Jennifer and Shereta got married on one of those perfect spring days at the Arnold Arboretum when the cherry blossoms are so full and pink they almost don’t look real. As an LGBTQ wedding photographer in Boston, I’ve had the privilege of photographing a lot of love stories in this park, and this one is going to stay with me for a long time.
If you’re considering getting married here, check out this comprehensive guide to planning an Arnold Arboretum wedding or elopement.
What Made Jennifer and Shereta’s Wedding So Special
These two brought so much calm and joy to their wedding day. Jennifer wore a stunning white lace dress, and Shereta showed up in a crisp white suit, and somehow they both looked like they’d been dressed by the same dream. No fuss, no chaos. Just two people completely ready to marry each other.
The ceremony was small and intentional, exactly the kind of wedding the Arboretum is made for.
Is the Arnold Arboretum a Good Place for an LGBTQ Wedding?
Yes, absolutely. The Arboretum is a free, open, welcoming public space where queer couples can celebrate without navigating a venue’s politics or paying a premium. It’s one of the most inclusive locations for LGBTQ weddings in the Boston area in the simplest way: it belongs to everyone.
Jennifer and Shereta’s ceremony felt completely at home here. Surrounded by blossoming trees and soft green grass, with just their closest people around them, it was intimate in the best way.
The Cherry Blossoms Were Everything
If you’ve been wondering whether to time your Arnold Arboretum wedding or elopement around the spring bloom, Jennifer and Shereta’s day is your answer.
The lilac and cherry blossom trees were at their absolute peak. There are photos of them tucked into the blooms where the branches practically form a canopy overhead. The soft pink and white petals everywhere gave the whole day this dreamy, fairy-tale feel without trying.
Getting Ready Together
One of my favorite parts of this wedding was that Jennifer and Shereta got ready together. There’s something so tender about that choice. I photographed them in the quiet before the ceremony, Jennifer getting her makeup done, both of them stealing glances at each other, already glowing.
The details were perfect too. Simple white heels. A ring box from Kraiko Diamonds with two delicate bands waiting inside.
The Ceremony
They read their own vows. I always love when couples do this because it shows you exactly who they are to each other, and Jennifer and Shereta did not disappoint. There were tears. There was laughter. There was a rainbow pride flag worked into the ceremony setup, a quiet but meaningful nod to who they are and what they’ve built together.
The ring exchange happened under open sky with the Arboretum’s green stretching out behind them. Watching them slide those bands onto each other’s fingers felt like the whole park held its breath for a second.
After the Ceremony
Once they were officially married, we wandered through the park and just made photos. The Boston Public Garden also made an appearance, giving us those gorgeous daffodil-lined paths and wide open green backdrops for some portraits.
If you’re thinking about engagement photos at the Arnold Arboretum, you’ll find a lot of the same magic here. The park genuinely does most of the work for you.
What It’s Like Photographing Queer Weddings
Jennifer and Shereta trusted me with one of the most important days of their lives, and that trust means everything. If you’re a queer couple searching for a photographer, I want you to know that what a truly affirming photography experience looks like goes beyond just someone saying they’re “LGBTQ-friendly.”
It means your photographer understands your story, honors your identities, and knows how to make both of you feel genuinely seen. No awkward posing direction, no assumptions about who stands where. Just real, relaxed moments.
How to Find the Right Photographer for Your Queer Wedding?
There are specific things worth looking for when you’re choosing a wedding photographer as an LGBTQ couple. Portfolio representation matters. How a photographer talks about their past couples matters. Whether they ask for your pronouns without being prompted matters.
It’s okay to ask direct questions. The right photographer will welcome them.
Planning Your Own Arnold Arboretum Wedding
If Jennifer and Shereta’s day has you dreaming about your own ceremony in the park, you’re in the right place. The best engagement session locations in Boston include the Arboretum for good reason, and there are so many beautiful spots within the park depending on the season.
For the full picture on logistics, permits, timing, and what to expect, the Boston wedding planning resources on this site are a great place to start. There’s also a detailed guide to LGBTQ wedding planning challenges that covers the unique hurdles queer couples often run into, with practical advice for working through them.
Let’s Tell Your Story Too
Jennifer and Shereta, thank you for letting me be there. Your wedding was exactly what a wedding should be: honest, joyful, and completely yours.
If you’re an LGBTQ couple planning a wedding or elopement in Boston, I’d genuinely love to connect. Whether you’re still early in the planning process or already have a date set, reach out and let’s talk about what you’re envisioning.
