Love in Every Detail: Laura & Ryan’s Rainy Day Wedding at the Boylston Rooms

Ryan & Laura Sharing Vows During Their Ceremony

If you're looking for a wedding venue in Western Massachusetts that blends industrial charm with warm, creative energy — the Boylston Rooms in East Hampton, MA is one of my favorites. And Laura and Ryan’s rainy-day wedding is the perfect example of why. From emotional moments to pups in bowtie leashes, to one of the most touching ceremony readings I’ve ever heard, their day had it all — and then some.

As a wedding photographer in Western Mass, I always say: variety is the spice of a great gallery — and this wedding had so much to work with.

Dogs, Diaries, and Downpours

Let’s start with the fact that Laura and Ryan’s two dogs got to walk down the aisle during their ceremony (yes, I was squealing behind the camera). Having pets involved always adds that extra layer of personal joy to a wedding, and these two pups were total pros — and adorable, of course.

Outside, the weather wasn’t ideal — a full-on rainy April New England day — but when you're getting married at a venue like the Boylston Rooms, you hardly notice. The interior space, with its exposed brick walls, massive windows, and high ceilings, gives off a clean, light and airy-romantic vibe that photographs beautifully, even on cloudy days.

Upstairs, we ventured into the industrial storage space for some darker, more atmospheric portraits — and later hopped into a vintage trolley for a totally different style. It was the perfect balance of light and airy mixed with bold and moody, which I love delivering in my galleries. Every couple deserves a full range of tones and textures in their wedding photos — because your day isn’t just one note, it’s a full symphony of moments.

A Short & Sweet Ceremony with Big Emotion

Laura and Ryan kept their ceremony beautifully short and sweet, which meant more time spent mingling, hugging, dancing, and celebrating with their people — something I always encourage couples to consider. A heartfelt ceremony doesn’t have to be long to be meaningful.

But the standout moment of the ceremony? Laura’s sister reading entries from her own childhood diary. The reading was funny, sweet, and deeply emotional — the kind of thing that makes a room laugh through tears. She shared how Laura was the athletic one, while she spent her time journaling (and occasionally tattling… calling 911 because her sister chased her and pulled down her pants). They’d get into trouble together, like true partners-in-crime. But one diary entry closed with:

“My sister will always have a piece of my heart.”

Let’s just say there weren’t many dry eyes in the room — mine included. It was the kind of moment that reminds everyone why we gather to witness love in the first place.

A Note About the Boylston Rooms in East Hampton, MA

If you’re newly engaged and looking for a wedding venue in the Pioneer Valley, the Boylston Rooms should absolutely be on your list. It’s located in a restored textile mill, and the balance of industrial edges with modern natural light makes it a dream for photographers. Even on a rainy day, the rooms felt cozy, bright, and inspiring. There’s also plenty of variety — with the bright ceremony space, moody upstairs levels, and nearby vintage trolley options — which is a huge plus if you want a photo gallery that doesn’t all look the same.

East Hampton itself has a cool, creative vibe — nestled between the Berkshires and the Connecticut River Valley, it’s easy to get to from Northampton, Amherst, and Springfield.

Why Variety Matters in Your Wedding Photos

One of my favorite things about photographing weddings like Laura and Ryan’s is the chance to deliver a gallery that feels dynamic. Not every couple wants 500 light-and-airy poses or 500 artsy editorial shots — they want a real reflection of their day, with a mix of tones, light, and emotion.

Rainy days can be goldmines for this. Between the soft window light in the Boylston Rooms, the textured industrial backdrops, and the glowing tones in the vintage trolley, Laura and Ryan’s wedding gallery came together as a story full of contrast, color, and personality. And the pups in the ceremony? Just the icing on the cake.

Final Thoughts: Make Room for the Moments

Weddings don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. The rain didn’t bother anyone. The dogs didn’t bark. And Laura’s sister reading from her old diary was more memorable than any rehearsed speech ever could be.

As a Western Mass wedding photographer, what I care about most is helping couples feel comfortable, present, and seen. Whether your wedding day is full of golden sunlight or gray skies, what matters is how it feels — and capturing that honestly is what I do best.

So here’s to rainy days, emotional ceremonies, a little bit of moody contrast, and all the love in East Hampton. Laura and Ryan, your day was unforgettable — and your dogs are officially on my list of top wedding guests ever.

Planning a wedding at the Boylston Rooms or anywhere in Western Mass?
Let’s talk about how we can capture a wedding gallery that’s true to your day — pups, rain clouds, diary entries and all.