new england & beyond
Capturing Stories Since 2005
boston wedding photographer
The shoots of windowed buildings, historic cityscapes, and rich city character have always been the best partner to my Boston wedding photography. I learned how to be a wedding photographer on the streets of Boston. I learned how to watch people, see light and shadow, lead with my senses, and go after candid moments.
After photographing my first wedding, I was hooked. I poured over industry publications like Boston Weddings magazine, Style Me Pretty, and The Knot, starting my endless inspired journey to capture people on one of the most memorable days of their lives.
I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings at Boston wedding venues all over the city, from the Boston Public Library, State Room, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston Harbor Hotel, 90FS, and more.
Read on to see some of my favorite Boston weddings, tips, and FAQs. Like what you see? I'd love to hear more about your wedding plans. Head on over to my contact page to start the conversation.
I’m an experienced Boston wedding photographer based in Newton, Massachusetts. I photograph weddings at venues throughout Boston (and New England), and the chances are that I've already photographed a wedding at your wedding venue.
My more than 16 years of experience has revealed that the photos most cherished by my clients are the ones that genuinely and uniquely capture connection and raw emotion.
Connection and emotion are the soul of my photography, from weddings to baby's first photos, and at the heart of my wedding photography business.
My adoration of Boston began when I was a little girl, living in Western Massachusetts. Each spring, my dad would treat us to a trip to the city for the Red Sox’s opening day.
More than anything I would look forward to how being in the city made me feel. There is an inexplicable, contagious energy in Boston. This energy and excitement pulled me in and I would later come back for college and graduate school, eventually placing my roots here as a Boston wedding photographer.
sophisticated tented wedding at 2101 commonwealth
This wedding took place on a blissful summer day in Newton, right outside of Boston. The museum provided an elegant, refined backdrop for the wedding photos.
I particularly love the light stone and modern angles of the building. We started the day with getting ready photos inside the museum.
Afterwards, we headed to the small garden in front of the building for the couple's first look, followed by their family portraits. Next was the ketubah signing and some private moments between the bride, groom, and their parents.
The wedding ceremony took place on site, with a floral huppah taking centerstage. The joy on the bride's face while the newly married couple was recessing was one of my favorites of 2021. Capped off the evening with heartfelt toasts and a lively dance floor.
modern boston wedding at 90FS
How magical is the wedding venue? Part modern city loft and part lush garden, 90FS is one of the most unique spots for weddings in Boston.
This couple hired me because they enjoyed by photojournalistic approach, focusing on real moments. There were so many emotional real moments at this wedding that just made my photographer heart sing.
We started their wedding photos at the couple's city apartment, with a first look on the amazing roof deck. A dream location for any professional wedding photographer. Afterwards we headed over to the venue, where we took family portraits in front of the lush greenery on the 90FS rooftop.
The ceremony took place surrounded by the cityscape, transitioning into an outdoor cocktail hour and dancing under the stars.
Winter soirée at the Fairmont Copley Plaza
A Fairmont wedding is a dream venue for many of us Boston wedding photographers. It marries history, regal architecture all within one of the most treasured parts of Boston.
Victoria and Corey both got ready at the Fairmont. It was a mild January day, so we headed outside for their first look. Afterwards we took photos at the Boston hotel's famed Peacock Alley before starting family portraits in the lobby.
The ceremony was also at the hotel and featured beautiful uplighting and florals. The reception decor was absolutely breathtaking, with delicate, graceful orchids adorning the tables and lighting that highlighted the historic hotel's ornate architecture.
Victoria and Corey's dance floor was one of the most lively I've ever photographed. Their first dance ended with an epic dip. They capped off the night with beautiful toasts, greek dancing, and an epic dance party.
stylish state room wedding
This beautifully styled Boston wedding began with bridal preparations at the Ames Hotel, which since has been sold. I love when wedding couples select hotels with large windows, which make for great natural light photos, perfect for my photojournalistic approach.
After the couple's church ceremony, we headed to the harborwalk, behind the courthouse, a favorite location among Boston wedding photographers.
The couple danced the night away at their beautifully designed reception space at the State Room.
Classic Boston TaJ (now the Newbury Hotel) wedding
This iconic Boston hotel, located across the street from the Boston Public Garden and and the entrance of Newbury Street is one of Boston wedding venues crown jewels. It is a favorite destination among wedding photographers in Boston.
This wedding exuded classic, refined Boston style. The selected a Boston church for their nuptials and the Boston Public Garden for wedding photos.
This wedding took place just before the hotel closed for renovations. Now the Newbury Hotel, the historic hotel has been transformed into a modern classic. The hotel has several event spaces for wedding, making it a perfect choice for a grande fête or an intimate celebration.
“melissa is hands down the best of the best!”
Kind Words
I am speechless. We just received our wedding pictures and I have spent the entire day wiping away tears, while reminiscing on the best day of our lives. I am beyond obsessed with our pictures and am so happy to have these pictures to look back on year after year. I truly cannot say enough amazing things about Melissa. She is hands down the BEST of the best! She is very professional, personable, responsive, organized and thoughtful. Her photographs are timeless and of such high quality. She covered our (very long) picture wish list and captured every single moment throughout our day perfectly. She did an amazing job at moving the wedding party along and keeping us on schedule. Melissa was an absolute pleasure to work with and I would recommend her over and over again!
- Alicia & Mark
tips for boston wedding photography
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selecting a location for boston wedding photos
Are you a modern or classic bride?
Are there parts of the city you'd like to take photos? Wedding photographers in Boston are knowledgable about the best locations to take photos on your special day. The best wedding photographers will know how to work the light and architecture in the city to make photo magic. Many park in Boston require a permit for wedding photography. Be sure to obtain the permit early in your planning, so you don't miss out on your first choice.
When looking at Boston wedding venues, you'll find that they generally fit into two distinct categories: modern and classic. Modern venues include 90FS, the State Room, Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) and the W Hotel.
Classic venues include the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Four Seasons, Boston Harbor Hotel, and the Newbury. Modern venues include the Institute of Contemporary Art, State Room, and 90FS.
I recommend selecting a hotel to get ready that has a similar vibe, which will create a matching aesthetic for your wedding photos.
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plan for traffic
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Even though most weddings take place on a weekend, you should look at the city's and local sports teams' and concert venues' calendar of events. A full city means that a 10-minute drive without traffic can take 40. Leave a time buffer when you'll be traveling across the city to your wedding venue or photo location.
selecting a hotel to get ready
Pick a hotel to get ready that's close to your venue. Most Boston wedding venues have hotel options within walking distance.
It is easiest if both you and your fiance get ready at the same hotel. You'll thank me for this later. With so many people involved in a wedding day, it's best to stay close.
Kind Words
I don't even know where to begin. There aren't enough words to describe how happy we are with the photos Melissa took and the time we spent with her. Obviously we knew we were in great hands, just by viewing her previous work, however, we could never have imagined these results.
Melissa did not just photograph us but rather captured the true moment. The photos remind us of how we felt individually, but also allowed us to see the emotions between us. When Melissa and I walked across the street for the first look, I was a ball of emotions. I still can't exactly define it. Her photos somehow captured that but also encapsulated a calmness brought on by finally seeing him. I'm really not sure how she does it.
Because the wedding day can be a blur, we truly tried to take a step back and take it in, all while immersing ourselves in the love surrounding us. Melissa somehow captured everything that we felt and everything that we experienced, including those little moments that we didn't even recognize in that instant.
"Melissa somehow captured everything that we felt."
- Shaina & Mark
Faq
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what's your wedding photography style?
do you travel for wedding photography?
Boston wedding photographers have a large range of editing styles and approaches when it comes to photographing a wedding day. A photograher's editing style and approach come together to create their signature style or look.
Approach
I describe my photography style as refined documentary style with a touch of classic. That means I heavily focus on candid moments that will come together to tell your unique love story. What are candid moments? This is most easily described as moments captured when the subject is unaware that they're being photographed. My goal is to capture timeless photos of the special moments at your wedding that will take your breath away.
I spend a small portion of the wedding day photographing traditional family portraits. I work with my couples prior to the wedding day to plan exactly which group photos will be taken.
Editing style
I've been in the wedding industry for well over a decade, so I've seen many editing trends come and go. There are dozens of ways weddings photographers can edit their photos. Editing involves color correction, cropping, and style I deliver a mix of color and black and white wedding photos. My color photos are bright, with true-to-life colors, contrast, and saturation. My black and white editing is hight contrast, establishing black and white points in the photo that give black and whites drama and punch.
A mastery of technical skills, a refined approach, and a consistent editing style are at the core of what any talented photographer does.
I consider my home base to be all the New England states. Want to bring me along for a destination wedding adventure somewhere spectacular? I'm all ears.
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do you photograph more weddings or portraits?
I am a true hybrid. I have always split my photography business between portraits and weddings.
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do you offer a second photographer?
Yes, second photographers are included in some of my wedding packages. Not sure if you need a second photographer? Let's discuss it during your consultation call.
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do you offer wedding albums?
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how long have you been a boston wedding photographer?
I am a full service photography studio, which means I offer digital files alongside the finest professional photography products available, including wedding albums and fine art products. I have curated the finest group of album binderies and print labs. A wedding album is the best way to enjoy your photos for decades to come.
I've been offering professional wedding photography services for more than 15 years.
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how many weddings do you photograph each year?
Boutique wedding photographers take a limited number of weddings per year. I aim to take no more than 12 weddings per year.
See more of my wedding website
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Hosting your wedding day at a Newport venue will have both you and your wedding guests talking for years to come.
Misty ocean air, fresh seafood, and classic nautical touches are the highlights of many Cape Cod weddings and come together to define Cape Cod wedding style.
Looking for Boston micro wedding photography or an elopement photographer? I'm happy to work at special events of any size. Check out a few of my favorite intimate wedding celebrations.
melissa robotti photography
I'm an award winning wedding photographer, with a studio in Newton Center, just outside of the city. I consider the New England area my home base. In addition to wedding photography, I specialize in fine art newborn, baby, and family photography. I've been thrilled to have past clients grow up with me, from their engagement session to three babies! I've been working with some clients for more than 15 years.
