2020 that they never imagined they would as they planned to get married - a global pandemic. Like so many other couples, they found themselves at the mercy of the ever changing guidelines and restrictions as they waited to see if their wedding in Boston at the stunning Fairmont Copley Plaza would actually be able to happen.

When it became clear that they would have to push their wedding from June to August, they decided to go ahead and get married on their original date alongside the Merrimack River in Nashua, NH.

When I walked into the Fairmont in August for their vow renewal and reception, I was incredibly impressed with the Fairmont Copley Plaza and their COVID precautions. They required masks at all times in the public areas of the hotel, they were doing temperature checks at the door and I had to be present on the guest list in order to enter the hotel. As a wedding photographer, I was and still am truly grateful for the precautions to ensure that myself, Susie & Winston and their guests would be able celebrate while also being safe.

As I entered into Susie and Winsont’s suite at the Fairmont, I was immediately swept up in Susie’s welcoming and warm personality. She gave me a hearty “Hi!” and then warned me “Just so you know, I swear like a sailor.” I knew right then and there Susie was my kind of people. From that point forward, it was an afternoon and evening of belly laughing, smiling from ear to ear and pure joy as I got to celebrate with Susie & Winston.

Vendors

Photographer: Melissa Ortendahl Weddings

Planner: Lia Bee Weddings

Venue: Fairmont Copley Plaza

Dress: Oleg Cassini

Make-Up: Lina Kazakaitis

Suit: Ralph Lauren

Flowers: Artistic Blossoms

Cake: Dessert Works

Read more about the details of their day below, including the song that had me swooning during their ceremony.

Susie walked herself down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s “As” in to the stunningly beautiful Oval Room at the Fairmont. She practically floated down the aisle. As she approached her guests, you could see her visibly become emotional and let me tell you, she was not the only one holding back tears. Winston was smiling ear to ear and never took his eyes off of her.

Congratulations, Winston and Susie!! Thank you so much for welcoming me into your beautiful love story. It was truly my honor to capture your wedidng day!

For a closer look into how Susie and Winston met, check out this news story on their wedding which was featured on News Channel 5 - Boston.